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01 Sep, 2023 by Paul
Michael was a “God Send” to our family. Within one week we were faced with a tenant of over 20 years reporting us to the city for a very small matter and a diagnosis of Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. Needless to say we were quite overwhelmed.
Michael not only walked us through the steps dealing with the city. But he did all the negotiating (which I might add, was not easy) with the problem tenant getting him to vacate with very minimal difficulty.
In our family, Michael Notaro is “Worth His Weight In Gold”
Thank you Michael for everything!
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13 Aug, 2015 by Curtis
Michael did an amazing job helping my wife and I through an owner move in eviction in Oakland. We initially attempted to do the eviction ourselves but quickly found we were in over our heads. Michael took on our challenging and incredibly stressful situation and quickly simplified the process for us. He was incredibly knowledgeable, patient and honest, as new landlords, we couldn't have asked for better representation. Michael was also very responsive to our questions and concerns always responding to our calls and emails in a very timely manner. Ultimately, Michael got our tenant out and we finally feel we have control over our investment. We are grateful for Michael's excellent work and thankful that we have someone like Michael in our corner.
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10 Sep, 2013 by J c
I feel that many can benefit from working with Michael Notaro, I'm finding other places he's mentioned on the internet. Needless to say, I would hire him again in a heartbeat.
I was involved in a very complex case revolving around Owner/HOA relationships and was shopping for a lawyer on Yelp, the Alameda County Bar Association and other internet sources before finding Michael. I had talked to a few other lawyers in the area and just after talking to Michael for 10 minutes (it took that long to explain the situation) my wife and I settled on Michael Notaro for our counsel. Not being well versed in the law, I needed guidance as well as some simple explanations for what to do and what the outcomes were. He made us feel that, even though he was our lawyer, that we were in control and that we were making the decisions.
One thing that stuck with me was how well he was able to illustrate options and provide risk/reward analyses of each situation. For example, one of the paths I had chosen had exposed a vulnerability to one of the other parties concerned (I wanted to preserve prior sets of relationships for those interested parties.). Though I was going against his clear warning, he trusted my judgement and provided the most constructive and efficient solution that ended up saving all parties (even those opposed to me) thousands of dollars and months in arbitration, not to mention a few friendships!
He was available to consult about the smallest of details. Where I was hung up about wordings on documents and getting stuck on the minutia of legalese, Michael was able to really clear up any issues or concerns that I had. From being in real-estate law so long, his excellent rapport with the other lawyers in the bay area worked to hasten a resolution for everyone that brought real results that were amenable to all parties. I think everyone involved in the case appreciated Michael's handling of it.
Lastly, Michael's dedication to protecting his client and the long term bottom line was evident from the moment I walked in his office. He said to me, "I work cases not to just to provide an immediate and expedient judgement, but a lasting one that protects everyone involved." Of course I'm paraphrasing, but you get the point. He wasn't just thinking of this case, but all the other cases that could come up later on.
I plan to be in the Bay Area for a long time and it's good to know that I've got someone like Michael Notaro in my corner. Thank you for your hard work, your patience and your tenacity! We are grateful for your service.
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08 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Very good listener and his advice was well received. The initial dispute between the property management company and myself was resolved within 2 days.
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11 Nov, 2015 by Jim
Marc has been my lawyer and then very close friend for 20+ years, and I simply do not know what I would do without him. He is smart, tenacious, ethical, wise, and damn witty - a very rare assortment, in friendship and/or the law.
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11 Nov, 2015 by Linda
My case involved Real Estate and financial abuse of a family member. While selling a home I asked the realtor if she knew of a Real Estate attorney and she gave me Marc Fong's information. Marc was the answer to my prayers, he sheltered my elderly family member from the stress of litigation and met with her many times at her assisted living facility when necessary. I cannot express strongly enough how Marc was the strength and calm in the midst of mediation which was extremely stressful. He is everything you want an attorney to be, knowledgable, ethical and
supportive I will alway be grateful for his expertise.
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29 Jun, 2011 by Sam
Answer client's questions professionally
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26 Feb, 2014 by Christopher
My family had never been in trouble with the law we were toaly out of our league , John was a recommendation i was the worst client ,ignorant about the justice system an how it works , i lost my cool more than i can count. John always explain to us what could happen in case's like our's John and his team went to work . 2 year's later the case came to a close our out come was favorable thanks to John Baumgarder and team.
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27 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
I was being investigated for a crime, detectives came to my job. I had never been so terrified in my life. I literally was devastated, humiliated and beyond frightened. Everything felt surreal, I did a quick google search and came across the Law Offices of Tim Pori. Gave them a call and hopped in my car, I initially wanted to speak with Tim, however he was not in. My Mother and I say down with John, and through uncontrollable tears I told him everything. He made me feel so comfortable and he is the most understanding, nonjudgmental person. His approach is straightforward, yet very kind and warm. We decided to hire him, he worked out a payment plan with us ( thank God ). I just knew I was going to go Jail/Prison and my life was going to be ruined. I was wrong, so wrong. I was never even arrested, John was able to convince the detective to not file charges. I could not believe it, I will forever be indebted to him. I don't know how or what he did but it was short of a miracle. I would recommend him to anybody. Thank you John!
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FAQs
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What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You
A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.
Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.
When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?
Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:
- Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
- Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
- Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
- Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
- Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
- Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?
A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:
- Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
- Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
- Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
- Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
- Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
- Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.
How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?
Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:
- Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
- Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
- Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.
It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:
- Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
- Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
- Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.
Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.
Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.
Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.
Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer
Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:
-
What experience do you have with real estate law?
Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on. -
How long will the process take?
Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last. -
Have you handled cases similar to mine?
Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case. -
Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities. -
Can you provide references?
Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.
How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:
- Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
- Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
- Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:
- Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
- A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
- Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
- Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
- Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.
