Best Real Estate lawyers in Maryland

3,576 Real Estate Lawyers in Maryland

>3.6k

experienced lawyers

Jenifer Eleni McKinney

147 Old Solomons Island Rd Ste 400, Annapolis, MD

Business Debt Collection Real Estate +3

2.8/5

2.8

87 Reviews

23 Aug, 2024 by Perry thomas

Now i see why this place has a whopping 1.7 rating

08 Aug, 2024 by Debbie williams

Made will and estate planning so smooth. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Jason was a real instructor on constructing a will suited for our situation. Highly recommend!

20 Jul, 2024 by Holly grimes

They are professional. When dealing with collections/money, you’re never going to get a good review

Tara Marie Yutzy Collier

305 Washington St, Cumberland, MD

Estate Planning Real Estate +2

2.7/5

1.0

1 Reviews

4.4

7 Reviews

18 Oct, 2023 by Kyle troutman

Absolutely wonderful to have for a public defender! Professional and gets the job done!! Thank you for everything Rebecca!

13 Jul, 2022 by Glenn plummer

I called for a friend in need that has given up on life.

10 Jul, 2022 by Brian 301

Friendly lady

Mark L Hessel

10605 Concord St Ste 460, Kensington, MD

Appeals Business Estate Planning +1 +4

2.7/5

2.7

7 Reviews

27 Feb, 2021 by Mike

For me Marks work was efficient, effective and complete. More then happy to refer him.

18 Sep, 2020 by Madeleine

I highly recommend Mark Hessel. He is more of a generalist, and so before you turn to a more specialized lawyer, you might want to try his services. He has a lot of common sense and experience, and seeks a way to resolve legal issues the least complicated way possible, and for the least expense. That might turn out to be just what you need. He helped us get out of a tricky real estate situation very simply, with a strongly-worded letter, and with drafting a legal document for a relative who was in a difficult situation. And his rates were very reasonable.

29 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous

I sought his help which he told me will be free consultation. Then after consultation he asked him to pay $400. stating his hourly fee is $275/hour. Then he told he cannot appear in the court. I still gave him $400 as check. Then he sent a bill for more than $1200 to pay him as he contacted my opposite party over phone. Also, he look into law books for every question we ask before he can tell the answer. Then he bill for the time and asking you to Pay. Strongly NOT RECOMMENDED.

Laura Hg O'Sullivan

312 Marshall Ave Ste 800, Laurel, MD

Real Estate +1

2.6/5

2.6

10 Reviews

18 Oct, 2022 by Dan solomon

Can not do anything correctly will not return calls or do their job in a timely manor. Bought a foreclosure in April of 2022 now mid October still no closer to having a home to live in. A process that should take 30-90 days!!!!

25 Jul, 2022 by Angelo petrosillo

This is atrocious, extremely incompetent and lousy. I purchased a property 5 months ago and they JUST NOW sent in the ratification for the process after my constant hounding of messages and emails. And then they send it in INCORRECTLY so it was denied and now again cannot receive any sort of answer back. AVOID THIS LAW FIRM AT ALL COSTS

20 Jul, 2020 by Freedom 0131

Harry Louis Stone

103 North Adams Street, Rockville, MD

Criminal Defense Family Law Personal Injury +2 +5

2.6/5

2.6

5 Reviews

23 Jul, 2024 by Cesar lopez (cel)

15 May, 2023 by John able

Anything beyond traffic tickets, I would not recommend

26 Jun, 2020 by Mia cherif

Great attorney. Referred many peers&Charles Lipbscomb has always been on the side of right&Every time the judge or jury saw the truth he presented. Including representing myself twice.

Abigale M. Bruce-Watson

14418 Old Mill Rd Ste 201, Upper Marlboro, MD

Government Real Estate +2

2.5/5

2.5

2 Reviews

01 Jul, 2024 by Garfield waltz

02 Nov, 2022 by Andre harvey

Michele D. Witherow-Williams

7875 Belle Point Dr, Greenbelt, MD

Consumer Protection Litigation Real Estate +3

2.4/5

2.4

32 Reviews

04 Sep, 2024 by Sula la jefa

For starters, you cannot reach them in person, they never pick up the phone and rarely respond to emails in a timely fashion. This HOA law firm is highly unprofessional and unethical. To set up a simple payment plan, they're asking for deeply personal information without justification. The person requesting this information hasn't even confirmed they are a U.S. citizen and appears to be of East Indian descent. I keep questioning why they're demanding such sensitive personal and financial information (PHI/PII) when I don't even know who I'm dealing with. The level of detail they're asking for isn't even required for government security clearance, yet I'm expected to provide it for a basic HOA payment agreement. This is incredibly risky for my personal security because of the kind of investigative work I do myself for the US Gov. It's concerning because this individual already has access to my deed, public records, and address, but is still opting to ask me for my personal bank account details, social security number, sensitive Job information and more. This seems highly unethical and raises serious concerns about the potential misuse of my personal information. An for those that are not aware, yes America allows foreign nationals to work on paralegal and legal cases remotely as lawyers so just because someone is in the legal dept. asking you for all this information does not mean they are US Citizens and safe to trust providing your PHI/PII info, this could easily become a potential violation of privacy laws, depending on the specific circumstances and the jurisdiction you are in the US.

08 Aug, 2024 by Craig craig

This law firm is predatory and operates in bad faith. In September of last year my mother passed away. She missed several HOA payments at the end of that year because she was sick in the hospital and unable to make them. The following year, her case was referred to Cameron Mericle for collection. I completely understand that and have no problem with it. As soon as I learned of these missed payments, I reached out to Cameron Mericle to arrange payment ASAP and get this cleared up. I took this very seriously and made a very reasonable effort to pay what was owed in a timely manner. I requested the late fees be waived as these were exigent circumstances. I spoke with a woman named Katelyn Howard who assured me that because I had called in to clear it up, there would be no further charges or action on the account as she worked with the HOA to get the late fees waived. She was very professional and understanding during this phone call. To be clear, it would be perfectly fine if they could not be waived. It was simply a request. I was always eager to pay what was owed and get this resolved ASAP. Kate never reached out to me to follow up and over a month passed. I reached back out to find out what was going on and when I finally got a hold of them, they informed me that I now owed almost $1500 dollars extra in legal filing fees and accrued interest because the balance had not been paid. I did not pay the balance because I was specifically told not to as I waited for them to communicate with the HOA to get the late fees waived. Not only did they not do that, but they refused to communicate and charged me almost 4x the amount of what was actually owed because of the time that had passed while I waited for them to respond to me. I was specifically told to wait even though I wanted to pay off the balance. This is incredibly predatory behavior. I would have gladly paid on time but was specifically told not to so they could try to scam me out of more money than was actually owed. Do not trust anything this company says. Get your own lawyer and resolve the issue with your HOA. I have documentation of all of this and will be reporting it to the appropriate authorities. I can't believe the depravity of the people working here. They are the scum of the Earth. They took advantage of the death of my mother to try to scam me. That's completely unacceptable behavior. The positive reviews of this company come from staff members who declare that most of the negative reviews are simply irate people who are delinquent on what they owe and are venting. Perhaps that is true in some cases. However, this is not the case with me. Since I first contacted Cameron Mericle I was respectful, and very committed to paying the outstanding balance on the account in a timely manner. I made very reasonable efforts to resolve this as fast as I could in compliance with their directions. In response, they lied to me and tried to take advantage of me while I was grieving. I really hope the people working here are able to search their soul and come to terms with their place in the world. Beware

15 Jul, 2024 by Ana mercedez

These people are so unprofessional and intentionally rude. They fancy themselves as a Law Office but truthfully they are nothing more than a predatory collection agency

Ryan Martin Allshouse

101 S Washington St, Rockville, MD

Litigation Medical Malpractice Real Estate +3

2.3/5

2.3

3 Reviews

11 Feb, 2020 by Jimmie jaunt

06 Sep, 2019 by Michael lamphear

A person I suspected of an attack I sustained at school was represented by David F. Ryder, Esq. My experience over the course of the lawsuit was unsettling.

13 Feb, 2019 by Anthony cowan

David Ryder was more representative of an upset twelve year old girl than an attorney. No professionalism here.

Albert D Brault

101 S Washington St, Rockville, MD

Litigation Real Estate +2

2.3/5

2.3

3 Reviews

11 Feb, 2020 by Jimmie jaunt

06 Sep, 2019 by Michael lamphear

A person I suspected of an attack I sustained at school was represented by David F. Ryder, Esq. My experience over the course of the lawsuit was unsettling.

13 Feb, 2019 by Anthony cowan

David Ryder was more representative of an upset twelve year old girl than an attorney. No professionalism here.

J. Scott Morse

9 Newburg Ave Ste 201, Catonsville, MD

Litigation Real Estate +2

2.2/5

2.2

10 Reviews

08 Aug, 2024 by Emmanuela otunuga

This law office is a pitiful excuse for a business. Their practices are illegitimate and they constantly spam you with mail and calls in order to collect a debt, but can’t even keep up with the balances after payments have been made. The woman that you talk to on the phone, Cecilia Ryan, is probably the most rude and unprofessional person in all of Maryland. Please avoid this law firm, if you can. I don’t know how they’re still in business when they can’t even do their jobs correctly. I would give 0 stars if I could.

28 Jun, 2024 by Nicholas turner

PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THIS LAW FIRM, POOR COMMUNICATION AND NEVER SIGNED AGREEMENT WITH SCOTT AND HE PROCEEDED TO STILL FILE MY INVESTMENT LIENS WHEN I NEVER CONFIRMED USING HIS SERVICE AND WAS CHARGED FOR THIS. SAVE YOUR MONEY AND FIND SOMEONE ELSE!!!!!!

15 May, 2024 by Emi hei

Scott helped me with a legal issue on real estate and it resolved quickly and for a reasonable rate. Thank you very much.

Joseph C. Capristo

23093 Three Notch Rd, California, MD

Family Law Litigation Real Estate +3

2.1/5

1.0

3 Reviews

3.3

12 Reviews

01 May, 2024 by Mike foster

Maybe this will get him to return my call without charging me? Case closed in January. It's May but I'm still getting charged? Mail box full?

07 Nov, 2023 by S taylor

We were a client of Joe Capristo. He lost everything. I was very disappointed since he charged my family alot of money and nothing came out of any of it.

05 Apr, 2023 by Mackenzi moran

Curtis Scott Snyder

100 N West St, Easton, MD

Business Real Estate +2

2.0/5

2.0

4 Reviews

09 Apr, 2024 by Elizabeth

Estate Planning with Tim Oursler. He really helped make the process fairly easy.

17 Apr, 2023 by Bob tenanty

The firm was highly recommended to represent me in my divorce. My case must have been too small. In the 30 days they represented me the first outgoing letter to the opposing counsel was sent to my son’s email address. He called me and asked if I had gotten it and of course I had not. A second communication to the opposing counsel on March 23, 2023 was copied to a misspelled email address so I did not receive it. I was informed of this email on April 6, 2023 when my attorney returned my March 31, 2023 phone call and April 3, 2023 email. I could not believe that it took two weeks to find out about this misdirected email and terminated their services at the end of the phone call. Three hours later the attorney forwarded a copy of her March 23, 2023 email to my correct email to show me that she had sent me a copy on March 23. The March 23 email showed my misspelled email. I emailed my attorney back pointing out the errant email and heard nothing back until March 12 in an email to my correct email address sending the termination letter and final billing and a copy of the check for the remaining balance left of my retainer. Only one problem with the termination letter and check. ..the mailing address had the incorrect street name. Extremely unprofessional and in the end made no progress toward finalizing my divorce at a cost of over $3,700.

22 Dec, 2022 by Jon janney

Showalter was recommended to me and I hired him in August 2022 to expedite the approvals to begin construction on my home on the Eastern shore. After the initial consultation where he sounded very confident that he could help me, it was next to impossible to get in touch with him. It was to the point that I was calling the office on a daily basis to try to speak with him. On the rare occasions that he did get back to me, he'd say he was working on everything and would be going to the next county meeting to get approvals. After each meeting, I'd check in to see the progress and each time he'd say he missed the meeting and would go to the next one. Finally, I called the county who said nothing had ever been submitted by him and no meetings were set up. I even offered him to drop the case if he was too busy to which he said he could handle it. After four months of being strung along with absolutely no progress, I found a new lawyer who has done more in the two weeks I've been with him.

Ryan Dowell Showalter

100 N. West Street, Easton, MD

Business Real Estate +2

2.0/5

2.0

4 Reviews

09 Apr, 2024 by Elizabeth

Estate Planning with Tim Oursler. He really helped make the process fairly easy.

17 Apr, 2023 by Bob tenanty

22 Dec, 2022 by Jon janney

Michael L Riffkin

15204 Omega Dr Ste 210, Rockville, MD

Business Estate Planning Probate +1 +4

2.0/5

2.0

1 Reviews

09 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous

Was referred to Mr. Riffkin from a colleague about estate planning. He only partially completed the job, but not before I had paid him in full. Since then he has been VERY unresponsive. To repeatedly try and get a response for 2 months is not reasonable. However, before he was paid, he was responsive. Lesson - don't pay in full until every part of the service is completed.

Michael J Schaefer

148 W Washington St, Hagerstown, MD

Business Estate Planning Real Estate +3

2.0/5

2.0

1 Reviews

16 May, 2013 by Anonymous

lacked responsiveness, follow-through and follow-up and it was a very rare occasion when I was actually able to get in touch with him, or get a return phone in a timely manner. In addition; he seemed unsure as to how to proceed on various occasions.

Sharon Mary Goley

4200 Parliament Pl Ste 100, Lanham, MD

Real Estate +1

1.6/5

1.6

7 Reviews

04 Sep, 2024 by Partygoers0121

09 Jul, 2024 by Faresha sims

This law firm seems shady and unethical based on my experience. They continue initiating contact with an unrepresented person which could be unethical and unlawful harassment. The firm has a tacky and raggedy approach. I would never use this firm and recommend others not use also.

28 Mar, 2024 by Christina plummer

Wilton O'Reilly Nedd

4200 Parliament Pl Ste 100, Lanham, MD

Real Estate +1

1.6/5

1.6

7 Reviews

04 Sep, 2024 by Partygoers0121

09 Jul, 2024 by Faresha sims

28 Mar, 2024 by Christina plummer

Kim N. Klein

8 Church Cir, Annapolis, MD

Family Law Litigation Real Estate +1 +4

1.5/5

1.5

16 Reviews

24 Sep, 2024 by Lorena campos

My husband was the victim of a vicious assault. State Attorney Shane Nolan was on top of my husband’s case and kept us informed throughout the process. Ms.Stephanie in the attorneys office followed up and reached out during this ordeal and at no point did I feel we weren’t a priority for them. While they take on an enormous amount of cases and I did have to follow up on some things, which we should also advocate and stay up to date on things and not let them take it all on , they did an incredible job and justice was served for my husband. I see some reviews that people didn’t get a phone call or an email. We never received anything in writing but again we the victims must advocate and do the work too, case search is free, the dockets are posted the day before and court dates can be found online, we can not expect the States Attorney’s office to be our personal assistant. Also for other victims please know you’re not alone the MD Crime Victims Resource Center was a great help as well in our case. The Anne Arundel County States Attorney’s Office did exceptional and we thank you!

05 Sep, 2024 by Gordon blackstone

I was beat up by my kids mother bleeding from the head and knee when all I was trying to do was pick my kids up witch is court order they officer took pictures and never came court plus the state never even called me about the case they threw her case out bout said they going to go through with the charge she press on me after the state press charges on her glen Jessi rivera-ruz did not do her job at all !!

29 Feb, 2024 by Joseph thumel

Don't get robbed at gun point by a state attorneys father. They'll give you petty sentence instead of an apology. I got robbed of at least 1100.00 in tools, developed ptsd, got a 30 day sentence, one year probation, an appeal bond paid with no release of incarceration and no refund for that bond either. The guy even thanks his daughter (states attorney which I don't have to name), for the verdict in his victim advocate speech. I acquired testimony. It's all there! Sorry for giving one star on the review. This organization deserves less in my opinion.

Don M Zimmerman

14825 Pratt Street, Upper Marlboro, MD

Business Estate Planning Probate +2 +5

1.0/5

1.0

2 Reviews

22 Jul, 2024 by Penny

Don M. Zimmerman is running a fraudulent scam involving taking the homes of unsuspecting people of color. One of his most recent victims is an African American veteran who proudly served our country. The poor guy is living in his car now. Zimmerman, what you’re doing will come to light soon. Prison is in your near future. I cannot wait to see your name in the news headlines. DO NOT HIRE THIS MAN OR ANY OF HIS ASSOCIATES!

15 Apr, 2021 by Nasia turnsr

He scammed me out of $400. He never recorded my deed he was paid to rewrite. He stopped answering all emails and phone calls once he was paid.

Thomas Patrick Dore

606 Baltimore Avenue, Towson, MD

Real Estate +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

21 Apr, 2013 by Kelsey

Mr. Dore is the representative trustee, for WF, that handled the foreclosure on my town home in Annapolis, on Tuckahoe Creek. The House was finally bought back by WF, in August, 2012, at auction. They paid 270,000 for it, although the value is listed as 150,000. It has been vacant since 2011, and it was included in my Chapt 7 BK, which was discharged two years ago. (May 2011). None months after the purchase, Mr. Dore he has still not filed the deed, to transfer ownership to WF. They have dragged this out for years. Last week, I got a letter from Mr. Dore stating they were going to start eviction proceedings, yet they know f,ull well, the house has been vacant, going on two years. (They winterized and changed locks in 2012). WF has dragged this out, for three years.

Mark A Binstock

4800 Hampden Lane, Bethesda, MD

Estate Planning Litigation Personal Injury +2 +5

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

22 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous

No matter which side you are on you will be much better off hiring a different lawyer...and I mean any different lawyer. I am not a petty person and have actually never filed an on-line review, but the actions Mr. Binstock definitely demand that people notice. An adult family member with a history of mental disorders and a criminal background hired Paley, Rothman and was essentially robbed right out in the open. It wasn't bad enough that Mr. Binstock double & triple-billed her, but was so brazen as to even give her the bill showing her how she double & triple-billed her. He scheduled several unnecessary hearings in an attempt to pad his bill. He often used extremely unprofessional language in his documents including an unbelievable amount of typos and misspellings. Even reprimands from the judge and having his client lose the majority of the estate in legal penalties did not stop him from getting rich off a client that was in over her head. I could go on and on but hopefully you get the point. We have filed motions with the bar against Mr. Binstock and the firm, but so far have had no progress getting our families money back yet. Mr. Binstock is well past retirement age so it looks like his is just trying to pad his pockets for retirement. Again, while it may appear that I am being dramatic the truth is I haven't even scratched the surface. Do yourself and your family a favor and stay away...you have been warned.

Jeffrey Allan Friedman

10220 S Dolfield Rd Ste 200, Owings Mills, MD

Real Estate +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

18 Apr, 2018 by Jason

I had a bad experience dealing with Mr. Friedman on a recent seeltment of a family home. Mr. Friedman was very unprofessional and rude. My agent can attest to his lousy behavior. I would recommend staying far away.

Roger N Powell

107 Old Court Rd, Baltimore, MD

Litigation Real Estate +2

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

04 Feb, 2011 by Larry mason

This creep has a large telephone staff that chases down people for creditors, apparently. They've been calling my phone number for weeks now, asking for someone who does not live here. They promise to remove my number from their system, but do not do so. The calls keep coming. It's a minor nuisance, but a sign of an outfit I would NOT under any circumstances do business with. Caveat emptor.

Timothy Clarke Wilson

101 Bay St Ste 12 B, Easton, MD

Litigation Real Estate +2

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

24 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous

This firm is underwhelming and amateur. Strip mall office, no real website, and try to argue issues in states they aren’t even licensed in. I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone in the Easton area or Maryland.

Gary Jason Krupka

40 York Road, Suite 300, Towson, MD

Personal Injury Real Estate +2

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

28 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous

I emailed Gary with everything that I had, he told me we can have a 30min consultation over the phone. What he did basically review whatever I knew with me for 10min and told me “nope your case won’t win and I can’t do anything for you” then charged me $150. If it was easy to understand in 10min, he could be decent enough to tell me sorry can’t do anything for you.

Patrick Alan Naughton

Po Box 727, Manchester, MD

Real Estate +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

05 Jul, 2013 by Michelle

Patrick Naughton and Susan Milne handled the closing for my condo purchase in 2008 (before the real estate market crumbled (i.e., when interest rates were comparatively high (6%))). Because of their lack of scrutiny, our documents contained errors that have prevented us from getting a refinance. Specifically, the zip code is listed differently - sometimes on the same page. As a result, (a) when I searched for my mortgage on the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae websites years ago, my mortgage was not found, and (b) I have not been able to refinance with these record low interest rates because Freddie Mac has the incorrect zip code in their data bank (which is at odds with the Baltimore City records). The consequence is that I have lost thousands of dollars over the years because of their sloppy work.

Russell T Horman

124 N Court St, Frederick, MD

Real Estate +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

18 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous

Russell T. Horman was the closing attorney when we purchased our home, and he knowingly sold us a worthless title insurance policy. He continues to to collect fees from unsuspecting clients on other worthless policies and actively works against the buyers' interests. Totally unethical and very sleazy.

Anthony Peter Palaigos

The Business Law Building, Timonium, MD

Business Estate Planning Litigation +1 +4

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

05 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous

I hired Mr. Palaigos to help secure certification for the Maryland Department of Transportation as Minority Business Enterprises and as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Although my business partner and I found his manner to be a bit arrogant (he made several condescending remarks about our business), we were satisfied with his confidence that helping us get the certification would be a breeze. Well, thousands of dollars later, he said that our petition had been denied--and he tried to blame it on us for not giving him all the information when we'd given him all of the information that he asked for! For what it's worth, we ended up biting the bullet and hiring another attorney who was able to help us easily through the process, no problem.

David Jude Carlin

30 E Padonia Rd Ste 400, Timonium, MD

Real Estate +1

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

26 Sep, 2011 by Bill lowery

I personally do not use this lawyer, but a few years ago i signed a lwease for my stepdaughter to get an apartment because she has 3 little kids and also a criminal felony record....i felt sorry for her and couldnt bear seeing the kids on the streets. Any ways she left the apart. (after 2 years) and left 3 months unapis electric bills. they are now garnishing my wages at 500 a month so me and my wife have to go without meds or food to pay a multi million dollar companyt (maryland Managemen) I am saying this because when i called this law office to discuss this the lady i talked to was very rude to me and just kept say "well you signed the lease, so its your problem." even tho i have copies of my stepdaughters bg&e bills from this apt and her work and home address . I guess because i work for the state it was easier for them to attach my wages for 3900. I cant afford this and feel it is not my faulkt and i think they need to go after her. but they get rude and nasty and end up saying....you signed the lease its your problem!~

Lynn Thomas Krause

196 Duke of Gloucester, Annapolis, MD

Business Litigation Real Estate +3

1.0/5

1.0

1 Reviews

05 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous

We hired Lynn Krause to handle the purchase of our home in the Annapolis area. We were from New York. We were told we didn't need an attorney, but decided to hire one anyway. He performed a title search on our behalf and was supposed make sure there was a clean title on the home we were purchasing. NOT UNTIL WE WERE IN KRAUSE'S OFFICE IN ANNAPOLIS AT THE DAY OF THE CLOSING TO PURCHASE THE NEW HOME, DID HE TELL US THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TITLE. IT REVEALED THAT THE DRIVEWAY WAS ACTUALLY ABOUT 10 FEET ONTO THE NEIGHBORS PROPERTY! Krause never called to inform us of the defective title. After moving out of our apartment, we were in Lynn Krause's office at the closing and had to go through with the purchase since we had nowhere to live. We have since discovered the he was on the Board of Directors of the title company at that time. This seems like a conflict of interest. PS: It's about ten years since the purchase and we have been unable to sell the home because no one wants to buy it with this title issue.

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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.

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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