I think Ohio is the foreclosure capital, now. LOL.

Here, most people do not use a lawyer for closings, and I always try to talk someone out of using me. The buyer's bank will arrange for the closing, and while it is true, the bank is ONLY protecting the bank's interest, so much of the paperwork is form. Sign it, and you get the loan. Don't sign it, and you don't get the loan.

You can have an attorney review the closing docs, which your bank's title agency will send you ahead of time, if you request it (and request, and request). Here, in OH, occupancy is usually 30 days out.

You would still owe under the lease, PM. It depends on what sort of place you are renting from whether they will pursue or not. In OH, you cannot use your security as last month's rent. So, skipping out on three months rent, and believing your security would handle one month translates, here in OH, to owing 3 months rent, AND forfeiting your security, for breaching the lease. Now, most places aren't going to come after you for one months rent...it isn't really economically feasible, BUT, they could.

If you go to the end of your lease, then, renew on a month-to month, you have a bit more flexibility in your move out date.

And, finally, owning a home CAN be great. But, IMO, buying a home is just as much of a lifestyle choice than a financial win-win, all the time. For some, renting does everything for them that owning does minus the minimal tax break. Owning a home comes with a heavy burden that sometimes people overlook.

I own because I want millions of cats, with no fuss.