Are you looking to hire a real estate lawyer?
Whether you’ve inherited property or you’re looking to solve a property dispute, hiring a real estate lawyer is crucial. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, understanding what to look for in a real estate lawyer can be confusing. When we consider that 33% of purchasers are first-time buyers, it’s easy to see why this confusion is so overarching.
To help, we’re sharing our guide on what to consider when hiring a real estate lawyer. This guide is sure to help point you in the right direction.
1. What Are the Fees?
First and foremost, how much does your prospective lawyer charge?
When we consider that over 100 million Americans cannot afford legal fees, it’s simple to understand why price is often the number one consideration.
In many cases, your choice of lawyer will depend on your personal budget. If you have a fluid budget, you’re more likely to opt for a well-established lawyer with vast experience. If you have a limited budget, hiring a new lawyer to handle your case is oftentimes more realistic.
When interviewing with your lawyer, be sure to inquire as to what their fees include. Not every initial fee advertised will include the necessary fees throughout.
2. What Is Their Availability?
With a quick online search, it’s easy to find the best lawyer to handle your case.
Oftentimes, this is a lawyer that has extensive experience and is well-known for success. However, it’s also important to consider the availability of such a lawyer. With high demand from clients, not every lawyer will be available to handle your case.
When interviewing lawyers, don’t hesitate to ask about their caseloads. Do they have the time required to give your case the attention that it deserves? Are they able to begin working on your case right away? These questions are incredibly important when it comes to choosing a real estate lawyer to represent you.
3. Who Will Handle Your Case?
It’s important to note that the lawyer you interview with won’t always be the person to represent you.
When interviewing with a lawyer, be sure to ask who you will be reporting to and who will be representing your case. In many cases, this won’t actually be the lawyer that you interview initially. Instead, this could be someone on their team or an assistant of their choosing.
When it comes to choosing your real estate lawyer, you want to know exactly who will be handling your case. This will allow you greater faith in your success and to feel more comfortable throughout the process.
4. What Is Their Experience?
One of the most important considerations in hiring a real estate lawyer is their experience.
Have they practiced for many years and understand real estate law extensively? Or, are they new to law and looking to gain initial clients?
It’s also important to consider if your lawyer has experience in your required area. While they may have general real estate experience, this isn’t to say they’re well-versed in your case. If your case is specific, you’re going to want to ensure that you hire a lawyer who has worked on a similar case before.
5. Where Are They Located?
Lastly, where is your prospective lawyer located?
Remember, some real estate cases will be more location-specific than others. If your case will require a local lawyer, location should be a primary consideration. If your lawyer isn’t entirely local, be sure to inquire whether they’ll be willing to travel for your case.
Hiring a Real Estate Lawyer
If you’re looking to hire a real estate lawyer, allow our guide above to help execute your plan. When it comes to real estate and property, it’s crucial to have the utmost faith in your chosen lawyer!
Are you on the hunt for a trusted real estate lawyer? If so, be sure to contact us today!