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24 Aug, 2016 by Rex wilkins
My brother a property buyer had an issue with a seller who held mortgage to his home, where the seller failed to maintain payment records and my brother also lacking complete records too. Attorney Finck negotiated the difficult personalities and drafted the agreements needed to protect from future disagreements and managed to get property paid off 12 years earlier than seller was claiming was owed.
I also negotiated with a distant bank for purchase of Commercial property which I had spent years trying to acquire. Attorney Ryan Finck calmly took control of the process dealing with unknown parties at a distance in different states and quickly wrapped up title searches, tax issues and obtained approvals from banking reps, their representatives, their attorneys ti bring all parties to conclusion from a distance.
In a world of doing business with handshakes, making deals where everyone is happy, seems to be quite risky and obsolete .... Unless Attorney Ryan Finck is silently dotting the i and crossing the t in the background ensuring everyone wins. He is essentually proactively solving disputes and issues before there is one.
An asset to the integrity of the law profession.
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11 Aug, 2016 by Peter
Ryan has helped us review many closing for new and existing real estate deals. He is an excellent communicator and knowledgeable about real estate law. A Great Choice!
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11 Aug, 2016 by Larissa
Ryan Finck has represented and advised my husband and I in both real estate contracts and our wills/trusts for the past 10 years. He has provided us valuable information which enabled us to make the best financial decisions. All responses to our questions and concerns were answered in a prompt manner. Ryan is the model of professionalism, and we will continue to utilize him in all of our future endeavors.
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25 Jan, 2020 by Sharon
Ms Kane was wonderful and so was her staff. I used her for my Estate Planning and for a house closing. Prices were excellent, staff was knowledgeable and each process was explained. I was never rushed and they took the time to make sure I understood each decision I made.
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29 Jun, 2018 by Annmarie
I needed to update my will after moving to this state. Chris Kane thoroughly explained the difference between wills and trusts in understandable language instead of all legalize. I felt very comfortable with her knowledge, she was also very patient in making sure we understood everything . It originally was just a consultation, but I felt so comfortable with her that my husband and I decided to have her do a Trust for us, along with health care living wills and the necessary power of attorney. I definitely recommend Chris and her team, who also handled my real estate closing.
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29 Jun, 2018 by Mary
I hired Ms. Kane to do a Will, Power of Attorney, Living Will and a Warranty Deed.
I found her to be highly professional. She was very thorough when explaining things to me. She made sure that I understood everything and I was never rushed.
I would recommend her to everyone.
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31 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Elkin and Mr. Hognefelt for my foreclosure case. They are very knowledgeable and represented my case in a excellent manner. I got a loan modification which was very affordable and was able to keep my house.
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26 Oct, 2013 by Chris
Mr. Elkin and Mr. Hognefelt are very good at what they do. They have exceeded are expectations and are allowing us to keep our home while we work out the particulars with our stubborn Lender. I would highly recommend their services to anyone as they are not only Aggressive , But Affordable as well. We feel truly Blessed to have entrusted our situation to these guys .
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07 Mar, 2022 by Carol
Ms. Chambers helped us with my husband's VA disability claim that we had been working at for years and in just 5 months with her expertise she was able to collect and submit what was necessary to get my husband to 100 %. She is very professional and listens to every detail you tell her. I highly recommend her.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Richard
Excellent firm for RE transactions and wills. Busy because they do a good job. Can handle wide types of legal work.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Angel santiago
The complexity of trying to perform a buyout of a property with a sibling with whom I was having a hard time agreeing on the terms was overwhelming. However, once attorney Coleman Hengesbach took charge of the situation, everything fell into place. Mr. Hengesbach made sense of all the terms and solved the issue without going to litigation. I genuinely appreciate his consistent communication throughout the process and the fair price for his service. In the future, if I ever have legal issues with my property, Coleman Hengesbach will be my go-to attorney.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Tyler o'grady
I have been in the industry for quite a few years and I can say without a doubt that working with Traci for my clients closing was one of the smoothest closings I have every experienced. She was fast, efficient, and knowledgeable. I will definitely be referring my future clients to use Hengesbach & Hengesback law office for all of our closings. Traci is a rockstar!!
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22 Dec, 2016 by Ed
Hired this lawyer to recover funds paid to a contractor who failed to preform. This lawyer also failed. Just like in "my cousin Vinny" she studdered in replying to the court, the adverse party was laughing. The laugh was on me, out $5000 for studdering representation on a $5000 small claims case. End result out $10,000 plus was billed for the comedy show in court, $2000 more on top of it.
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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.
