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10 Sep, 2023 by Julie klein
I hired Shameen after my mom recommended her. She helped me with both the sale and purchase of my home. Best attorney who I have ever worked with. She advocated strongly on my behalf, something I had not experience during previous real estate transactions. The best!
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16 Aug, 2023 by Torne'
I recently wrote a review on Redfin's Open Book about Shameen..but I wanted to take another opportunity to express the service excellence provided to me.
Shammen and her associates have been with me through the rigorous attempts to purchase property..They have made themselves available to answer all questions, even allowing me to contact them way after regular business hours are over. They have offered a truly personalized and caring experience..No question is to silly or simple to ask. Since I have been working with Shameen and her associates, I have felt that this is more than just a job for them, they ensure that you are comfortable and well informed.
If I could give them more than five stars, I would.. I definitely would recommend Shameen and her team.
Torne'
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02 Oct, 2019 by Shane
My wife and I needed an attorney to close on our new condominium. Our Real Estate agent referred us to Shameen Thakrar, citing her as the best and the brightest. Ms. Thakrar proved this to be true every step of the process. This was an especially hard experience, with problems generated by the HOA's requirements, and their lack of communication with us on our end. Ms. Thakrar resolved every issue that came up, from an outstanding lawsuit against the property, to a difficult HOA representative. The closing itself was actually a pleasant experience! She will be our first choice again for the next time.
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10 Feb, 2021 by Gary jezorski
Years back, John helped me on a case and actually invested a lot of his personal time and effort to help me. He even referred me to another attorney that better fit my needs and never charged me for his time.
It's really hard to find this level of integrity and I should have posted this review sooner but better late than never.
I'll be selling some property soon and when I do, John is the only person I would consider to handle the real estate transactions.
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26 Jan, 2023 by Tom hanley
15 Mar, 2019 by Phil horn
26 Jan, 2023 by Tom hanley
15 Mar, 2019 by Phil horn
24 May, 2023 by John keenan
I have used Todd Stephens to help with various legal matters numerous times over the past 15 years, including real estate closings, contracts, and civil matters. He has consistently provided wise counsel and handled everything very professionally. I have been very pleased. As a result, I have confidently referred numerous friends to Todd for help with a variety of legal issues, and have always heard good things back. I would highly recommend his services.
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23 Nov, 2020 by Estelle fisher
Todd has handled numerous matters for my husband and I over the years, including real estate closings and estate planning.
Without exception, everything has been flawlessly executed in a timely fashion and for very reasonable fees.
And, to top that all off...He also happens to be a really nice guy, with a great witty sense of humor.
Highly recommended!
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28 May, 2020 by Diana grossman tantra butterfly
Posted by Diana May 28, 2020
I had a terrible experience with Todd Stephens while my mother was dying of cancer several years ago. My mother was born in Brazil and English was her second language so once my mother died I realized Todd had appointmented himself as Executor of my mother's estate while I was in my early 40's and my mentally incapacitated father was in a nursing home. The will placed the deed of my parent's home under my mother's legal name and Todd Stephens refused to pass the title of the home under my legal name because he stated that my mother owed him $3,000 so I ended up being forced to sell my parent's home to my renters because Cook county couldn't help me remove my renters from my family home the way the will was drawn up. There wasn't even a hard copy of the will to be found in his legal office or my mother's home once she died. Once he arrived at my mother's hospital I remember she gave him a check to help pay off the taxes to her home and he accepted the check and never paid taxes on the property even though he appointed himself as Executor of my mother's estate.
My mother didn't have a large estate and she died impoverished because she lost everything during the Enron crash. All she she left me were her belongings, a small sum of cash that was her retirement money and her home. Todd Stephens knew my parents were not wealthy people yet he encouraged my mother to state the home in Skokie would be called The Bertha Grossman trust and refused to pass the title of the home to me. I was unable to sell the home legally because it was still under my mother's name and when I put renters there they refused to leave the property so Cook County suggested I sell the home to my renters for far less than it's value. Todd Stephen's took $3000 from me after the sale of the home claiming that my mother owed him for his time and services yet my mother was an excellent accountant and never left bills unpaid.
This man was unprofessional and extremely rude to me and I truly do not recommend his services to anyone. He took complete advantage of my mother.
I will never forget or forgive how he treated me after my mother died. I am regretful that my mother chose to hire him to draw up her will because her intentions were never to create such misery for me yet this attorney was deeply disrespectful to me and I wasn't even able to find a hard copy of the will because he claimed it wasn't in his office. At the very end of my mother's life she suffered a stroke and some major memory loss. This entire period of my life was a complete nightmare because of his mismanagement of my mother's estate.
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24 May, 2023 by John keenan
I have used Todd Stephens to help with various legal matters numerous times over the past 15 years, including real estate closings, contracts, and civil matters. He has consistently provided wise counsel and handled everything very professionally. I have been very pleased. As a result, I have confidently referred numerous friends to Todd for help with a variety of legal issues, and have always heard good things back. I would highly recommend his services.
Read more
23 Nov, 2020 by Estelle fisher
Todd has handled numerous matters for my husband and I over the years, including real estate closings and estate planning.
Without exception, everything has been flawlessly executed in a timely fashion and for very reasonable fees.
And, to top that all off...He also happens to be a really nice guy, with a great witty sense of humor.
Highly recommended!
Read more
28 May, 2020 by Diana grossman tantra butterfly
Posted by Diana May 28, 2020
I had a terrible experience with Todd Stephens while my mother was dying of cancer several years ago. My mother was born in Brazil and English was her second language so once my mother died I realized Todd had appointmented himself as Executor of my mother's estate while I was in my early 40's and my mentally incapacitated father was in a nursing home. The will placed the deed of my parent's home under my mother's legal name and Todd Stephens refused to pass the title of the home under my legal name because he stated that my mother owed him $3,000 so I ended up being forced to sell my parent's home to my renters because Cook county couldn't help me remove my renters from my family home the way the will was drawn up. There wasn't even a hard copy of the will to be found in his legal office or my mother's home once she died. Once he arrived at my mother's hospital I remember she gave him a check to help pay off the taxes to her home and he accepted the check and never paid taxes on the property even though he appointed himself as Executor of my mother's estate.
My mother didn't have a large estate and she died impoverished because she lost everything during the Enron crash. All she she left me were her belongings, a small sum of cash that was her retirement money and her home. Todd Stephens knew my parents were not wealthy people yet he encouraged my mother to state the home in Skokie would be called The Bertha Grossman trust and refused to pass the title of the home to me. I was unable to sell the home legally because it was still under my mother's name and when I put renters there they refused to leave the property so Cook County suggested I sell the home to my renters for far less than it's value. Todd Stephen's took $3000 from me after the sale of the home claiming that my mother owed him for his time and services yet my mother was an excellent accountant and never left bills unpaid.
This man was unprofessional and extremely rude to me and I truly do not recommend his services to anyone. He took complete advantage of my mother.
I will never forget or forgive how he treated me after my mother died. I am regretful that my mother chose to hire him to draw up her will because her intentions were never to create such misery for me yet this attorney was deeply disrespectful to me and I wasn't even able to find a hard copy of the will because he claimed it wasn't in his office. At the very end of my mother's life she suffered a stroke and some major memory loss. This entire period of my life was a complete nightmare because of his mismanagement of my mother's estate.
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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.
