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21 Mar, 2018 by John
I was referred to Heidi through the Mass Bar Association. She took my case pro bono and was able to prove that I did not commit the crime I was accused of. She did her homework and did a great job at the trial. Later on I used her as my attorney for my divorce and she was able to get me a fair custody arrangement with my kids. I am bummed out that she is teaching now since I would hire her again for any other legal needs.
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25 Jan, 2019 by L. sunny
Although I infrequently write reviews, I knew I definitely had to take the time to write this one. It was personal. A while after my Father died, my husband and I were assisting my Mother in buying a car. It was at this time that we discovered not just how financially illiterate my 70 year old truly was, but also how ill-prepared she truly was with regards to end-of-life planning. As one of my siblings is a successful CFO, my husband and I mistakenly assumed that he would be guiding our Mother through routine financial management, Living Will and Estate Planning, etc...How wrong we were! After searching for the right fit for my Mom, we luckily hired Mark Swartz. Mark had been a customer of mine actually for years, and having been in town for years myself, I had heard of Mark’s fabulous legal reputation. I also knew what a solid, professional person he was. MARK BLEW AWAY MY EXPECTATIONS AND NOT JUST PROVIDED GREAT LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO MY MOM- BUT HIS EFFICIENT, COMPASSIONATE, EMPATHETIC DILIGENCE AS MY MOM’S LAWYER MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE! My Mom was very comfortable, even though she deals with severe ADD and anxiety, and she has always been extremely disorganized. Mark Swartz did a FORMIDIBLE job legally assisting my Mom. My brothers and sisters and I are all very grateful!
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11 Mar, 2018 by Gail williams
My husband Mark hired Mark , to review a patent pending . He found that their was an issue with the patent office that needed to be clarified before making the idea public. Mark was great and explained everything I needed to do.
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21 Sep, 2019 by Terry day
14 Oct, 2017 by Stephen dow
Excellent lawyer. He explains key issues in a simple yet thorough manner and is very easy to work with. He doesn't market his services like other lawyers. And this is precisely why he is sought after and successful.
I've worked with many kinds of lawyers throughout my years and I would recommend Mr. Schissel to anyone who's looking for a real estate and family lawyer.
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14 Sep, 2021 by Laura girouard
10 Sep, 2021 by Karen keefe
10 Sep, 2021 by Keefejr2000
03 Aug, 2019 by Greg
Hal Beede managed to take what seemed to be an impossible situation and turn it into a win. In the process, he went above and beyond - even doing a bit of role play - to secure the funds from a lawsuit he had won for me.
It all started in 2005 when a client company went out of business still owing me a considerable amount of money. Once the owner filed for Chapter 7, prospects for recovering all or part of the the owed $$ became pretty bleak. However, Hal was able to identify other officers in the company who did not seem to be seeking bankruptcy protection and filed suit against one of them. The defendant did not appear at court, so we won an award for the full amount. Easy,
Actually collecting the $$ was not so easy, though.
When it became clear that the individual would not pay the award, Hal did file a lien against real estate he owned. But the property was not worth all that much and was highly mortgaged. We decided to wait a while for positive developments. The wait was long ... more than ten years in fact, but Hal never gave up, constantly monitoring the status of the property and providing me with periodic status updates.
The breakthrough came when a mortgage holder began foreclosing on the property in the 2017 timeframe. There were two claims ahead of mine, so I did not expect to receive much or anything from the sale of this fairly low value property. However, Hal did all the legal work needed to protect my claim. He even attended the foreclosure auction to make sure everything was done according to all proper procedures. Astonishingly, there was enough left of the proceeds to reimburse me for very close to the full amount of the original claim.
I continue to be amazed at Hal's knowledge of the law, his persistence and his creativity in not just winning a suit for me but also in finding ways to secure the amount I had been awarded. I recommend him enthusiastically and without reservations
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13 Jun, 2018 by Anne
Atty. Beede was wonderful to work with. Our company hired him on 3 occasions to work with us on employment and labor issues. I highly recommend him and would hire him again.
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15 May, 2018 by Anonymous
I needed a lawyer and was given several referrals- one being Hal Beede. After reviewing each lawyers website I decided to go with Hal. I liked what I read about his legal experience, education, and professionalism. He well exceeded my expectations. He brings a human approachable quality unlike many lawyers out there. He took the time to explain everything in a way that I could understand- he even hand delivered documents when I had surgery and could not drive. He is one of the "good guys" and will fight for your rights and win. Hal was not only my lawyer but became a trusted friend. I would hire Hal again no questions and would highly recommend Hal if you are seeking a more than qualified- reasonable rate lawyer.
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06 Nov, 2023 by Debbie mason
He is a good lawyer
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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.
