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11 Mar, 2019 by Teresa
Attorney David Smith was recommended to me. I called him after hours to leave a message to get see if he would see me with only a very short time before I was about to lose everything. To my surprise. He called me right back. He gave me a day to come and bring everything to him that I had from my mother's mortgage company. From day one. They lead me wrong. I listen to them thinking they were on my side. To my surprise I was in a proceedings of being foreclosed. But that's not the worst. The insurance company also put me last. We pay insurance and we was wrong by listening to mortgage company because the whole time they were telling me everything would work out. Everything fell apart. I was losing with my home and my Insurance Company didn't offer to lead me in any direction. Instead I down graded to a house that I have never in my life been exposed to. And no one was helping me. Court gives you a package about foreclosure help in NC. . I called and wrote and did anyone take time to listen to my story until Attorney Smith. He not only listen. He offered to be by my side. I was almost in tears. I lost my mother, brother and house burnt Down in 59 days. I had to pay for2 funerals and then found myself Homeless. My insurance company didn't advise me. They didn't do anything but offended me with the aqusations that had me run out of the office and dare them to ever speak my name again. I had to fight to get me in a rental 5 months later . I was in grievance and I wasn't thinking staight. With no expense for any clothes, food, or furniture They kept wanting reciepts. I was broke after being homeless. Hotels took what savings I had left. . The power was behind 1200.00 bc the firedepartment didn't cut water off. I was told not to be on property until further notice so my house was robbed and torn to pieces. Vagrancy found in my home serveral times. But today was the first day that I felt like someone actually cared. Thank you Attorney Smith. I know it still isn't over but having someone with your expertise on my side is like night and day. I lost everything I ever owned. I lived outside, I lived with people that I wake up to being touched in my private places. I lived a nightmare that if only one person would listen and help or offer advice. I will never be the same again. But at least I can hold my head up. I promise my mother as she past away at home. " I would fight to save this place for a place We would always be welcome. That was her dream and after living there for 16 years. 59 days is all it took for me to mess everything up. Yes I blamed myself because I had no one on my side. Everyone wanted me to walk away and let it go. Attorney Smith put the fight back in me. And I will not give up on anything that should have been easy to just make monthly payments and I would have been able to get contractors and be back home by now. I want to Thank you for your time and patience and support. We still have a battle but at least I can stand up and fight back. No one is taking anything that I have worked for. 16 years aren't going away over night. The office and team was so awesome to me today. I do appreciate you giving me my respect back. And for that is all it going to take for me to stand up and tell my story. Thanks so much. Teress
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11 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
There is no lawyer I trust more than Hance. He is thorough and conscientious.
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27 Sep, 2013 by Sarah
Mr. Low communicated with me on a level that was easy for me to comprehend. I am not familiar with tenant law, but he made me aware of my rights and helped me figure out the steps I needed to take to protect them. He walked me through step by step- something any attorney I have ever hired has NEVER done for me.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Santino johnson
I hired Mr. Richard beam as my attorney he help me through my case he dismissed it I’m very satisfied with the results. His daughter Megan was very awesome. She let me know about my case when I was done I appreciate everything you did for me. I highly recommend them as your attorney give them a try.
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05 Apr, 2024 by Lindsey bumgardner
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20 Mar, 2024 by Ryan reynolds
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17 Jul, 2023 by Den s war d
Part attorney, part teacher, learned a lot, thank you!
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12 Jul, 2021 by Blind manifest
I phoned his office based on a recommendation. Best move I ever made - saved my family over $80k by making that call. Don't try to navigate the labyrinth of Medicaid/Social Security by yourself - this is the best advise I can give to a family member looking out for a parent and the surviving family members. Thank you Jesse.
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31 Mar, 2021 by Mary minton
He is the best Attorney I know . Great office staff and Pardners
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11 Aug, 2023 by Jimmy regan
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30 Jan, 2018 by Mary whiteside
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04 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
This guy has cost us a lot of money and had the nerve to give false information to the assistant clerk of superior court to get paid a additional $1200 when he’s cost us over $7000 cause of his screw up. He will be sent to the bar association
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25 Oct, 2023 by Nettie
Whatever you do don't hire this man to plea your case in court !!!! My husband is a 100% service connected disabled Marine Corps Veteran,and Mr Garland did not present our case very well at all!! He got a good retainer fee , he didn't do a good job at all !!! He said we could appeal but his retainer fee would be considerably higher. He didn't present enough evidence or fight hard enough for us , he told us he would handle it. He told us to meet him @8:45 am to meet before court and we were on time and he showed up 4 minutes before time to go in the courtroom, he was unshaven,he kept popping his partial plate in an out of his mouth,he got up and walked out just before our case was called and the judge or us knew why he left. He needs to retire!!! He has no game anymore! Consumer Beware! Don't hire him if you want to win your case, because he doesn't know what the heck he is doing!!! Horrible experience! Plus he was having a one on one with the other party.
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28 Apr, 2022 by Jefferey
This guy literally didn't put the right name on the case for my apartment complex 4 times and everytime we went to court our case never even got heard and we got continued because it needed to be fixed, even after I provided him with the correct name. Got a video of his own assistant saying he’s not qualified for his job. He got angry and was unprofessional when I asked for refund and kicked me out off his office. Then tried to trespass me from ever coming there. I have all this on video. I also paid him completely what he asked to take the case and he kept emailing me for more money for working .01 hours. He emailed me receipts and it would have missing payments and I had to prove it wrong with receipts so don’t ever get this lawyer.
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10 Oct, 2021 by Rodney
This attorney is an ego maniac that is dishonest and incompetent. He makes promises that he doesn’t follow through on. He over bills and does not communicate. Once he takes your money and is too incompetent to help you he releases you as a client.
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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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