Filter by

star star star star star
16 Nov, 2010 by Rob
Tom handled a real estate matter for me and was very easy to work with. Hi hourly rate is reasonable and he gets the job done.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
18 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
This very busy lawyer handled a messy situation for my elderly mother. He was very patient, caring and extremely helpful to our family during a difficult time. His knowledge of this area of law is outstanding and his ability to explain the issues was excellent. I found him to be responsive and his fees were very reasonable. I highly recommend him .
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
30 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
I have had a case with this attorney for over 8 years & have received no results he ignores letters phone calls emails & never returns a call when a message has been sent to him. Everytime you call he is out of the office or with a client............. My suggestions don't use this attorney he is not a worth a dime
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
22 Dec, 2021 by Michael mcclellan
Google Maps
star star star star star
28 Apr, 2020 by Karen saylor
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
22 Dec, 2021 by Michael mcclellan
Google Maps
star star star star star
28 Apr, 2020 by Karen saylor
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
22 Dec, 2021 by Michael mcclellan
Google Maps
star star star star star
28 Apr, 2020 by Karen saylor
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
22 Dec, 2021 by Michael mcclellan
Google Maps
star star star star star
28 Apr, 2020 by Karen saylor
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
22 Dec, 2021 by Michael mcclellan
Google Maps
star star star star star
28 Apr, 2020 by Karen saylor
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
22 Dec, 2021 by Michael mcclellan
Google Maps
star star star star star
28 Apr, 2020 by Karen saylor
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
22 Dec, 2021 by Michael mcclellan
Google Maps
star star star star star
28 Apr, 2020 by Karen saylor
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
22 Dec, 2021 by Michael mcclellan
Google Maps
star star star star star
28 Apr, 2020 by Karen saylor
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
03 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Do not hire this woman. She ruined my life. I lost everything I owned thanks to her incompetence. My children have suffered immensely due to her actions. Stay away from her at all costs.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
07 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Katherine took over a case that was filed in Federal court. She thought Wayne County would be a better venue, so she dismissed my case against general motors and state farm them filed the complaint with Wayne County who rejected and dismissed the complaint costing me millions of dollars. There are so many attorneys out there, don't let this one ruin your case!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
09 May, 2013 by Rob
Katherine is nothing less than the best. Very professional, very helpful,very honest, she has helped me understand what legal rights I have to my children, as a father. She has helped me regain a great relationship with my children and has stuck up to opposing counsel like no other attorney has before. All I have to say is THANK YOU SO MUCH she is the best client Rob
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
23 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
I met Lori through a referral a few years ago to try to change custody to joint physical/legal because our living situation was more conducive than the counter parent. After meeting with her in depth and providing thorough background and evidence, I requested specific information be presented to court, Lori disregarded and presented something that caused the court to drag me and view me as a person I am NOT which has ultimately led to subsequent motions being denied because of the courts perception. She then suggested that I file an appeal. Charged an astronomical amount and still lost the appeal that should’ve never been presented. I made the bad decision to keep her to try to give chances to improve the business relationship and to try to show consistency with the courts. Lori does not pay attention to detail, she misrepresented information severa times. I have reason to believe her conversation out of her clients presence is not supporting or one of advocacy but to represent herself as being competent. She blatantly lied in an email to opposing counsel saying she advised me to comply with something that she absolutely did not advise me to comply on. She had taken an excessive amount of money from my family to misrepresent me. Because I asked her to correct the record on several things and refile motions that were not filed correctly or overlooked, she contacted me removing herself from representing me. This was after I sent an email with concerns a few weeks ago saying we would need to do things differently and I also mentioned to Lori that I would seek different counsel but felt it was necessary for her to right her wrongs. Lori is not competent, she is not present in a case, she hands the case to opposing counsel. She does not have fight and grit to present cases in court. She recommends temporary fixes and promised to continue the motions at a later time...only to allow time to resolve the issue on its own. She has to be reminded several times on information relevant to the case. She request evidence she doesn’t use. Poor representation. Please do NOT USE HER AS COUNCIL.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
22 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I've met her more than once, I sat with her , and I asked her legal question and I explained to her what I need in detail, and , on that basis I asked her to help me with specific thing , but unfortunately , it was clear for me that : she did not understand what I asked her basically , even after I repeated everything to her several times because in the end ( she gave me Full wrong information) rather give me the correct information in what I asked her, making everything more difficult for me, but I ignored that completely and I got what I wanted simply from the another lawyer . I do not recommend to anyone to go to this lawyer at all.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
21 Dec, 2011 by Anonymous
Could not separate personal issue form professional. Impatient. Intimidated by persons asking knowledgable questions pertaing to their case. Actually did not represent the client(defendant) but gave the case to the plaintiff. Watched in disbelief as she pretty much represented the or had the plaintiff's best interest when her client was the defendant. She did not try to defend the defendant. I asked the defendant who was distressed afterwards stated that she was not informed by the attorney and asked questions pertaining to her case while the attorney felt intimidated and relayed to her colleagues and bosses that she was unreasonable and the attorney client relationship was broken. Told the client she could represent herself. Who does that as an attorney? Who withdraws from a case due to their personal beliefs? No because there was any actual cause. She left her client high and dry. Said that she is not use to communicating everything with the client, that she does not have the client directly involved the case.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
05 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
$200 for a short consultation and rudeness. Would not recommend! I called to asked a question and his response you come in or you're wasting my time.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
16 May, 2023 by Tiara
He is rude and took full advantage of my dad in the time of my mother being on her death bed. My dads other daughter hired him and he is very shady. I tried calling to get more information about my dad’s will and he was instantly defensive which is how I know something isn’t right. Very unprofessional and obviously just cares about the money. 0 stars.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
29 Mar, 2014 by Nate
This firm has to be hands down the worst rag-tag group of ambulance chasers I have ever had dealings with. I went to them for their help with tort litigation and seeking damages. Mary Mahoney sat me down listened to my story, while injecting her political views into my narrative. Mary told me that she would be in touch with me if I had any questions. She gave me her card. Three weeks went by. I sent her 9 emails, left her 6 phone messages. Her assistant always claimed that Mary was "in a meeting" and would "call me back". She responded barely to my first email and never returned any of my calls. I had more information to give her and she was just not interested. At the three week mark I received a letter in the mail stating that they were too busy and had to "relinquish" me as a client. Do yourself a favor and avoid this firm at ALL COSTS!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
05 Oct, 2023 by Donn
My case was dismissed because he failed to sign on. I won a judgment against him for 113,000 and he never paid .
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.

Scroll to top