Hiring a Real Estate Lawyer: 3 Things to Look For

Whether you are buying or selling property, finding qualified lawyers for real estate transactions and legal issues is a must. If you have never used an attorney for these services before, you may not know what to look for. These tips can help you find a skilled attorney who keeps your best interests at the forefront.

1. Experience

Knowledge and experience are of the utmost importance when choosing an attorney. A lawyer with a more generalized practice may not have a lot of experience in a specific area like real estate. Look for a Pennsylvania real estate lawyer who specializes in handling property issues and transactions. Asking for references from other clients can help confirm that you’re selecting a competent lawyer with a good reputation. If a lawyer refuses to provide references, move on and keep looking.  You can also ask friends or loved ones if they have worked with a real estate attorney they would recommend.

2. Knowledge of Local Real Estate Law

Real estate laws, zoning regulations, building codes, and other property-related matters vary by area, so it is also critical to find someone who has knowledge of local laws and procedures in your city or township. These issues can be quite complex, and if real estate litigation seems to be on the horizon, you want a lawyer who is well-versed in state and local law. If an attorney has worked in the area for a long time, they should also have connections with real estate agents, city and county building regulators, zoning boards, insurance agents, title companies, and other professionals.

Even if you are involved in a fairly simple transaction like buying or selling a home, the best contract lawyers recommend that you have an experienced local attorney draft or review your real estate sales agreement to ensure it is legally sound.

3. Communication Skills

Although it is important to hire someone with knowledge and skills, it is also essential to choose a lawyer you are comfortable with. You will likely have questions and concerns about your case, and your attorney should be responsive and willing to explain complex issues in terms you can understand. If you call to schedule a consultation with a real estate attorney and their office does not respond within a couple of days, it could be a sign of what’s to come if you hire them.

Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer

• How long have you practiced real estate law?
• Which types of transactions and legal issues have you handled?
• What issues could arise in my case?
• Who will be working on my case and can I have their contact information?

If you are a real estate investor or a business owner, it is also good to ask if an attorney has handled commercial property issues and transactions. Real estate lawyers often work in concert with business liability lawyers to help clients safeguard their investments and livelihoods.

If you need assistance with a real estate transaction or another legal matter, our full-service law firm can help. Our team of real estate attorneys, business lawyers, and living will attorneys provide responsive service and legal representation you can trust.

This blog was originally posted at https://carosella.com/blog/hiring-a-real-estate-lawyer-3-things-to-look-for/