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27 Mar, 2015 by Jennifer lane
I called to get some help with a divorce with my husband out of state and did not know what to do or how to proceed. I called the office and they were very helpful to guide my accordingly. I felt a lot better and more at ease after just one call. I highly recommend this law firm. thank you.
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01 Oct, 2014 by Gregg
Based on the research i did before singing up with John I was impressed by the many favorable/positive reviews by his fellow Lawyers and clients.
As my case progresses I will update reviews so all can see how John takes care of his clients from beginning to end.
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10 Sep, 2014 by John s
John was direct and forthcoming with his guidance and direction about a matter involving child abuse that occurred many years ago. His detailed explanations were very informative and helpful. I'm grateful for his time and support.
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09 Dec, 2022 by Jackelyn valerio
12 Jun, 2022 by Leona foster
I've known this attorney for years he is amazing always does his best
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18 Sep, 2019 by Michael ramos
02 Aug, 2024 by Christine hassey
Angelo was extremely helpful even just during the initial consultation. He was knowledgeable, easy to talk to and straightforward. Highly recommend!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Jeremy schneider
I was very happy with Angelo. Everything was handled very professionally and quickly.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Archana shivashankar
Very quick response! Thanks
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17 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I was looking for an attorney to help me collect some payments from a customer who had fallen far behind on his account. My client owed me several thousands of dollars, and I had no choice but to pursue legal action. The next door business from mine suggested that I should try using Mahesh Bajoria since he had dealt with him before for real estate issues and had a pleasant experience. I asked my neighbor to arrange a meeting if he could, and later that afternoon I was seated across the desk from Mahesh at his Fremont office. Mahesh seems like he is very patient and listened to my situation. He made valuable suggestions (For example: Mahesh suggested that I should include some language on my contracts to include clauses for attorney's fees, jurisdiction, interest etc in the event of litigation). During my hour with him, he charged me $100, but I felt good enough to sign up with him to pursue my case. The cost he said would be billed at $250/hr and he anticipated it can be anywhere from 5-10 hours initially. Then in event a settlement could not be reached he anticipated another 10 hours for court work. Ok, so I figured it could cost me up to $5,000 to recover the unpaid funds. I was ok with that since Mahesh felt confident that a settlement would be reached before we go to court. He said that is what usually happens. However, as I was getting ready to leave, a lady walked into the office unannounced. She immediately reached out and shook my hand, and all of a sudden she was asking if I have life insurance. I was a bit surprised by this and told her politely I wasn't interested. But even more shockingly, Mahesh then asked me to hear the lady and see if she might offer me something beneficial. I remember thinking "Isn't this a law office? Yes. Then why the hell are you selling me insurance?" This was extremely awkward for me. Mahesh then told me the lady was his wife. So, I had just hired him to represent me in court and now they wanted me to buy life insurance. Was the lawsuit really going to kill me or something? Anyways, I remember sitting down for another 10-15 minutes and listening to them tell me about different types of insurance while Mahesh was encouraging his wife's sales pitch. Towards the end, they asked me if I had a Living Trust or Will. Because I did not want to be rude, I simply told them that yes, I have a Trust already made (even though I didn't). This was good enough for them to stop blindsiding me with sales of random products. I left very confused. I came there to file a lawsuit and I left feeling like I was being sold a suit, a tie and shoes (and socks and handkerchief). Mahesh called me up about a week later and told me he had filed the documents in court and that they were going to serve my client with the summons. Literally a week later, my client called me up and told me he had received the summons, and he would rather settle than go to court. I agreed that we should settle. The client gave me a substantial amount of what he owed and Mahesh wrote the settlement agreement. The result was successful, but it was odd being sold insurance in a law office.
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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:
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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.
