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13 Aug, 2010 by Michele
Shani Rae Collymore helped me through the process of buying my first multi family investment property. Not an easy transaction as it was also a short sale. Ms Collymore made herself available to me for all the questions and uneasiness I had during this process. She made me feel comfortable even to ask what might have seemed like a silly question. She had more professional ism in this transaction then one could ask for. She knows the laws, the correct procedures and has the sense of urgency when requried. More than I can say for the others involved in my transaction. When I start to think about purchasing my next properly, Ms Collymore will be the first one I call. I am confident she will get me through the process with as little heartburn as possible. Without reservation, Shani Rae Collymore will be recommend by me to anyone in need of legal services.
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10 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
Kathy is very knowledgeable in the field of real estate law. She was able to answer all of our questions and even followed up quickly on emails that were send during non-normal working hours.
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11 Nov, 2021 by Peter
Corey was really helpful writing up a great exemption request for my situation. He listened well and show great intelligence and acumen to help me out.
Highly recommend Corey!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Eusebio gamarra
AMAZING. They helped me with my process and they were super nice, good communication and super fast
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26 Aug, 2024 by Mariana 2
Amazing experience! I definitely recommend this office for immigration-related purposes. The process was smooth and easy, thanks to their excellent services.
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15 Dec, 2021 by Shania l. velez
Maria and her team are amazing. They go above and beyond. I just have no words to describe how thankful and grateful I am. They are professional, responsive.
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18 Feb, 2024 by Tim newell
Prior to a litigation within a condo association in which settlement should have been immediate, they escalated the matter, which was not in the best interest for those that they are supposed to represent. Note that Perkins office was the retained attorney for Fuller Farms Condo Association in Lowell, MA. The facts of the matter were.
1) Two unit owners were denied access to the financial books. His office was made aware of our multiple email requests. Condo by-laws and MA laws dictate that all unit owners are allowed to inspect the "books, for the purpose of an audit.
2) We were denied access because the treasury was depleted because of poor management. There was misappropriation of funds as some supporters of management received upgrades and installations, including $10,000 for windows. The was approximately a $45, 000 shortfall in condo fee arrears. Some owners were able to sell there condo and move owing thousands of dollars in condo fees.
3) There was a further shortfall because of late fees due to unpaid water and tax bills and vendors were paid above industry standards.
4) The property manager had complete control over the bank accounts and accounting software. The QuickBooks software was in his name, his personal information was connected to FFCA bank accounts. This is illegal.
5) Perkins chose to allow a rogue property manager and trustees to retain his counsel, knowingly and willfully that they were not operating in accordance with the law. They were not certified trustees and the property manager was never voted to be hired and he carried no insurance. They do not have the authority to enter into an agreement with Perkins at the expense of FFCA. Perkins chose to allow this.
6) Perkins allowed these individuals to hire him for the purpose of withholding the books and for incumbent protection.
7) Stalling and Intimidation tactics were inflicted upon me. I received letters from Perkins that stated, " this office represents the board of trustees and it is understood that the board through its managing agent has provided you with all requested documents with the exception of a few outstanding invoices." Shortly after I politely notified his office via email and wrote that I received nothing. I submitted further request to the board to access the books. Immediately after I received a demand letter to cease & desist. This is unlawful as it could not be justified.
8) I retained council and shortly after Perkins released 90 pages of financial records.
9) After 6 months of hardship and FFCA payments totaling $35,000 to Perkins, his office chose to reassign the litigation to the associations insurance company. The board had new legal counsel. During the tenure of new counsel, every bank statement was provided through a subpoena. Two out of seven board members resigned, including the treasurer. After 30 months of unnecessary litigation, the property manager resigned to avoid consequences of trial. Perkins did a lot of harm to FFCA. They allowed this matter to escalate into an action for injunctive relief against that former board of trustees and property manager.
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31 Mar, 2023 by Amanda trudell
I was referred to Perkins&Anctil from a real estate colleague and from day one, my experience has been top notch. I will refer their office to everyone I know. As a property manager with a large quantity of units, the liability we face daily is very high. It is extremely important to have educated, reliable and proactive attorneys. Attorney Robert Anctil and Attorney Amy Collins have not only far exceeded my expectations but they have truly helped change how I run my business. Having their legal guidance has eased my stress levels beyond belief especially when it pertains to evictions. Joanne, Pia & Peter go above and beyond every single time whether it is by call or email. I can’t say it enough Everytime I encounter someone new in the industry (investors, landlords, property managers, agents, brokers) having the right legal guidance by hiring trusted professionals is far more important than just hiring any attorney. THANK YOU Perkins & Anctil for being the professionals that I can always trust and count on!
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09 Feb, 2023 by Hannah hanson
I was given a recommendation to this firm by another attorney due to their expertise in Condo law and the complexity of my issue. I contacted them and was put in contact with attorney Scott Ericksen . He gave very little effort or interest to want to take me on or help me. I was kind of taken aback with how unhelpful and uninterested he was and we spoke for less than 10 minutes! I was very unimpressed and disappointed how Mr. Erickson dismissed me in a few minutes and that he basically have no added value until I sue or get sued. Although I was looking for representation as Condo Trustee and/or owner, be aware that they only tend to take on clients that are associations, not individuals. I am glad I didn’t spend one more minute with this firm that gave me zero patience or understanding when I was in a real need of help and guidance and willing to pay!
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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:
-
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.
