I've had more calls over the past month on residential real estate deals than I had in all of 2012. I think every buyer is well served by having an attorney review a deal before the buyer's right to terminate the deal runs out. It's usually not more than about $500 for me to look for issues and problems. If you decide not to use a real estate agent or broker, the savings can be substantial by having me represent you through closing. I also have a construction background (as in, swinging a hammer and building projects), so I bring to bear some unusual skills in terms of understanding the condition of a property. I also point out zoning, HOA, financing, and other issues you may not have considered. Plus, I like doing real estate deals: house deals are generally happy situations, unlike the desperate lawsuits I'm often involved in.