The field of real estate is unique with complexities that can be rather expensive. In most cases when an individual engages in real estate ownership it refers to the home in which he and his family live and is quite often the largest asset a couple owns. In order to protect the ownership of that property or any potential problems with its use, the right legal help is essential.
How to Choose Legal Representation
Following the right process for choosing a real estate lawyer is the most important part of the process. You need to understand the factors that are important when it comes to choosing the right attorney for your needs. Some of the tasks you need to perform during the process include the following:
Speak with a few attorneys either on the phone or in person—many of will offer a free initial consultation. If you don’t feel comfortable with that lawyer, continue your research until you find someone you feel you can trust.
Be certain you understand the fee structure. You need to know if you’re going to pay by the hour or a flat fee for the services you require. You also need to find out if you will have to pay extra for things such as photocopies and stamps. Sometimes a real estate lawyer will provide a letter that breaks everything down, and this will vary depending on the location of the property.
The services a good real estate attorney can provide vary substantially, but some of the things you may expect include negotiation with the mortgage company and seller; verifying the contract includes things you wanted in the deal and ensuring you are aware of things you may not known were necessary; making sure you understand the terms of the contract; and providing important information while allowing you to make the important decisions.
If an attorney tries to tell you what you need to do instead of simply offering advice and pointing out alternatives, you should walk the other way. These types of attorneys will probably overlook important things such as making sure the home includes a certificate of occupancy and has been properly inspected.
The Final Step
The final steps involved in choosing a real estate attorney include the following:
Make a list of potential candidates
Research those candidates and make selections for the creation of a short list
Interview the candidates from the short list and choose the one you feel is best for your needs
