what questions should i ask a commercial real estate lawyer

by Zelda Gottlieb 3 min read

To find out if your attorney is a good fit, here are some questions you should ask:

  1. What Are Your Qualifications? Working with a great trial lawyer won’t do you much good in the real estate business. ...
  2. Have You Worked With Real Estate Investors In The Past? Real estate investment deals are often much different than traditional purchases. ...
  3. What Does Your Availability Look Like? ...
  4. What Are Your Fees And What Do Those Fees Include? ...

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Thankfully, choosing a real estate attorney doesn't have to be a hard process if you ask these eight questions.
  • What Credentials Do You Have? ...
  • What Experience Do You Have? ...
  • How Much Do You Charge? ...
  • How Many Clients Do You Serve? ...
  • How Much of Your Work Is Dedicated to Real Estate?
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Aug 28, 2019

Full Answer

What questions should I ask a realtor?

Aug 13, 2020 · The following are questions to ask when hiring a lawyer: How long have you been practicing law? What are your specialties within real estate law? What types of cases have you handled? How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine? Do they have references? What is your fee structure and billing process?

What are good questions to ask when buying a home?

Apr 22, 2021 · Here are 20 Questions to Ask Your Commercial Real Estate Broker Ten Questions for Sellers to Ask: What is the recommended price for my property? Are you familiar with the market for this kind of property? May I see your portfolio? What are a few similar transactions that you have completed? Do you have success with similar clients?

How to start a career in commercial real estate?

Once you have a few names (however you got them), the real work begins. You will want to conduct a phone interview and ask as many questions as possible. Describe your particular situation and ask if they have ever worked on a case like yours before. Other questions to ask include: Are they primarily a real estate lawyer? If not, how much of their business is geared …

What to ask realtor when selling?

Make sure you ask these questions before making the final hiring decision. 1. How Much Experience Do You Have? The longer the attorney has been working, the more scenarios and variety of cases they have handled. You want a legal representative who can deal with any situation. Are you going through the simple processes of buying or selling?

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Jun 18, 2021 · A: Broadly defined, the term “commercial real estate” can be used to refer to any dealing with real property in a business context. It might involve leasing office space, building a new office tower, or selling real property as part of the sale of a business. It could be industrial property (such as a factory) or agricultural property (such ...

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What are good questions to ask lawyers?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

What questions should I ask a corporate lawyer?

General QuestionsHow long have you been practicing law?What do you specialize in?What are your main roles and duties? What goes beyond that scope?How do you bill?What companies do you generally work with? ... Are you experienced with startups?Are you familiar with the laws of incorporation in my specific state?

What do you talk about with a business lawyer?

7 Questions to Ask Your Attorney Before Starting a BusinessWhat Business Structure Should I Choose? ... What Do I Need to Know About Choosing a Name for my Business? ... How Do I Minimize My Risks as an Employer? ... What Should Be In My Operating Agreement or Bylaws? ... How Can I Protect My Intellectual Property?More items...•Nov 9, 2020

What are good questions to ask when starting a business?

9 Questions Smart Entrepreneurs Answer Before Starting a BusinessWho are My Primary Competitors in the Industry? ... How Is the Market Responding to This Industry? ... How Is My Solution Different From My Competitors? ... Who Is My Ideal Customer? ... How Will I Market My Business? ... Will My Business Have a Soft or Hard Launch?More items...•May 27, 2019

What is the role of a real estate lawyer?

One of the key roles a real estate lawyer plays is that of document drafter. Real estate attorneys prepare deeds for conveyance transactions, leases and rental agreements, purchase contracts and financing agreements.

What happens if a real estate transaction does not work out?

Should the real estate transactions not work out, pending litigation is usually the end result. Real estate lawyers represent their clients in real estate litigation. This includes drafting legal pleadings to file with the judge, participating in hearings and trial with the judge, and filing appeals if necessary.

Why is my offer rejected?

Failure to do so may result in your offer being rejected because it wasn’t communicated properly, or worse yet, being accepted and since your offer wasn’t drafted properly, you’re negatively impacted. Upon acceptance of buyer’s offer, it is customary for the seller’s attorney to prepare the Contract of Sale.

What does "due diligence" mean in a contract?

This means the lawyer will examine legal title issues, environmental issues and reports and any of the contracts or other documents involved in the transaction.

Why do real estate lawyers act as guardians?

This then allows the real estate lawyer to act as guardian for their clients to make sure the clients don’t end up in any legal pitfalls.

Is it important to hire a real estate attorney?

Finding a real estate attorney or hiring a real estate attorney is very important. Just because a lawyer says they are a real estate attorney, does not mean that they are competent enough to accomplish what you need. You’ll need a real estate lawyer familiar with compound interest, annual interest rate, home sales, ...

Can a high end real estate title be a lien?

In addition, high-end real estate may be subject to several liens, encumbrances, or judgments . A proper title search and an experienced real estate lawyer is the best way to ensure that these issues do not pass to the buyer on settlement day.

Why do you need an attorney for a commercial property?

Buying commercial properties, those with structural issues and buildings located in hazardous areas warrant the services of an attorney. Sellers may hire an attorney if the property they are selling is in a state of distress. Another reason to involve an attorney is when an individual is trying to sell a property with an uncooperative partner.

What does a real estate attorney do?

Once real estate agents settle the selling price and terms and contracts are signed, the real estate attorney takes over. The attorney reviews the contracts, negotiates repairs, makes adjustments in accordance with the terms of the deal, and may attend the closing. Some states require that an attorney be present at closing, ...

What is real estate law?

Real estate law itself is a specialization. Law school students normally begin with taking elective courses and continue with real estate certification after law school. Ideally, the real estate lawyer will have earned a law degree from an accredited school. The professional might have attended law school in another state.

Can you negotiate legal fees?

Legal fees can be negotiated. Although price is one consideration, it should not be the only deciding factor. Remember that involving a qualified real estate attorney early on can prevent larger disputes down the road, plus added attorney fees, costs, and time. 4.

Is it prudent to invest in a real estate attorney?

Real estate transactions can be complicated. When buying or selling real estate, it is prudent to invest in the services of a qualified real estate attorney. Upon an initial consult with a real estate attorney, plan on asking the legal expert a few important questions.

Who is Allen Gabe Law?

Our lawyers assist homeowners as well as landlords, tenants, owners, and lenders.

Does Illinois require an attorney at closing?

Some states require that an attorney be present at closing, but Illinois is not one of them. Although the state of Illinois does not require an attorney at real estate closings, hiring this type of specialized legal professional is useful in a number of scenarios.

What is a commercial real estate broker?

Many commercial real estate brokers are also property managers who collect rents and contract with other services to maintain the buildings. You can learn about their subcontractors and even get references for the broker and contractors. An excellent commercial real estate broker will advise you on the best way to sell or market your property.

Where to sell commercial property in Florida?

You may want to sell your commercial property in the Palm Bay, Melbourne, and Titusville market areas of Brevard County, Florida, but it is also necessary to advertise outside of the area. People all over the world are interested in investing in Florida commercial real estate, and a successful broker will know how to reach them.

When buying or selling real estate, is it always a good idea to have a legal professional advising you?

When you buy or sell real estate there is always that chance that a situation will arise that will make it smart to have a legal professional advising you how to proceed. This is especially true if you’re planning to invest in real estate.

Is it different to choose a real estate attorney?

It’s not a lot different when it comes to choosing a real estate attorney. They may be familiar with the laws in a different state than the one that they’re currently practicing in. While some aspects of the real estate law are general across the board, some legal issues are state specific. 4.

What are the scenarios where you may wish to employ a real estate lawyer?

If you are selling property, the below are all scenarios where you may wish to employ a real estate lawyer: Selling a property you inherited. Selling a property during a divorce or separation. Selling a property with a lien. Short-selling a home. Selling a home with multiple owners.

Why do you need a real estate attorney?

For buyers, the following are all great reasons to seek legal counsel: Out of state/town home purchases. Purchasing a short sale. Purchasing a bank-owned property or foreclosure. Purchasing commercial real estate. Purchasing an estate.

How to sell a house with a lien?

If you are selling property, the below are all scenarios where you may wish to employ a real estate lawyer: 1 Selling a property you inherited 2 Selling a property during a divorce or separation 3 Selling a property with a lien 4 Short-selling a home 5 Selling a home with multiple owners 6 Selling a home with known problems (structural problems, mold and so forth)

Should I use a real estate lawyer for a home purchase?

While you can opt to use a real estate lawyer for a simple home purchase or home sale, some homeowners forego this step in order to save money. If you are an experienced purchaser you can certainly rely on your real estate agent, but it never hurts to have an expert in legal matters on your side, just in case. ...

What to do if a real estate agent lied?

If you purchased a house but the home inspector and selling agent lied, you'll need to take them to court.

What happens when you meet with a lawyer?

When you meet with a lawyer for an initial consultation, you get to hear them talk and see how they handle questions. As a possible client, they are going to roll out the red carpet for you.

What is the future of real estate?

The future of your real estate transaction depends on the questions you ask. A real estate attorney who answers confidently can make your life easier. The right real estate legal professional can answer your questions, review documents, and argue cases for you in court. Don't wait any longer. Get the right attorney who will fight ...

Who is Bryan DeBruin?

Bryan De Bruin is a Real Estate and Business Law attorney serving Greenville, SC and the surrounding upstate. Bryan is proud to guide clients through the legal process and makes sure that every client understands each phase of their case, so that they are prepared for what happens next.

Can you pass off a real estate case to another lawyer?

Getting passed off to another lawyer doesn't feel personal or helpful . Real estate cases can be humiliating. People who are guarded about their personal dealings and transactions don't want lots of strangers knowing their business.

What is commercial real estate?

What exactly is commercial real estate? A: Broadly defined, the term “commercial real estate” can be used to refer to any dealing with real property in a business context. It might involve leasing office space, building a new office tower, or selling real property as part of the sale of a business.

Why do you need a real estate broker?

The broker or agent should have specific expertise in commercial real estate, and particularly in the area where you need it (such as office space, retail space, industrial warehouse space, apartment complexes, agricultural land, and so forth).

What type of deed is used to convey title?

A: The type of deed used to convey title can make a significant difference. In some states, the typical conveyance is a grant deed, which basically says the seller has an interest in the property and that it is being conveyed to the buyer, but not necessarily with any representations or warranties as to title.

What is the goal of every seller?

A: Broadly speaking, the goal of every seller is to maximize profits, while the goal of every buyer is to minimize costs. Having to pay a real estate commission or other professional fees as part of a real estate deal can work against these goals.

What is a mechanics lien?

Mechanics liens: Contractors who work on real property can use a “mechanics lien” to make sure that they get paid. This is a statutory lien that contractors, laborers, and material men place on property when they've performed work or furnished materials in the erection or repair of a building or an improvement.

How long is a lease term?

The lease periods can be lengthy, often three, five, or ten years . This stands in sharp contrast to the residential market, where outright sales of property are more common. Residential real estate also offers significant leasing and renting opportunities for the consumer, but typically for only one-year terms.

What are some examples of legal disputes?

Your goal should be to minimize these. Examples of potential problems that often lead to legal disputes include: Defects in title: Real property interests are usually conveyed by a deed.

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