how to arrange for hire a real estate attorney

by Kelley Boyer 4 min read

  1. Search Online for Real Estate Attorneys It may seem like a no brainer but, the first step is searching online for “real estate lawyers near me” and other similar ...
  2. Schedule Initial Consultations with Several Lawyers You may have found several firms that specialize in real estate transactions. ...
  3. Hire a Lawyer for Your Closing

Full Answer

How do I find a real estate lawyer?

Feb 25, 2020 · Finding a real estate attorney. If you've decided you want the help of a real estate attorney for a real estate matter, ask your lender, title company, or real estate agent for a referral. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and loved ones. Before hiring a real estate lawyer, schedule a consultation to see if it's the right fit.

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

The next step toward how to hire a real estate lawyer is to prepare a list of questions that pertain to your situation. Typically, simple questions lawyers will answer over the phone allowing you to get a general idea of whether or not it is the right lawyer for you.

Should I hire an attorney to sell my house?

Mar 25, 2020 · Ask other investors in your area who they use as an attorney. Join a local real estate investors association and ask for referrals. Ask local real estate agents and title companies for referrals. Do not open up the Yellow Pages and pick someone who simply CLAIMS to be a real estate expert.

Do I need a real estate attorney to negotiate a closing?

Relevant experience matters when it you're hiring a real estate lawyer. Real estate laws vary from state to state so you want someone who is familiar with your state laws and any recent changes. In general, we will only consider lawyers at least 2 years of relevant experience. 2. How much of your practice is in real estate law?

image

What are the services of a real estate lawyer?

In addition to document preparation, a real estate lawyer generally offers the following legal services: 1 Negotiations. 2 Reviews and due diligence. 3 Assistance with building and development projects. 4 General litigation. 5 Foreclosure proceedings. 6 Closings. 7 Title and lien searches. 8 Deed transfers. 9 Resolution of zoning issues. 10 Coordination with lenders, title agents, surveyors, and other parties in the transaction.

Why do you need a real estate attorney?

One of the most common reasons you'd use a real estate attorney is to draw up a contract or legal document. Attorneys can help you draft: Your sales contract/purchase agreement. Leases. Eviction notices. Title documents. Mortgage contracts and documents. Title and deed transfer documents.

1. Search Online for Real Estate Attorneys

It may seem like a no brainer but, the first step is searching online for “real estate lawyers near me” and other similar terms. You may also ask your real estate agent, mortgage company or friends for recommendations.

2. Schedule Initial Consultations with Several Lawyers

You may have found several firms that specialize in real estate transactions. You should schedule several initial consultations to learn about their fees and services.

3. Hire a Lawyer for Your Closing

While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, you should prioritize hiring a lawyer that specializes in your type of real estate transaction. Don’t forget to take a look at the agreement for their services before signing it.

When to Hire a Real Estate Attorney

Depending on your location, you may not need to hire a lawyer to close on your home. In some cases, hiring a legal expert is a must to protect yourself.

Why do we write contracts?

Thus, writing contracts is done in order to avoid problems and delays later on, as litigation could result if the parties to the transaction experience a dispute. Real Estate litigation commonly involves zoning, construction defects, homeowners associations, and/or boundary disputes.

What is real estate law?

Real Estate law is what provides the legal guidelines and protections for those involved in the sale and purchase of real property. Real property refers to property that is affixed to the land, or a piece of land itself, as opposed to personal property, which is property that is typically easily movable.

Is a legal consultation free?

Before meeting with your real estate attorney, verify whether the consultation will be free of charge. Generally speaking, legal consultations are free.

What is an initial meeting with an attorney?

This is an initial meeting with an attorney that occurs before you decide whether to hire that attorney to represent you in your real estate dispute. The attorney will also use the initial legal consultation to determine if they can legally and competently represent you.

What should be included in an initial consultation?

An initial consultation should always include a discussion of the fees that an attorney may charge and the legal facts and circumstances of your case. You should discuss an attorney’s fee arrangement during the consultation, prior to retaining them, especially if cost is a large determining factor for you.

What can a real estate attorney do?

A real estate attorney will be able to review the facts of your case, as well as any documents, to determine how best to move forward. An attorney will also help you collect additional evidence through the legal discovery process. Finally, they can also represent you in a court of law, as needed.

What does a real estate attorney do?

A real estate attorney will prepare deeds that will allow the transfer of real estate. The attorney will also review any contracts related to the transaction that are connected to a trust, partnership, or corporation. This will ensure that no terms of the charter agreement are violated.

Do real estate investors understand mortgages?

Most beginner real estate investors don’t fully understand mortgages and the legal bindings involved. Real estate attorneys have experience in dealing with mortgages and related documents. Your attorney will explain the terms and conditions outlined in mortgage documents. They might even contact lenders on your behalf and negotiate better terms.

Can a buyer claim to be the owner of a home if the deed is not recorded?

There have been numerous cases about income properties that were bought, but no deed was recorded. If a deed is not recorded properly after real estate closing, the buyer cannot claim to be the legal owner of a home. A real estate attorney will see to it that the deed is properly filed and recorded.

When to Hire a Real Estate Attorney

Most people look forward to the prospect of buying a new home. If all goes well, the buyer is left with a brand-new home and the seller walks away with a significant amount of cash. But that doesn’t mean every transaction is joyful and free from stress. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

Hire a Real Estate Attorney for Complex Transactions

No two real estate transactions are exactly the same. In fact, every situation carries its own special considerations and nuances – and that means some sales are inherently more complex or convoluted than others.

Conclusion

These are all great reasons for when to hire a real estate attorney, but you don’t have to be involved in a complex transaction in order to benefit. Ultimately, everyone who is buying or selling a property should consult a lawyer at least once to lower the risk of post-sale problems.

image