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12 Apr, 2022 by Kaan
Joseph was the absolute best—if I could give more than 5 stars, I would! It was my first home purchase and first time hiring an attorney. I saw that he was rated the highest in my area and now I see why. The whole process of working with him could not have been easier! He was there every step of the way and through all the obstacles (believe me there were many). He was always on top of everything, would reach out with frequent updates from seller’s counsel, and would simplify the confusing legalese surrounding the entire process. From the custom riders to the initial sellers contract, the seamless attorney review phase, and much more, I couldn’t have asked for better than Joseph on my side. Well done, sir!
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16 Jul, 2020 by St
I received a traffic ticket in Bergen county and contacted Joseph to help me with the resolution. He is honest about my options, transparent about the process and guided me through the new zoom court process to get to a great resolution. I would not hesitate to use Joseph's services again should the need arise
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11 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Had to appear at court and I got helped every step of the way. Very informative and on top of making things easy.
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18 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Very good I am very grateful because he always try me to understand all the details.Really I recommend gen and I give it 5 stars.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Andre tacen
I had an excellent experience with lawyer Maria. Even though I played a big role in my case taking longer, Maria never forgot about me. After I was absent for two years, she still reached out and helped me fix my status. Her dedication and persistence made all the difference. If you want your case to succeed, I highly recommend following their advice, as they truly have the knowledge and expertise to get results.
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27 May, 2024 by Acs producciones
Tube un dui en el 2023, el abogado Carlos Rendo, me representó, el hablo con el fiscal, y ante el juez me hizo hablar a mí persona, pero creo q un abogado es el que tiene q hablar por ti por algo le estás pagando o no?, bueno con mis nervios y eso, a lo que yo entendí, el juez dictó, 4 meces de suspensión y 9 con Intoxalock, a lo q el abogado me explicó lomismo, los he cumplido, fui a MVD y me dicen q’ son 13 meces con Intoxalock, que lo debí aver puesto durante la suspensión, o sea que tuve que haver pagado durante 4 menses sin poder usar el vehículo. Cuando regresé a su oficina, me dijo q eso apuntó también, y q para ver q paso necesita el transcrip o algo así? Tomé la decisión de continuar por 4 meces más, no voy a perder más dinero. espero esto les sirva a alguien y no paguen por un servicio no bien echo. Y no digo q sea malo, por que no lo se, si un abogado lee esto q me diga si yo tenía q haber hablado o el abogado en mi representación.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Emmanuel tomás
De mucha ayuda, los recomiendo
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13 Oct, 2024 by Vana lorena
Edgar Navarrete has been my family’s lawyer for many years. Anytime we needed legal advice he has been the best advisor. My most recent case was easy fast and very happy with the end results. I recommend Edgar and his team for any of your legal needs. Thank you for everything I am one happy client. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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12 Jul, 2024 by Rodney voelker
My parents were recommended to Alvaro Alonso from "Alonso & Navarrete" law firm to close on a family real estate purchase. We cannot recommend this firm for real estate transactions as it doesn't seem like real estate is their strong suit. Multiple mistakes were made on the attorney's side that resulted in my parents having to pay over $10k in additional costs that could have easily been avoided had the attorney done his job properly. First, the closing date took about 5 months longer than anticipated. On the first time they were supposed to close, the close got cancelled literally hours before the close because the attorney discovered a lien on the property that somehow he did not know about until the day of the close, despite having significant lead time to prepare. My parents already took out a loan in preparation for the day of close so they started accumulating interest charges despite not being able to close for almost another 5 months later. Second, the attorney was a poor communicator overall. Almost all communications, if any, were done by his assistant. They weren't proactive. It was mainly my parents having to reach out to them for status and by their responses it sounded like they were stalling for time. One time when my mother called the office, the assistant picked up the phone and the attorney could be heard in the background saying (in spanish) the equivalent of "what does this woman want!". The slow process to close got so bad that the seller took proactive steps to complete some responsibilities that the attorneys should have been doing. This helped speed up the process but again, it wasn't the seller's job to do that. Just a few days prior to the "real" closing day (I say "real" because there were at least 5 closing dates proposed along the way that never materialized) the attorney brought up a transfer tax for the very first time. My parents instructed this should be split 50/50 with the seller to which the seller agreed. Due to miscommunication, my parents attorney agreed with the seller's attorney that my parents would be paying the entire transfer tax. To avoid any further delays, my parents decided to absorb this easily-avoidable $2.3k cost had the attorney appropriately communicated with them. A few hours after the close was completed, my parents were called to return to the office because there was additional paperwork the office forgot to give them to sign. Between the additional interest charges and transfer taxes my parents should not have paid for, once everything was finally said and done they ended up paying an estimated ~$12k in avoidable costs due to poor communication.
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13 Feb, 2024 by Dennisse silva
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28 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Fonticoba not only handled my case professionally, but also kept me up to date and made sure all my questions were answered throughout the process.
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02 Apr, 2019 by Maria
This was my first time going through the home purchasing process and I could not believe how easy of a process Robert was able to make it, responsive and knowledgeable and will be using home again when the time arrives
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01 Apr, 2019 by Sam
Mr. Fonticoba helped me close on a business property. He took the time to explain and inform me on the process and fought hard to protect my interest. Most would not have challenged a large real estate company for fear of losing potential business or retribution but he fought for the little guy and did the right thing. This wasn't just a closing to me, it was my life savings. I'll always be grateful to Robert for standing up to what was right.
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20 Apr, 2023 by Bienvenidos al canal de liz montero
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07 Jan, 2021 by Awilda v. yambo
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15 Jul, 2020 by Istvan pista szabo
I had an appointment that he didn't care to keep or postpone but let me sit in his Waiting Area for over 3 hours as other people's time didn't matter. I'm sure he would have charged me if he actually brought me into his office for a consultation but he was a referral from a friend who he had screwed over big time by holding on to his documents and release client InFormation! This so called attorney has breached his duty to his client and possibly committed malpractice.
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21 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
This lawyer does NOT answer any phone calls and likes to be chased around! We had to leave multiple messages with his rude secretary until we finally gave up. He doesn’t take people seriously and is all about the money. Very overpriced for such horrible customer service. Hope you’re not looking for ANY empathy from this guy.
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07 Jan, 2010 by Michael chiong
Alain helped me at a time when everything was crashing down. I had two driving while suspended charges, I was facing jail time and high fines. He is ex public prosecutor in North Bergen where I was due in court so I figured he would be the best lawyer that knows the system and how to get my penalties reduced. He was very responsive, let me know what to do and when to do it and kept me informed at all times. I ended up paying less than half of the penalties, faced no jail time and saved my license from being suspended. I am truly grateful for this man has done. Thanks!!
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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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