Finding a RE Lawyer?

Question

Hello everyone, I know that I will need a lawyer to look over and tweak my contracts. I've never worked with a lawyer before and I don't know what to look for. So I have a few questions that I hope someone will be able to answer.

How much should I expect to Pay a lawyer to look over my contract? 
When I need advice, do I pay per session or can I just call my lawyer with quick questions without any fee? 
What qualities should I look for in a real estate lawyer?

John Knappmann · Answer

Brianna, I happen to be an attorney who has worked for local government but is also now an investor and I would agree with the advice to seek out the attorneys who your local landlords recommend.  You don't need a specialist to draft up a lease (in fact, you could adapt a lease someone else uses), but there will come issues down the road where you will need someone with some expertise.  Same with a CPA, by the way.

You want an attorney who will be responsive and knows the area.  They may not always be able to take your call, but they should be able to get back to you by the next day or so.  Above all, find one you are comfortable with, as there is nothing worse than paying money to someone and wondering if it is helping solve your issue.

Eric Mauricio · Answer

@Stephanie Dupuis Thank you for the attorney website. I'll be utilizing that site for sure in the future.

I know fees vary, but I'd like to see some people share how much did they pay their attorney for contracts and legal advice.

Brianna W. · Answer

Thank you for such detailed replies, all of the information that you've provided is extremely helpful in pointing me in the right direction. I will definitely network at the next REI meeting here in Ohio, I agree it will save time by going straight to the investors/landlords who are active in this market. I will also take a look at avvo.com in the mean time.

Stephanie Dupuis · Answer

Hi Brianna -

You're asking a smart question.

I've found my best RE attys. through references at my REI and rental association meetings. My colleagues already knew who to go to. I'm in a smaller community than you, so there are fewer attys. to choose from who are of quality - you may get several names. I've this is much faster and more reliable than sifting through attys. yourself based on a list of qualifications (been there, done that -time consuming, waste of money, and poor results - definite story of "school of hard knocks").

Regarding fees: This varies from atty. to atty. I've found as I develop a relationship with an atty., I'm able to call up (occasionally - never abuse this) and get a quick answer to something. Most basic questions can be answered by the attys. paralegal. If not, the paralegal will put it through to your atty. But, I wouldn't expect this at first. Again, depends on the atty. I have other attys. that make it clear they want you to call them and won't charge you b/c they'd rather you call and prevent a problem.

AVVO.com - If you choose to find an atty. on your own - check out www.avvo.com Attys. answer questions for free. You can also search for atty. qualifications in your area based on area of law practice, experience, and rating. I believe you can get quotes for having an atty. look over a contract on avvo.com, also. There's a check box to have attys. contact you if you want (but you don't have to - you can simply post questions for free).

Rates vary regionally - make a few calls and ask (will take 30 min if that).

Mary B. · Answer

GM Brianna,

I shopped around a bit when I was searching for a real estate attorney. Mainly as a wholesaler you will need them for contracts to be drawn up and reviewed. Some investors have their attorney handle the closings either now and again or all of the time.

After posting a few CL ads responding to some on other websites and via recommendations I found a great real estate attorney that is very affordable and although she doesn't handle any closings she has done some spectacular work on my behalf.

Most of our conversations are online if not the phone and I've asked her questions legal ones and she wasn't amped to charge me for every ' ? ' in our conversation as some attorneys are.  At times I wasn't even sure what I wanted in the contract but I know I needed one drawn up and after a consultation or two we figured it out together. She'd send a draft copy to me and if I wanted something added or taken out she'd do it within 1 or 2 days tops and have it back to me as per request. I pay her via paypal and re-up as needed.

If you like I'll check to see if she can handle OH clientele. Inbox me.

Mary

Finding a RE Lawyer?

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