Should I hire a Sequim real estate agent or an attorney to help me buy a home?  I received this question from a buyer from out of state who plans to buy a home in Sequim and retire.  It’s not an unusual question form someone from another part of the country. Real estate transactions in some states do involve other professionals like attorneys, and I’m told that in a few states you have to have a surveyor complete a property survey before closing.  Neither are required here, but there is more to the explanation.

Sequim Real Estate Agent or Attorney

Sequim Real Estate Agent or Not

You could hire an attorney to help you review your purchase and sale agreement, the financing contingency, the home inspection and the various clauses, and other documents that are used in Washington buy your home.  You could hire a Sequim real estate agent to act as your buyer’s agent.  You could also represent yourself. I’ve bought real estate as an individual, as a Realtor for clients, and as a real estate attorney for clients.  For what it’s worth, here is my experience.

Sequim Real Estate Agent

First, if I were from outside the Sequim area, I would not try to represent myself as a buyer simply because:  1.) I wouldn’t know the area well and the potential pitfalls of buying the wrong property in the wrong area, 2.) I wouldn’t know the legal documents and customary practices that are used in Clallam County and Washington, and 3.) Unless I had a lot of experience buying and selling real estate and negotiating, I could lose a lot of money.

Second, I would not hire an attorney to help me find a home. I don’t know of any attorneys in the area who have subscriptions to the local multiple listing service, so they won’t be able to locate and compare properties quickly for you.  I should also add that the majority of attorneys are not real estate experts.  Most attorneys are general practitioners and were never Realtors.  That also means that the vast majority of attorneys are not experts in buying and selling real estate.

Third, if I were buying a home in Sequim I would look for a Sequim real estate agent who has knowledge, experience, professionalism and who is trustworthy.  This person will bring more to the table for you as a buyer than anyone else.  By the way, I don’t write this because I am a Sequim Buyer’s Agent. I write this because it is true.

Do your due diligence to find your Sequim real estate agent and you’ll be glad you did.

Last Updated on September 4, 2011 by Chuck Marunde