I still remember when I sold my first home—it was exciting, nerve-wracking, and honestly a little confusing. Between agents, attorneys, and endless paperwork, I couldn’t help but wonder: is a real estate attorney cheaper than a realtor?
The short answer? Yes, in many cases. But as I found out firsthand, “cheaper” doesn’t always mean “better value.”
If you’ve been asking yourself the same thing, let me walk you through what I learned—and what you need to know before choosing between an attorney and a realtor.
What Makes a Real Estate Attorney Cheaper Than a Realtor?
Real estate attorneys usually charge by the hour or offer a flat fee for specific services. A typical attorney might bill around $150 to $600 per hour or $500 to $1,500 for a flat-fee closing. That’s significantly less than a realtor’s commission, which is often 5% to 6% of the sale price.
For example, if you sell a $500,000 home with a 6% commission, your realtor earns $30,000—a big chunk of your sale proceeds. An attorney handling just the legal paperwork might charge a few thousand dollars at most.
So yes, a real estate attorney is cheaper than a realtor, but it comes down to what you actually need. A lawyer won’t help you list or market your home. Their focus is on the legal side, not the sales side.
What Do You Get for the Cost?
Here’s a quick look at how their services differ:
| Feature | Real Estate Attorney | Realtor |
| Cost Type | Hourly or flat fee | Commission-based (5–6%) |
| Market Analysis | No | Yes |
| Marketing & MLS Listings | No | Yes |
| Negotiations | Legal terms only | Price + terms |
| Legal Documentation | Yes | Yes (standard forms) |
| Closing Representation | Yes | Yes (no legal advice) |
A real estate attorney ensures your transaction is legally airtight—they review contracts, resolve disputes, and oversee closings.
A realtor, on the other hand, focuses on sales strategy—setting the right price, staging your home, managing open houses, and negotiating with buyers.
Think of it like this: the attorney protects you after the deal begins, while the realtor helps you create that deal in the first place.
When Is Hiring a Real Estate Attorney the Better Deal?
If you’ve already found your buyer—or your sale doesn’t need flashy marketing—a real estate attorney could be your most cost-effective option. I once sold a small property to a family friend, and hiring an attorney to handle the paperwork saved me thousands.
Here are situations where choosing a lawyer over a realtor makes perfect sense:
1. For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO)
When you already have a buyer, you don’t need marketing help. An attorney can handle all the legal documents and closing for a flat fee.
2. Selling to Family or Friends
If it’s a simple transaction between trusted parties, skip the commission-heavy route. An attorney can manage the title transfer, deed, and contracts.
3. Real Estate Investors
Experienced investors who already understand market value often use attorneys just for contract review and legal protection.
What Are the Risks of Relying Only on an Attorney?
While a real estate attorney is cheaper than a realtor, the cost savings can come with trade-offs. I learned that the hard way when I tried managing my own home sale.
Sure, the legal part was smooth—but I quickly realized I lacked the marketing reach and negotiation experience of a professional realtor.
Here’s what you might face if you skip an agent entirely:
Lower Sale Price: Without marketing exposure, your property might sell for less. Statistics show that FSBO homes often close at lower prices than those listed through agents.
Extra Work: You’ll need to handle showings, buyer communication, and paperwork coordination on your own.
Hidden Legal Gaps: While attorneys handle contracts and closing, they aren’t involved in pre-sale details like buyer qualification or home inspections.
So, while it’s tempting to cut costs, skipping a realtor can sometimes cost you more in lost profit and time.
Can You Hire Both a Realtor and a Real Estate Attorney?
Absolutely—and it’s often the best of both worlds. Realtors manage the marketing and negotiations, while attorneys make sure everything is legally sound.
In states like New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, it’s common for both to be involved. In fact, in some places, an attorney must be present at closing.
Even if your state doesn’t require it, having both can protect your interests—especially for complex sales involving trusts, disputes, or legal conditions.
If you’re buying instead of selling, keep in mind that buyers often don’t pay agent commissions directly—the seller usually covers it. But after the 2024 NAR settlement, this may vary depending on where you live, so it’s smart to ask upfront who pays what.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
Here’s a simple way I like to think about it:
- Go with a Realtor if your goal is to get the best price and wide exposure. Their marketing power can offset their commission.
- Go with an Attorney if you already have a buyer or need legal expertise for a special situation.
- Hire both if your sale is legally complex or high-value—peace of mind is worth every penny.
At the end of the day, the “cheaper” choice isn’t always the smarter one. What matters most is getting the right combination of legal protection and sales strategy for your unique situation.
FAQs About Whether a Real Estate Attorney Is Cheaper Than a Realtor
1. Is a real estate attorney always cheaper than a realtor?
Usually, yes—attorneys charge a flat or hourly fee, while realtors take a commission that’s a percentage of the sale price. But the cheaper option depends on your needs. Realtors provide full-service marketing and negotiation, while attorneys handle legal tasks.
2. Can I sell my house without a realtor and just use an attorney?
Yes, you can! If you already have a buyer, a real estate attorney can manage the paperwork and closing. Just remember, you’ll need to handle pricing, marketing, and negotiations on your own.
3. Do I need both an attorney and a realtor?
It depends on your state and transaction complexity. In many cases, having both gives you the best outcome—your realtor handles sales strategy while your attorney ensures legal accuracy.
4. Who pays the realtor’s commission now after the 2024 NAR settlement?
The new rules require buyers to pay their own agent’s fee rather than having it automatically covered by the seller. This can vary by location, so always confirm how fees are structured before signing any contract.
So, What’s My Final Take?
If you’re asking is a real estate attorney cheaper than a realtor, the honest answer is yes—but “cheaper” doesn’t mean “better.” Attorneys cost less because they do less. Realtors cost more but can often earn you more through better pricing, marketing, and negotiation.
When I think back to selling my first home, I’m glad I learned the difference. If I had to do it again, I’d hire both—a realtor to maximize my sale and an attorney to keep it legally flawless. That’s the perfect balance of value and peace of mind.
Pro tip: Before deciding, compare quotes from both and factor in your goals. Sometimes saving money upfront can cost you more in the long run.
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