New York property is difficult for the inexperienced; for many first-time buyers, that is particularly when they don't know how to go about finding ways to clear the red tape. However, the method of buying a home can be much less challenging when the services of a buyer's agent and a real estate attorney in New York are sought for.
In essence, it is perfectly legal to purchase properties without the need for an attorney, but buying property is a far more complicated process because of the risks. It's widely understood that more than 99% of real estate deals in New York City use legal counsel on both sides of the table.
For what reason? New York generally has to have their agreements in writing because most real estate transactions are regulated by law, which means that an agreement must be made in writing with a licensed professional.
Source: https://www.entrepreneurshipsecret.com/real-estate-attorney-in-nyc/