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07 Nov, 2021 by Michael bryant
Great lawyers , the very best at representing train employees injured
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22 Sep, 2021 by Daniel brown
I really, really appreciated having Rebecca Guyette in my corner over the last year and a half as my divorce dragged on and on due to my former spouse's combative recalcitrance. I think I would have gone insane if not for her calm confidence, support, and professional expertise. I appreciate her immensely and recommend her without reservation.
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31 Aug, 2021 by Leslie kimes
Rebecca is an experienced family law attorney and is well-regarded as a practitioner, mediator, parenting consultant, and parenting and custody evaluator by the local bar. She is a long-time member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota and founding member of our local practice group, Collaborative Divorce Professionals. I highly recommend her services.
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26 Nov, 2014 by Thomas
I practiced law with Bruce a number of years ago and have maintained contact with Bruce because of, among other reasons, his knowledge, experience and legal counsel regarding the practice of law, especially the practice of real estate law. Bruce is one of the most effective, efficient and practical attorneys that I know, and, after 40 years of practicing law, I know plenty of attorneys.
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26 Nov, 2014 by Brian
Lake Community Bank (LCB) is a local financial institution that has served the Mineapolis and St. Paul market dating back to 1905. We specialize in all types of lending with a particular emphasis in commercial real estate and construction/land development lending. I currently serve as the bank's President & CEO but have served in other capacities with LCB over my 18 years, including lending officer and the chief credit officer. The bank's professional relationsip with Bruce extends well beyond the 18 years that I have known him. Bruce has represented us on countless transactions across a broad spectrum of industries. He has also represented us on several workout relationships. He is a seasoned and highly skilled attorney that I would recommend without hesitation. He has the unique ability to take complicated transactions / issues and make them very understandable. Not only does he have a great legal mind but he has excellent business sense which is why our bank values him so highly. Our bank looks forward to continuing our professional relationship for years to come.
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25 Nov, 2014 by Teresa
Mr. Boeder has been my trusted advisor since 1990. He is a highly principaled counselor who gives carefully considered advice. His work has always been logical, rational, ethical and cost effective. Bruce has an open, engaging manner that makes him easy to trust. That trust will not be misplaced should you choose to engage him. His area of expertise is real estate law. I have had him handle several real estate transactions. I have also had Mr. Boeder give me advice on personal and business matters and have had him refer me to other legal specialists, all of whom have the same moral compass as Mr. Boeder. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Bruce Boeder.
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14 Aug, 2015 by Lyle
We hired John to complete our estate planning. He did a great job listing out our options on what we could do so we could make an informed decision on which approach to do. It was also clear on what the costs would be to complete the work. After we decided he had an excellent summary to help us identify our assets and other pertinent information to complete the documents. This was completed quickly and accurately. After a review we identified a change we would like to do. He quickly updated the documents and sent a final draft. We then set up an appointment to sign and notarize and received all documentation as well as next steps we needed to do. I sent an e-mail while changing some personal documents and the response was quick and clear. Extremely pleased with John's work and process to complete things quickly and clearly.
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07 Aug, 2015 by Ken
John has done a great job of helping my wife & I organize our trust as well as helping me to organize a guardianship for my brother. You have helped me in a multitude of ways, have made yourself available for questions and support Ed us along our journey. We have recommended you to three couples who are friends of ours for their estate planning.
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06 Aug, 2015 by Roy
Came to our home and after gaining our. Input, recommended a plan we needed at a reasonable rate Completed and returned to our home for a thorough review.
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13 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
The majority partner in my business attempted to shut me out of the business. After my first vacation in four years, I came back to a locked office door and a response that our relationship "needed to change." I told my business partner that changing the locks on the door meant that we had no relationship. Steve made sure to understand the intricacies of my case, and felt confident that we had a strong case as a trial date was set. The other side suggested mediation, which we did, and we settled before trial. I've heard that it's a good settlement if both sides are unhappy, but I think I was more happy than the other side -- so I think I came out a little ahead. Overall, I'm very happy with how Steve handled my case and would use him again in a heartbeat.
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08 May, 2013 by Joe
My company has worked with Stephen for nearly a decade. His expertise in business law is exceptional. We have utilized Stephen for both business litigation and contractual agreements. In both areas he has proven to be an invaluable resource.
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07 May, 2013 by Mark ebbenga
It is simple, when dealing with lawyers over the past 20 years, it is hard to find one that can explain what and why we handle customers a certain way. As a business man you may get hard headed like I am, and want to do things that would not do well for yourself in business if take certain actions. Steve is able to negotiate and or guide me to do what will be in the best interest of my company, without causing a lot of litigation. Long and short, in all the time I have been in business Steve has been the most responsive and helpful attorney I have ever had. Easy to talk with, good to explain, and great guidance with our legal/business strategy.
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05 Dec, 2014 by Dan
I have had great experiences working with Brianna Sadler. She is very good at what she does and knows her stuff. She has never let me down. I have sent several friends to her and every one of them has had a great experience. She really takes the stress out of the legal side of things.
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03 Aug, 2015 by Christine
I am a real estate agent in the Lake Minnetonka area. I have had the opportunity to work with Haugan Law office on both personal transactions and business transactions. In my personal transactions, Todd Haugan has worked diligently to close several transactions in a timely manner. Todd has also stepped in where legal representation was necessary and was able to bring the issues to a favorable outcome. I have also worked with Todd on many short sale transactions. Mr. Haugan was diligent about making sure our clients received a full release of deficiency and satisfaction of all mortgages. On a few occasions, the bank was not willing to cooperate in the short sale but once Mr. Haugan stepped in, we were able to close the sale with no further obligation to the client. I appreciate his tenacity and dedication to helping his clients and would definitely recommend him and his firm. Christine Coldwell
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29 Jul, 2015 by Donny
I endorse attorney Haugen. He represented me in a very difficult divorce in 2005 and all ended better than anticipated. He has a great understanding of the law, always comes prepared and is studious in legal fact finding.
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01 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
He was unprofessional, difficult to deal with and sneaky. I wouldn't recommend Todd Haugan to anyone. He is not worth the fees he charges...especially due to his lack of concern for me as his client or my case. Horrible experience with him. I'm not surprised he was previously suspended. I wish I would have checked him out further. He seems professional and knowledgable until you retain him. Then he shows his true colors and its not pretty.
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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.

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