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16 Nov, 2023 by Nancy
We had Dave set up a family trust for us. He and his office staff are very helpful and professional. Everything was explained to us so we were able to understand exactly what we should do. I would definitely recommend Lucas Law Associates. They are the best!!
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13 May, 2020 by Melanie
My family relocated to Melrose from California in 2019 and bought a house. David Lucas and staff helped us with the Purchase and Sales contract, and because we were so pleased with the work they did, we subsequently engaged with them to update our estate planning documents (will, trust, healthcare proxy, etc.). I cannot review them highly enough. Both of the attorneys at the firm and the office support staff were highly professional, courteous, and patient with us, explaining complex documents and drawing from their legal experiences to showcase specific examples that led them to include certain provisions in the materials for their clients. Not only did they help us with the purchase of our (beloved) new home and help us navigate some difficult issues in the drawing up of our estate paperwork, but they are now shepherding my elderly parents through the same process. At all times, Mr. Lucas and his staff conduct themselves professionally and with compassion. They are highly responsive and adept at guiding their clients through a dizzying web of legal issues. Their rates are also reasonable and in-line with other law firms we researched in the area.
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10 Aug, 2019 by Caroline
David Lucas enabled our family to dissolve an LLC and set up a family mortgage with courtesy, kindness, and respect providing professional guidance and expertise at a reasonable cost. We are grateful.
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11 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Excellent. Adam has done everything right for me. I recommend Adam to anyone facing eviction from unscrupulous landlords
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15 Jan, 2020 by Ursula
I would highly recommend Adam. He came in late on my issue and handled everything with complete accuracy and timing. Timing was a real concern for me and he was able to get it all taken care of in record time. Honestly don’t look any further for an attorney. Adam is not only who you want but who you need. Great job Adam and Thank you once again UK
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16 Jul, 2019 by Mike
Adam represented me in my divorce & he was magnificent. He was extremely supportive of me & oh so diligent in his work & tenacity. The outcome was more that I could have imagined. Thanks to his brilliant work, we won the case more one sided than I thought possible. His rates are very reasonable & he was available anytime I needed anything
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27 Mar, 2018 by David
I have worked with John on real estate and end of life issues. His accessibility made both processes easier and he had a great knack to use terminology that a non lawyer would understand. When I needed papers drawn up and signed and witnessed he showed up at my house with that witness within hours and saved us YEARS of probate aggravation. I would give him the benefit of the doubt on all my future law needs.
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27 Mar, 2018 by Mel
John is able to understand my specific needs and never tried to make my situation fit into some stereotype. He can communicate the intricacies of law in a way that is easy to understand. He is professional and approachable, and he takes the time to make sure his clients understand the process and every step involved. He explains potential solutions, challenges and outcomes in a clear and concise manner. John Martino is an excellent Attorney - he has earned my trust and i will look to him first when the need arises.
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27 Mar, 2018 by Michael
I have hired John to assist on three real estate transactions, over the past two years, pertaining to our family trust and downsizing for my mother. I am within an hour of our family home, where my mother resided, but was not available to be on hand as much I would have preferred to be able to oversee the transactions. John was instrumental in coordinating and overseeing the process, and provided beneficial guidance and the necessary legal services to facilitate the transactions smooth progress. His knowledge of and relationships with some of the local banks, real estate agents, and attorneys involved was very helpful in keeping the process moving forward.
I have recommended John to both family and friends for their legal needs and will continue to contact him for his assistance in my own pertinent legal matters.
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14 May, 2013 by Patricia kathleen barr
I needed a trust and a will - both happened quickly and with minimal changes needed. Someone was always available in person during office hours to take a message. I am now hiring Ms. Clark again for the sale of my two-family, as well as her associate to handle the eviction of a tenant.
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18 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Sean has over 20 years experience in all matters related to real estate involving large institutions and individual home buyers and owners alike. It was a no brainer hiring him and his company; very cost effective and simple quick process and look forward to working with him again soon.
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15 Jul, 2014 by Marias
I was introduced to Henry Rappa by my mortgage company Miller Mortgage. Henry represented me in both my home sale and home purchase. He and his team are responsive, knowledgeable and effective. For example, when my previous real estate lawyer could not deliver the proper title paperwork, Henry stepped in at the 11th hour, got all the necessary paperwork completed and handled the closing flawlessly from there. It was seamless. He is responsive over the phone but even more so over email and will typically respond within the hour either way. That has been my experience. Any qualified lawyer can handle a cookie cutter closing but when things get messy as has been the case for me, you want to be represented by someone who shares your sense of urgency and someone who can ease your stress. My wife and I were in such a scenario and Henry Rappa made our experience much less stressful.
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18 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Thanks to Attorney Rapppa and Rappa & Associates, you saved my home and my family. Mr. Rappa helped negotiate on my behalf with my bank and got me out of fourclosur. He also got me a great interest rate of 4%. I would have been homeless if it wasn't four you and your experience with working with the banks.
You have gave me a fresh start and I can't thank you enough!
I understood that this is a process that doesn't happen overnight. I was patient like you recomended and it paid off.
The other attorneys that I hired before Rappa & Assoc. did not have the experience or the "know how" to do what needed to be accomplished.
I did my research and Rappa has the track record and experience that is needed in such an important negotiation.
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17 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Henry, has been very helpful to me and my family, He has helped us maintain our house and to have a more favorable mortgage payment that we can afford. Eventhough it was a timely process, I understand that these matters do take time. He was very responsive and understanding. He seems to know the field of real estate very well.. Thank you Henry
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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:
-
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.
