what to ask a perspective real estate attorney

• “What percentage of your practice is devoted to Probate, Trusts, & Estate Planning Law?”
• “How long have you personally been doing estate planning?”
• “What is your estate planning process?”
• “What will you need from us?”
• Refer to an area of concern and ask about how they’d handle it. ...

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Full Answer

How do I find the best real estate attorney?

 · In the meantime, you will need to waiting to get approved from your Florida real estate Commission, you have to take a sixty three hour course from fl judge school. The naming of that course is FREC course My partner and i.

Why do I need a real estate attorney?

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. Most attorneys are knowledgeable in all areas of the law but focus on one or two specific practices.

What should I look for in a divorce lawyer?

 · Real estate transactions in Connecticut, whether residential or commercial, can be extremely complicated, and it’s important to ensure that no important details are overlooked during the process. At the Law Office of Benjamin S. Proto, Jr., our experienced and capable Connecticut real estate professionals keep both buyers and sellers apprised ...

Why do homeowners and real estate investors hire real estate lawyers?

 · Asking for references, seeking out reviews, or consulting with your real estate agent or other professionals involved in your deal can help you understand what your attorney brings to the table and how they will be able to protect your interests.

What questions should you ask your attorney?

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...•

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•

What are four things that you should find out about in looking for an attorney?

Five Things to Look For When Hiring an AttorneyEXPERIENCE. One of the most important things to look for in a potential attorney is experience – i.e. experience the lawyer and their law firm have in handling matters similar to those which you are facing. ... LEGAL FEES. ... COMMUNICATION. ... AVAILABILITY. ... HONEST ADVICE.

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.

How do I talk to my lawyer for the first time?

How to Talk to a LawyerBe patient. When you talk to your lawyer, she hears your story for the first time. ... Be prepared. You will need to describe what has happened and what you are hoping your lawyer can do for you. ... Be honest. ... Be specific. ... Be concise. ... Ask questions.

What questions should I ask in a legal interview?

11 Questions to Ask During Your Legal InterviewWhat type of cases and deals are distributed to new associates? ... What kind of tasks do new associates typically handle? ... What makes this firm stand apart from others? ... How do you consider the firm will grow in the next five years?More items...

What is a retainer fee?

Understanding Retainer Fees A retainer fee is an advance payment that's made by a client to a professional, and it is considered a down payment on the future services rendered by that professional. Regardless of occupation, the retainer fee funds the initial expenses of the working relationship.

How do you know if your lawyer is selling you out?

Signs of a Bad LawyerBad Communicators. Communication is normal to have questions about your case. ... Not Upfront and Honest About Billing. Your attorney needs to make money, and billing for their services is how they earn a living. ... Not Confident. ... Unprofessional. ... Not Empathetic or Compassionate to Your Needs. ... Disrespectful.

Why is experience important in real estate?

In real estate law cases, the experience of the attorney or law firm is important. More complicated real estate matters suggest having a more experienced legal presence. You may have to pay more for experience, but the value of your investment in such cases probably warrants the higher expense. The potential financial loss in larger real estate ...

Why is it important to have an attorney on staff?

They may also have one on their staff. This is helpful because it means the attorney’s office controls the closing process. There is no need to coordinate with any other office, and this can simplify and speed the closing process. It might also lessen the expenses based on communications.

Is it ok to fill out all real estate forms?

If the answer is filling out all the real estate forms, this is probably not the right attorney for you. This is not the kind of service you need. Filling out standard forms is not enough because not all real estate transactions are the same. Many are not standard.Ask if the attorney plans to do due diligence for you and will spend ...

Is real estate a unique deal?

Every real estate deal is unique with its own set of circumstances and potential problems. Your case is no different. It is wise to find an attorney who is familiar with those types of problems and who knows how to prevent them from happening.

Is real estate the largest transaction?

Whether you’re buying or selling a house, real estate is often the largest transaction most of us experience.

Can an attorney handle unexpected issues?

Unknown and/or unexpected issues can arise at any time during real estate transactions. You should feel that your attorney can handle whatever comes up. You should ask the attorney what kinds of problems might occur during the transaction. What have they experienced in the past?

Do lawyers handle real estate?

Some lawyers handle just residential real estate transactions while others deal with commercial deals or work with financial lenders. Try to be as specific as possible in your request for information on the type of real estate and contract experience the attorney has. 4.

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.

Why is it important to ask an attorney about their experience?

This is an important question to ask because the more experience an attorney has in this specialty, the better. A more inexperienced real estate lawyer may have the best of intentions, but they have probably not had as much exposure to unique situations. A seasoned attorney has had more time to experience unusual legal situations and they may have additional insight that could save you a lot of hassle and expense.

Can a real estate attorney give you an hourly rate?

As a consumer, you should be apprised of the average range of costs that you will incur by retaining a real estate attorney. While he or she may not be able to give you a precise statement of cost, they can give you an estimate that includes their hourly rate and charges for any special services.

Is it bad to compare real estate attorneys?

It’s never a bad idea to compare the prices that a few of the certified and reputable real estate attorneys charge. You don’t want to end up paying more than you have to for legal services. While you usually get what you pay for, it doesn’t mean that you need to break the bank with the highest priced attorney in town.

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.

Do paralegals work for real estate?

Often, the staff of paralegals working for a real estate attorney does a lot of the legwork involved. It’s a good idea to inquire about the staff and a good way to do this is to check customer reviews online. Find out about what other people have to say about the services they received.

How can a good real estate attorney help you?

Whether you are investing out of state or simply renting out the property next door, finding a good attorney can help protect you and your business through all aspects of a real estate transaction. The right real estate attorney will be skilled in the laws and regulations of your area and will be available to oversee the legal details of your real estate transactions. No matter what side of a transaction you are on, whether it be buyer or seller, a real estate attorney can assist you in several ways. That’s why it’s important to find the best person for the job. Keep reading to learn about the questions to ask real estate attorney professionals before working together.

Why do you need a real estate attorney?

Investors seeking to get started in the world of commercial real estate will find an attorney especially helpful when it comes to acquiring new properties or managing existing ones . Another reason a real estate attorney can be of value to your team is during the rehab process.

How to deal with real estate investment?

Real estate investment deals are often much different than traditional purchases. Between short sales and foreclosures, many investment deals can be time consuming and difficult to deal with. You need an attorney that knows how investors work in real estate. This could be changing the contract to offer protection or working with lenders to push the deal forward. As a bonus, your attorney may be able to put you in contact with fellow investors in your area. You can never have enough contacts. By having a mutual attorney, you can hit the ground running. In time, an attorney who works with investors can be a good source for deals directly. If they have a large investment portfolio, you should feel confident that they know the process and what to expect. Investment deals can be a handful. A good attorney can make it as smooth as possible for you.

How important is it to know how many years a real estate attorney has practiced law?

It is important to note that in contrast to finding a traditional attorney, the number of years a given real estate attorney has practiced law is less important when compared to their specialty. As you identify whether they have worked with real estate investors in the past, you may also want to inquire what percentage of their practice involves working with real estate. This can help you identify an attorney with both experience and a strong understanding of the things you need.

Why do you pay an attorney up front?

Think of it this way: you are paying money up front to save yourself from future legal problems and, consequently financial problems down the road. That being said, there are several variables when it comes to real estate attorney fees that you will want to note. For example, be sure to determine whether you are paying a fixed rate or a time-based fee. Additionally, specify which services will be included in your given contract. Make note of which services your business warrants, and hire an attorney accordingly.

What does a closing attorney do?

During the selling and closing process of a home, a real estate closing attorney can help handle the title check and more for the property in question. They are also equipped to handle any unexpected events during the closing process .

Do real estate investors need an attorney?

In comparison, homeowners and real estate investors often rely on real estate attorneys for various reasons. Homeowners typically lean on attorneys during the home buying or selling process; however, real estate investors may employ a real estate attorney considerably more frequently. Those working with investment properties or property management may find a real estate attorney particularly useful in situations throughout their careers.

Questions to Ask Your Prospective Real Estate Attorney

Everyone knows that it is a big advantage to have an experienced real estate attorney in your corner when purchasing or selling property. However, most people are unsure of how to actually choose an attorney.

Have you handled cases like mine in the past?

Although there is some variation, most real estate transactions and cases are relatively similar. Therefore, it's important to find out whether your prospective attorney has handled cases like yours in the past. This is another way of gauging a prospective attorney's real estate experience.

Can you provide references?

Related to the previous question, your prospective attorney should be willing to provide you with references. By speaking to current or former clients of your attorney, you'll quickly be able to determine whether he or she is the right lawyer for you.

Will anyone else besides you be handling my case?

It's important to know who will actually be handling your case when you choose a law firm. For example, larger firms often assign work to inexperienced junior associates without telling their clients, sometimes resulting in unacceptable outcomes.

How much do you charge?

Attorneys have different fee structures. For example, some charge an hourly rate, while others charge a flat fee. Make sure you determine how your prospective attorney charges at the onset, and don't be shy about asking for an estimate.

Connecticut Real Estate Attorney

Real estate transactions in Connecticut, whether residential or commercial, can be extremely complicated, and it’s important to ensure that no important details are overlooked during the process. At the Law Office of Benjamin S.

What to ask a lawyer about a case?

Ask about possible obstacles in your case and how they can overcome them. A great attorney will also know the other party's strategy and their plan of action.

How to get a good picture of a lawyer?

Ask for a list of recent references to get a better picture of the lawyer. A professional reference can tell you how they operated under pressure and their weaknesses.

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 ...

What can a real estate lawyer do?

Are you going through the simple processes of buying or selling? Do you disagree with something in the contract? A real estate lawyer can help guide you through the process.

How long does it take to get a return call from a lawyer?

Ask the lawyer how easily accessible they are. You should be able to get a return call or email within a business day. Most reputable law firms will have an emergency line in case something needs immediate attention.

Why do law firms pitch their services?

Make them pitch their services to you in hopes that they bring their best abilities to court.

What is a competent lawyer?

A competent lawyer will walk you through the steps of their process. They will ensure you understand the reasons behind every move.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is a real estate attorney familiar with the New York laws?

Not only is a real estate attorney familiar with the steps involved in the process, but will be familiar with the New York laws involved and can advise you while steering you in the right direction to best accomplish your goals.

How Old Is Your Practice?

Do You Have Experience Handling Similar Cases?

Who Else Will Be Working on My Case?

• When hiring a real estate attorney, you will want to be sure to understand exactly what type of service you are receiving. A good question to ask is “who else will be working on my case?” In many cases, this will include a paralegal or another type of legal support staff member. In addition, you should find out if the attorney you are speaking with...

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