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04 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
We hired David to represent us for a real estate matter in which we purchased a house however later found out non-disclosed issues with the house. The case went on for 2 years and eventually reached a global settlement. David is our attorney and also the most trustworthy partner along the process. We got valuable advices from David regarding what we should do and shouldn't do, and we trust David for all his professional advices. David is very considerate to try hard to keep the cost low for us, which we really appreciate. We feel lucky to have hired David as our attorney and we recommend David to all our friends.
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09 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
We consulted with David for a problem we had with our contractor when he went on an illegal strike. David explained on our options to us, and did not even charge us since our contractor came back to work using the strategy David identified for us!
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16 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired David Marks to represent me in a case brought against me by a property developer who owned an empty lot next door to me and who summarily sued me for a matter that should have been dealt with via a gentleman's agreement, but which ended up costing me thousands. Regardless, Mr Marks helped resolve the case, in the process dealing with the other side's aggressive and irrational attorney. Mr Marks knew that as the "little guy" I needed to keep costs low, and was very reasonable and considerate in this regard. I would have no hesitation in contacting him again should the need arise - which I hope it never does, but one never knows.
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20 Apr, 2016 by Jacques
My name is Jacques Delacroix. I am a retired professor of Management. I live in Santa Cruz, California with my wife, Krishna Delacroix who is an artist. Recently, we went to John D. Laughton, A Professional Law Corporation in Monterey, California for help to deal with the complex and forbidding business of making end-of-life legal preparations. We dealt entirely with Brandie Luis Esq. ,and with the pleasant office staff person (whose name escapes me right now because, well, I am writing a will am I not?)
Ms. Luis deployed incomparable patience and perseverance in dealing with our passivity (and perhaps, with our unconscious resistance). She guided us skillfully through the meanders of legal dispositions we did not even suspected to exist. As a result of her quiet efforts, my wife and I now think that we have done all the right things with respect to our offspring and with respect to the world at large. We believe that thanks to Ms Luis, our passing will not trouble much the peace of those we leave behind. We even think we will leave behind us a slight wake of benevolence. Those are satisfying and probably rare feelings.
Ms Luis ' disposition is so conscientious and so kind that once, she ever made a house call to us! (I hasten to add that this may not be a service the firm offer routinely and to all is customers. We may well have received favored treatment, on his occasion though I am sure we did nothing to deserve it.)
Obviously neither I nor my wife have any previous experience with this kind of endeavor. However, we suspect we stand more on the side of clients from Hell than on the side of angelic clients. Ms. Luis never lost her cool with us and she continued to direct us with a firm but friendly hand until the task was completed. If loving lawyers were not a human impossibility, we would say we have come to love Ms Luis!We could not recommend her personally and the John D. Laughton firm more highly.
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20 May, 2015 by Scott
Brandie Luis, was able to help our family through some difficult legal challenges we had recovering funds that other firms had told us couldn't be done without going through a long and expensive legal process.
She was able to assess the situation quickly and worked with the State and the banking institutions on our behalf to resolve the issues we encountered all to a successful outcome.
Brandie was always prompt with her communications and updated us frequently through the whole process.
I especially appreciated her support and concern for us, we really felt that our situation was as important to her as it was to us, this is a rare commodity that you don't find very much these days.
I would highly recommend Brandie Luis to anyone looking for a Lawyer in her area of expertise.
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09 Mar, 2015 by Tracy
Brandie both informed us on our options and helped educate us on what the different choices would mean for the estate. She was very knowledgeable, had clear explanations, and was responsive in her replies when we had further questions. She was very thorough in ensuring all our assets made it in to the trust which was very reassuring as I have heard other peoples horror stories when they found out too late their assets weren't actually in the trust. Brandie's thorough nature ensure we are in good hands and the estate will remain a legacy for generations to come!
I would highly recommend Brandie as an attorney that you can trust with your families future in mind.
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17 Feb, 2022 by Anthony g
17 Feb, 2022 by Anthony g
4.6
10 Reviews
4.8
135 Reviews
05 Aug, 2024 by Aibo sun
Alcorn Immigration Law is an excellent company. The staff are very patient, highly professional, and respond to emails promptly. They proactively arrange meetings to help address my questions. With their assistance, we successfully completed an H1B transfer and an H1B extension. Thank you very much.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Vishal juneja
26 Jun, 2024 by Christine liu
Sara is one of the most professional, conscientious, knowledgeable and smartest lawyers out there. She’s not only a top-notch lawyer but a wonderful human being. She’s empathic and ethical, and at the same time she can be a fierce advocate. You can’t go wrong with Sara.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Aibo sun
Alcorn Immigration Law is an excellent company. The staff are very patient, highly professional, and respond to emails promptly. They proactively arrange meetings to help address my questions. With their assistance, we successfully completed an H1B transfer and an H1B extension. Thank you very much.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Vishal juneja
26 Jun, 2024 by Christine liu
Sara is one of the most professional, conscientious, knowledgeable and smartest lawyers out there. She’s not only a top-notch lawyer but a wonderful human being. She’s empathic and ethical, and at the same time she can be a fierce advocate. You can’t go wrong with Sara.
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FAQs
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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:
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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.
