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02 Sep, 2014 by Sophie
Gary took care of my real estate need and save me money, i will recommend him to any one for real estate without hesitation. Sophie
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20 Dec, 2010 by Martin
Gary's office lowered my payments. I am very happy with the results I received with my loan.
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06 Dec, 2010 by Brad
Gary got me 2% on a new 30yr term.
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18 Sep, 2024 by The truth
Spoke with them and sent documentation about investment fraud...took several tries to finally speak with some lawyer from Pensacola...he said he would look into it and get back to me about it......never heard from them again.....very unprofessional.
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07 Aug, 2024 by C p
Slimy ambulance chancing lawyers who post untruths online to try and get business. They should be sued for the lies they post online about people especially when those people are found to be innocent by the court of law. They don't care because all they want is money at the expense of someone else's lively hood. The only way they get business is by nefarious business practices. I wouldn't let them represent a rat in New York City!
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05 Jun, 2024 by P chin
Update to my 5 star review: The office jerked me around with paying out my settlement funds for a month! I was told on 6/4 they had my settlement but justing waiting for a tiny partial but that I would get the full amount in 1-2 days, and that they would cover the cost to overnight the check to me. I hadn’t received a check nor did I hear back from them. I contacted the office on 6/25 where she told me they did not receive the last bit but said she would send out the check. I contact them again after not receiving anything days later. Not hearing back, I called the office on 7/1 stating that we still did not receive our check. She was surprised….I honestly don’t know why she would be, because we did receive the check that afternoon and it was not postmarked or mailed until four days later on 6/29. And they did not send it priority mail either. Oh they did send me an empty envelope postmarked the day prior. Bravo for holding onto my money necessitating several phone calls and emails in order to finally get my settlement. It’s a terrible last impression to leave someone. You feel total despair when you’ve invested your life savings with a financial advisor you trusted and he screws you over with lots of alternative investments which paid him high commissions and left you hanging for years until most accounts dwindle down to nothing. Matt and Greg were both wonderful, patient and understanding even when I became emotionally difficult. One of the judges knew Greg and Matt, told us we had 2 of the best FINRA attorneys working with us! My husband and I couldn’t be happier with their hard work and our settlement. I highly recommend Matt and his entire staff.
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18 Sep, 2024 by The truth
Spoke with them and sent documentation about investment fraud...took several tries to finally speak with some lawyer from Pensacola...he said he would look into it and get back to me about it......never heard from them again.....very unprofessional.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Aug, 2024 by C p
Slimy ambulance chancing lawyers who post untruths online to try and get business. They should be sued for the lies they post online about people especially when those people are found to be innocent by the court of law. They don't care because all they want is money at the expense of someone else's lively hood. The only way they get business is by nefarious business practices. I wouldn't let them represent a rat in New York City!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
05 Jun, 2024 by P chin
Update to my 5 star review: The office jerked me around with paying out my settlement funds for a month! I was told on 6/4 they had my settlement but justing waiting for a tiny partial but that I would get the full amount in 1-2 days, and that they would cover the cost to overnight the check to me. I hadn’t received a check nor did I hear back from them. I contacted the office on 6/25 where she told me they did not receive the last bit but said she would send out the check. I contact them again after not receiving anything days later. Not hearing back, I called the office on 7/1 stating that we still did not receive our check. She was surprised….I honestly don’t know why she would be, because we did receive the check that afternoon and it was not postmarked or mailed until four days later on 6/29. And they did not send it priority mail either. Oh they did send me an empty envelope postmarked the day prior. Bravo for holding onto my money necessitating several phone calls and emails in order to finally get my settlement. It’s a terrible last impression to leave someone. You feel total despair when you’ve invested your life savings with a financial advisor you trusted and he screws you over with lots of alternative investments which paid him high commissions and left you hanging for years until most accounts dwindle down to nothing. Matt and Greg were both wonderful, patient and understanding even when I became emotionally difficult. One of the judges knew Greg and Matt, told us we had 2 of the best FINRA attorneys working with us! My husband and I couldn’t be happier with their hard work and our settlement. I highly recommend Matt and his entire staff.
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star star star star star
18 Sep, 2024 by The truth
Spoke with them and sent documentation about investment fraud...took several tries to finally speak with some lawyer from Pensacola...he said he would look into it and get back to me about it......never heard from them again.....very unprofessional.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Aug, 2024 by C p
Slimy ambulance chancing lawyers who post untruths online to try and get business. They should be sued for the lies they post online about people especially when those people are found to be innocent by the court of law. They don't care because all they want is money at the expense of someone else's lively hood. The only way they get business is by nefarious business practices. I wouldn't let them represent a rat in New York City!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
05 Jun, 2024 by P chin
Update to my 5 star review: The office jerked me around with paying out my settlement funds for a month! I was told on 6/4 they had my settlement but justing waiting for a tiny partial but that I would get the full amount in 1-2 days, and that they would cover the cost to overnight the check to me. I hadn’t received a check nor did I hear back from them. I contacted the office on 6/25 where she told me they did not receive the last bit but said she would send out the check. I contact them again after not receiving anything days later. Not hearing back, I called the office on 7/1 stating that we still did not receive our check. She was surprised….I honestly don’t know why she would be, because we did receive the check that afternoon and it was not postmarked or mailed until four days later on 6/29. And they did not send it priority mail either. Oh they did send me an empty envelope postmarked the day prior. Bravo for holding onto my money necessitating several phone calls and emails in order to finally get my settlement. It’s a terrible last impression to leave someone. You feel total despair when you’ve invested your life savings with a financial advisor you trusted and he screws you over with lots of alternative investments which paid him high commissions and left you hanging for years until most accounts dwindle down to nothing. Matt and Greg were both wonderful, patient and understanding even when I became emotionally difficult. One of the judges knew Greg and Matt, told us we had 2 of the best FINRA attorneys working with us! My husband and I couldn’t be happier with their hard work and our settlement. I highly recommend Matt and his entire staff.
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04 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
She was not my lawyer but I did work with her and like the other review on this page, I can assure you, you are not of importance to her, in her life. She never responded to text messages regarding scheduling and when there was a mishap with scheduling, on her part, her first reaction (instead of paying me for my time) was to reach out and find a replacement. Utterly despicable.
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12 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Today we had a phone call conversation with Eleanor Taft and during the whole phone call she was very short and didn't have patience at all to wait for another colleague of mine to be on the phone call. She makes you feel very little and not important when on the call. She is not very helpful at all as a lawyer and needs to learn how to be polite to client , vendors and others. Ellie Taft is not a lawyer that you will want to work with. Her customer service, politeness and patience is very poor. I do not recommend her at all.
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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.

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