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18 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I used Lana's services for my home purchase in November of 2017. I highly recommend Mrs. Yamnizki to anyone needing a real estate lawyer, with no reservation. Lana guided me through entire purchasing process. She worked tirelessly to protect my interest and complete transaction on time. She remained helpful and always available, when needed, patient, insightful, creative. It was my please to have her as my attorney.
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26 Jul, 2017 by Arsen
We just completed our FSBO sale closing with excellent support of Lana. She guided us through complex negotiations with the other party and made sure that our interests are always fully protected. Lana's work ethics are exceptional - she was very responsive and helpful in explaining the process and clarifying any questions that came up. She certainly went above and beyond our expectations and with gratitude I would wholeheartedly recommend her as an attorney to hire. Thank You, Lana!
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17 Aug, 2016 by Scott
Lana is an excellent real estate attorney. I did a lot of research to find her and it was worth it. Lana helped me buy my first house. She was incredibly helpful, explaining all the details (and there are A LOT of details), and never dismissed any of my concerns - and I had a lot of questions. She is a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Lana to anyone looking to purchase a home. You need a good attorney when you buy a house and Lana is the best. She is very knowledgeable and prepped me on what to expect every step of the way from dealing with real estate agents on both sides of the table to what I should be saying to the people at city hall. Even though the sellers did not have their act together and created multiple delays and complications throughout the process, Lana kept things on track and moving along smoothly on my end. If you are looking for a real estate attorney in New Jersey you should definitely contact her, she is great and her rates are affordable as well.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Adithya
Jim recently helped sell our townhouse in Central NJ, and he provided top-notch service. One big issue that we were initially unsure about was how to go about the sale while living outside the US, but Jim provided us with the guidance to put our minds at ease and helped us navigate the entire transaction remotely! He was on top of various contractual obligations and sent us timely reminders when something was due from us. He was very prompt in responding to our numerous emails and phone calls throughout the process -- while gathering the initial documents, communicating with the buyer's attorney regarding various repairs and fixes, putting stuff together for the closing, and everything in between. It was very reassuring to have Jim represent us, and we absolutely recommend his services for real estate needs.
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04 Feb, 2024 by Naresh
I recently had the pleasure of working with James O’Kelly to sell my condo, and I cannot express enough how grateful I am for his exceptional service and expertise throughout the entire process. From the initial consultation to the closing, Jim demonstrated a level of professionalism and attention to detail that exceeded my expectations. He guided me through every step of the selling process, ensuring that I understood all aspects of the transaction and addressing any concerns or questions I had along the way. Jim's knowledge of real estate law is truly impressive, and it was evident that he has extensive experience in handling these types of transactions. He was proactive in identifying potential issues and worked diligently to resolve them in a timely manner, ultimately ensuring a smooth and successful closing. In addition to his legal expertise, Jim also demonstrated excellent communication skills, keeping me informed of any updates or developments throughout the process. His responsiveness and accessibility were greatly appreciated, as it provided me with peace of mind knowing that I was in capable hands. Overall, I could not have asked for a better experience working with Jim. His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to client satisfaction are truly commendable, and I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled real estate attorney. Thank you, Jim, for your outstanding service and for helping me navigate the complexities of selling my condo with ease and confidence. You are truly a top-notch professional, and I am grateful to have had you on my side throughout this process.
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23 Jan, 2024 by Linda
I was very happy with Jim as a lawyer for my closing. He was prompt in responding and very thorough.
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13 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Alex helped me and my friend get out of a jam. He educated us about the whole process, and helped us keep our cool. Together, we were able to beat the case! We knew we made the right choice hiring Alex, and you will too!
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14 Mar, 2019 by Rich
If you want the best of the best in New Jersey with fair pricing you go see Alex! He is worth the money and saved my family and I plenty of times from traffic violations to real estate purchases.
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23 Jun, 2020 by Sandra
Upon meeting Mrs Farraj you immediately feel a sense of relief that you’re being understood. She’s sharp, intense and shows compassion. She’s also responsive which helped maintain momentum and ultimately led to a successful outcome.
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08 Sep, 2015 by Mason
Aisha was unbelievably helpful when I pursued a case against my league, after sustaining a preventable injury. She was extremely thorough when researching the components of my case and proved to be extremely knowledgeable in what paths to take to reach a favorable outcome. She was always available and worked around my schedule, which was a huge help due to my case being time sensitive. Aisha is extremely clever in how she approaches her work and I highly recommend choosing her as your lawyer
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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.