what to expect from real estate lawyer

Key Takeaways

• Estate planning attorneys help you plan how to leave your estate so that it follows the law and stands up in court.
• Look for an attorney that is experienced and specializes in estate planning.
• Check with your professional network or personal contacts to see if any know a reputable estate planning attorney.

More items...

Full Answer

What skills do you need to be a real estate lawyer?

Skills real estate lawyers commonly need to be successful in their careers include: Communication skills: Real estate lawyers need good verbal communication skills to form working relationships with clients, explain unfamiliar legal concepts and make their cases in court.

What does a real estate lawyer do?

A real estate lawyer has a law degree and specializes in the legal aspects of property transactions. They work in both legal offices and courthouses. When a property transaction occurs, the vendor or buyer employs a real estate lawyer to ensure the transaction follows the laws.

How do I find a real estate lawyer?

Here are two common ways sellers find their real estate lawyers. 1. Referrals. From your agent: Experienced real estate agents often have a list of attorneys they work with regularly and recommend. They may even have a referral for an attorney who is an expert in your specific type of sale.

How much does it cost to hire a real estate attorney?

How much you’ll pay for real estate attorney fees depends on your market and how involved they are in the transaction, but they typically charge a flat rate of $800 to $1,200 per transaction. Some attorneys charge hourly, ranging from $150 to $350 per hour.

Why do real estate agents work with attorneys?

What to do before referring a client to an attorney?

What is real estate agent?

Is selling real estate a transaction?

Do all law firms have client centered service?

Do real estate agents have control over fees?

See more

Why do real estate agents work with attorneys?

Real estate brokers and agents work with attorneys on a routine basis because they want to provide great service to their clients and they understand that having an experienced, competent closing team accomplishes just that. Establishing a close, working relationship with a local attorney can save both the agent and their clients time and money, ...

What to do before referring a client to an attorney?

Before you refer a client to an attorney, it’s important to do your own investigation and look into a law firm’s reputation. Reading reviews and testimonials online may ease your mind about trusting your clients to a lawyer in your area. You can also look into attorneys’ standings with professional organizations such as AVVO, as well as with state, county and local bar associations.

What is real estate agent?

They work closely within a network that includes other agents and brokers, developers and builders, lenders, appraisers, inspectors and contractors. By working with real estate professionals in their communities, they are able to stay on top of trends in their respective markets. An agent might show a buyer dozens of homes before an offer is made. The relationships that agents foster with their clients and others in the community is built upon trust and respect.

Is selling real estate a transaction?

Selling or buying real estate is generally a substantial and involved transaction. A lot of money is changing hands, different parties are taking their piece of the pie and this often results in unexpected expenses, additional fees and confusing statements.

Do all law firms have client centered service?

Client-Centered Service. It’s a sad truth, but not all law firms operate with their clients’ needs in mind. Many do a less-than-ideal job of communicating with their clientele. When referring your clients to an attorney, be sure to look into how a particular law firm communicates with their clients.

Do real estate agents have control over fees?

Although the attorney has no control over fees, points and other costs associated with a Buyer’s loan, a qualified, professional real estate lawyer will have a firm grasp of the other costs and fees incurred in a real estate transaction and what the Seller or Buyer should expect. That is why real estate agents should work with real estate lawyers ...

What is a real estate lawyer?

A real estate lawyer has a law degree and specializes in the legal aspects of property transactions. They work in both legal offices and courthouses. When a property transaction occurs, the vendor or buyer employs a real estate lawyer to ensure the transaction follows the laws.

What does a real estate lawyer do?

A real estate lawyer performs any legal duties involved with a property transaction. When a residential or commercial property is about to transfer from one owner to another, the real estate lawyer prepares documents for both the seller and the buyer to sign.

How to become a real estate lawyer

Aspiring real estate lawyers need to complete a long course of study ending with the bar examination. Follow these steps to become a real estate lawyer:

Salary and job outlook

Real estate lawyers earn an average base salary of $53,803 per year, according to Indeed Salaries. This figure depends on the location, size and success of the law firm. If you are a self-employed real estate lawyer, factors that can affect your income include:

Skills for a real estate lawyer

Real estate lawyers need soft skills that they have naturally and hard skills, such as legal concepts and terminology, that they gain during their education. Skills real estate lawyers commonly need to be successful in their careers include:

Highly Detailed Work

Real estate attorneys are educated and experienced in all legal aspects of real estate transactions and are able to focus their efforts directly on your needs. When you hire a real estate attorney at the beginning of your transaction, you are investing in professional guidance that cannot be beaten.

Guidance All the Way Through

Many people are unfamiliar with real estate jargon, rules, negotiation, and documentation. Real estate lawyers can provide the guidance that many often need when they begin transactions. We can help you understand the terms of the purchase and make sure you are not missing any details.

Professional Negotiation

Hiring a team of real estate lawyers, like the one at Matthews & Jones LLP means that you will have someone right beside you negotiating on your behalf. We will help advise you on any reports, concerns, restrictions, liens, easements, structural conditions, legal description accuracy, and more.

Protection from the Unexpected

Closing real estate deals can at times, be very complex. Real estate attorneys will work with your best interests in mind to prepare you for the unexpected and plan for every possible outcome. They are there to do everything in their power to protect you as a client.

Why do you need an attorney for real estate?

An attorney helps you protect your investment and assets while ensuring you’re conducting your side of the transaction legally — which can prevent costly missteps. Real estate attorneys are required in many states, but even if you aren’t legally required to use an attorney while selling, it can be a good idea.

What is a real estate attorney?

Real estate attorneys help oversee home sales, from the moment the contract is signed through the negotiating period (aptly called the “attorney review”) to closing. A seller’s attorney reviews sales contracts, communicates terms in a professional manner and attends closings to prevent mishaps. Selling a home is a complex process ...

How much does a real estate attorney charge?

How much does a real estate attorney cost? How much you’ll pay for real estate attorney fees depends on your market and how involved they are in the transaction, but they typically charge a flat rate of $800 to $1,200 per transaction. Some attorneys charge hourly, ranging from $150 to $350 per hour.

What to do if you inherited a home?

An attorney can help you navigate the complexities. Estate sale: If you inherited the home you’re selling, hiring an attorney to sort through ownership documents can ease the burden, which is especially helpful when you’re grieving the loss of a family member.

Who is responsible for underwriting title insurance?

Title company: A representative of the title company is responsible for underwriting the title insurance and transferring the clean title of the home to the buyer.

Who hires an inspector to inspect a house?

Inspector: The inspector is hired by the buyer. Their job is to make sure the buyer knows about everything that may need to be repaired on the home. Sellers also sometimes hire an inspector to do a pre-inspection so they can make any necessary repairs before putting the house on the market.

Do you need an attorney for a closing?

In 21 states and the District of Columbia, attorneys are legally required as part of the closing process. Attorney-required states include: As a best practice, if the other party in your transaction has a lawyer representing them and supporting their best interests, you should too.

Why do real estate agents work with attorneys?

Real estate brokers and agents work with attorneys on a routine basis because they want to provide great service to their clients and they understand that having an experienced, competent closing team accomplishes just that. Establishing a close, working relationship with a local attorney can save both the agent and their clients time and money, ...

What to do before referring a client to an attorney?

Before you refer a client to an attorney, it’s important to do your own investigation and look into a law firm’s reputation. Reading reviews and testimonials online may ease your mind about trusting your clients to a lawyer in your area. You can also look into attorneys’ standings with professional organizations such as AVVO, as well as with state, county and local bar associations.

What is real estate agent?

They work closely within a network that includes other agents and brokers, developers and builders, lenders, appraisers, inspectors and contractors. By working with real estate professionals in their communities, they are able to stay on top of trends in their respective markets. An agent might show a buyer dozens of homes before an offer is made. The relationships that agents foster with their clients and others in the community is built upon trust and respect.

Is selling real estate a transaction?

Selling or buying real estate is generally a substantial and involved transaction. A lot of money is changing hands, different parties are taking their piece of the pie and this often results in unexpected expenses, additional fees and confusing statements.

Do all law firms have client centered service?

Client-Centered Service. It’s a sad truth, but not all law firms operate with their clients’ needs in mind. Many do a less-than-ideal job of communicating with their clientele. When referring your clients to an attorney, be sure to look into how a particular law firm communicates with their clients.

Do real estate agents have control over fees?

Although the attorney has no control over fees, points and other costs associated with a Buyer’s loan, a qualified, professional real estate lawyer will have a firm grasp of the other costs and fees incurred in a real estate transaction and what the Seller or Buyer should expect. That is why real estate agents should work with real estate lawyers ...