One of the most common misconceptions in real estate closings is the belief that you are obligated to use the lawyer recommended by your real estate agent. In this high-pressure environment, many clients simply go with the lawyer pushed onto them, assuming it is part of the standard process. However, while a realtor can provide a referral as a professional courtesy, they have absolutely no control over your choice of legal representation. The decision is entirely yours, and exercising that choice is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your interests.
Your lawyer’s loyalty must be exclusively to you, independent of the sales team they rely on for referrals. A lawyer who relies heavily on referrals from a specific realtor may feel subtle pressure to prioritize “closing the deal” quickly to maintain that business relationship. Do not be afraid to thank your realtor for the recommendation but let them know you have selected your own counsel; it is your right, your home, and your money.
Further, choosing your own legal representation allows you to screen the person who will be managing one of the largest financial transactions of your life. When you rely solely on a referral, you may end up with someone who does not speak your primary language or who lives in another city. You may never meet or speak to them, interacting almost exclusively with their assistant. Whether for a sale, purchase or refinance, this stranger will be handling hundreds of thousands of your dollars in their trust account.
Ultimately, building your own team is about ensuring that every professional is working for you, and only you.