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24 Dec, 2021 by Gerald
Paul handled a delicate and complicated situation over the course of nearly two full years - in terms of guidance, legal support/action, and a property sale. From the start he laid out a course of action which was very direct and clear, but what made me comfortable is that he presented it very confidently but with compassion and an understanding for what I was feeling personally. I felt like he truly empathized with my circumstances, listened to my point of view, and essentially acted as a true sounding board while already crafting a game plan on which for us to execute. I never felt that I did not know where we were headed, but in a way felt I was still in control of my path, yet I was in the good hands of a true professional. I have worked with many attorneys both personally and in a business setting, so I can certainly attest to the good and not so good of attorneys, and Paul checks all the good boxes. Again he brings a personal touch to the work where you know he genuinely cares. That is huge. However, equally on a professional level and knowledge of his craft, he would be tough to match. He has a way of reciting the law but also communicating it in a way that is easy to digest and follow. Paul is also very reliable and consistently in touch seemingly at need. I acknowledged he has several clients and a full plate at all times, but never did I feel like I was on the backburner - it was as if my issues were front and center and always his priority. No client can expect that but I feel like that's what I got. To be fair, a review is not legitimate without at least one critique, but honestly the only thing I would say is that he could have convinced me sooner to take his advice and stop sitting on my hands It was ultimately only my hesitation and stubbornness but he did not stop short of giving me his two cents in that regard - and that is much respected and probably his true value. And even when I delayed in decision making, he found a way to make up for that in some way. Really amazing. On the real estate side of things, his experience and knowledge of the market and conditions is top notch. He was spot on with listing price and took prudent steps to ensure a quick and successful sale. Again all the while over communicating progress and any next steps along the way. I have sold a few properties through the years, but I have never felt so supported. I love that I could just chime in but essentially "STAY OUT OF IT!" Got to deeply thank Paul for everything and highly recommend.
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10 Nov, 2021 by Dhaval
Paul was hired by our company to refiance a loan for our hotel.
Paul is very:
1.Smart, extreemely knowledable in his feild of work
2.Responsive, picks up the phone when called or retruns calls ASAP
3.Organised, very organised!!
4. Gets the job done with the least amount of stress to us.
He did such a great job on our first hotel we hired him to refiance our 2nd hotel as well.
Bottom line Paul gets the job done, pleasant to work with and is extreemely knowledable as a Loan broaker/Attorney!!!
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30 Dec, 2019 by Shannon
From the moment of our first contact, Paul was immediately responsive, and had already done homework on our property, and the sellers. We had found ourselves in the midst of massive non-disclosures on the property we had purchased, facing a huge amount of money to make it habitable and functional, and were at a total loss on how to handle it all. We finally decided that we needed to do something about it legally, and reached out to Paul, who had been referred by a close friend. Paul worked tirelessly with us over the next few months, sending information to us, responding immediately to all questions, and making us laugh when we wanted to cry. He is quite the detective, searching out every angle possible until he finds the key that fits. Paul would not let us give up, and when we finally said we just wanted OUT of the nightmare, he said let's go for that angle. In the end, we achieved the unheard of...the sellers agreed to purchase back the property! With this incredible turn of events, we were able to immediately start looking for another property, which we found that same week. Paul navigated us forward and through it all...juggling back and forth as we sold back our property and purchased our new one (in the midst of our being on vacation out of the country!). We are now very happily living in our new home/property...something that would not have been possible without Paul, who has now become a dear friend as well as Attorney. We cannot thank him enough for all he did for us.
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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.
