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04 Jan, 2025 by Hannah
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As a loan officer and real estate investor, collaborating with MGC Law has been a consistently positive experience. Their team provides prompt, efficient, and friendly service, ensuring seamless closings for my clients. Their professionalism and attention to detail are truly commendable. I highly recommend MGC Law to anyone seeking a dependable legal partner for real estate transactions.
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16 Jan, 2023 by Kevin lewis
I've used them several times, and they always perform flawlessly !!
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10 Jan, 2023 by Amelia robinson
I have been working closely with MGC Law Firm for 7 years now. David Ross, Kelly, Brenda & all supporting staff are amazing, very professional, down to earth, easy to talk with and quick with responses. They are my preferred closing attorney office to work with and its always a pleasure.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Joejoe_
Does not know basic constitutional law. Mislead me into giving them $250 to be rejected.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Raymond lique
Mr.Wallace was very helpful with my case also very honest. Unlike most people these days he was more interested in helping me than taking my money!!! So if you’re looking for a honest hard working attorney that knows what he is talking about this is your guy!!!!
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05 Jul, 2024 by Randy rabon
Great attorney. He gave me great advice for a situation I'm dealing with in regards to work. I'd recommend him to all my contractor friends
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22 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
I sought Mr. Starkes’ service for 2 matters. His staff was very nIce and helpful. I requested assistance for my family purchase of property and for a will amendment for my mom.
The closing was handled in a very professional manner and Mr. Starkes addressed various concerns of my family members, who were located in California. Long story short, the closing was handled in the manner my family desired. And as a result, my has used his firm for more closings and other matters. I found him to be very pleasant, polite, and knowledgeable.
As to the will, I sent my mom to Mr. Starkes to make amendments bc I could not do the amendments. My mom was very satisfied and appreciated Mr. Starkes services. She was able to repeat the advice to me and received all the help regarding her concerns. Since then, she has passed and in review of the Will, Mr. Starkes address must mom’s will in the manner she requested. I think this is why she adored him as her attorney. Since then, I have given Mr. Starkes’ information to several friends and customers in the Columbia area.
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04 Mar, 2020 by Charlotte
We hired Xavier Starkes to help my mother get her will, papers, directives in order. He was recommended by a friend. Boy, am I glad she suggested we go to him. He was very professional, but personable at the same time. He was very precise about what he was doing and even made calls to banks, etc. to make sure everything was in order. We have, finally, found a lawyer we can use forever.
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22 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Hired Xavier to represent me to negotiate with the insurance company after a boat accident in which I sustained significant facial injuries.
I feel Xavier didn't put the time in to understand the whole picture. He seemed to do a cursory review, if that, of everything. He was telephoning me at least five or six times a week for five months during his representation of me, and I felt I continuously had to reiterate the same things over and over to him. I finally became frustrated and had a conversation with him about it, relayed to him everything he kept getting incorrect, and expressed I was not happy. Three, four days later, he sends me his first draft of the demand letter, and the things I had JUST expressed to him in that conversation were incorrect were still incorrect!
In his initial draft of the demand letter to the insurance adjuster, he didn't even have the mechanics of the accident correct. He indicated I was thrown from the boat necessitating a water rescue. I had relayed to him AT LEAST 50 times the boat hit the pylon, my face flew into the center console and was knocked unconscious, another occupant got a life jacket on me, and THEN the boat sank. Although I told him repeatedly I remembered floating in the river and then being pulled up on the overturned boat and that I had floated in the river for at least 30-40 minutes before the rescuers got to us, he indicated in the letter I had no memory of anything. In fact, he was also told I was not sleeping well because I was having nightmares about it. So with all the information I provided him, plus our nearly-every-day telephone conversations about everything, he definitely should have had that down by five months!
He also didn't have my medical providers or all of the treatment I received correct, and it didn't include some of the significant injuries I sustained outlined (tooth shoved up in my jaw, breaking the jaw and requiring surgery, and shifting of facial bones from impact were the big ones, but there was swelling and bruising that lasted for months as well).
I kept copious notes of my recovery and treatment and conversations with my medical providers and photographed my injuries and the healing process. Xavier was in possession of all of it. In fact, I mainly maintained those records for him so that everything would be all laid out for him. It was disheartening to learn at the end the information I was providing him he wasn't taking the time to read and digest. That is what a client hires an attorney for!
Along with a couple of facial surgeries, I had a few bumps in the road during my recovery. My life consisted of and I was focused on doctor's appointments, surgeries, and recovering. That's why I hired a lawyer in the first place. So I put my trust in Xavier, and I feel it was his job to know my case intimately, to learn all the facts, understand the treatment and surgeries and who the medical providers are, and have a concrete grasp of all the injuries suffered, all so that when it comes time to put the demand letter together and begin negotiations, he is able to speak intelligently about my case and advocate for me with vigor. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.
Therefore, Xavier gets two thumbs down.
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15 May, 2019 by Anonymous
There were a lot of things he could've done to help win my case but he didn't. I even offered a lot evidence that he never brought up to help win my case. All he cared about was that I paid the legal fees and didn't try very hard to help win my case. I had tons of evidence against the other side that he ignored. I think his agenda was to drag the case out for as long as possible so to rack up the legal fees for me to pay him more over time as opposed to using the evidence to shut down the other side.
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09 Jun, 2017 by Wade
Called Leonard to let him know about a misunderstanding regarding a land deal. He was incredibly rude, even when I explained my reason for calling as being a courtesy for his information. Called me a jerk and then tried to force a deal. I felt like I was talking to a school yard bully instead of a 41-year professional attorney.
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26 Feb, 2015 by Dallas
I responded to an ad to buy waterfront property out of a development on a nearby lake. The one day sale was set up to do mass showings then if you wanted to buy you signed a contract on the spot for the lot of your choice. The land was beautiful and prices were very good so I entered into a contract. The Seller made no provisions for any due diligence and set an aggressive closing date. After several months I got suspicious and hired Mr. Jordan to review the entire transaction. He found numerous issues with the covenants and restrictions rendering the property unmarketable. These issues were not apparent to me and I am an attorney with the experience of many deals under my belt. Mr. Jordan was able to terminate the contract against the Sellers vigorous efforts to force the closing, saving me from a terrible and expensive mistake. His knowledge of real estate law was immense and instrumental in causing the Seller to return my earnest money. His fee was very reasonable and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone needing real estate advice.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Leah walker
Everyone here is nice and understanding. They kept me updated and in the loop on everything that was going on. Even checked in on me to see how things were going with my recovery. By far the best service. You won’t regret hiring them if you need them.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Matthew ard
Hired Mark due to an accident where I was struck on my motorcycle. The amount of stress he has lifted off of me and help he has provided has been amazing. He truly seems to care and wants to help! They are truly amazing, you won't be dissapointed!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Dl b
I had the unfortunate experience of dealing with this law office, specifically with Ryan McCabe, and it was nothing short of unpleasant. My issue involved an HOA financial matter, and McCabe’s attitude was condescending from the start. He treated me as if I were beneath him, dismissing my concerns and making me feel like my issue was insignificant. It’s no surprise, though—this firm, in my opinion, represents the worst of the legal profession, especially given their involvement as legal representation for local HOAs. They come across as bottom-feeder attorneys, lacking professionalism or basic courtesy.
If I could, I wouldn’t give them a single cent for their services. The lack of respect and poor attitude were astounding. I’m certain they’ll respond to this review with the usual deflection, claiming they have no record of me as a client, but anyone who’s had the misfortune of dealing with them knows exactly what I’m talking about.
Save yourself the frustration and avoid doing business with this law office. There are far better attorneys out there who will treat you with respect and handle your legal matters with the seriousness they deserve. I absolutely do not recommend them.
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25 Apr, 2024 by John reit
Joe worked tirelessly to get me out of a very difficult situation with the IRS due to a nasty divorce. I highly recommend him. He negotiated on my behalf, knew just who to call, and billed me at a very fair rate. Thank you Joe!
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25 Jun, 2021 by B walsh
Paid good money to Joe, had an appeal date he gave me the. Build up. Then never even showed up for the appeal. Broke my heart...
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11 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
This lawyer caused unnecessary antagonism between myself and the party I was negotiating with.
She intentionally was hostile in her communications thus created a breakdown in our negotiations and prolonged the entire situation. This cost me more in attorney fees than I received in my payouts! Her actions were not professional nor were they helpful in my situations. I would never recommend her to any one. She was spiteful and out to run up her fees.
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23 May, 2015 by Anonymous
We hired this attorney to help us with family issues. Instead of calming things down, this attorney sadly made matters much worse than if we did nothing at all. A family member ask him to change our will. It was very complicated and lengthy, so we excepted that he was looking out for our best interests and signed it. When other family members read the will it was not at all what we requested. We had to retain another attorney to resolve all issues.
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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:
-
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.
