[David P.B.]

I might be buying in TV, some one told me you don't need a lawyer to purchase a home here. is that true?

[Ron1Z]

I have bought and sold many homes. Never needed a realtor but always needed a lawyer.

[Phanatic Luvr]

David,
You didn't specify if you were buying a new home or pre-owned home. If you are buying new, I personally don't know anyone who used an attorney, it's pretty cut and dry.
If you are buying a pre-owned home, are you using a Realtor or could it possibly be a FSBO?
You need to be more specific to get a good answer to your question.

[OBXNana]

This was a question for the expert and I'm anxious to hear what they have to say. I've heard different things for Florida and the answer may help anyone that is buying in the future not familiar with the state.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by David P.B.

I might be buying in TV, some one told me you don't need a lawyer to purchase a home here. is that true?

They have it down to perfection. We closed last year. They sent me all documents weeks prior to closing. I read them and felt I did not need an attorney (3 our 4 of my closest friends are of that type). Wasn't trying to save money, just was not necessary.

I did Title Insurance.

Good luck.

[Giggles]

I am closing next week and asked if I needed an attorney. I was told the title company takes care of it.

[kwtoman]

Title company took care of everything for us.

[carlanddiane]

we have bought and sold 12 homes in Florida over the last 15 years , have never used an attorney and have never had a problem

[mixsonci]

I just bought a new home in September, didn't need a lawyer, just my Mortgage lender and The Villages staff, even had my brother act as POA because I was out of the Country, still no lawyer required.

[indianavette]

If purchasing new, that is true. No experience with a resale purchase.

[Mike&Marilyn]

Very true!! We bought a brand new home last August and one was not needed. Hope you love The Villages as much as we do.

[theorem painter]

I am also from New York and we both know that lawyers run everything in the Empire State. Very different in Florida. We recently bought a FSBO and used a lawyer. We found out later that it was a wasted $500. Title companies take care everything for both the buyer and seller. Good luck!

[outahere]

It was explained to us by a TV agent that you can use an attorney if you like, but they will not change anything in the purchase contract, so there is no reason to pay an attorney to review something that can't be modified. While we were still house hunting I asked for a copy of the contract and read it thoroughly. I'm not an attorney, but I am a licensed Realtor in Massachusetts, so there really wasn't anything that surprised, or worried me. There are absolutely no contingencies allowed if you are purchasing new construction.

However....... if I were buying a pre-owned home, I would probably hire an attorney, especially if there are any contingencies. I also read over the standard Florida purchase contract, and it was very similar to the standard Massachusetts contract.