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14 Nov, 2023 by Karen
I first contacted M. Hedayat & Associates for legal assistance on a mechanics lien case. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy he was to talk to, & how very knowledgeable he was on this type of legal issues. Once I met w/him, I felt even more confident, & he was able to walk me through how the whole process works, & he gave me some great advice how to move forward. His over 30 years in this type of law was extremely helpful! I'm sure w/his help, I will be successful & feel good about any future legal problems that I might need professional legal help with!
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23 Mar, 2023 by Thanasis
Mazyar and his office did an outstanding job for me walked me through step-by-step on what was happening in my case. Highly recommend 1 to 10 . I give their office and my attorney a 12 will use again in the near future. Thank you guys
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17 Mar, 2023 by Nash
First and foremost, before reading my review, you should know that Mazyar is the best at real estate and bankruptcy law in DuPage county. Just call him if this is what you are looking for expertise in. We had a referral to two prestigious firms in the area from a very prominent retired local attorney that had years of running an extremely successful practice that still operates. The first one said that is a difficult case and it sounds like too much time. The second one said that is out of my league; referred yet another lawyer and that lawyer even declined our case. We then called Mazyar. He knew it was tough, but said “I can handle that”. He was quick to assess our situation and very transparent about options; Mazyar and his associates were responsive every step of the way. I tried to think I knew options, but Mazyar is the lawyer he knew every angle, every option. If we didn’t have him and his team in our court we likely would have lost everything. It took about 4 months to resolve things and he would give me updates and reassure us every step of the way. When it came down to the final days he was finding every way possible to save me a few dollars, and prevented certain individuals from taking more advantage of us. He knew exactly when to negotiate, and what legal procedures to follow. His rates were reasonable, and never saw a bill and thought what is this charge for. Seriously, do not look elsewhere. If you need a lawyer for real estate or bankruptcy in Chicago there isn’t a better one. By the end of all of this I felt like Mazyar, Nayeli, and Trudi are like friends to us after what we went through; just really good people. The professionalism and dedication is unmatched; and I don’t think it’s possible to find someone anywhere in Greater Chicago that would do the quality of work that they did.
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14 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Eric really helped us through this situation and saved us money. We highly regard his work for us.
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14 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
I came to Eric with a dispute between myself and a custom car shop that had produced a car for me. I had held back partial payment on the invoice because I was displeased with the work. After four months, I was getting nowhere trying to negotiate a reduction of the invoice with the shop. I contacted Eric and in just three weeks he was able to negotiate an agreement that closed out the invoice without any additional payment by me to the shop. Eric described the services he would provide and quoted a flat fee upfront that was very reasonable. He kept me informed in a timely manner of all correspondence he had with the shop and explained my options clearly at each step.
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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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