How to Hire a Real Estate Lawyer

If you're a first-time buyer or you're buying or selling a home without an agent, a real estate lawyer can answer your questions, help you negotiate, and take care of a lot of the little details you might not be aware of.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Calculators
• Real Estate Attorneys
• Personal Organizers
• Writing Pens

1. Talk to friends, family members and co-workers, or your state's Bar Association for referrals.

2. Talk to local real estate brokers for referrals.

3. Call a local realtors association for referrals.

4. Consult the yellow pages under Attorney: Real Estate.

5. Prepare a list of questions pertaining to your situation. Most lawyers will answer simple questions over the phone for free.

6. Identify a number of possible attorneys and call each one.

7. Ask how much each lawyer charges per hour, and request an estimate of the time required to complete the tasks you require - looking over contracts, handling disclosures, and helping with the closing.

8. Choose an attorney.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with the easiest, least expensive steps an attorney can perform first. Sometimes a little help is all you need.

• Many attorneys are willing to handle multiple tasks for a fixed price or retainer.

• Make sure your attorney specializes in real estate and has expertise in the areas you require.

• It is preferable that an attorney also be a licensed real estate broker.

• Real estate brokers are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice.