If you need or want an attorney for your real estate transaction, you should hire one you feel good about. How can you do that? Through some research and knowledge that will lead you to the right lawyer for your needs. As you’re deciding how to hire a real estate lawyer who will be best for you, consider that attorney’s reputation, skills, and personality, so you can select the right fit. Then you’ll have a much higher chance of getting the attorney you really need, so you won’t be worried about your real estate closing or other aspects of the process. That peace of mind that comes with getting the right attorney for your needs can help you sleep better at night and make your real estate transaction a much smoother one.
Can you get a free consultation?
One of the ways you can find out more about a real estate attorney that you’re considering hiring is to get a consultation with them. These are usually 15 or 30 minutes, but some can be as long as an hour for free. In some cases, you can get a short consultation for free and then pay a small amount for a longer one. By asking attorneys what they require, you can choose a couple to talk to and see what they offer and the fees that they charge. That way you’ll know which one you want to use and will feel confident in your hiring decision. Since buying a house is such a big transaction for most people, having the right attorney really can provide peace of mind and make a lot of difference.
Does your state require lawyers at closing?
While you’re choosing the right house, it’s a good idea to also find out more about what your state actually requires. Some states have attorneys who handle real estate closings. In other states, the title company is the one to complete everything and make sure everyone signs where and what they should. No matter which way your state does things, you can hire an attorney on your own to make sure your own interests are protected. That way you have someone on your side, and you have the security that comes with that. An incorrect real estate transaction can really become a problem for you if you’ve signed and closed before you notice the mistake. An attorney can work to help prevent anything like that from happening.
What kind of reputation does the attorney have?
The reputation your attorney has in the community is important to consider. While you may or may not put much stock in something like that, other people will. It’s also a good indication of whether people who have used that attorney’s services feel that the attorney did a good job. If the lawyer’s reputation is bad, it’s worthwhile to find out why. The same is true for attorneys with a good reputation. What do people like about that person? Was there something the attorney did that went above and beyond what would be expected? Those are the kinds of questions you’ll want to ask, so you can feel well-informed and confident when you make your decision. The right attorney can make a big difference in your transaction and how you feel about the process.
Have you checked out the lawyer’s reviews?
In the process of getting to the closing table, don’t be in a rush to choose a lawyer off of one recommendation. Check out the reviews the attorney has. Most businesses have reviews online, where people have worked with that business and then rated their experience. Some of these are based on stars or numbers on a five or 10-point scale. Others are more detailed, and can give you a lot of insight into how the process of working with that person actually goes. Both kinds of reviews can be important, since they come together to give you a picture of what the attorney really offers and how they work with their clients through the process of closing on a home.
Have there been complaints?
If there have been complaints against an attorney that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be a bad choice, since it’s important to know what the complaints were about and how they were resolved. Still, you want to find out more about the problems. How long ago they took place, whether they were all over the same issue, and if some of them weren’t resolved the right away are all important to look into. Asking questions and getting information is a great thing, especially when you’re making a purchase as financially significant as a home.
Do your personalities mesh?
While you may be focused only on whether the lawyer will do a good job, remember that there’s more to the process of working with someone than the quality of the work you do. If you don’t get along and simply can’t see eye to eye, that particular attorney may not be the right fit for your needs. It’s better to find that out early, so you can locate another lawyer to work with if you don’t feel that attorney will be someone you want to move through your real estate transaction with. With a meshing of personalities, your transaction can really be improved.
2 Point Highlight
As you’re deciding how to hire a real estate lawyer who will be best for you, consider that attorney’s reputation, skills, and personality, so you can select the right fit.
If there have been complaints against an attorney that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be a bad choice, since it’s important to know what the complaints were about and how they were resolved.
