Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Massachusetts

I purchased my first property. My idiot agent gave me the name of a lawyer he uses, because he was anxious to make a quick sale.

Turns out this lawyer he recommended charged in an exhorbitant amount just for reading and signing a purchase contract. I used another attorney for closing and it was around the same amount he charges just for reading and signing a document, which is only about 1 hours work.

Anyway he won't return any of my calls, or the idiot agent. I keep getting letters. I don't want him to put a lien on my house.

The amount is $650. My closing was only $700. I asked other lawyers and the most they charge is $300, and that's the extreme case just for reading a document and signing.


Asked on 10/25/09, 11:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Generally, it is bad to take advice from a real estate agent about your rights and liabilities when purchasing a home... they have a conflict of interest because they only make their money if you buy, and how much they make is based on how much (more) you pay for it. The attorney closing the loan only represents the lender (bank) and not you as the buyer.

To avoid this in the future, you should have a family attorney who you see for these matters - in the same way you have a family physician who may refer you to a specialist for particular matters. Generally, your regular attorney is someone you have an ongoing relationship with and who would normally represent you from start to finish in this type of purchase.

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Answered on 10/31/09, 4:32 pm


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