Buying and selling real estate in New York is tricky. The last thing you want to happen is to end up on the wrong side of a deal and regret it for years to come. Most people know the value of working with a real estate agent, but they can only help you so much and can’t help you with legal questions. Working with a real estate attorney in New York can give you peace of mind, knowing what is in each of the contracts you sign when buying or selling real estate in New York. Here are some main factors to consider when selecting a New York real estate attorney.
Verify The Attorney’s Professional Credentials
Use online resources to find the credentials of any New York City real estate attorneys you are interested in hiring. The American Bar Association is a valuable resource that will indicate an attorney’s qualifications, credentials, special certifications, and whether they are in good standing. If you notice any red flags on an attorney you are interested in hiring, it’s probably worth moving on to a different one.
How Long Have They Been A New York Real Estate Attorney?
Experience should be high on your list of importance when hiring a New York real estate attorney. The real estate industry has changed so much over the years that it’s difficult for the average person to keep up with it. When you work with an attorney with many years of experience, you can have peace of mind knowing they’ve handled a wide variety of situations. Once they have reviewed your case, ask them if they’ve dealt with a similar case before. If they have, you can feel confident that they can apply their knowledge to your situation, while still having experience in other conditions that might be a little different than yours.
Evaluate Their Communication Skills
The real estate transaction you are entering deserves full attention and clear communication. From the first time you talk to a real estate attorney in New York and through the entire legal process, you should have confidence in their communication skills. If it doesn’t seem like they answer your questions clearly or don’t want to answer them, you should see it as a red flag and move on. The best attorneys are proactive in helping clients identify opportunities and challenges so they end up on the right side of their real estate deals.
Responsiveness And Availability Will Make Your Life Easier
Every real estate transaction is unique. No matter how many transactions you’ve experienced in your life, chances are you’ll have questions each time you pursue one. The stress of dealing with real estate can be significantly minimized if you can rely on your New York real estate attorney to be responsive and available when you need them. Your attorney won’t be working with your real estate agent actively, but having them on speed dial and knowing they will answer can give you much more confidence.
Familiarity With Your Specific Real Estate Transaction
Experience and familiarity go hand in hand, but they are also different. An attorney with years of experience handling real estate transactions in California might have a learning curve if they now practice in New York. When your attorney is familiar with market trends and local laws and has the experience to back it up, you’ll have a solid representative on your side.
Understand What Their Fees And Services Include
Every real estate attorney in New York has their own fee schedule. It’s important to understand what the fee schedule entails and get it in writing so there are no surprises throughout the process or at the end of your representation. Many attorneys offer all-inclusive fees, but it can depend on the type of real estate transaction. Having proper expectations and knowing exactly what you will pay for an attorney’s services is something everyone who enters a real estate deal can appreciate.
Your Attorney Should Always Act In Your Best Interests
When interviewing New York City real estate attorneys, ask how they typically handle cases like yours. Depending on the type of transaction you’re entering, you may wish to speak directly with your attorney throughout the process rather than their paralegal. Paralegals are essential to attorneys, but they cannot offer legal guidance or advice. Your attorney should know the difference and act in the best interests of your situation.
Pay Close Attention To Your Attorney In The Initial Consultation
Most attorneys offer free initial consultations to understand the details of your case. This appointment is your opportunity to pay close attention to their words and actions to decide whether they are the right fit for you. An attorney with decades of experience might not be ideal if they aren’t good communicators. If that isn’t important to you, your number one priority might be experience, and you can deal with any other nuances. Everyone is different regarding how they want to work with a New York real estate attorney, so decide what is important to you and choose accordingly.
Gordon & Gordon has handled high-stakes real estate transactions in New York for many years. Our experienced team has seen it all, but we still keep up with the latest and ever-evolving trends and legal issues. No matter what type of real estate transaction you’re entering, contact us to schedule a consultation, and we will be happy to review your situation.