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30 Jan, 2021 by Lee & jim
Alicia & Kim were wonderful! My husband and I were contemplating downsizing for years. One day, out of the clear blue, while chatting with a business acquaintance, they made an unbelievable offer on our home of many years. With only a few days to decide, we quickly went out to find a condo in a complex we knew well and were able to land a place but needed total rehab. That meant the sale of our current home needed to close quickly and smoothly, and then work out a Use & Occupancy so we could stay living in the house, while the new condo could be gut renovated. All during COVID. UGH! The stress level was thru the roof! A family member recommended Alicia as our attorney. And Thank God. Between not having a sellers Realtor (big mistake), trying to close on the new condo while lining up contractors & maintaining COVID protocol, things got crazy. But Alicia was there to bring us back down to earth, keep us calm, and kept things moving in the right direction. She was able to explain the different possible pit falls, and she did early research on both transactions. And it paid off. When we hit bumps in the road, Alicia knew how to handle. Alicia & Kim were kind & professional throughout the process. They guided us well, always prepared & always responded to all our calls & emails. We would highly recommend. If we ever had another need for a real estate attorney, Alicia & Kim would get the call.
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10 Sep, 2019 by Joe
Alicia was awesome and provided excellent advice during the closing process. On top of that, she was extremely funny when things got complicated and we needed a little comic relief.
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29 Mar, 2019 by Mrinal
Our house in Wilmington was still on the market when we had to move out of country to take up another job. Once we had an offer, Alicia and her team was very helpful in keeping the closing process smooth for us and guiding us throughout. He explained to us in detail how the documents had to be prepared so that they will align to US laws, and also helped smoothen-out an issue in the title during closing. She helped us keep calm thought the process and answered all questions as they came up. We would definitely recommend her for her tremendous work.
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10 Jan, 2012 by Bob
I have used Kimberly Marchand and her firm, Champagne & Marchand, several times to complete purchase and sale of properties in MA. My most recent transaction with Kim was met with a few challenges. I was working to refinance my property under the HARP program. The lender was very difficult to work with, but Kim was able to work closely with the lender to ensure the transaction was closed in a timely manner. This was no easy task, but Kim's professionalism, dedication, and determination kept the ball rolling and allowed the deal to move ahead. There were many challenges that presented themselves along the way, but Kim was able to overcome each one seemingly effortlessly. At no time did I lose confidence in her ability to get the job done. Kim and her team kept me informed during every step of the process. I would highly recommend Kimberly Marchand, and her firm Champagne and Marchand, for any real estate transaction.
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17 Apr, 2018 by John
My experiences have been different.
Tracey has helped us with six real estate transactions.
The first two they initially did, they were extremely helpful; Not only did they do their jobs, but they also educated me along the way in the real estate process.
On the last 4 transactions, I insisted that I work with them again because of their excellence on the first two.
It has been the same experience as the last time....excellent.
I have worked with all kinds of attorneys and it is extremely rare to be able to call and have the attorney present and available to share their knowledge.
5 Stars and I look forward to working with the practice again.
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09 Feb, 2017 by Louis
First time home buyer ,took our money ,no guidance whatsoever and never notified us on a addendum made to the purchase agreement .rushed thru the buying process ,only met her at closing and still not one word on a addendum .she worked in calaboration with the agent to make the buying process fast and furious ,when Tracey and her real estate partner should of cautioned us ,nothing was mentioned and 60 days after closing we just found out there's a addendum and Tracey hangs up when I call her.She screwed us ,my family.Her words to me were you signed it ,that's it.But what I thought I was signing is not even close to the reality I signed .i hired her to protect me as I did her good friend from voldwell banker to protect us,but both royally screwed us and won't answer calls
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FAQs
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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:
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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.
