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24 Jun, 2024 by Bkbrown100
During my home closing, the atty did not request the documents from Brock and Scott. Ms. Applebaum was able to get the info I needed so I could make my closing. She and Brandon saved the day and I really appreciate their help. Thank you!
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03 Apr, 2022 by Anthony andrews
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01 Jul, 2021 by Biviana
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03 Jun, 2024 by Robert rowan
Gene handled a closing for us on May 10, 2024, and I highly recommend him. He is knowledgeable, very efficient, and extremely courteous and friendly. This was the most pleasant closing I have experienced in 40 years as a home owner.
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07 Feb, 2024 by Gerry nance
Friendly, efficient attorney!
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21 Nov, 2023 by Aneliese bard
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13 Aug, 2024 by Doug ericson
Professional. Smart. Kind. Wonderful experience.
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21 May, 2024 by Ashley fedorov
I highly recommend, Brittney Hall, who is one of a handful of attorney's that are board certified in family law in New Hanover county, for legal representation. She has top notch communication skills and performed in a timely manner. Most importantly, she has good knowledge and experience that met all my legal needs to great satisfaction. She has integrity and morals that resulted in my peace of mind knowing I was fighting for the right reasons. She displayed perseverance and worked hard to get me the best outcome.
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15 May, 2024 by Carrie kain
When faced with an extremely stressful court case regarding child custody jurisdiction, we are so grateful we hired Jamie S. Getty! She listened to our needs and went to work right away fighting for our rights and ultimately won our case of jurisdiction and visitation. I felt confident after speaking with her for the first time and knew she was serious and dedicated to our case... and I am certain this is her work ethic and how she handles all cases. We are so thankful for Jamie!
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13 Aug, 2024 by Doug ericson
Professional. Smart. Kind. Wonderful experience.
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21 May, 2024 by Ashley fedorov
I highly recommend, Brittney Hall, who is one of a handful of attorney's that are board certified in family law in New Hanover county, for legal representation. She has top notch communication skills and performed in a timely manner. Most importantly, she has good knowledge and experience that met all my legal needs to great satisfaction. She has integrity and morals that resulted in my peace of mind knowing I was fighting for the right reasons. She displayed perseverance and worked hard to get me the best outcome.
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15 May, 2024 by Carrie kain
When faced with an extremely stressful court case regarding child custody jurisdiction, we are so grateful we hired Jamie S. Getty! She listened to our needs and went to work right away fighting for our rights and ultimately won our case of jurisdiction and visitation. I felt confident after speaking with her for the first time and knew she was serious and dedicated to our case... and I am certain this is her work ethic and how she handles all cases. We are so thankful for Jamie!
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13 Aug, 2024 by Doug ericson
Professional. Smart. Kind. Wonderful experience.
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21 May, 2024 by Ashley fedorov
I highly recommend, Brittney Hall, who is one of a handful of attorney's that are board certified in family law in New Hanover county, for legal representation. She has top notch communication skills and performed in a timely manner. Most importantly, she has good knowledge and experience that met all my legal needs to great satisfaction. She has integrity and morals that resulted in my peace of mind knowing I was fighting for the right reasons. She displayed perseverance and worked hard to get me the best outcome.
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15 May, 2024 by Carrie kain
When faced with an extremely stressful court case regarding child custody jurisdiction, we are so grateful we hired Jamie S. Getty! She listened to our needs and went to work right away fighting for our rights and ultimately won our case of jurisdiction and visitation. I felt confident after speaking with her for the first time and knew she was serious and dedicated to our case... and I am certain this is her work ethic and how she handles all cases. We are so thankful for Jamie!
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13 Aug, 2024 by Doug ericson
Professional. Smart. Kind. Wonderful experience.
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21 May, 2024 by Ashley fedorov
I highly recommend, Brittney Hall, who is one of a handful of attorney's that are board certified in family law in New Hanover county, for legal representation. She has top notch communication skills and performed in a timely manner. Most importantly, she has good knowledge and experience that met all my legal needs to great satisfaction. She has integrity and morals that resulted in my peace of mind knowing I was fighting for the right reasons. She displayed perseverance and worked hard to get me the best outcome.
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15 May, 2024 by Carrie kain
When faced with an extremely stressful court case regarding child custody jurisdiction, we are so grateful we hired Jamie S. Getty! She listened to our needs and went to work right away fighting for our rights and ultimately won our case of jurisdiction and visitation. I felt confident after speaking with her for the first time and knew she was serious and dedicated to our case... and I am certain this is her work ethic and how she handles all cases. We are so thankful for Jamie!
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24 Jun, 2023 by Leeza thornco
Treated well and short wait.
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24 Feb, 2023 by Patrick adams
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16 Feb, 2023 by Brian hall
As a real estate agent I love working with Kristen and her team. They are very quick to answer questions through email and are always on time with closing documents. Highly recommend!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Salaam
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07 Jun, 2024 by Danielle
I want to take the time to thank Geoffrey Hosford for all the hard work he did for me! I have recently been in recovery n relocated to Colorado. With his help and his staff he helped me get my NC license back AND get my criminal background expunged! I greatly appreciate him n HIGHLY recommend his services! I couldn't have done this without him! A million thanks!
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15 Apr, 2024 by Oleisha murphy
My sister is a black , single mother of 2. She has several degrees, and was still in school trying to get the highest education she could. Although , like no other a terrible situation occurred , and being in a town like this of course, you’re prone to be racially profiled. In addition, she thought she had a great lawyer but as always the system fails us tremendously. This lawyer is why im writing this review today, so others wont make the same mistakes he did. I have seen the system fail multiple people in my community! Although I never thought YOUR REPRESENTATION , would be so ignoble and fail you without any remorse. Please let him represent you at your own risk. I forgive him for his lack of a job but in due time, I pray you reevaluate yourself and make a change to protect your client instead of being indulged into the money!
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01 Jul, 2022 by Chance harrison
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08 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cabral
No response when I reached out to them to schedule a consultation.
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03 May, 2021 by Ashley whitley
Amanda Miars and Lauren Dwyer were absolutely amazing. We had a complicated estate involving many moving parts and they were able to handle it and close it with ease and were very proficient. I would highly recommend them for any legal matters because they have the know how and ability to get things done. They took my siblings and my stress away seeing how efficiently they handled the different matters that came up within the estate. Thank you so much for your efforts and the absolute expertise of handling and closing my fathers estate. Andy McVey was absolutely amazing as well! He handled our eviction matter with ease and also found a fantastic real estate agent to sell our rental house after the eviction was finished. He was great to work with and I would highly recommend him for any legal matters as well. Lastly, I want to thank Mandy Clifton and Pam Mason. They assisted with claims and were an absolute pleasure to work with.
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01 Jul, 2022 by Chance harrison
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08 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cabral
No response when I reached out to them to schedule a consultation.
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03 May, 2021 by Ashley whitley
Amanda Miars and Lauren Dwyer were absolutely amazing. We had a complicated estate involving many moving parts and they were able to handle it and close it with ease and were very proficient. I would highly recommend them for any legal matters because they have the know how and ability to get things done. They took my siblings and my stress away seeing how efficiently they handled the different matters that came up within the estate. Thank you so much for your efforts and the absolute expertise of handling and closing my fathers estate. Andy McVey was absolutely amazing as well! He handled our eviction matter with ease and also found a fantastic real estate agent to sell our rental house after the eviction was finished. He was great to work with and I would highly recommend him for any legal matters as well. Lastly, I want to thank Mandy Clifton and Pam Mason. They assisted with claims and were an absolute pleasure to work with.
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01 Jul, 2022 by Chance harrison
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08 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cabral
No response when I reached out to them to schedule a consultation.
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03 May, 2021 by Ashley whitley
Amanda Miars and Lauren Dwyer were absolutely amazing. We had a complicated estate involving many moving parts and they were able to handle it and close it with ease and were very proficient. I would highly recommend them for any legal matters because they have the know how and ability to get things done. They took my siblings and my stress away seeing how efficiently they handled the different matters that came up within the estate. Thank you so much for your efforts and the absolute expertise of handling and closing my fathers estate. Andy McVey was absolutely amazing as well! He handled our eviction matter with ease and also found a fantastic real estate agent to sell our rental house after the eviction was finished. He was great to work with and I would highly recommend him for any legal matters as well. Lastly, I want to thank Mandy Clifton and Pam Mason. They assisted with claims and were an absolute pleasure to work with.
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01 Jul, 2022 by Chance harrison
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08 Jun, 2021 by Patricia cabral
No response when I reached out to them to schedule a consultation.
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03 May, 2021 by Ashley whitley
Amanda Miars and Lauren Dwyer were absolutely amazing. We had a complicated estate involving many moving parts and they were able to handle it and close it with ease and were very proficient. I would highly recommend them for any legal matters because they have the know how and ability to get things done. They took my siblings and my stress away seeing how efficiently they handled the different matters that came up within the estate. Thank you so much for your efforts and the absolute expertise of handling and closing my fathers estate. Andy McVey was absolutely amazing as well! He handled our eviction matter with ease and also found a fantastic real estate agent to sell our rental house after the eviction was finished. He was great to work with and I would highly recommend him for any legal matters as well. Lastly, I want to thank Mandy Clifton and Pam Mason. They assisted with claims and were an absolute pleasure to work with.
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26 Dec, 2019 by Lauren
Mr Cole took my case when no one else would. I would have probably never gotten SSD without him. I am very great full to him.
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18 Dec, 2019 by Ksc
Mr. Cole represented me in a very difficult case and ultimately won. He was always professional and would return my calls as soon as he was free, or have his secretary return my calls with an answer to my question if he was going to be tied up for the entire day. He was kind, understanding, took note of things I mentioned about my situation and despite being very busy, I was always treated with respect. Mr. Cole almost always took the time to talk to me personally, it was rare that his secretary would return my call instead of doing it himself. I have the highest respect for Mr. Cole and would not hesitate to recommend him to others.
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08 Jan, 2019 by Udo
Alden did a wonderful job representing me. When the big name attorneys wouldn't even listen to my story Alden took the time to listen and agreed to represent me. He's sharp, personable and knowledgeable. I would definitely have him represent me again!
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17 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Noel Fox is a very detailed & knowledgable attorney. She obtained an extremely favorable outcome in my matter and was responsive, answering all my questions and concerns. Ms Fox's fee was very fair & reasonable. Lastly, her straightforward answers (and keen sense of humor) kept me from undue panic & worry during a very stressful situation.
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14 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Ms. Fox is exceptionally responsive. I doubt the previous reviewer actually engaged Ms. Fox for her services since they refer to her as Charlotte. She does not use her first name but instead goes by Noel. Ms. Fox was not the first attorney involved in my matter but she was the first attorney to explain clearly to me the emotional and financial costs associated with litigation. All of my phone calls were returned within 24 hours. I was in great hands with Ms. Fox. She provided excellent legal advice at a fair price. She brought my matter to resolution for less expense than the previous attorney that represented me and well in advance of the projected time frame the previous attorney had promised. I always knew where my case stood and what the next step was for me. I was also well informed in advance of the costs of moving forward.
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19 Apr, 2013 by Unsatisfied
Charlotte did a poor job communicating and handling of my case. She charges at least double of what her work is worth. She does a 50% job. She took two months to file paperwork with the courts even when given direct instruction to proceed immediately. Then when she sends you a letter she expects you to respond the same day! When you pay her thousands of dollars up front, you would expect her to work diligently on your behalf. When you make a 2 minute phone call to her she bills you for an entire hour. If all you need is a strongly worded letter then she will meet your needs. If you need someone to back up the talk, look elsewhere. Out of the few lawyers I've worked with, she is by far the worst. It says she has been licensed to practice in NC for 9 years. the lack of reviews should have been a warning sign
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25 Apr, 2023 by Duval
Did a hatchet job on my trust blamed it on intern never corrected the mistakes/doesn’t return phone calls/very unprofessional would not recommend took close to a year to get it?
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22 May, 2021 by Sandra
My Step daughter petitioned for guardianship for my spouse in a thinly veiled money and property grab against her father and me. She won against me even though I am the legal spouse. She kidnapped him into her care and won't let me near him even blocking my phone calls to him. Aaron did a very poor job with this case and I lost. He did little to no preparation and did not properly present my case . He did not obtain key elements i.e. medical records which would have proven our case. He also failed to pick apart the Medical documentation that the petitioner used to gain guardianship. She actually conducted the medical herself and had a doctor who was her former employer sign off on the incompetency. The medical that was presented was done virtually and she clearly lied on the form. The Petitioner even went so far as to admit in court that she was searching for her fathers property and admitted the doctor who did diagnoses was not my husbands regular doctor. The petitioner also failed to notify all next of kin. Aaron seems to be a nice fellow but if you need a litigator keep looking.
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12 Aug, 2018 by Melissa
Mr. Lindquist was a very professional, reasonable lawyer. He helped me determine the outline of a lease concerning my landlords responsibilities and my responsibilities at the end of our lease.
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18 Jul, 2021 by Peter gittrich
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01 Jul, 2020 by Harrison skinner
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06 Apr, 2013 by Bruce
HOA have been under a lot of pressure since the economic downturn of 2008. Charles is an expert in all HOA issues. He was able to provide our HOA with expert guidance and follow-through. Charles was always easily reachable and responsive. We have been working with Charles for over 2 years. He went after a large bank, when a investor walked away from the property and won the HOA a significant settlement. We would highly recommend Charles for any and all HOA issues, he is by far the most knowledgeable HOA lawyer in the area.
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29 Jan, 2014 by Michael o'keefe
I know this person "Bill" who wrote this other "review" and he is a fake. He was the person prosecuted by this Attorney and was not happy about being held to account on his illegal dealings. I hired this Attorney to hold Bill to account for his contractual promises made to me and to pay the money he owed me. It is obvious that "Bill" is not happy about the outcome of his case against this Attorney.
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23 Feb, 2013 by Bill
The man is incompetent. He represented me when he was in Massachusetts and he did a horrible job. I wouldn't recommend him to represent my dog.
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07 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Had a patient who almost died from drinking alcoholic beverages and Steve wanted the patient to hire him to sue me. She had her chance and decided to go after the bigger pockets and tried to sue the rehab facility for not providing drinks within normal date of service.
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10 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
I felt he was not ready when we went to court. We had some great issues, but he failed to have any witnesses appear in court. His failure to subpoena witnesses literally cost us the case.
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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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