Finding a RE Attorney.

[Jonathan Ard]

I am starting to look at options of putting my team together.  I am expecting to invest in Texas where my investment partner is based out of.  Does anyone have tips or guidance on how to find an Attorney?  When starting out, how does one "evaluate" the attorney for future deals?  I know a real estate attorney in Florida but do I need to focus on an attorney for each state the property is in?  Thoughts?

-Jonathan

[Stanley Bronstein]

@Jonathan Ard I typically recommend you have an attorney who is licensed in the state you're buying (in this case, Texas), as they should be familiar with the laws of that state. Laws can differ from state to state and from city to city.

Some people who purchase in multiple states, might have one lawyer who looks everything over that's being done by the lawyers in all of the states.

[Jonathan Ard]

Stanley, 

Thank you for replying.  That is what I was tracking irt needing a local state attorney. 

[James Call]

@Jonathan Ard,

We are neighbors.  I am in St. George Utah.  

I agree with @Stanley Bronstein that you should get an attorney in each state you purchase a home in.  We have purchased in different states and there are nuances in real estate law in each state that make it a little different. 

 While my lawyer in Arkansas may be a great friend and a wiz at real estate, he would have very limited exposure to new laws and issues with real estate law in Texas.   If I were doing a 25 million dollar deal, then I would be able to afford him to work for me for some time to learn about it.  

If I am buying a $200k house in Fort Worth, then to pay him a few thousand dollars to brush up on Texas law is going to be a significant piece of my investment.  

I would also recommend that you take a look around here on Bigger Pockets and see some of the members who participate who are attorneys in Texas. 

I wish you great success on your real estate journey.

[Steve Rozenberg]

@Jonathan Ard I know good attorney's in both Houston and San Antonio that can help you

[Jonathan Ard]

@James Call

Thanks for your feedback, yes you’re right up the road. We love going up to St. George. Beautiful place.

[Jonathan Ard]

@Steve Rozenberg

Thank you Steve, when I get closer to I’ll reach out.

[Ronald Rohde]

Originally posted by @Jonathan Ard:

I am starting to look at options of putting my team together.  I am expecting to invest in Texas where my investment partner is based out of.  Does anyone have tips or guidance on how to find an Attorney?  When starting out, how does one "evaluate" the attorney for future deals?  I know a real estate attorney in Florida but do I need to focus on an attorney for each state the property is in?  Thoughts?

-Jonathan

 I would recommend a local TX attorney. What type of deal are you looking at? Commercial? New Construction?

I suggest clients ask attorneys the same questions of any service provider. Fee estimate, experience in this type of work, expected challenges and how do they operate as a business/customer service, etc.

[Cody L.]

Personally I suggest “find the deal then the team”. People spend too much time putting together a “team”. Hard give do without a track record or even a deal in hand as you’re just another guy wanting to buy property 

I know a lot of multifamily brokers who won’t even do showings or send info to first time buyers (not nice. I know. But I guess experience is guiding their decision)

That said if you do find a deal, PM me. Happy to give you the name of the guy I use. However even I don’t use him much and I’ve bought 2000+ units. I’ve just seen very few reasons to ever use an attorney. 

[Jerel Ehlert]

Plenty of us who monitor and post to BP.  Might want to look at our posts.  Others ask for referrals, and those threads are also great ways to find us.

Just one caveat: We sell time.  For me, a "build my team" interview is a waste of that precious resource.  Many of my colleagues charge a consultation fee for the simple reason: to keep tire kickers at bay - people looking for "free" advice or who will never hire the attorney.