Selecting a real estate attorney is a necessary and crucial step when dealing with legal matters surrounding real estate. All real estate lawyers are not created equally, and there is more to selecting a real estate attorney than choosing a name from Google. Since real estate attorneys have various levels of experience and knowledge, how can you be sure that you are getting the best fit? Here are five tips to help you choose the real estate lawyer that’s best for you.
Prepare early.
Start researching real estate attorneys as you start your search for a new home. You will need to give yourself plenty of time to find a quality real estate attorney. If you run into any real estate issues during your journey, you’ll be glad you did your due diligence. If you procrastinate, you will be forced to settle for a random lawyer that may not be the best fit for you.
Ask for recommendations.
Almost every person who buys or sells a home will need to hire a real estate attorney. Ask family and friends who have purchased or sold real estate, which they recommend. Personal recommendations are an excellent resource when selecting an attorney because they give you particular insight into how the attorney handled your friend or family member’s specific case.
Research lawyer websites.
Many resources exist for clients to carefully examine potential attorney candidates online. To ensure you are getting a good real estate lawyer check out their websites. As you research, look for a quality website. Watch for correct information, lawyer biographies and resumes, practice area subpages, a blog center with up-to-date news, a contact form, and testimonials. If a lawyer pays close attention to his or her website, chances are they’ll pay close attention to your case as well.
Set up several consultations.
While you won’t have time to meet with several potential lawyers per week, it’s a good idea to make it a priority to meet with the few that you really like. Most real estate attorneys offer free initial consultations, so schedule your appointments with the lawyers who have professional websites and have received excellent reviews.
Choose someone you feel comfortable with.
When you go to these appointments, your goal is to get an idea of the attorney’s experience in handling real estate transactions and contracts. You will also want to determine whether the attorney is someone with whom you would feel comfortable. Be sure to ask essential questions, like whether the attorney will personally be handling your case, and how much the fees will be.
If you are planning to purchase or sell a home, start the process now. Ensure you find an excellent real estate lawyer who meets all your needs. Having the aid of a real estate lawyer like Ludlum Law Firm can assist you with situations such as understanding contracts, preparing all legal documents, and arranging the transfer of deposits. Contact us today!