ABA Family Legal Guide

Buying and Selling a Home

Meeting the Players

Working with a Lawyer

What will I have to pay for the lawyer's services?

Fees for real estate closings vary depending on where you live, the complexity of the transaction, and the time required to complete it. A lawyer can usually tell you an hourly rate and estimate the price at the start of the transaction, but the actual fee will depend on the type and amount of work involved. It may be possible to agree upon a fixed fee or range, unless some extraordinary issues arise. You should not agree to a percentage fee--in fact, such fees are illegal in many states.