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30 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
We found Conor to be very helpful and knowledgeable. Conor assisted us on general easement, and property right issues. The big issue at hand had to deal with our rights on an adandond county road that had not been deeded over to the property owners. He helped us navigate some fencing issues and live stock issues as well. Personable and compassionate, we would highly recomend Conor Massey and the staff at Gaw Van Male.
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22 Apr, 2013 by Stephen
David Ramos has represented me in various situations during the past ten years. From personal and comercial real estate transactions, stock transfers to litigation. I would not hesitate in recommending him highly to anyone.
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12 Jul, 2013 by Chris
Mr. Kelly Wallace is a respectable gentleman who assisted me in maintaining calm with his professionalism and timely responsiveness. Before finding Kelly, I had researched and contacted four lawyers, one of whom referred Kelly to me. After meeting with him for a short time, I chose to hire Mr. Wallace to help me. I have never needed a lawyer before, and without his help, I would not have moved forward. As I am a nervous and anxious person, Mr. Wallace provided the perfect balance of information, calm, and decisiveness. He was respectful in that he never made me feel foolish for my questions or lack of understanding. I am in my 40s and Kelly was the first and only lawyer I ever hired. There couldn't possibly be anyone who could have done a finer job and it was a gift to have had his tremendous assistance.
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29 May, 2013 by Chris
I needed an attorney to negotiate the sale of my business. Bruce not only knows the law, he understood the process and was skilled at anticipating the positions of the Buyer and addressing their concerns before they became an issue.
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09 Jan, 2019 by William mcclure
Attorneys Michael Murphy and Alison Roades-Brown are batting 1000 for me. They helped me favorably resolve two pressing business matters this last year. They are well respected in our community and approach law and conflict resolution in what I feel is a humanistic manner. They are completely professional, very responsive, and able to look at the big picture. Their fees are reasonable, and they are sensitive to keeping costs low. Having worked with many other attorneys, I know a good practice when I see it. I would recommend them without reservation.
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09 Jan, 2019 by William mcclure
Attorneys Michael Murphy and Alison Roades-Brown are batting 1000 for me. They helped me favorably resolve two pressing business matters this last year. They are well respected in our community and approach law and conflict resolution in what I feel is a humanistic manner. They are completely professional, very responsive, and able to look at the big picture. Their fees are reasonable, and they are sensitive to keeping costs low. Having worked with many other attorneys, I know a good practice when I see it. I would recommend them without reservation.
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30 Nov, 2022 by Amit k
Great service
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22 Nov, 2021 by Lupita quintero
The best in the world thanks for everything, lawyer thanks for helping me in my case❤️
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17 Jul, 2020 by Sam perez
The Office of Douglas Pharr helped us with everything from day one. The communication was efficient, and professional. Olga was super helpful with communication in Spanish and in English. Attorney Douglas Pharr genuinely cares about his clients. I had another attorney to help with the same case but for another reason, and Attorney Douglas Pharr made sure that he was on the same page as my other attorney before he made other decisions. We highly recommend the Law Office of Douglas Pharr, for his EXPERTISE, COMMUNICATION, and his team's PROFESSIONALISM.
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30 Nov, 2022 by Amit k
Great service
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22 Nov, 2021 by Lupita quintero
The best in the world thanks for everything, lawyer thanks for helping me in my case❤️
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17 Jul, 2020 by Sam perez
The Office of Douglas Pharr helped us with everything from day one. The communication was efficient, and professional. Olga was super helpful with communication in Spanish and in English. Attorney Douglas Pharr genuinely cares about his clients. I had another attorney to help with the same case but for another reason, and Attorney Douglas Pharr made sure that he was on the same page as my other attorney before he made other decisions. We highly recommend the Law Office of Douglas Pharr, for his EXPERTISE, COMMUNICATION, and his team's PROFESSIONALISM.
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23 Sep, 2024 by K casey
Our experience with Jeffrey Stephens has been exceptional. He is responsive, knowledgeable, insightful, and kind. Currently, he is working on three separate cases for us, with expertise and great attention to detail. It is such a relief to have competent representation. He recently amended our existing trust, and provided all of the trust administration on my mother in law's estate. His wonderful team, Colleen Diaz and Caitlyn Andrijich, are also always reliable, helpful, and reachable. It has been a pleasure to work with each of them.
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13 Jun, 2024 by Julie mccrary
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09 Nov, 2023 by K brown
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16 Feb, 2023 by Matthew vogeding
I’ve needed to utilize Ms. Amber Hayes expertise twice in my life and I am extremely pleased with the results of her hard work. She is superior in professionalism, respectfulness, legal knowledge, and has a little spice to get the job done. Sometimes you need someone to just be honest, blunt, and upfront with everyone and she definitely is not going to super coat anything. However, in a lot of situations when dealing with family issues you will need that honesty, integrity, and need the best of the best…like Ms. Amber Hayes office. Her office actually cares about your family and not just there to do their job cause you paid them. Ms. Amber Hayes and her office are like the Picasso of lawyers and a winning team for your needs. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU AND YOUR OFFICE WORKED for my family.
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09 Feb, 2023 by Ruth clark
Outstanding, professional service in obtaining a divorce. Ms. Hayes is very patient and works well with opposing lawyer. She covers all the bases and listens to concerns and makes this difficult journey as easy as possible.
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30 Jan, 2023 by Susan pemberton
Amber is the best - professional, compassionate and dedicated to her clients. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an attorney they can trust.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Dustin vonvicenich
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08 Jul, 2024 by John anaya
A Great Firm with ethically driven Attorney’s.
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08 Jul, 2024 by John anaya
They took care of my families cases and were fair and reasonable. They fought relentlessly on our behalf
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22 Oct, 2014 by John
I have a feeling the previous reviewer is a jealous competitor because we had the opposite experience with Mr. Teague. Yes, he was initially hard to get ahold but I know now it's because he is in such high demand. Although once he was committed to working with us he was totally accessible. And yes he is expensive but we spent ten times less going through our entitlements because of him. My entire team is in agreement that we would have paid double what we did for his services and local expertise.
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04 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
The first meeting he appeared arrogant, but smart and professional. The number of unreturned phone calls and emails became too many to count. Kevin sold that he was "in" with the City Council and Board of Supervisors, but this meant that he requested cash payments for items. His "expertise" in matters created more controversy (and fees). After he told us that our project could not be completed without spending X dollars, we hired another attorney and the project ran smoothly and cost a fraction of his estimates.
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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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