You may be wondering what a real estate attorney does. A real estate attorney is a licensed professional who helps individuals and businesses with legal matters related to real estate ownership. He/she advises his/her clients with legal advice and represents them in court if necessary.
A real estate attorney can help you with a variety of issues, including drafting and reviewing contracts, negotiating with landlords or tenants, and resolving disputes. But how do you know if you need a real estate attorney? And how do you find the right one for you? Here are a few questions to help you get started.
66 Questions you should ask your real estate attorney:
- What type of real estate law do you specialize in?
- How long have you been practicing real estate law?
- Do you have experience with my type of case?
- What are my legal options?
- What are the risks associated with each option?
- How much will your services cost me?
- Can you give me an estimate of the total cost?
- How long will it take to resolve my case?
- What are the chances of success?
- Who will be working on my case?
- Can I meet with them in person?
- How often will I be updated on the progress of my case?
- How will I be billed for your services?
- Do you offer a payment plan?
- What’s your communication policy?
- Can I call/email/text anytime or only during business hours?
- What is your policy on returning calls/emails/texts?
- Is there someone I can contact if I have a question after business hours or on weekends?
- Do you have any brochures or articles I can read to learn more about my legal rights/ options?
- Can you recommend any books or websites on the subject matter?
- What are the rules surrounding earnest money deposits?
- What are the common clauses that sellers try to include in purchase agreements?
- Can you review the purchase agreement and tell me if there are any red flags?
- What should I do if the seller tries to back out of the deal?
- What happens if I need to back out of the deal?
- What should I do to make sure the deed is transferred properly?
- How long does the closing process usually take?
- Who’s responsible for paying the real estate transfer tax?
- Are there any potential environmental issues with this property?
- What are the disclosure laws in this state?
- Does the seller have to inform me of any potential problems with the property?
- I’ve been told that I need to purchase land title insurance. What is that and why do I need it?
- The lender has asked for special assessments to be paid off at closing – what are those?
- I’m interested in purchasing a fixer-upper – what should I consider before committing to such a project?
- The seller has agreed to pay a portion of my closing costs – what expenses can they actually cover under Texas law?
- My realtor wants me to sign a “dual agency” disclosure – what does that mean and should I do it?
- The home inspection revealed that some things need to be fixed before closing – what are my options as a buyer?
- The loan officer says we need flood insurance, but I don’t think the house is in a flood zone – what’s going on?
- It’s getting close to closing time and I still have so many questions! Who can I contact for more information?
- How many clients have you represented in [type of transactions]?
- Do you have any experience with [specific type of property]?
- What experience do you have with [local area]?
- Are you familiar with the [local real estate market]?
- What experience do you have with [type of financing]?
- Can you recommend a good [home inspector/loan officer/etc.]?
- What types of payments do you accept?
- When will I be billed for your services?
- Do you offer a free consultation?
- What’s the best way to reach you if I have an urgent question or need to schedule an appointment?
- Have you ever been disciplined by the bar or had a complaint filed against you?
- What are my options if I’m not satisfied with your representation?
- Have you ever had to go to trial on behalf of a client? If so, what was the outcome?
- What are some common obstacles encountered when buying a home, and how do you handle them?
- Can I see your license to practice law?
- Are you in good standing with the state bar association?
- How do you bill – hourly rate or flat rate?
- Who will handle my case daily?
- How often will I hear from you about my case?
- What do I need to consider if I want to buy a property that’s part of an HOA or condominium association?
- Are there any zoning issues I should be aware of that could affect my use of the property?
- What should I do if the seller refuses to make necessary repairs to the property before closing?
- The seller says he/she doesn’t have to disclose anything about the property because it’s “as is” Is this true?
- I’m interested in purchasing investment properties. Can you tell me what I need to know to avoid potential legal problems?
- Can you help me review and negotiate the terms of my lease if I’m renting commercial space for my business?
- Do you have experience working with clients who speak a different language?
- Do you have any other advice for me as I search for a home and begin the purchase process?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by real estate?
Real estate is a term that refers to any property used for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. This can include buildings, land, and other types of real estate that are purchased or leased for use in these various industries.
Real estate can be defined as residential or commercial, depending on its intended use, and is typically purchased or leased by individuals, businesses, or investors interested in owning or managing real estate.
Key aspects of real estate include the value of the property itself, as well as factors such as location and zoning regulations that affect its value and future potential. Overall, real estate is an important asset that can have a significant impact on the lives of people and businesses.
What are the most common reasons why you might need an attorney when you buy or sell a house?
When buying or selling a house, there are several reasons why you may need to consult with an attorney. Probably the most common reason is that legal representation can help ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the transaction process.
In addition, an attorney can advise you on important legal issues, such as the purchase or sale agreement, property taxes, ownership issues, and more. Whether you’re buying or selling your home, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities so you can make well-informed decisions throughout the process.
With the help of an experienced attorney, you can be confident that all transactions related to your home will be handled smoothly and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Conclusion
Purchasing a house is a huge investment, both emotionally and financially. That’s why it’s important to make sure you have all your bases covered before signing on the dotted line. Consulting with a real estate attorney is one of the best ways to protect yourself during the home-buying process, and these questions are a great starting point for your consultation appointment!
