Filter by

star star star star star
20 Sep, 2018 by Kevin
Mrs Thacker helped me through the loss of my mother , step father and younger brother all in the same event. I had never had to deal with legal situations like this. It was complicated and took years to resolve and complicated by the event happening overseas and the other side of the family separate lawyer. After experiencing the headache of not having everything set from my parents estate , she also helped my family with our estate planning. She guided us with us care and understanding. Great Lawyer, Exceptional Person..
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
11 Jul, 2018 by Jo ann
Mrs. Thacker prepared wills for my mother, my husband and myself, years ago. Upon my husband's recent death, Mrs. Thacker has re-written my will so as to update it, which includes a trust for a disabled child. She has given me strong legal advice regarding the reading of my husband's will and the disbursement of his estate as well as dealing with one of my husband's disgruntled children. This took such a burden off my shoulders during this unfortunate situation in my life. She is handling the probation of my husband's will. She has such a big heart and so knowledgeable about many things. I would recommend her to anyone!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
07 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Carla is not only knowledgeable in her area of expertise, she cares deeply for the rule of law. I never felt rushed during an office visit and she made herself available by providing a telephone number. Carla is accessible. Carla is conscientious and diligently works to expedite the matter that she is preparing for a client. As an extra bonus Carla is a friend. She has a large caring heart for people and a joyful heart. I always felt better after spending time with her. She combines common sense with knowledge of the law.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
30 Nov, 2012 by Damon
Tom is a great attorney and a great person. He is smart, knowledgeable, and avoids unecessary litigation. He 's better than a lot of high profile, more expensive attorney--not particularly aggressive for himself but very good at advocating for client and has very good reputation with judges and other attorneys. He is a no BS type of guy. I've worked with various attorneys over the years--Tom is great at a range of problems , including business, collections, and family law.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
20 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
I was referred to Mr. Adams in 2006 for a divorce. He is one of the most knowledgeable attorney's I have ever met and have again acquired his services. I would highly recommend Mr. Adams to anyone for any type of case.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
05 Dec, 2009 by Michael
H. Cranston Pope provide me with the time I needed to work through the legal matters I was having to deal with. He made me feel comfortable at all times and I was able to access him when I needed immediate response. His confident approach and his thoroughness was what I was hoping for when dealing with things that were foreign to me. He always made sure I was clear on his approach.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
03 Dec, 2012 by Cheape
I called Ms. Smallwood's office in a panic at 5pm one evening and was able to see her the very next morning. She was very patient with me and after hearing my deliema, explained what recourse I had and suggested action. She and her assistant were always available to me and went above and beyond to help get my case resolved. She was always available or got back to me promptly with any questions I had. She is a very professional and knowledgable first class lady that I highly recommend.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
29 Jan, 2023 by Lith
Karim Tabbaa is an amazing lawyer! For years he has worked with me on various matters including reviewing and creating contracts, financial law, and much more. For example, I had received a contract agreement for a business deal and Karim fully explained the terms in simple language and offered advice on how to request a change in the terms in my favor. He is very knowledgeable, prompt, and has excellent communication skills. I trust him fully with any legal matter I encounter and strongly recommend him to anyone seeking legal consultation.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
17 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Very professional work. Reviewed details of my contract and gave me a sincere consultation and organized feedback. Very nice experience.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
15 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Atty. Tabbaa was very detail about my case, ask for the discovery paperwork on my case before making a fast decision, took the time to explain my options, very open, very helpful, very prompt on responding to my emails and/or questions. I am pleased with the overcome of my case. Thank you Atty. Tabbaa.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
30 Sep, 2024 by J a
She is the best Attorney I ever see. I know sometimes she busy but don’t worry her team alway help you !
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
08 May, 2024 by Mike stuckert
What can I say about Jenna and her team? Nothing but the best. We had a very long and exhausting adoption case and we were losing hope that our adoption would fail. Florida adoption laws were very confusing. The adoption entity was extremely pushy and rude and flat out unprofessional. Thankfully Jenna went above and beyond to fight for us and explained everything in detail. Jenna has a strong passion for helping others and doesn't do it for the money. She has a heart of gold and truly cares! I cant thank Jenna and her team enough.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
18 Apr, 2024 by Carla brandt
Great Service and easy to work with.
Read more Google Maps
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.

Scroll to top