Did you know that in Florida, when you buy or sell property (your home, your second home, or land), it is not required that you be represented by an attorney unless you specifically engage one on your own? For most of us, buying or selling a home is the most expensive transaction we partake in. Yet often, we sign purchase contracts and go to the closing table ready to sign our life away, trusting that the person directing the closing is acting in our best interest. The reality is, often, there is no one at the closing table that actually represents the buyer or the seller. Title Insurance companies prepare most of the closing documents — and they do not represent the buyer or the seller. Lawyers who represent the bank prepare the bank documents. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to seek your own legal counsel so that you are equally and fairly represented in any real estate transaction.