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08 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Steve helped me through the purchase of my new home. I appreciated his patience with me through the process and found his advice to be invaluable. I had heard stories about how long closings can take but found Steve to be extremely efficient in the process. I found him very knowledgeable about the entire process and would not hesitate to use him again - and recommend that others do as well!
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13 Aug, 2014 by Paula
Steve has always been there for me, no matter what question I have. I asked him to be my Lawyer almost 3 years ago, after my father died. He did the estate, and then helped me set up a LLC., he also did a closing on a house for us. He is very well rounded and I trust him.
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11 Aug, 2014 by Kelsey johnson
Stephen Withers helped us to draft and execute our Wills, Trusts and Healthcare Proxies. He was extremely thorough, professional and responsive throughout the entire process. Our knowledge of these documents was elementary, and he took the extra time to make sure we understood each document's content and purpose. We would highly recommend this skilled attorney!
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25 Aug, 2014 by Ted
John has very effectively guided our company thru a number of significant issues involving employees, independent sales representatives, as well as helping us save one of our largest customers. He has given us strait forward advice & council time & again and reached out to experts in various fields when needed.
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13 Aug, 2014 by Walt
John guided my family through an extremewly difficult time when the Nusing Home was on the verge of getting my Parents home!! Thank you John!!
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13 Aug, 2014 by Robert
John has handeled several real esate transactions for our firm all with professionalism and expedience. I have been dealing with John for many years and will continue to do so far into the future.
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09 Dec, 2009 by Martha
I have had the privilege of representing both buyers & sellers of real estate as an agent who have been represented by Daniel T. Blake. I found Dan to be thorough and prompt in all his transactions. I can recommend him with enthusiasm as he has represent me personally with positive results.
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16 Nov, 2009 by Richard
In my profession I am encountering lawyers on a weekly basis. While I have not developed a formal system for rating lawyers, it has become readily apparent that all lawyers are not created equal. My decision to choose Dan Blake as my Corporate Attorney nearly 19 years ago has proven to be one of my most brilliant business decisions. His analysis and input has been invaluable and his support has been unwavering through the years. I reccomend Dan Blake on a regular basis with complete confidence and he has never failed to meet client expectations.
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14 Nov, 2009 by Emmett
I have personally used Attorney Dan Blake in several areas over the past several years and have referred him to numerous friends and business associates. His work for me has included estate planning, estate administration/probate, purchase and sale of real estate, and a variety of business related matters. Let me briefly highlight a couple of these engagements and my impressions of Dan as it relates to them. I was asked to be trustee/executor of a friend’s multi-million dollar estate. He unfortunately had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had a very short time to live. He wished to leave his entire estate in trust to benefit two friends since he was not close to his living relatives - a half sister and several cousins. The estate was complicated involving six real estate properties, an extensive antique collection, numerous bank accounts and liquid investments, and an antique car collection. The trust was also complicated and included all necessary provisions for the support and care of the beneficiaries. Because time was short (less than 2 weeks), Dan provided quick turn around on drafting the will, setting up a trust, and transferring. Great care was taken so the will could not be contested. Upon my friend’s death, Dan oversaw the settling of the estate via probate and his office administered the trust for me as trustee. Reflecting back, I was amazed at how smoothly things went, especially considering the potential for serious problems. I feel this was largely due to Dan’s personal commitment to make sure things were done right from the start. Dan also set up an investment LLC for me. Its structure included numerous special considerations. For example equity interest in the LLC’s investments varied from one partner to another since it was based not only upon their initial capital contribution but also their degree of active participation in the investment. There were several other special requirements, which Dan was able to craft into its structure. I feel his knowledge of the area, enabled me to efficiently and economically create a custom LLC that perfectly matched my needs. On occasion I have needed to slightly modify the LLC because of alterations to our business strategy. Dan has been able to rapidly make these changes, which I again attribute to his keeping abreast of current thinking and laws in this area. As I indicated earlier, I have personally used Dan in several other areas including my family’s personal estate planning, sale of one of my businesses, and purchase and sale of several real estate properties. In each case I have found him very knowledgeable and efficient in the way he approached each assignment. He was comfortable providing a cost estimate for his work and I did not experienced any surprises in the final bill. I also feel his prices were fair. He took great pride in his work and when necessary took time to educate me on various approaches or options. Have have worked with numerous lawyers over the years and I definitely put him at the top of the list. That is why I continue to use him personally and also refer him to both friends and business associates.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Dayana wilson bancroft
Lets begin by saying THANK YOU J. You went above and beyond for my case and that's truly appreciated. To give the expecting public a quick reference of my case. I was charged with some serious offenses for which anyone would have looked at 20+ years on federal prision due to bad management in a company (the change their name after the incident) that intended to use me as an escape goat. Gratefully I acquired on of the best upcoming attorneys and his hunger for winning match my hunger of staying free for my kids. If you feel like life its throwing you hard ball let him catch it for you I PROMISE YOU he will deliver. As he said "there's no such thing as a perfect argument"...but he will create a perfect one for your case. Thank you once again J YOU DID IT !!!!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Pj draudins
Jason is the best most amazing lawyer!!! He represented me and I am more than pleased with him. He is smart, professional, he cares, and was amazingly aggressive with the way he handled and went about everything to get the best outcome! Jason is making a big and well known name for himself, and in my opinion I don’t think most lawyers are on his level. Thank you so much for everything Jason! I wouldn’t hesitate to hire and have you represent me again for anything! You are the best of the best!!!!
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14 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer soto
Mike was very knowledgeable about what he was doing and always gave you every case scenario that can occur in your case. I am so glad he helped me win my OUI case. I would highly recommend his services.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Mike shannon
If you need a lawyer Michael Carroll is the way to go. Knowledgeable, and professional can't think of anyone else better. If ever need lawyer again he's who I will call!
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07 May, 2024 by Matthew holbrook
Attorney Singh was FANTASTIC! Found myself in a tough spot and Attorney Singh was able to work with me and took my case. He was always professional and kept me informed throughout the entire process. He was extremely responsive to all of my questions and concerns keeping my mind at ease. Attorney Singh did what he does and got my case dismsissed. Although I hope they never need his services He would be the first Attorney I'd recomend to friends and family should they need him. Thank you again!
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05 May, 2024 by Michael j. eby
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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