Pennsylvania doesn't require you to hire a real estate lawyer to buy a home. However, depending on your circumstances, you might consider hiring one anyway. If you do, treat the process similarly to hiring an agent. Interview several attorneys and proceed with the one that best suits your needs.
Curbed Philly asked long-time local realtors to weigh in on the current state of the Philadelphia real estate market for the sake of beginners looking to buy in the city. And if they've been in the game for a while, chances are they have a good network of other people to contact you with during your home search, such as a mortgage lender, who can find out how much house you can afford.