Just like any other legal or financial transaction, buying a house may require the presence of an attorney to make sure that everything goes according to plan. Transactions involving real estate may seem simple enough to process but require the assistance and guidance of a competent lawyer; one who is a specialized real estate lawyer. So how can you make sure that you have chosen the right lawyer to assist you with your real estate transactions? Just follow these tips and you will be able to make the right choice.
Choose A Real Estate Lawyer
It may seem like an obvious thing, but when choosing a lawyer for any kind of transaction or contract, choose someone who has specialized in the area you need help with; in this case real estate. There’s no shortage of lawyers for hire these days and there are multiple fields they can specialize in so it is important to choose one that specializes in real estate law so that they can guide you better. Many people think that because the transaction is simple, they can consult a lawyer friend or family member who may not even be working in the same field. Your lawyer friend/family member may be trustworthy, but they might not be the best person to guide you if they are not a real estate lawyer.
Shop Around To Find The Best Fit
While choosing a lawyer to aid you with your transaction, it is best to have a couple of options in mind. Start by meeting lawyers and visiting various law firms in order to find a lawyer you are comfortable with and who understands your situation thoroughly. In order to choose a first-rate, professional lawyer, you may need to do some research and the legwork that comes along with it. There are a few incredibly informative videos and podcasts that Chaves Perlowitz Luftig LLP posted on their website that you can use to understand what you need to consider when hiring a lawyer. By meeting with different lawyers and talking to them, you will also get a sense of who you are comfortable working with.
Knowledge (About Local Real Estate) Is Power
Perhaps the most important thing to look for in your real estate lawyer is the amount of knowledge they have regarding the local real estate laws in your area. Real estate laws may differ according to state, city, and/or zones so it is essential to hire someone who is aware of the local real estate laws and can guide you accordingly. You may be tempted to hire lawyers from a fancy law firm operating in another big city, but that may not be as effective as hiring a local lawyer who is aware of the real estate law in your geography. They would be better acquainted with taxes, zoning laws, pricing, etc., and will probably be able to guide you better. If you go with a local law firm, chances are that your communication will be seamless (since you are already in the same locality) and they might know details about the local laws that out-of-town lawyers may not be aware of. Local lawyers will not waste time on research that might be necessary because they are already well aware of the situation at hand.
Look For Experience
Practicing law is like playing sports; the more experienced a lawyer is, the better they will be at their job. Therefore, when choosing a real estate lawyer to help you with your transaction, look for someone who has a good amount of experience with the kind of situation you are dealing with. Not only will they be more proactive with your case and more efficient at dealing with it, but they will also require less time to catch up with the situation, especially if it is a somewhat complicated transaction.
Get In Touch With The Bar Association
If all else fails, you can always get in touch with the bar association in your state and they will provide you with a list of lawyers who are specialized in real estate law. Once you have that list, you can begin the process of finding a lawyer who you think is the right fit for you. You can find this list either on their website or you can call them up directly to ask for it.
By deciding to utilize the help of a lawyer for your real estate transaction, you are ensuring that you limit your liability and are fully secure in your transaction. You should choose a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable, someone that understands your situation, and has the experience to give you the best legal advice regarding your transaction.