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05 Aug, 2020 by Adam thralls
14 May, 2024 by Brenda townsend
06 May, 2021 by Janice simeone
Concerned and competent attorney.
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06 May, 2021 by Human academy
Our company received valuable legal advice from Joseph Jarzabek which helped us structure our business the right way. Great service and expertise. Thank you!
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08 Jan, 2024 by Gabrielle
Wendy was excellent. I wouldn't have prevailed without her. There is still another issue on my journey in dealing with the discrimination against by my employer that I am attempting to resolve on my own. If I am unsuccessful in my attempt to resolve this on my own then I intend to re-hire Wendy for her further assistance. Her office is extremely busy, so patience with her schedule is necessary, but well worth the time.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Ms. Earle has demonstrated her excellent skills both inside and out of the courtroom. Her communication skills have been excellent. She answers every question, and remarkably, often states the exact code or statute applicable in support of her answer. She is absolutely focused on the tasks at hand. As a type A personality myself, I can assure you of the thorough, exacting, accurate, error-free, complete, and timely work products she provides. At the same time, while she is very personable, there is no "wasting" of time to "pad" the billing and charge more in fees. I have never felt any of the fees charged have been unreasonable or exaggerated in any way. Before hiring Ms. Earle, and with an awareness she has a litigation practice, we questioned Ms. Earle about her experience. We were amazed at the amount and variety of cases as well as the levels of courts she has had very successful experiences with. Wendy replaced an attorney who did incredible damage to our interests. I didn't realize the true extent of the damage until hiring a thoroughly competent attorney, Wendy Earle. Our unfortunate situation would have been entirely different had Ms. Earle handled the issues in the first place. Lesson well learned but at a severe cost both financially and emotionally as the other attorney was well paid for her incompetence. It is without any hesitation or reservation that we absolutely recommend the hiring of Wendy Earle, Esquire to handle your needs.
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17 May, 2023 by Ray
Wendy,
Was professional and thorough in advising me on legal matters. She helped me understand the law based on the context of my unique situation and offered multiple legal perspectives where I could then come to my own decision. She also provided empathy and understood that legal matters are messy and that sometimes clients just need to be listened to. She answered all my questions and returned phone calls in a timeline manner. I hired her smaller office because I like professionals that provide individualized attention to complex matters instead of outsourcing staff to do their work for them. I was pleased with the case outcome, so much so that I would hire this attorney again.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Elaina thompson
I can't speak to the law skills of this firm, but the woman who answers the phones should take a sabbatical. I called about a situation involving my father's death and property he owned (trying to transfer ownership) and she wouldn't even let me speak before interrupting and telling me what I had to do. While she might have been right with her advice for one situation, she literally wouldn't let me speak about other things I wanted to ask about and she continually interrupted me (even after I said "hey, you keep interrupting me and I'd really like to explain a few other things" and then she interrupted again and would not let me speak!) Pretty horrible and rude experience on the phone to the point that I simply hung up because she would not let me speak. Super unprofessional experience and not someone you want answering your phones for first time clients. I had multiple things I wanted to ask about and would have brought business to this firm, instead I hung up feeling like the world is a crazy place and the woman here is obviously in great need of a long vacation and some meditation. To the woman on the phone: I truly wish you peace in your life. You are not well. Seek help.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Michelle spear
Rude and unhelpful, wouldn’t call them back if they were the last place in town. I called to see if they could help and before I’m even done asking my question she interrupted me to tell me to “go with another lawyer (that I’m working with on an unrelated issue) because that’s who I need to work with and why am I not contacting them” I didn’t contact them for a reason but apparently you aren’t interested in my business.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Edward oscar fleming
Easy to talk to about our LLC's. Prices are manageable. Good Man
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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:
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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.
