How to Hire a Real Estate Attorney

A real estate attorney or lawyer is a specialization. If you need a simple lease agreement or purchase contract any lawyer can probably help you. If you are involved in a law suit over property, or have a niche area you need help with, I would recommend going with a specialized real estate attorney.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. First evaluate your situation. If you were represented by a real estate agent in a transaction and there is a dispute directly related to the transaction, the principle broker of the real estate firm may have a lawyer retained for his company or may recommend one. Most agents will not know a real estate attorney but their brokerage firms will have contacts. Agents should be expert marketers and avoid giving legal advice outside of their training.

2. If you don't have an agent, or did not get a good recommendation, a local real estate title company owner or escrow officer is a great source. They deal with the legal and title issues every day that many realtors will not see in a decade long career marketing homes. Title companies deal with many legal issues to clear clouded titles and close deals. They have contacts they rely on and can recommend them or steer you in the right direction for the type of difficulty you have.

3. A great source for a real estate lawyer referral is the local board of realtors. Most large boards have an in house attorney. They can often answer basic questions free. They are the legal resource for agents and brokers on state laws in many cases. Check with local real estate boards.

4. A local home builders association is also a good source. Builders deal with property development and local city ordinances all the time.

5. A last and obvious source is the local yellow pages directory or online search for local results. You may need an attorney that is very specialized. Some only deal with water rights or new subdivision planning. Others deal with fraud or disclosure issues. If your problem is specialized try to find a lawyer to fit the problem as closely as possible. For that you may get a list from the state bar association for any specific focused areas of legal practice.

[HardworkinJudy]

on 3/31/2009 Great tips. We have a bit of a problem and this advice may come in handy. Thanks so much.

[georgelarson]

on 3/30/2009 Good information. Thanks.