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29 Mar, 2017 by Mary wang
I am a new property owner and have many questions of landlord and tenant law and LLC. Brenda is very helpful. She patiently heard out my concerns and questions. She is extremely knowledgable of Landlord and Tenant Law and has great experience in this area. She explained in depth details of pro and con of my options. Her advice is very clear and practical. I high recommend her to anyone who needs legal advice.
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26 Jan, 2016 by Patrick
I needed help with a power of attorney that would be effective overseas. Brenda did a fantastic job. She checked the embassy requirements, got in touch with embassy, and promptly and accurately drafted the poa. All that at a very reasonable budget.
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31 Dec, 2015 by Carmen
I live in a small mobile home park in the unincorporated area of Snohomish county so when the big maple tree directly in back of my home became unsafe and one large part of it fell on my roof and back wall last winter, I could not call any city inspector/agency for assistance. The park owner called it an act of God and took no responsibility for it; luckily I had good insurance and repairs were done in a timely manner. The problem was not over though; there were additional branches and trunks which were leaning and clearly unsafe and my landlord would only remove one which did not overhang my home at all, just helped out my neighbors. I attempted to speak with hiim about the issue several times thru the winter and spring but his attitude was not cooperative and he finally refused to discuss it at all. I waited for a full year for him to do something-anything and when the situation became impossible to live with, I hired Brenda. I had previously contacted the state AG's office to see if they could assist me but they informed me it did not fall under their purview. Brenda looked up the applicable case law, found something and mailed a polite but firm letter to my landlord quoting the law and giving him a time frame for abiding by the letter of that law. Within 10 days, the tree was down and I have peace of mind again. Her rates were reasonable and she kept in touch with me during the process as to what she was doing and making sure I was on board with it. I would definitely hire her again if the need arises and recommend her highly.
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23 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Elston handled a complex mediation for my husband and I that dealt with the construction of our home and complaints from a troublesome neighbor. He was thorough, diligent and responsive in successfully handling the situation. I was very pleased with Mr. Elston from beginning to end. I highly recommend him and will use him again, if the need arises.
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22 Jul, 2015 by Robert
As an attorney licensed since 1977, I've been exposed to every form of lawyer out there and I know most of them and know what to look for when choosing a lawyer who I can trust. That's why when I needed legal assistance on some of my own personal commercial business issues in an area outside of my field, I turned to Doug and hired him to be my advocate. I've come back to him time and time again because of his professionalism, his efficiency, his solid communication skills, everything I expect with the high standards I've grown accustomed to. I highly recommend Doug.
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22 Jul, 2015 by Richard
I own a contracting business that participates in a commercial and industrial environment, and have used Doug's expertise over the years to review contracts, negotiate various situations, and have even used his services to settle a neighborhood dispute. He is very knowledgeable and informative, and has always led me to a good solution, from an uncomfortable environment. Doug's efforts & skills have always had a positive impact on my bottom line. Whether business or personal, I would highly recommend retaining Doug as Legal Counsel.
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24 Jan, 2018 by Eric
Claudia was great in conducting the probate process with my parents' estate. I had zero knowledge of what the process was, and Claudia was great at explaining each step. Any time I had questions, I received prompt answers. Very patient and understanding of our grieving process as well. Highly recommended for assisting in the probate process!
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04 Nov, 2017 by Nikki
My husband and I hired Claudia Augustine to write our wills- which we had been putting off forever. We were intimidated by the idea of it all, but Claudia put us at ease and talked us through the process. Not only was she thorough, but she made it very easy for us as she came to our home to go over and sign all of the documents. Claudia went over every line on every page, and made sure we understood what was written and helped us make it our own. In addition, she made an unpleasant thing to do (who wants to talk about their death?!) a very comfortable and easy experience.
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06 Oct, 2021 by Peter & rachel badgett real estate agents
14 Feb, 2020 by Alice buehring
04 Apr, 2019 by Emerald queen
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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:
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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.
