how to locate a good real estate lawyer dummies

by Lina Ankunding 7 min read

How Do You Find a Good Real Estate Lawyer? When you’re ready to begin a real estate transaction, the first step in finding the right attorney is to do your research. You can start by asking friends, family members, neighbors, or colleagues for recommendations or getting a referral from your real estate agent.

Full Answer

Where can I find a real estate attorney in my area?

The bar association will be able to provide you with a list of attorneys in your area that specialize in real estate law. Using the state bar as a resource has the added benefit of ensuring that the attorney you choose is properly licensed to practice law in your location.

What should you look for in a real estate lawyer?

Your real estate lawyer should have several hundred or better yet, thousands of transactions and several years of experience. This means that the lawyer will have pretty much seen it all and can provide the right guidance and advice during the course of your transaction. 3.

Why is it important to choose the right real estate lawyer?

Whether you are buying, selling or refinancing your property, deciding which real estate lawyer you wish to work with is an important step. Real estate contracts tend to be full of legal jargon that can be difficult for the average person to understand.

How can a real estate attorney help you during a transaction?

However, if you have selected the right attorney to assist you with the real estate transaction, he or she can help relieve you from the stress of the deal by ensuring that all of your documents are in order and ready to be signed, that the deed has been drafted, and all the necessary paperwork has been done according to the law.

How to find a good attorney?

We can employ tactics in our search to increase the odds that the person we choose will be a winner. For seeking an attorney, here are the steps to take: 1 Review your contact list for people whose work or interests would put them in contact with attorneys. A real estate person, title company employee, mortgage banker, businessperson, court reporter; to name a few. If necessary, walk into a title company or a real estate office and ask if anyone knows a good lawyer. 2 When you have a list of three attorneys, call them on the phone or email them. Prepare in advance a one page “white paper” that briefly describes your situation. The first question is: “I need legal advice and looking for a lawyer who has successful real estate experience. Do you do that kind of work?” If the answer is “yes,” the second question is: “Great, I have a description of the situation and some questions to ask, can I email them to you?” Email is the best, because they have time to see your circumstances and consider the questions, and you will have their answers in writing.

Is someone better at their job?

Some people are clearly better at their jobs . Your goal is to find someone who is honest first and effective second. Following this process greatly increases your chances of hiring a winner. You will know whom to choose.

Is referral a good indicator?

While that comment is no guarantee it will go smoothly for you, it is a better indicator than being a nice person. It is hard to know if a referral originates for remuneration, in ignorance or as the path of least resistance.

How Do You Find a Good Real Estate Lawyer?

When you’re ready to begin a real estate transaction, the first step in finding the right attorney is to do your research. You can start by asking friends, family members, neighbors, or colleagues for recommendations or getting a referral from your real estate agent.

What to Look for in a Real Estate Lawyer

Now that you have a list of potential candidates, your next step is to set up one-on-one consultations to interview each lawyer in person or on the phone. During your conversation, focus on the following factors:

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What Is Real Estate Law?

Real estate law is the branch of law covering real estate. Generally speaking, real estate can refer to land or property that is attached to the land, such as a home or apartment. In some cases, real estate laws can also involve personal property (movable items), but generally speaking, real estate law deals with homes and buildings.

Can You Provide Me With Some Guidance on How to Find a Lawyer?

The average person may have limited experience in how to find a real estate lawyer. Most people start off by browsing through a phone book and calling a phone number that’s listed there. However, this approach can often be hit-and-miss, since you can’t really access the attorney’s profile or case history before you call them.

Can you Provide Some Guidance on How to Find a Real Estate Lawyer Online?

One of the best ways to find an attorney online is through the services of LegalMatch.com. LegalMatch.com goes beyond the ordinary lawyer directories that are usually found on legal websites. Instead of simply listing phone numbers, LegalMatch.com offers lawyer-client matching services based on the individual needs of each client.

What do I need to know about real estate?

1. Knowledge of the local law. When choosing a real estate attorney, it goes without saying that you need an attorney that’s licensed to practice law in your state. However, you should go a step further and choose a real estate attorney with knowledge of your local area—more specifically, your city.

What does a real estate attorney do when buying a house?

When buying a home, your real estate attorney can oversee the closing process and review any paperwork you need to sign. They’re responsible for preparing documentation for closing. And they can also assist with title insurance.

How long does it take for a real estate attorney to return a call?

They respond to your calls or emails in a timely manner. If you call to set up a consultation with a real estate attorney, and it takes the attorney a week or more to return your call, this could be a sign of what to expect as a client. 4.

What can a real estate attorney do?

A real estate attorney can offer advice on the best way to handle legal issues. If unexpected problems arise during a title search, it’s helpful to have a real estate lawyer on your side. They can provide guidance on this issue too, whereas a title agent can’t.

How much does a real estate attorney charge?

Attorney fees vary, but real estate lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour. Sometimes, a real estate attorney will charge a flat fee for representing a buyer in a real estate transaction.

Can a title company work for you?

If you have legal questions about the contract or negotiation process, your title agent won’t be able to help you. A title company works for the title insurer—they don’t work for you as the buyer. A real estate attorney, on the other hand, does work for you. And as a result, they have your best interest in mind.

Is a real estate attorney required to buy a house?

Conclusion. In some states, using a residential real estate attorney is mandatory when buying a property. This is the case in Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina, Massachusetts, and a few other states. If you live elsewhere, though, an attorney isn’t required, but still worth considering.

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How much experience do real estate lawyers need?

Experience matters. Your real estate lawyer should have several hundred or better yet, thousands of transactions and several years of experience. This means that the lawyer will have pretty much seen it all and can provide the right guidance and advice during the course of your transaction. 3. Choose an honest lawyer.

Should I call a lawyer too late?

Don’t call a lawyer too late. Many times it happens to call a lawyer when you already signed a contract and found clauses that you don’t like, or when you have already been sued for debt recovery, and now you are looking for a lawyer to help you.

Can a real estate agent do what a lawyer can't?

In some transactions it is recommended to go to a lawyer, it will not only rely on the legal advice given by the real estate agent. Sometimes real estate agents do not have the necessary legal training, and their contracts are usually just standard forms. A real estate lawyer can issue some special ...

Can a real estate lawyer customize a sale purchase contract?

A real estate lawyer can issue some special clauses and will be able to customize the sale-purchase contract, which an agent certainly can’t. Any transaction involving specific details should be supported by a lawyer specialized in the field of real estate. 6. Examine lawyer reviews.