Hi. I'm planning on selling my house by owner. I'm just wondering if I need a lawyer only for closing or do I need one through the whole process.

Congrats on deciding to sell your own home.  The process of putting your house on the market to getting it closed has many pitfalls that can derail your deal.  People who choose to sell their own property are in a better position to control the transaction than are those who sell through a realtor.  Realtors often control the transaction with their own title companies thus taking the deal out of your hands.  An atorney can help you better control the deal, keep you “in the loop” along the way and ensure that your interests are best served.  An attorney can 1) help prepare the required property disclosure statement; 2) prepare or review a purchase agreement; 3) give you tips on gathering documents and info that might be needed by buyers and their lenders during the sale process; 4)  hold deposit money; 5) prepare the deed (that's customarily the seller's duty); and 6) review the settlement statement.  In short, an attorney can help facilitate the deal and give you great perspective and advice through the process.  elp