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14 Feb, 2024 by Jane m
David Causey was fantastic. He’s thorough, knows his stuff and a nice guy too. It was an efficient, painless experience and I highly recommended him for wills, estates, power of attorney , etc.
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03 Feb, 2024 by Daniel&rhonda
David covered every area and concern we had. I highly recommend the PMC firm for any estate or final wishes you may have.
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09 Jul, 2023 by Jane
David is a friend and has been so helpful in preparing the necessary documents needed if something should happen to me. He was great at guiding me to select ways to make it painless for my son to handle my wishes and not have to make the hard decisions about his mom.
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15 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
I'm out of Columbia, SC and the PMC firm came highly rated from the top Cola. firm. Virginia is under an attorney who was a judge in the local court system. Virginia knows everyone in the local system and all of the local attorneys. She represented my family in a probate case and I could not speak more highly of her work. She or Courtney were always extremely quick to communicate any issue. The case had a good outcome thanks to their diligence. And when it was over more than a year later, PMC actually sent me a considerable refund on the retainer paid, which absolutely amazed me...
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03 Feb, 2017 by Chris
All I can say is what a great experience... from the initial phone call all the way to document completion. Ms. Spencer gave me such a great peace of mind knowing that I was in good hands. She was able to take my requests and deliver more than I could have expected! Being a widowed single father... peace of mind is worth so very much. What a fantastic attorney and amazing firm to have in my corner!!!
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19 Apr, 2016 by Steve
Ms. Spencer assisted us in updating our estate plans and advance directives. She was thorough in explaining options, answering questions, and addressing all of our needs. She prepared drafts promptly and within budget. Professional in every way. Highly recommended. Steve and Trese-Ann Mount
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30 Jun, 2017 by Steve priola
Mr. Suttles represented our company on a cash out refinance of one of our multifamily properties and was excellent in understanding the intricacies of this kind of deal. We closed today without a hitch on the Attorney side and he helped our lender get their side taken care of. Excellent job Suttles Law. Owner - The Wando Property Group
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17 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Brent was very detailed and professional while handling my case. He is knowledgeable and assertive. I would recommend him to anyone.
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30 Oct, 2016 by Gage
Was on time and was always keeping me up to date and aware i would recommend to anyone
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29 Oct, 2021 by Dianne
Elliotte Quinn with the Steinberg Law Firm was invaluable to me in resolving an issue with my Columbia, SC home builder and developer. The construction problems I had were completely outside the norm of any routine issue and completely beyond my expertise. Elliotte kept me informed through the entire process and made sure I understood my options during each phase of litigation. Thank you Elliotte, Monica and the entire team at the Steinberg Law Firm.
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13 Nov, 2018 by Lawton
Like most people, I never expected that I would need legal representation. However, after a horrible experience with a pool install, my husband and I decided we had to seek legal counsel. After talking with Elliotte about our experience, we knew he was going to be the help we needed. Over the next few weeks and months, Elliotte never lost focus and provided us with excellent representation, guidance, and advice. He exemplifies the perfect combination of care, trust, professionalism, and toughness. The end result….he achieved the results we wanted while making the journey as smooth as possible.
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23 Apr, 2021 by Michael
Rachel represents homeowners, condominium owners, and homeowner associations in construction defect and class action lawsuits against builders and contractors. She is highly qualified, very detailed and passionate about her work.
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20 Dec, 2021 by Robert olear
Bill helped my family (we are out of state) and I through a very difficult time. He set up an estate for our deceased step father. He also assisted in connecting us with a trust worthy real estate agent. Bill dotted every I and crossed every T despite us being states away. He and his office communicated clearly and timely. I cannot say enough about this attorney. Bill, from the bottom of our hearts Thank you. From the Olears.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Robert mayfield jr
Webb and his office are top notch! Whether its help in real estate or with your business, these people have got you covered.
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26 Jul, 2024 by Richard mckenzie
The Charpia & Hammes team are absolutely wonderful, knowledgeable, and dedicated to their clients and community!
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26 Jul, 2024 by Kellie collins
Webb and his team are wonderful to work with.
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10 Jan, 2024 by Pamela
This lady, who has a small child herself, had me thrown in jail for my sperm donors attorney fees. She sentenced me too 30 days,I could get out when I paid my ex's attorney fees of $2300. I am an unemployed,single parent who home schools her son. Kimmons did not give me a chance to pay the money back over time, did not let me make arrangements for my child or his school work,she found me guilty of almost all the accusations, strictly on hear say and did not let my witnesses speak to prove these were lies. My son is 9 years old,his sperm donor wanted nothing to do with him and did not even meet him until he was 7 years old,he drinks and drives with my child in the vehicle but she didn't care about any of that. She was rude,nasty,biased and did NOT have the best interest of my child in mind.
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12 Apr, 2016 by Christopher l. hosch
Mandy far exceeded my expectations. Mandy personalized the relationship, owned my concerns, and engendered a belief she would do everything possible to help me succeed. And she did. Most of all, Mandy was available and responded in a timely manner. I would most definitely recommend her.
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03 Nov, 2018 by Michelle
Rutherford Smith was my deceased Father's Estate Attorney. My Dad died 3 years ago, Smith allowed Probate to close, then has kept the proceeds from the sale of Dad's home. That was in June!!!! So he is a thief, as well as incompetent and lazy!
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30 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
We hired her to defend a local charge. She actually pursued the judge to increase the sentence. She will not represent a male fairly, and now she's a judge
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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:

  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.