In Illinois, you are not required to use the real estate attorney that your realtor recommends. But you can. It is a matter of personal preference. When your Realtor recommends a particular lawyer’s name, it should be because of good work that he or she has seen come out of their office in the past. That is a good start, but there are other considerations. Is your Realtor recommending them because they are cheap and in turn, thinks that this is what you want or need? Price should be only one consideration, and quite frankly, not the most important- especially since most real estate attorneys charge about the same amount.
Assuming that your Realtor recommends “X” and “Y” lawyers based on service or a relationship & not just price, this does not mean that his or her personality will match yours. Their style of working should also be compatible with your service needs.
If you decide to use an attorney whom you found independently, that is okay too. Many people prefer to work with lawyers whom they already know to be experienced with real estate closings – or simply someone independent from the Realtor. Your Realtor wants you to be happy and will understand, so don’t worry about ‘offending’ anyone (likewise if you are buying, you don’t have to use the lender that your agent recommends either). At the end of the day, you have to be comfortable with your selection.
Selecting the best real estate attorney for your needs is not always easy. Download our free guide now, Picking Your Lawyer, to help you in the selection process.
Curious about how we handle closings at O’Connor Cadiz Law? Give us a call at 630- 250-8813 for a no-obligation, complimentary phone consultation with the attorney. While most of our clients are referrals from Realtors and other happy clients, we are happy to discuss representation with you if you are buying or selling a home in the Chicago area. Don’t forget to claim your free copy of the Indispensable Homeseller’s Guide, if you are selling residential real estate.