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22 Mar, 2014 by Gary
Ute "Ooota" Ferdig steadfastly guided me to settlement regarding an ongoing, contentious, 2 plus year hard feelings battle over a sizable real and personal property liquidation effort between myself & only surviving sibling sister.
The dispute topics were Ca inheritance rules, Ca probate law, Ca Living Will terminology, personal property division, real property division and each parties exact liquidation rights.
Ute cleared up my family combined mindset for those easy to get confused, impossible to understand finer details and produced an agreeable resolution for all parties. This AFTER an approx. 6 month period of search and pursuit for fair answers between all key parties to the agreement.
My professional, heart felt thoughts and feelings regarding Attorney Ute Ferdig are as follows:
- Enthusiastic. Reliable. Young. Fun. Astute, clear thinking, bright spirited mind, character and personality. Possesses 5 Star excellence in attitude and educated skills necessary for her legal profession. Seasoned w/ age and experience, Ute was a perfect choice advisor for me and my family.
- Ute ALSO embodies an impeccable grasp of legal professionalism and right choice ethics for her trade. Not afraid to ask the hard, necessary questions. Brief but complete telephone exchanges always helpful.
- Saves valuable, costly discussion time by getting to root of issues quickly. Ute is equal parts street wise, street savvy to life's multitude of frustrations and challenges. She is not naïve. She is additionally well advised and supported by a strong base of experienced, respected colleagues.
- Ute gets to the point of legality and stays fixed on that same point through to a comfortable finish. Minimum wasted motion. Her clear speak recommendations, whether in person or over phone, were timely and insightful.
- Easy conversationalist. Not a know it all, self absorbed type disposition. Researches and upgrades her professional knowledge base to current status daily. Ute possesses steady, good health energy daily habits. Yes, this an honest behavior pattern.
- Highly recommend that you contact Ute for at least a 2nd opinion or request another point of view regarding your troubling area of legal need if not your first call.
- You will not regret you stopped here today and made this right choice effort to contact Ute "Ooota" and share w/ her your private but very real stress.
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08 Mar, 2014 by Nancy
Ute is dedicated to her profession and it shows. She was very easy to work with. She was honest and straight forward about her fees while keeping my budget in mind. Her direct yet sensitive approach assured me that I could trust her. She was diligent in our communications to make sure she understood what was important to me. She communicated the procedures and steps clearly. My questions were answered and my best interest was a priority. I was kept well informed about court dates and was always prepared. Her attentiveness to my case gave me the feeling that I was her only client! It is with great pleasure that I recommend Ute to assist you with your legal needs.
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06 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Used on a real estate deal.
Did a great job.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Jeff jellsey
What an outstanding person! Goes above and beyond to help people! I've never had an attorney send me money back!! Thank you again!
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.2
20 Reviews
28 Sep, 2024 by Alison lloyd
I had the pleasure of working with Ben Eagleton and his team. I found Ben’s approach to be assertive, forthright and exceptionally professional. He and his team always answered all of my questions and kept me well informed throughout the process. I am very happy and would highly recommend Ben and his team.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Heather bo
My experience with Ben was not a good one. My chief complaint is that he is NOT good at communicating the status of the case, returning phone calls or emails. I was told all inquiries would receive a response within a “ reasonable amount of time”, which translates to when he made it a priority to get back to me. This lack of communication led to a degradation of our communications with one another as I had no idea if he was following deadlines or not. Example, at our first court hearing I had called and emailed Ben regarding the hearing and I did not hear back from him until the morning of the hearing, which is unacceptable.
A reasonable amount of time is 24-48 hours. This never happened and a typical response back was 5-7 days which did not work for me. Deadlines and follow through were another issue. I feel overall there was a lack of preparation and at best it felt rushed in his part and most likely contributed to why he was not good about “status updates “or answering my questions. I know attorneys are very busy, but this was 100% unacceptable. Also, blaming the client and treating the client as the problem, a really bad idea. Someone from the office should have responded even if only to say we got your message and we will be in touch.instead I was treated as the problem as they when someone finally did reach back out, they would say “ we have received your numerous calls and emails and sending more emails will not get a quicker response”.
If you don’t want to be kept in the loop, if you don’t care about accountability and you want your case to take as long as possible, then Ben is your guy. If you want to be kept in the loop, not hear excuses but hear the progress in your case, and have deadlines and necessary correspondence followed through with- Look somewhere else.
Ben is smart and articulate but business practice and communication is very poor.
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21 Jul, 2024 by William yoder
Ben eagleton is extremely poor and communication skills. I asked many many times to be kept the loop on any emails or correspondence with my case. Because he refused to keep me in the loop I was in the verge of losing my case. I had to fire him and get a lawyer that would keep me in the loop.
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28 Sep, 2020 by Hannah campbell
25 Sep, 2020 by Carlos gonzales
25 Sep, 2020 by Ruby perez
Mr. Gilbeau helped my son with his legal issue a while back. Our family couldn't be more grateful for all the time and effort he put into making sure my son had the best legal representation for his case. I wish I could give him 6 stars. I will defiantly be recommending him to all anyone in need of legal assistance or advice!
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15 Sep, 2021 by Chris
I hired Robert Brenner to go over a contract I had with a car dealer. The car tested positive for airborne mold. My family got sick but due to the mold. Robert wrote a demand letter based on the fact the car was still under warranty which in fact it wasn't. I gave him the entire purchase agreement with dates etc. And even after reviewing the contract he still based the demand letter on warranty. I myself didn't understand all the fine print which is why we hired him but we trusted him. TO make matters worse when he sent me a copy of the demand letter for me to review after reviewing it I noticed part of it was from another demand letter for someone with a boat. He sent a demand letter that had half my info and half info from someone else. He invited me to come to his office. After we spoke he goes oh by the way you owe me $475 for this consult. Don't trust him he's not up front and even after he has all the info you still won't be certain he's doing you any justice.
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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:
-
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.
