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25 Jun, 2020 by Constance
Andrew Bolson, Esq. is a formidable attorney. He is caring (always returning calls & emails in short order). He is highly versatile - so well versed in trusts and estates, motor vehicles, real estate law, etc. Most of all, he is kind & compassionate.
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14 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
My husband and I worked with Andrew Bolson for the purchase of our first home, a co-op in Manhattan. We were nothing but satisfied with Andrew's professionalism, attention to detail, and calm demeanor throughout. At 8 months pregnant, we were anxious for the closing to happen quickly. Andrew kept us calm and prepared throughout the journey. We are moving in just a few days and are very excited. Thank you Andrew!
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29 Mar, 2019 by Alexia
Andrew Bolson Esq. not only willingly accepted my case but went above & beyond his duty to help me with my situation. He consistently listened attentively to my concerns & always in a very timely fashion addressed each of them with completeness & compassion. His calm demeanor, want to understand, effectiveness to communicate & desire to help are unmatched. Without his care, effort & perseverance compensation would not have been possible. Andrew will be my first contact should I have any legal needs. If you want an outstanding attorney, I highly recommend Andrew Bolson without any reservations.
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31 Jul, 2022 by Michael
Frank and Christina are an exceptional team. Because of their efforts, I was able to close on my apartment easily and on the schedule that worked best for me. This was no mean feat, as a miscalculation from the seller’s attorney necessitated some last-minute problem-solving from Christina. She and Frank remedied the issue promptly and with a calmness that inspired confidence.
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22 May, 2019 by Michael
Selling my mom's home with me being non-local required legal support that was simple, knowledgeable and patient. Christina and Frank were perfect in this respect and insured that all details were covered and the home closing went off without a hitch. I could not ask for anything more!
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02 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Frank and Christina are terrific. They helped us navigate an aggressive seller's market and close on our ideal timeline...they were responsive, patient, reassuring, and most of all caring. We felt at ease knowing Frank was protecting our interests. We highly recommend his services!
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19 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I consulted Mr. Weiner on a complicated land use situation in Bergen County, and he was very kind and generous in explaining all our options in detail, as he thought through various approaches, plans, contingencies, timeframes, and costs. He was very helpful.
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28 May, 2016 by Anonymous
There was a change of use on a property in our neighborhood that significantly increased traffic flow. We questioned how an approval was granted without notification. Ira met with us and the town pointing out that proper procedures and approvals were not in compliance with local zoning. It was agreed that this matter would go back to the zoning board so they could do their job. We are very pleased with this outcome.
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25 May, 2016 by Carla
Ira was hired by a group of neighbors who were concerned about someone building what appeared to be commercial garages in a lake community. Ira explained all our options and represented us in what became a two-year process. We were successful in preventing the building and preserving the neighborhood. We were very pleased with how Ira handled everything.
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28 Jul, 2014 by Thomas
Mr. Graifman restored my faith in attorneys ..after meeting with several dishonest attorneys, Mr Graifman took my case, handled it professionally and solved my problem...He continually contacted me with updates prior to the final resolution. I could not have been more happy with an attorney and would always return to his office first . In addition, Mr Graifman was knowledgeable, polite, and just an all around nice guy ...would highly recommend
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30 Dec, 2011 by Rohit desai
Gary Graifman from KGG, represented our pharmaceutical company in a complicated corporate matter. His time and dedication to the matter provided us with a sense of confidence, security and loyalty which I am certain most companies cannot express about their attorneys. He is an attorney who stands out among his colleagues and “raises the bar” for which we were truly appreciative.
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04 Mar, 2021 by John
Ms Gatto handles all my real estate deals in NJ. She responds quickly to requests, and she always supplies me with documents that I misplaced.
Both are essential services IMO.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Janice is an outstanding attorney! She goes above and beyond to provide excellent service. One of the very few who truly cares about their clients. She is very knowledgeable in her field and always delivers! Highly recommend her!
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29 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Janice was the worse kind of attorney I've ever had to work with. She was unprofessional and unresponsive. She didn't call or e-mail back. Only when I left messages that said I needed her urgently, did she call back. She was recommended to help with a condo purchase. I signed a contract to purchase the condo. My real estate agent gave the contract to her to review. Usually, it should take 3 days for the attorney review. She never reviewed it and I lost the condo! She kept saying that the condo owners didn't have a right to sell, which may be true. It was new construction, and they didn't acquire the Certificate of Occupancy yet, but how is it that other buyers were able to close and I couldn't? By the time the owners acquired the certificate, housing prices went up, and they didn't want to sell to me anymore, unless I paid more. Back when I decided to buy the place, I've already made a deposit, so I don't know why Janice couldn't have argued that it was illegal for the owners to back out like that. All in all, Janice did a horrible job as a real estate attorney. She charged more than other real estate attorneys because, I was told, she's also a judge, but if you charge more, I'd expect your services to be stellar. It didn't come close! My real estate agent didn't enjoy working with her; I didn't enjoy working with her. If you keep losing condos for your clients, you should get out of the real estate business.
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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:
-
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.
