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By John R. Merlino Jr. Esq.
Founding Attorney

Are you about to buy or sell a home or other property? If so, you may want to start looking for a real estate attorney to assist you with the transaction. This, however, can feel like an overwhelming task in and of itself when you already have a lot to think about in regards to the real estate transaction alone. Here, we have some tips for you to assist you in the process of finding and selecting a real estate attorney near you.

How to Choose a Real Estate Attorney Near You

One of the best and easiest places to start in your search for a good real estate attorney is to ask for referrals from people whose opinions you trust and who know people in the real estate industry. This means you could ask your lender or your title company for referrals. You may also want to ask your real estate agent or friends who have recently bought a home if they know of anyone. Your referral network can be a great way to find a real estate attorney that people trust in your area.

Once you have located a few attorney options in your area, you will want to narrow things down. First, it can be a good idea to find an attorney whose practice focuses on real estate law. This is an intricate area of law that is constantly changing. An attorney whose practices is dedicated in large part to practicing real estate law will have the knowledge and experience handling a range of real estate issues that you may be able to benefit from. These kinds of attorneys are also more likely to have experience with issues you are facing in your real estate transaction. Additionally, make sure that the attorney has experience practicing in commercial or residential real estate, depending on what you yourself are looking for. Commercial and residential real estate transactions can be vastly different.

Additionally, in order to narrow down your options, schedule consultations with attorneys to see if he or she would be a good fit for you. Does the attorney’s personality suit you? Is he or she able to answer your questions in a way that you can understand and find satisfying? Are they forthright about their fee structures? These are all questions you want to ask yourself before retaining an attorney. Asking about the fee arrangement can be particularly important. Ask your potential attorney how the fee structure works. You will also want to be clear on when payment is owed.

Real Estate Attorneys

At Merlino & Gonzalez, our team dedicates itself to assisting home buyers and sellers in seeing through successful real estate transactions. Talk to us about how we can help. We are here to answer your questions and provide you with sound legal advice as you embark on a significant legal and financial transaction. Contact us today.

About the Author
John is a fierce advocate and the office guru for problem-solving and brainstorming. He guides clients through every stage of a real estate transaction from offer to contract, navigating through nerve-shattering home inspection and title clearance concerns, maintaining constant contact with lenders, conducting the actual closing, and continuing to advise clients with regard to any post-closing concerns.  John brings a practical and fair-minded approach to the process which has earned him the respect of his clients and peers.