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12 May, 2019 by Suzanne
Randy was diligent, thorough and kept us calm on a long and difficult real estate deal where we were buying from a developer. Can’t recommend. Him enough and wouldn’t think of using anyone else now.
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18 Jul, 2016 by Cathy
A family member highly recommended that I hire Randall to do the closing of my home because she (as a paralegal) felt he would be best to serve me. She was absolutely right! I never had to buy or sell a house in my life until the recent death of my husband which changed all that. Randall was compassionate and professional. He explained the process and didn't mind at any time repeating himself or clarifying any and all questions that I had. He was very patient with me and provided me with fantastic service at a very reasonable price. I highly recommend Randall without hesitation. ~Cathy~
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19 May, 2016 by Jane
Randall Barron was hired by me and my family to handle the legal aspects of the sale of our family home. My husband, a realtor, was the listing Broker, and worked closely with Randy. My husband always had very positive comments regarding Randy and his recommendations. He exhibited exceptional knowledge and competence at real estate law, caring service to my parents in their late 90's, and a full attention to all the details that make deals work. Randy offered truly full-service.....an initial discussion of the property and the circumstances of the sale, a clear statement of the steps he would carry out ..along with a very fair fee. He proceeded to do everything he promised and more!...including a visit, along with his para-legal to the Assisted Living Facility where my parents reside to obtain deed and POA signatures....at no extra charge. Randy always responded immediately to our and my husband-realtor questions...giving clear understandable responses and most importantly he showed tremendous respect and concern for my parents and their welfare. I strongly recommend Randy Barron. He provided the legal services necessary for a smooth real estate sale. and he really cared about his clients!!
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12 Oct, 2017 by Dh
Margaret was so incredibly helpful and encouraging through our process of purchasing our first home. She was so patient with our endless questions, and made herself available for a 9pm closing when our schedules got hectic. She made what would have been a very daunting process a very smooth one. I can't recommend her highly enough.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Kristin fess
Working with Randy while closing our house was a breeze. He answered every question swiftly and thoroughly. No question or concern was too small for him to address. He made the closing of our house as painless as possible. I can’t recommend him enough. You won’t be sorry you engaged his services!
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17 Jun, 2024 by John tyler
Randy oversaw a successful purchase of a local home for me. He was efficient, timely, provided good advice, and the closing went through smoothly. I highly recommend using Randy for real estate transactions. John T
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19 Dec, 2023 by Rachel krompinger
Exceptional Legal Support for Home Purchase: Randy Barron, ESQ and Team We were fortunate to engage Randy Barron, ESQ and his exceptional team at Barron & Sweet to facilitate the purchase of our new home, and the experience exceeded all expectations. From the initial introduction to the final signing of the P&S, Randy and his team displayed an unparalleled level of professionalism and dedication that made the entire process seamless and stress-free. What stood out most was their commitment to going above and beyond. Despite the intricacies involved in real estate transactions, Randy and his team ensured an efficient and pleasant experience, normally not what one says about purchasing real estate! Their expertise shone through, guiding us at every step and making what could have been an overwhelming process remarkably smooth. One particular highlight was the team's extensive knowledge and deep roots in the area. They surprised us by sharing a historical plot plan from decades ago, a delightful piece of our new home's past. This unexpected treasure has proven immensely useful, especially recently when we required a notarized plan to review quickly. We wholeheartedly recommend Randy and the team at Barron and Sweet to anyone seeking legal guidance in real estate matters. They are not just legal professionals; they are partners dedicated to ensuring their clients' utmost satisfaction. Thank you, Randy, for your exceptional service!
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03 May, 2024 by Arthur martiroso
Patricia represented a mutually client of ours and she did a phenomenal job. Her communication was excellent and she had great attention to detail. Due to her work and commitment the transaction went super smoothly.
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21 Jul, 2020 by Nicolette mascari
Pat represented clients of mine in a multilayered real estate transaction. As the clients’ agent, she kept me in the loop at every touch point and reached out when appropriate so I knew how the contracts were progressing. Pat was professional, patient and responsive to all parties involved and helped keep the deal moving forward to ensure everyone got to the closing table on time. I highly recommend Pat and will continue to use her as a real estate attorney. Thank you Pat for being an essential part of the team!- Nicolette Mascari, Compass
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01 Apr, 2024 by Nick fitzgerald
Hillery and her team are absolutely amazing!! I just completed my first home purchase and Hillery helped ensure everything stayed organized and on track. Everyone here is extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and kind, especially during a process that can be very stressful. They will get things done well and keep your mind at ease!
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23 Jan, 2024 by Anne-marie smith
I have done several transactions both as a buyer and seller with Dorner Law & Title Services and would recommend their services without hesitation. Everyone on the team has always been on top of my transactions. I feel that they go above and beyond!
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09 Jan, 2024 by Darphens rene
This law firm is excellent! They've assisted me with 2 different real estate transactions during which I had strong support from a team of professionals. My representatives were always on time, well-prepared, and they explained complex terms in the simplest ways. I strongly recommend this firm!
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02 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
This law firm as a whole got me into such of a mess it's taken me 2 years to get out of it. I found another attorney that has now resolved most of it. John has a short fuse and doesn't keep you informed. He's probably good at what he does but he gave everything to his inexperienced assistants who became a personal assistant to the opposition (not good). It was really nerve wracking and expensive. His junior attorney told a judge I was going to sign a settlement contract I had no intent to. John then told me off after I confronted them. Thank goodness I fired them. I've been winning the lawsuits against me but with them I was losing. It's like I hired someone who wanted me to lose just because they were sick of my problems.
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25 Jan, 2020 by Katherine
John Dow did two closings for me expertly. He did the first one when I bought my house, and he also put it under the "homestead" law, further protecting my ownership. The next closing was a few years later when the interest rates went down. That too he did expertly. Last year I was having an issue at my job and John Dow wrote two rational, respectful letters to the person involved and the problem was satisfactorily resolved. John Dow is an excellent lawyer who most certainly does NOT overcharge!
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26 Oct, 2019 by Heidi
Hired John Dow to do our home closing. He quoted me a flat fee price for the closing. He never advised us of a changed fee structure or any additional costs. We requested a copy of our closing document and he sent us the privileged and confidential financial closing document of another client named Kathleen. We informed them of this tremendous mistake and they just dismissed it. Finally, we get our correct closing document and we begin to correct several of his mistakes (improperly calculated taxes etc.) Lastly, we notice that the flat fee that he quoted us is now 3x that of which he quoted. We confronted him and he said it was because we decided against his owners title insurance that he makes money from. I explained that he gave me a flat fee total cost for the closing. He said “well I invested a lot of time, phone calls and emails on this and I charge $400 an hour.” I responded that his hourly wage was irrelevant because he quoted us a flat fee. He then changed his story that the additional costs were now for “lender representation” and under no circumstances would he change his fee on the closing document to our agreed upon fee. Dishonest, disorganized, unethical. Mass Board of Overseers here we come.
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28 May, 2019 by Mike
I hired Attorney Kimberlie Sweet to handle a interpersonally difficult case involving a family members discloure of my privledged medical records. Attorney Sweet and her co-counsel mispled the case and when the opposing side motioned for summary judgement attorney sweets response was to withdraw when I asked how I had been left open to the legal arguments in the opposing sides motion for summary judgement. I spent 10ks of thousands with this firm and noone there will even respond to repeated calls about the overbilling associated with the improper pledings. In my experience , this attorney's actions on my case would indicate she value profits far more than her relationships with her clients or the results produced by her work or lack therefore. Proceed with caution.
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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:

  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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