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24 Apr, 2024 by Gary
I can't say enough good things about Peter, our real estate attorney! With his help, we managed to buy a house in a really competitive market, and it was smooth sailing all the way. Peter went to bat for us, fighting hard to make sure our interests were always front and center. We trust him wholeheartedly because he knows his stuff inside out. Plus, he's super quick to respond to emails and calls, which made the whole process feel like a breeze. It's clear that Peter has a deep understanding of real estate transactions, and his knowledge gave us a lot of confidence. If you're in the market for a home and want someone who's not just knowledgeable but also really cares about your success, Peter's your guy. He's not just an attorney; he's a true ally who'll make sure you come out on top. We couldn't be happier with his service!
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06 Jul, 2021 by Gail
Peter did a wonderful job assisting and guiding us in our transaction. He was knowledgeable and very timely in his responses. He offered excellent guidance and advice never getting overly concerned on matters that appeared unusual to us, but commonplace for him. We highly recommend. We appreciated all that he did for us. It was a pleasure working together. We would surely recommend Peter.
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31 Jul, 2020 by Taylor
Peter helped us every step of the way and clearly explained everything to us. He helped deal with a not so professional lawyer on the other side and we were highly impressed with his professionalism during the process. I can’t say enough good things. Definitely recommend
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07 May, 2020 by Jesus b
I consulted with Mrs. Rothbort and she is simply "Amazing"! She is thorough and empathetic to your cause. She listens and speaks knowledgeable about your tenancy, in regards to your legal standing. It is comforting to find a legal confidant, with an open ear and the knowledge, to traverse the landscape of your issues. Speaking with Mrs. Rothbort, will, in my humble opinion, give any client the credence and confidence to move forward in a manner that will solidify their legal foundation, in their current matter, as well as setting the footprint for any future legal matters, they may face. May I send a virtual "Round of Applause", as she is truly the doyenne of the real estate/landlord tenant legal sector.
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07 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Ms Rothbort is so knowledgeable and empathetic towards phone calls. She doesn't seem like those lawyers who will talk to you in bits and pieces so they can shell out some money from you. She should be some kind of a role model for all lawyers here. Polite and accesible. She helped me to decide whether I wanted to hire a lawyer or talk to my landlord straight. Her tips helped me.
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27 Aug, 2018 by Penny
Mrs Rothbort totally impressed me during my first phone consultation regarding my issue with tenant. She patiently listened and explained the possible options with respective steps/timeline. I felt informed and educated, and more importantly helped. Thank you!
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13 Mar, 2018 by Vikram
We hired Wendy as our attorney for our real estate purchase transaction in Short Hills, NJ. We found her to be competent, responsive and diligent in following up on issues during the transaction. We would highly recommend her as an attorney for real estate transactions.
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21 Feb, 2018 by Justin
Wendy worked with us through a challenging process with what I understand to be a very difficult seller. She was extremely patient, and made herself very available in guiding us through each step of the way. Her counsel was invaluable and she fought diligently on our behalf to get the best outcome possible. In our particular case, Wendy went above and beyond what I expected and was dedicated each step of the way through. She felt like a trusted advisor who was 100% on our side with our interests in mind.
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31 Jan, 2018 by Claudia
I hired Wendy for the sale of my family's commercial property. I have been involved in the sale of other properties, and too soon after hiring the attorney, my questions/concerns were forwarded to an assistant or not responded to at all! Not the case with Wendy Fromer Weinstein. Any time I had questions she personally responded to them in a timely manner. She realizes this is not something we do every day and does her best to guide us through the process. I feel we had an honest, knowledgeable, seasoned professional on our side and I would definitely hire her again in the future.
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25 Feb, 2020 by Carly
Marilyn was our attorney for both selling and buying our homes. She was always available to answer our questions, so pleasant to work with and incredibly knowledgeable about what terms to accept and which ones to push back on. We always felt she had our best interest in mind and would not only recommend her but she will always be our real estate attorney moving forward.
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09 May, 2019 by Linda
Marilyn completed two real estate transactions for me and I would hire her again without reservation. She embodies what everyone expects in a professional: she is meticulous, responsible and dedicated to her client's interests and, not inconsequentially in my experience, a fighter when she needs to be and a diplomat otherwise. She is personable, patient in explaining the fine points of contracts and accessible. I recommend her very highly.
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29 Mar, 2017 by Heather g.
Marilyn is an awesome attorney to work with. This was my second experience using Marilyn's services, and I felt like I brought her the most crazy real estate situations. She was extremely proactive and knowledgeable in appropriately handling both circumstances. She also was very patient with my super detail-oriented, impatient nature, which reassured me that things were competently being taken care of. I am used to having to chase people for a living to get things done, and Marilyn was actually beating me to the punch in this regard. I definitely will use her again!
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28 Jan, 2024 by Maria
I’ve consulted with and hired Jenn on several different occasions for various matters (real estate, estate planning , matters relating to my elderly mother, business, and some other minor stuff) and she’s been amazing every time. She walks me through everything, explains things thoroughly and patiently answers all my questions. She’s trustworthy, bills me fairly, and always gets back to me in a timely manner. This is one attorney I gladly keep programmed in my phone.
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26 Dec, 2012 by Steven
I don't usually fill these reviews out but I will make an exception for Jennifer. I was referred to Jennifer by one of my friends that has completed a closing with her. I am grateful for the referral because she was great. She made the closing process simple, understandable and was helpful by answering all of my (many) questions. But overall, she was very knowledgeable and kind and that is what was really important to me. I highly recommend her for a real estate closing!
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29 Sep, 2016 by Mike
Jonathan represented my wife and I in the sale of our home in Short Hills as well as the purchase of our current home. In both cases he was detail oriented, responsive, a calm and level-headed advisor and firmly represented our interests without alienating the other parties. We also used him for our wills and were very satisfied.
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11 Mar, 2015 by Jeff
Jonathan successfully helped us close two real estate transactions in the last three years, once as a buyer's attorney for our house in Short Hills, and once as a seller's attorney for our condo in West New York. Jonathan is professional, knowledgeable, kept us informed of all developments, and provided advice as needed. We gave him full power of attorney for the closing, and did not attend in person. All transactions went smoothly and closed on schedule.
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29 Jun, 2018 by Alexander
Anthony DiIonno was my attorney when I bought my house a few years ago and when I sold it in 2018. He is great to work with. Very RESPONSIVE, always picks up the phone, responds to emails immediately, turns around communication with other attorneys super quickly. He is very CAPABLE, gives to the point practical advice, knows the requirements in the area perfectly, drives the process calmly and efficiently. He is very TRUSTWORTHY, even if the opposing attorney made a mistake he would catch it, he is always on your side and would strive to reach agreements. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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30 Sep, 2024 by Jian
I sincerely grateful for Ms.Cao and her team for their dedication and support in such short notice. I was facing the dilemma about forfeiting my H1B in 7days because the recent layoff situation, and planning to reinstate back to F1, and Ms. Cao and her team evaluated my situation throughly with different solutions, which eventually helped me secure my H1B. Ms. Cao and her team are professional, responsive and knowledgeable, and I would highly recommend them to anyone how need help for legal support.
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23 Sep, 2024 by He
Ying and her team provided invaluable assistance during my restatement process to re-establish my legal status in the United States. Throughout this challenging period, they were not only responsive but also exceptionally resourceful. Their proactive approach and clear explanations about each step of the process were greatly appreciated.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms. Cao and her team helped me with my green card application. They are very knowledgeable and professional. Thanks to their diligent work, my case was approved in around 4 months! I would highly recommend her team to anyone in need of immigration assistance.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Shamirah
I was involved in a T-bone car accident and Michael help make sure I got my treatment. This law firm had went above and beyond for me. I truly appreciate my attorney and his helpful colleagues.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Corey brooks
My fiancee and I got into a car accident(not our fault) and it was a very traumatic experience. Not ever being in this situation before I didn't know what to do as far as the legal route. So went on google and stumbled across the Spector Foerst website. I filled out a little questionnaire and supplied information about my accident. Within 5 minutes James Foerst called me and I was surprised by the quick response. After giving him the details of my accident he assured me that his firm would fight tooth and nail to get me and my fiancee fair and just compensation. Over the course of 1 year and 1 month they helped set us up with doctors appointments, rehab and dotting all T's and crossing all I's. J.D. who works at the firm was in constant contact with us over that time. He is very thorough and is persistent about staying on top of everything. He has worked very hard and was always honest about our case. I also want to mention Mike as well. He was our lawyer on the case. He did an excellent job of fulfilling James Foerst promise to us. Never shying away and constantly fighting for what we deserved in the end. We appreciate you James, Mike, and J.D. for all you're hard work and determination to get everything done. I don't ever wish an auto accident on anyone but if you ever need a lawyer/firm to fight for what you deserve then you can't go wrong with them. Id pick them every time and will recommend them to anyone that asks. 5 STARS
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26 Jul, 2024 by Matt vanhorn
I had an open insurance claim that had gone nowhere for 2+ years that was being handled by another law firm. I had lost trust and essentially given up. On a whim, I called Spector Foerst. Michael Cuellar took my call immediately, gave me options, negotiated on my behalf and dealt with both the former law firm and insurance company. Under Michael’s direction the matter was settled in my favor and I had a check in hand in less than 2 weeks. I can’t thank him enough and am so glad I made that call!
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03 Dec, 2023 by J
Jim was refereed by was a close friend regarding a family matter issue that was was later dismissed as such a matter would have been handles by any other lawyer for a fraction of the price. My experience with Jim and this awful firm was utterly disheartening and frustrating, to say the least. I sought legal representation to navigate through family law matters, hoping for a compassionate and diligent professional to advocate for my interests. Unfortunately, Jim fell short in every aspect. From the outset, their lack of emotional support was glaring. The intricacies of family law cases require sensitivity and understanding, qualities that were alarmingly absent in their approach. Instead of providing reassurance or empathetic guidance during a challenging time, Jim seemed indifferent and detached, while stating "just sign the deal and get it over with" while unwilling to further negotiate the terms. Moreover, their representation demonstrated a blatant disregard for my best interests. Critical decisions were made without adequately considering the nuances of my matter or my desired outcomes. It was evident that they were more interested in a swift resolution, neglecting to prioritize the fundamental aspects that were important to me and my family. Attempting to negotiate terms with Jim proved to be an uphill battle. His unwillingness to engage in meaningful discussions or consider alternative solutions was both disappointing and concerning. Communication was strained, and attempts to reach a consensus on crucial matters were met with resistance and an unwillingness to compromise. Jim would go ghost for 2-3 with no response to texts, calls or emails. For example, the other party had sent him an email around 4pm but he forwarded me the email at 11pm and to follow up the next day, while the court date was the following date. Adding insult to injury, Jim repeatedly failed to follow through on promises, including moving court dates, exacerbating an already distressing situation. This lack of professionalism and commitment further exacerbated the stress and uncertainty surrounding my case. Upon talking to him about the agreement, he refused to move the court date when I had requested stating "just get it over with it and move on". In addition, we had made changes to the agreement and the other party accepted majority of it. But Jim refused to make further changes in the agreement stating "its just word, I'm not going to fight over a few words", he well knows if words were just words then I wouldn't in the legal situation that I was in. In summary, entrusting Jim with my family law matters was a regrettable decision. Their subpar emotional support, failure to prioritize my best interests, reluctance to negotiate, and inability to fulfill basic obligations culminated in a deeply unsatisfactory experience. I would caution anyone seeking legal representation in family law to steer clear of Jim and explore other options more committed to their clients' well-being and interests.
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07 Jan, 2018 by Carter
James and Natalie went above and beyond the handle my personal injury claim. Even though it was a relatively low profile case for the firm, they dedicated that time and effort to reach the best possible settlement. It was always a pleasure working the Spector Foerst team and I would happily recommend them to friends and family.
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17 May, 2017 by Amy
I used Jim Foerst for my home purchase. It was not an easy transaction as the sellers were handling their family estate, and emotions were running high. It was a neglected property and the home inspection summary had no less than 100 items that needed to be addressed. Jim was tough when warranted, yet cool and collected when dealing with me. His excellent guidance and advise were integral in keeping this deal together. I trust him implicitly and recommend him without reservation.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Shamirah
I was involved in a T-bone car accident and Michael help make sure I got my treatment. This law firm had went above and beyond for me. I truly appreciate my attorney and his helpful colleagues.
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star star star star star
07 Aug, 2024 by Corey brooks
My fiancee and I got into a car accident(not our fault) and it was a very traumatic experience. Not ever being in this situation before I didn't know what to do as far as the legal route. So went on google and stumbled across the Spector Foerst website. I filled out a little questionnaire and supplied information about my accident. Within 5 minutes James Foerst called me and I was surprised by the quick response. After giving him the details of my accident he assured me that his firm would fight tooth and nail to get me and my fiancee fair and just compensation. Over the course of 1 year and 1 month they helped set us up with doctors appointments, rehab and dotting all T's and crossing all I's. J.D. who works at the firm was in constant contact with us over that time. He is very thorough and is persistent about staying on top of everything. He has worked very hard and was always honest about our case. I also want to mention Mike as well. He was our lawyer on the case. He did an excellent job of fulfilling James Foerst promise to us. Never shying away and constantly fighting for what we deserved in the end. We appreciate you James, Mike, and J.D. for all you're hard work and determination to get everything done. I don't ever wish an auto accident on anyone but if you ever need a lawyer/firm to fight for what you deserve then you can't go wrong with them. Id pick them every time and will recommend them to anyone that asks. 5 STARS
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26 Jul, 2024 by Matt vanhorn
I had an open insurance claim that had gone nowhere for 2+ years that was being handled by another law firm. I had lost trust and essentially given up. On a whim, I called Spector Foerst. Michael Cuellar took my call immediately, gave me options, negotiated on my behalf and dealt with both the former law firm and insurance company. Under Michael’s direction the matter was settled in my favor and I had a check in hand in less than 2 weeks. I can’t thank him enough and am so glad I made that call!
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31 May, 2022 by Sam yan
Rude and non responsive attorney. Do not even try!
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23 Feb, 2019 by Carmen altamirano redondo
Una firma con capacidad y calidad humana , hablan español, excelente para quien necesita SERVICIO legal
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20 Jul, 2018 by Stacy andris
Very pleased.
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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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