INVESTY .. what you were told is infact correct though, because unlike British law, you do not need to necessarily use a lawyer, as the CRECI registered agent & the Notary are qualified to carry out the sale & puchase transaction & have total accountability to the state.It is however recommended you use a qualified Lawyer who speaks your language, and also one that knows the area where you intend to buy in, and also ensure that any contract or legal papers relating to any potential purchase, are always translated for you into your native language by a Public translator recognised by Federal law. The investments I have made in Brazil were without Lawyers, as my wife is a Brazilian, who happens to be an estate agent & lawyer :-)