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13 Apr, 2019 by Bradley
I recently had a contractual issue and Patrick was able to help out in manner that resulted in a positive outcome. I was impressed how quickly he responded to inquiries (and in a thoughtful and professional manner). Professionally, he was very competent, skilled, diligent & detailed. But beyond that, he was also kind and encouraging and easily put myself at ease in what felt like a daunting task. I appreciated how responsive he was to questions and emails and how committed he was to success. I am more than pleased with the whole process and I would recommend Mr.Kwan without hesitation..
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12 Jun, 2018 by Nick
Pat initially helped us create and set up our LLC. He is extremely transparent and made the process easy for my business partner and me. He also takes care of annual renewals, various other filings, and more. Not only that but he also is extremely responsive when we have consulting questions or concerns.
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05 Jun, 2018 by Zoran t.
No-nonsense, straight to the point and very professional… these are the words I would use to describe Mr Patrick Kwan, process is still on going, and what ever outcome I will be tankful forever.Honesty, loyalty and willingness to help Its very rare in today's world.Thank you!
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14 Dec, 2011 by Pieter
Hoda drafted new wills including reciprocal powers of attorney, advance health directives, and Community Property Agreement. Our old wills were woefully out of date. She was extremely efficient and cost-effective, excellent at walking us through each document and was able to quickly and confidently address every question and concern we had. Her responsiveness and excellent manner mad this a very pleasant experience.
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07 Nov, 2010 by Mark
My wife and I recently had a baby...our first, and we decided that it was time we set up a will. Obviously, setting up a will involves making plans and decisions that no new parents really want to think about, The idea of the whole process seemed very daunting and unpleasant, but we were very fortunate to have hired Hoda Mezistrano to assist us. Ms Mezistrano's warm and compassionate demeanor made it very easy to wade through a lot of tough decisions and foster conversations that are not always 100% comfortable. She was both thorough and professional from beginning to end and the process turned out to be much quicker and much more pleasnt than we could ever have imagined. She went out of her way to research things for us which we were not certain of, and in the end, created a final product with which we were very comfortable. We warmly and enthusiastically recommend Hoda Mezistrano's services to anyone who is considering creating or ammending a will or doing any estate planning.
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28 Sep, 2010 by Robert gladstein
Hoda did a fantastic job helping our company through the legal steps as our company raised private equity and in the formation of a new company. She is very knowledgeable and provided keen insight through the process.
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17 Jul, 2013 by David
Mr. Scarff helped me incorporate my small business (medical practice) in 2005 and has been a valuable consultant since then. His firm keeps me up-to-date on filings required by the State, corporate practices, gives me timely responses to questions by phone or email, and all presented in a congenial professional manner. I recommend his services highly without any reservations.
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22 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Stuart has assisted my Mom with estate planning, gifting, and LLC formation. He is thorough, honest, friendly, and an all around great person to work with. We waited on some 'To-Do' items until the last minute, but he came through and worked with us to complete our tasks by the deadline. I work with a lot of lawyers in various industries and Stuart sticks out as one of the top individuals in my opinion.
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28 Jan, 2010 by Sheryl
Stuart has wisely and efficiently handled a number of legal issues for us - from the complex to the inane, and each is handled with an eye to our best interests and offered us excellent legal counsel. I highly recommend him.
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06 Mar, 2013 by Christie
Very competent; extremely knowledgeable! Chip (Evan) is a very trustworthy man and he exemplifies integrity. He has a superior legal mind. Honest, straightforward and highly skilled.
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09 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
We retained Kerry to review our lease pre-signing. We had a large local broker help us with the building search. The broker let us down in the lease review area. Kerry's review was thorough, prompt, and his explanations very detailed. We were able to successfully negotiate a new lease that was much more to our advantage than the original offering. I would recommend Kerry without reservation. I normally don't trust lawyers, but in this case, he instilled confidence in our choice to use his services.
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18 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
Our firm became entangled in a construction defect case for commercial TI build out that was relatively simple, but that had become incredibly difficult to settle. We had a previous firm retained to try to settle the case out in the first month of the dispute, and they were so terrible that we fired them immediately after the worst mediation I could ever imagine. Mike came in and through tough and tactical negotiation, settled our case in five weeks or so. If Mike is even remotely interested in taking your case and representing you, I highly recommend that you jump all over it and retain him immediately, you business's future could depend on it.
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10 May, 2017 by Mira
I hired Matt Marcoe to write a lease for my rental property. He was able to get it to me in 2 days! The lease was very clear for me and my tenants to read. The tenants even comments on how straightforward it was. He offered advice on the the do's and dont's of starting a property management company. I have recommended him to my friends and family and would highly recommend him to others! I plan use Matt for any of my future business legal work.
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27 Jan, 2024 by Jw a
Great person willing to work with you
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26 Nov, 2023 by Ourrias
Very knowledgeable and professional attorneys in a relaxed, friendly office. Highly recommend!
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12 May, 2022 by Rachael
Brad Evens handled my divorce settlement with grace, tenacity, and complete mastery of the law. He is warm, funny, meticulous, never forgetful, prompt, and extremely knowledgeable. Brads follow through is impeccable, and he walked me through the process with compassion and care. You would be a fool not to hire Brad Evens.
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27 Jan, 2024 by Jw a
Great person willing to work with you
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26 Nov, 2023 by Ourrias
Very knowledgeable and professional attorneys in a relaxed, friendly office. Highly recommend!
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28 Mar, 2019 by Divine victor
kristof saved my life and many years of bankruptcy. If l had not used him..l would been homeless and hopeless. I highly recommend.
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06 Oct, 2022 by Austin smith
Mr Wilson was referred to me to handle a real estate issue. In my effort to handle some of the "non-lawyer" paperwork that was required Mr Wilson gave me incorrect information involving interpreting the legal statutes in WA state. When it was discovered that he had given bad advice he promptly ghosted me only returning emails when his office was contacted about the problem. In the end I was forced to clean up the problems on my own as Mr Wilson was unable to or unwilling to take care of the situation. The "lawyer paperwork" was appropriate and thorough, but his advice was terrible. I would not recommend him or use him again.
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20 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Todd is excellent. I have used him for many years to support my business from set-up, annual maintenance and one-off needs. Todd has really been great to work with and I highly recommend him.
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29 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Good lawyers know the law. Great lawyers know the law, but they also know and understand their client's business. Todd is a great lawyer.
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07 Feb, 2024 by Sue roberts ex borgman
I really needed an attorney to help me amend a number of critical documents when experiencing a major change in my personal life. I just walked into the Scarff Law offices one morning after googling a family lawyer close to where I was at the time. I had the best experience from start to finish, with my first interaction being with Beth Miller and the rest of my experience being with Elizabeth Runtz. I could not have asked for, or received, better support both from a legal and inter-personal perspective. Elizabeth truly cared and showed immense empathy - all with a wonderful sense of humor. She has amazing support from the senior partners when she believes she needs it and I could not recommend her and the team at Scarff law highly enough. Many many thanks Elizabeth.
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06 Nov, 2023 by Kyle huber
Stuart and his team are super responsive and always find the best solutions. Highly recommend!
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06 Nov, 2023 by Nicole huber
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13 Jan, 2024 by Michelle farner
BEST IN THE WEST!!!! I swear Heidi Baxter is the best Lawyer I have ever met. I love that she lives by her BRAND! Which is honesty integrity and upholding the law!!! If you should ever have a situation where you have been wronged and need an attorney, she will not disappoint. Often when dealing with the law, Justice isn't always had....your best chance at having justice served is with Heidi Baxter. Don't waste your money on other attorneys, get your moneys worth with Heidi Baxter. You will not find a better attorney out there, like I said....BEST IN THE WEST!!!!!
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27 Mar, 2023 by Deborah lindley
Ready to handle my business for my Dad with assistance and guidance from a true professional. Blessed.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Michelle farner
BEST IN THE WEST!!!! I swear Heidi Baxter is the best Lawyer I have ever met. I love that she lives by her BRAND! Which is honesty integrity and upholding the law!!! If you should ever have a situation where you have been wronged and need an attorney, she will not disappoint. Often when dealing with the law, Justice isn't always had....your best chance at having justice served is with Heidi Baxter. Don't waste your money on other attorneys, get your moneys worth with Heidi Baxter. You will not find a better attorney out there, like I said....BEST IN THE WEST!!!!!
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27 Mar, 2023 by Deborah lindley
Ready to handle my business for my Dad with assistance and guidance from a true professional. Blessed.
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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.

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