The team · Buying a home

Real-estate attorney

In Massachusetts, the professional who actually runs your closing.

When · Closing

What they do

A real-estate attorney reviews the purchase-and-sale agreement, oversees the title search (confirming the seller can convey clean ownership), handles escrow, conducts the closing and records the deed. In Massachusetts and much of the Northeast an attorney is standard; in many other states a title or escrow company runs closing instead.

When you need one

From the purchase-and-sale agreement through closing day, ideally engaged before you sign the P&S, which is a binding contract.

What to look for

  • A real-estate specialist, not a general practitioner who dabbles.
  • A flat fee quoted up front, and clarity on whether title work is done in-house.
  • Responsiveness near closing, when small delays get expensive.

See where closing fits the buying journey.  Back to Buying a home →

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