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22 May, 2024 by Nicholas
Anthony is a master at his craft. His knowledge and expertise is un matched! He always returned my calls and assisted me with all my questions and concerns. If you want an honest and aggressive attorney on your side, Anthony is your guy! I recommend Anthony to all my friends and family
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11 Mar, 2024 by Kathleen
Anthony is a great attorney. I have worked with him on real estate transactions as well as estate issues. He really listens to understand what you are trying to accomplish, offers alternatives, and completes the work promptly, no matter how complex. Anthony is very knowledgeable and very accessible. He is an all-around good guy who is active in the community. I highly recommend him and his work.
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12 Nov, 2023 by Alexa
I am extremely thankful for having Mr. Nozolillo as my attorney. He is a true professional and provided excellent guidance during my very complex condo purchase. Mr. Nozolillo was very helpful and used his many resources to resolve several issues with the property I was purchasing. His friendly and positive demeanor definitely made the purchase go smoother. His expertise was truly invaluable and definitely was the factor for me acquiring my condo. I highly recommend Mr. Nozolillo.
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03 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr Levy is a gunuine lawyer who actually invests himself with your case and expresses care towards it.
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25 Apr, 2017 by Ryan
I could not be be more satisfied with Mr Levy's services. He was a truly honest and standup individual throughout the entire process and he worked with my financial ability to pay. I was looking to get an insurance company to represent me in a case, but could not make any progress myself. Within a couple weeks he had resolved everything for me. Well worth the very fair cost for his services.
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01 Feb, 2016 by Alex
Richard is a wonderful , smart Attorney. You can count on him to protect you and work for you in your best interest. and will fight for you to get what you want. I have used him for over 15 years on different matters and he has the experience to handle not only general practice but Litigation and Real estate he seems to have alot of knowledge on almost any topic and hes very experienced and understands real world law in NY.
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29 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Binder did an excellent job representing my family in a somewhat complicated real estate transaction. He was the oil that made many clunky parts run brilliantly. He is professional, positive, time-efficient, wise, and funny! We are very glad that we had Mr. Binder to represent us, and we would absolutely work with him again. We will definitely be recommending him to friends and family. Thank you Mr. Binder for doing an excellent job for us!
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24 Jun, 2021 by Peter
Had a closing today with Jay. I was the seller's Realtor. Jay is such a great guy, down to earth and a pleasure to talk to. Our closing had some glitches but he resolved them right at the closing table. Highly recommended.
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17 May, 2016 by Jeff
Jay has been my attorney for nearly 30 years. I value his counsel for many legal and other matters. I have always found him to be fair and particularly intelligent.
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12 Oct, 2022 by John
Andy Nacamie rescued a sale of our coop from a bad lawyer who wanted to default the sale. He personable as well. His legal assistant was great in helping to file the proper papers.
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14 Aug, 2014 by Jessica
Got his name through broker. Then also received his name from a friend that used him. Great experience dealing with him. Made us very comfortable throughout transaction.
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14 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
Kept the transaction easy and straight forward. Easily accessible by phone or email. Already recommended other friends buying houses.
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12 Feb, 2019 by Lisa
Excellent attorney. Guided me through the entire process. You want her on your side she is really amazing. Cares about your file and always able to get in touch with her if you have a questions.
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27 May, 2023 by Ron
Exceptionally quick response. Concise and well written in laymen’s language. I would for sure engage this attorney if the matter requires his expertise.
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01 Nov, 2021 by Tom
In 2016, we hired Richard as our attorney to help us purchase our home. And in 2021, we hired him again to help us sell our home. He is a great attorney. He is very responsive. And has a ton of real estate experience so he was able to help us deal with any issues that came up during the buying and selling process. I definitely recommend him.
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11 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Richard did a great job for me. It was for a consultation. I would recommend Richard.
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30 Nov, 2022 by Andre gopie
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08 Jun, 2020 by Robert buckley
We hired Andrew to help us fight a cell tower being built in our community and he did a fantastic job and we were successful in stopping the cell tower from being erected in our neighborhood.
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28 Nov, 2018 by Wll p
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13 Jan, 2024 by Alexis
If there were negative stars, this attorney would deserve them all. DO NOT HIRE THIS LAWYER-ESPECIALLY FOR LOVED ONES!!
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18 Jul, 2022 by Kate
We hired Mary to help us with the Medicaid application process for my mom, who needed long term care. My family also had a concern as to what would happen to my aunt who has lived with my mother and contributed to the house for 50 years since the deed was only in my mother’s name. With a great deal of research and a superior understanding of elder care law, Mary went the extra mile and pursued a Sibling with an Equity Interest to secure the house (which was never put in trust) for my mother’s beloved sister. Throughout the long process, Mary navigated us through by always being personable and communicative and showing great care and respect to my elderly mom and aunt when explaining details to them. Most importantly, Mary succeeded in saving the house for my aunt and securing Medicaid care for my mother. I am truly impressed with the outstanding service my family received.
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09 Oct, 2018 by Noreen
I met with Ms. Ulrich and right away I knew she was the person that I wanted to have her to represent as my elder lawyer. She is knowledgable in all aspects of her field. She has been a tremendous help in answering my calls promptly and advising me on what to do with setting up a trust, the medicaid application process and so much more. I highly recommend Ms. Ulrich for all your elder law needs.
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31 May, 2014 by Daniel
Ann Mary Fernan Farrell represented me when I purchased my home in november 2003. She misled me to believe I had Four thousand dollars in escrow account from the seller. I had no money in escrow account at all. After repeated requests I did receive a check from her for one thousand and five hundred dollars. I am still waiting for the balance to this day.
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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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