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06 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Never really trusted lawyers, and I thought they were all a bunch of double talkers, out for themselves...well that is until I met David. He has worked so closely, and so compassionately with my wife and I to help us through a series of civil litigation problems, that he feels like family. Now I know what my father meant when he would say, “Every family should have a good mechanic, doctor, and lawyer!" Well our family has David, that’s for sure. We know God has blessed us with this man in our lives. If you want a litigator who will listen, truly listen to you, and actually care about you and your outcome, and then will roll up his sleeves and get to working and fighting hard for your case, look no further than David. He’s the Man! Wow, can’t say enough!
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29 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Consulted regarding litigation concerns. Was very knowledgeable and professional through whole interaction. Timely responses.
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10 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
David helped clear up some real estate and title questions that I had. He was considerate, upbeat, and has a real eye for detail. He was also a great listener and I never felt like I was being talked down to. His energy and intelligence really made me feel like I was in good hands and his legal advice was thoughtful. I would recommend David to anyone who is seeking advice on property or real estate issues.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Brian
Craig is a very competent and compassionate attorney. His understanding of the law, combined with his kind and considerate manner, made our recent experience not only productive but enjoyable.
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16 Mar, 2015 by David
For the last two years I have been taking care of a Aunt with dementia. Before she got sick she executed a complete trust package, will, trust, Medical POAs etc. It was a huge help in taking care of her. My wife and I had always put off getting our "Stuff" in order till I met Craig. He walked us through the whole process and now we are prepared like my Aunt was. Craig answered all of our questions, took his time to make sure both my wife and myself felt very comfortable with our decisions etc. The staff was friendly and professional yet brought some humor into a what could of been a tedious process. I would highly recommend Craig and will use him for all my legal needs.
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01 May, 2023 by Denise portillo
After interviewing numerous Attorneys, I knew the moment I talked with Thomas Hogle, he was the one I needed to hire to handle two of my cases. His kind, understanding, courteous professional manner was a great stress reliever as he put me at ease. He asked questions and allowed me to ask as many questions in return. He kept me informed every step of the way addressing all my options. He made himself available with a very quick response time, even after hours. He didn’t just hear me; he listened to my situation and even recommended an aggressive Family Law Attorney to assist me further in another matter. In addition, his costs were very reasonable. I highly recommend Thomas to help you with your legal needs. You will not be disappointed.
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12 Feb, 2021 by Porfirio ruiz
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30 Dec, 2024 by Amber scruggs
Hi Andre, I appreciate you replying to my review. I appreciate your condolences. Thank you. I feel you care and you do want to help people and it shows. I just wished your answering service had the same care and concern as you do. I only wrote this review because if you don’t know what’s going on with the first point of contact, you can’t make improvements. I do believe there is miscommunication somewhere. I am in no rush. I not quite sure where my urgency came into play. I did not schedule a consult or an appointment with you. I was given a date of 1/8 for the a consult date. I was not given a time. No information was provided on whom the consult was with. I simply decided to decline scheduling because I did not have a good first impression. I wrote my review solely based off my first point of contact. If I could make a recommendation. I would ask your answering service to give information on how they set up consults, who they would like to schedule the client with and dates of availability. Then gather the personal information to schedule. If you would like to personally reach out to me, you do have my information. Thank you again for your reply. ** Initial Review** I called to inquire about modifying my trust and will. I spoke to Michelle and told her I needed to make modifications to my trust and need to change my POA as well as my guardianship. There could be some other things I need to modify as well, but I was unsure. She told me to hold on for a minute and all of a sudden anther lady picked up the phone. Michelle never told me she was transferring me to someone to help me with my questions, just asked me to hold on a minute. I spoke to that lady about the above information. She told me she doesn’t do guardianship. What!? I told her, so my son will go to the state. No! Guardianship of a child, in the event I pass away. Legal gaurdian. She told me she is in probate and transferred me back to, Michelle. I spoke to Michelle again and told her I needed to modify my trust, as my husband passed away and I need to update it. She told the guardianship is what threw her off. How so? Because you didn’t ask further questions. Don’t asks questions, just assume. No condolences for the loss of my husband. She just rolled right on to grabbing my info. She asked for my name and then my email. I stoped her and asked why she was getting my information. She told me to schedule me a consult. I gave my info and then she tells me they are closed all Christmas week and gave the next availability on 1/8/24 for an in office consult. No option for a call? She responded, we can do a zoom. No call option? Little hard with a toddler. She didn’t even tell with who the appointment would be with. Just a date. Here’s a better way to speak to new client. I’d like to set you up with one of our our estate attorney, John Doe. I’m confident he can help with any questions you may have. The first date I would have available would be on 1/8. Also, really listen, to understand. Ask questions if you’re unsure. Tell people that you’re transferring them to someone, instead of hold on a minute. I declined the consult. I felt there is something really off and my first impression was not a good one. When the first point of contact does not ask adequate questions for the needs of a new potential client, it is unprofessional. First impressions matter. How can I be sure I’m being set up with an estate attorney. Ask questions first. Make sure you understand and if you don’t, find someone to assist clients if in doubt. Then ask if the client would like to set on a consult and who the estate attorneys are. Then gather the necessary information. Don’t just ask for information first and then tell me a date for a consult. Communication is key. Client care is also a nice touch.
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18 Dec, 2024 by Angela golden
very thorough
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18 Dec, 2024 by Mary chancellor
Very professional. Explained the matter well. Recommended.
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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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