I'm not sure what you need reviewed by an attorney and personally I think that they can be 'theoretical' in nature, so it depends on what your questions are. Personally, I just finished a 3 1/2 week trial from a 2002 transaction where I was a buyer, and not a licensed agent. I think I can teach a class on 'gotchas' now....
(I won, by the way, but all the attorneys were really the winners...)
I think that the standard contracts created by the association of realtors handles most issues but if you want to review exposures, talk to an EXPERIENCED realtor (not just licensed) or talk to an attorney. I have referred my personal attorney to many of my clients as he is trustworthy and affordable, unlike many I've encountered. His name is Chuck Tweedy at 631-8388. He has more ethics than many I've met.....
But one last suggestion, make sure you have very specific questions and concerns that you want answered. If it's just to review standard language...not sure it's worth it to pay an attorney....

Sue Archer
Realtor, GRI, ABR, SRES
The Galster Group
(916)847-9686

Sun May 18 2008, 18:55

Well, if you want a document review by an attorney, then you're pretty much stuck using an attorney. No slam against paralegals or anyone else, but if you want to know whether something complies with the law, you need a lawyer.

Not only do you need a lawyer, but you need one who knows real estate. There are plenty of good lawyers out there who know surprisingly little about real estate.

Erin's suggestion regarding companies like Pre-Paid Legal is worth considering. I've been a "member" of two such operations--currently with Pre-Paid Legal. To be honest, I haven't been impressed. It's better than nothing, but.... There are tight limits on the number of pages of a contract they'll review. You don't get a quick analysis. And the lawyer you talk to may or may not know anything about real estate. And when you're paying $29 a month (or $45 a month for an upgraded plan, like I am), you pretty much get what you pay for.

Good luck.

Sat May 17 2008, 11:14

Hi BuyerInSac,

Not sure if you are from the Sacramento area, or California in general...in other states, an attorney typically does a full review of all the documents and handles what we know here as escrow. So not sure if you are asking about this because you are from another state where real estate transactions are handled differently?

If you are looking for an attorney to review your documents economically - you might try something like Pre-Paid Legal services...not a testimonial for them - I have not used their services nor do I know anyone who has. Good luck to you...

Sat May 17 2008, 10:03

Thanks - but since those attorneys (or any others involved) aren't working for me, I assume they aren't going to protect my interests? I dread finding out how much it's going to cost, but I can't see not having it done. I've heard about too many problems...

Sat May 17 2008, 10:02

Depends on your location in the United States. Here in Maryland we use "Title Companies" which normally have an attorney therefore, you don't have the need to hire an attorney in addition to the company performing the settlement. Good Luck, Deb Fleming in Baltimore, Maryland

Sat May 17 2008, 09:52