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02 Mar, 2017 by Lee
Andy was able to unravel a mess that other lawyers and accounts intentional did to hide almost 1 million dollars that I and some of my cousins were to inherit. We just got our settlement after 6 years of a mess of paperwork that Andy and only Andy was able to get us. Much thanks!!!
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04 Jul, 2015 by Mitch
Andy is a true master of his craft which happens to be helping people navigate through their life's business and legal challenges. He has become a close friend and a trusted advisor of mine and has helped me personally through some difficult issues. Andy is extremely intelligent and articulate, an excellent attorney and a keen strategist. I am glad to have him as an ally and on my team.
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25 Jun, 2015 by John
I supervise a roofing company in Philadelphia, PA. I have faced a couple common plea complaints which have all be settled or taken care of because of Andy. He personally attends court with me every time and has saved me more then a couple times. He also helps with my real estate as a small time investor I send him over leases and agreement of sales a lot and he responds in a timely manner which is great.
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06 Jan, 2015 by Ben
Eric and the rest of the team at Khalikman & Rayz did an excellent job with my case. Communication with Eric was always easy and open. He explained the process to me throughout the case and kept it without all of the legal mumbo jumbo. I was well-informed and happy with everything that occurred. I was not expecting the outcome to be as smooth as it was. I would recommend the firm to anyone facing a legal matter. I will definitely use Eric and his firm for needs in the future.
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04 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Kalikhman & Rayz helped me tremendously. They were extremely professional, and got me my check for my personal injury in just ten months. It was incredible. They also helped me with all my therapy appointments, retrieving documents and more. It was such a great experience and I would recommend them to anyone.
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01 Sep, 2010 by Kevin
Professional, cost efficient lawyer that gets to the bottom line for the client. Bills are fair, with no unecessary research or other games played by some attorneys.
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02 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I contacted Mr. Howland regarding a landlord tenant issue (In this case I was the tenant). He gave me basic information to determine how and if it was worth pursuing. The short version, our landlord told us varying information on several occasions in regards to the condition of the apartment after our departure. After 1.5 months we still had no resolution, only a check for a half month's rent, sent after 30 days that he called to tell us he would need to stop payment on due to some more damage he was uncertain about. Our main concern being that the landlord was beginning to tack on items like carpet and such and I was becoming very uncomfortable with the direction of the conversations, and informed the landlord of that. After almost two weeks of no response my partner said enough is enough we need to end this. Mr. Howland walked us through the process, reviewed all of our paperwork, advised us of how the process would typically work and began handling it for us. He took the time to listen and understand our concern, and what the best way to proceed was. Mr. Howland drafted a letter outlining the situation which resulted in a very quick, but not adequate response from the landlord. Mr. Howland followed up immediately on the original letter, modifying and reenforcing what was stated in the initial letter. About 15 days of working with Mr. Howland resulted in our issue being resolved, and done so in our favor. Should the need arise in the future to work with an attorney, Mr. Howland will without doubt be my first call.
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15 Feb, 2024 by Jyldyz jakypova
Alex Moretsky helped me a lot. High level of the professional ethics, very helpful and empathetic lawyer . Alex is amazing, great person! Thank you so much for your quick actions. Responsive and responsible.
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06 Oct, 2023 by Kevin thorn
I have known Alex Moretsky for over 20 years and I have been a client of his for the past 10. He is a fantastic person and an excellent attorney. I would highly recommend Alex for any IRS or Bankruptcy litigation matter or planning your may need help with or for any legal work for that matter. He is thoughtful, intelligent and highly skilled at his craft.
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04 May, 2023 by Carol shin
Alex is a consummate professional who is always available to help his clients and gets the deal done! I highly recommend him and I look forward to working with him again!
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01 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I would never recommend. Zero effort and does not listen nor care about what the client wants.
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10 Oct, 2013 by Diane
Dennis recently helped us establish a will. He was very thorough in explaining all of our options. He seemed knowledgeable about the law and asked us many questions to help us make the best choices. He was responsive to our phone calls. Two weeks later, our son got a traffic ticket and Dennis was very helpful with that as well. He handled everything with professionalism and strength.
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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:

  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.