There are currently over 813,900 lawyers throughout the US. If you’re searching for real estate lawyers in Greenville county, it helps to narrow down your options. Otherwise, you could struggle to find a lawyer with the experience and expertise you need.
Here are six tips that can help streamline your search. With these tips, you can find a professional, qualified lawyer.
They’ll help you accomplish your real estate goals.
Don’t hire the first real estate lawyer you find online. Instead, vet your options for lawyers using these easy tips today.
1. Look for Experience
Remember, not every lawyer you find will have the experience and expertise you’re looking for. To start your search, head online. Visit your local bar association website or the Martindale-Hubbel directory.
Then, start making a list of real estate lawyers in the area.
You can use these websites to learn more about each lawyer’s professional history. How long has each lawyer practiced law? Consider how long they’ve specialized in real estate law, too.
Choosing a lawyer who specializes in real estate law will give you peace of mind. They’ll understand the laws and procedures that are relevant to your situation. A general lawyer, on the other hand, might lack that expertise.
Ask each lawyer on your list how long they’ve specialized in real estate law. Why did they choose that specialty?
Look for someone with years of experience working in South Carolina, too. Some procedures can vary based on your location. If the lawyer isn’t familiar with South Carolina laws, they could make a mistake.
Make sure their experience is relevant to your situation, too. For example, are you buying or selling real estate? Find a lawyer with relevant real estate experience.
Otherwise, they might struggle to help you.
2. Consider Their Qualifications
Make sure every lawyer on your list is qualified to practice law in the area. Visit your local bar association website again. Confirm that each lawyer’s license is up-to-date.
Verify that they’re licensed to practice law in South Carolina. If their license is outdated, scratch them off your list.
What other qualifications does the lawyer have? For example, you might find a lawyer that’s a member of a local or national association. If they hold a leadership position, they’ve likely gained the respect of their peers.
3. Ask About Their Recent Work
As you vet your options for lawyers, keep your unique situation in mind. Remember, you’ll want to find lawyers with real estate experience relevant to your situation.
Ask each lawyer about their most recent casework. Do they usually help property buyers or sellers? What does the process entail?
Learning about their most recent work can help you determine if they can help you.
For example, your real estate agent might help:
- Prepare the necessary documents for buying or selling real estate
- Explain the legal terms in a purchase or sale contract
- Determine defects of title (and help you recognize the best solutions)
- Calculate tax liabilities associated with the sale or purchase
- Negotiate with a lender
- Explain the terms of a mortgage
- Review any documents you’ll need to sign
- Receive a deed to the property
- Secure title insurance
- Evaluate liens, covenants, easements, or other obligations
You don’t have to take on these responsibilities alone. If you lack experience with these tasks, you might make a mistake. Instead, talk to your lawyer.
Ask about their services. For example, do they help with quiet title actions and real estate closing? Choose someone based on the help you need.
They’ll help guide you through the process. You can leverage their years of experience and expertise in the industry. With their help, you won’t have to feel like you’re in the dark.
4. Request References and Reviews
Every lawyer will try to convince you that they’re the best in the industry. You don’t have to take their word for it. Instead, ask each lawyer on your list for references and reviews from their previous clients.
About 92% of consumers trust peer recommendations. In fact, about 54% visit a local business’ website after reading a positive review. Reading reviews can help you feel more reassured about the lawyer you choose.
You can learn more about the lawyer’s abilities from people who were once in your shoes.
Try to speak with at least three of their most recent clients. Did the client experience any issues while working with the lawyer? Would they suggest you hire someone else?
You can head online to find references and reviews, too. Check the lawyer’s Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listing. Read a handful of reviews from each site.
Finding one or two negative reviews is normal. If the bad comments outweigh the good, however, you can scratch that lawyer off your list.
5. Interview Them in Person
Try to schedule a consultation with at least three real estate lawyers on your list. Many lawyers offer free evaluation appointments. Take advantage of that opportunity to meet them in person.
Treat your consultation appointment as an interview. Have a list of questions you want to ask prepared. For example, you can ask:
- What cases have you handled recently?
- What was the outcome for those cases?
- How long have you practiced real estate law?
- How long have you practiced in South Carolina?
- Have you handled a situation that’s similar to mine?
- How would you approach my situation?
Ask the lawyer you speak with if they’ll primarily handle your case. They might pass you off to someone else on your team if they’re too busy.
Ask about their availability, too. You’ll want to find someone who can dedicate their time to you.
6. Compare Costs
Comparing lawyer fees can also help you narrow down your options. Ask for an itemized list of potential charges. What’s included in the contract?
Make sure to review the contract in detail before signing on the dotted line.
Start Your Search: 6 Tips for Choosing Real Estate Lawyers You Can Trust
You don’t have to hire the first real estate lawyers you find online. Instead, use these tips to narrow down your options. With these tips, you can find a reliable, helpful real estate lawyer.
They’ll ensure you accomplish your goals with ease.
Want to talk to legal counsel you can trust? We’re here to help.
Schedule a consultation with a member of our team today.
