No one ever anticipates the need for a real estate lawyer, but life can be unpredictable, especially when buying, selling, and leasing property.
If you’ve found out that there were hidden problems with a property you recently purchased in Dallas, if you’re having issues with your mortgage broker or lender, or if you’re stuck in an ongoing dispute with a renter, then it might be time to consider legal representation from an experienced Texas real estate lawyer.
Here are some interview questions that can be used to ensure that you hire an attorney that will provide honest, reliable assistance.
Five Important Questions to Ask a Real Estate Attorney
1. How Old Is Your Practice?
Becoming a lawyer requires a lot of schooling and the ability to pass the bar exam, so all practicing attorneys should be qualified to handle your case, right? Not necessarily.
Unless you ask how long they’ve been practicing real estate law, how will you be able to tell whether or not they’re a seasoned veteran or fresh out of law school? Keep in mind that not all legal services require 20 years of experience, but it’s always good to know what you’re working with.
2. Do You Have Experience Handling Similar Cases?
Beyond finding a Dallas real estate attorney who has extensive experience handling real estate law, it is ideal to find a lawyer who has taken on cases that are similar to your own.
For example, if you are facing wrongful foreclosure in Texas, you should look to find a legal representative who has deep experience working on the side of borrowers who have been mistreated by their mortgage servicing company.
Likewise, if you are involved in a construction defect case, you will want a lawyer who has handled those types of legal claims. The more relevant experience a real estate attorney has, the more likely they will be able to offer you effective guidance.
3. Who Else Will Be Working on My Case?
When hiring a real estate attorney, you will want to be sure to understand exactly what type of service you are receiving. A good question to ask is “who else will be working on my case?” In many cases, this will include a paralegal or another type of legal support staff member.
In addition, you should find out if the attorney you are speaking with will actually be doing the lion’s share of the legal work. One of the major advantages of choosing a small, boutique law firm is that you can work closely with your attorney.
In real estate law cases, it is crucial that clients have an open and honest relationship with their lawyer.
4. How Would You Handle My Case?
It’s reassuring when an attorney feels confident that your case can be resolved with a favorable outcome. But it’s not enough just to tell you that they can, they should also be able to tell you how.
A great real estate attorney will be able to explain exactly how they plan to take action to protect your rights and interests.
Before hiring anyone for legal services, ask for an expected timeline of what will happen when, so you have a good idea of what to expect. Further, your real estate attorney should be able to explain why their selected approach is the best strategy for your objectives and goals. You should never be left in the dark about what is happening in your case.
5. How Will The Fee Be Handled?
As we’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, hiring a real estate attorney can be costly, but it’s important to think of this as an investment rather than an expense. Still, to make an informed decision, you should have a basic idea of how your attorney’s services will be billed and how much it will cost to handle your claim.
Always remember to be upfront with your attorney about your budget and be sure that you’re clear on what their expectations will be for payment. Dealing with a real estate dispute is stressful enough; you do not need any other financial surprises.
Get Help From Our Dallas Real Estate Attorney Today
At Khirallah PLLC, our Dallas real estate law attorney has the skills and experience needed to represent buyers, sellers, lenders, brokers, agents, and property owners. Are you searching for a reliable real estate lawyer in the Dallas area? Rachel E. Khirallah is standing by, ready to help.
We encourage you to contact our law firm for a free, fully confidential initial consultation. Our real estate lawyer is ready to help you get answers to all of your most pressing questions. With an office in Dallas, we serve communities throughout North Texas.
Rachel Khirallah
Rachel E. Khirallah is the founder of Khirallah, PLLC. She was admitted to the Texas Bar and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas in 2005 after graduating from Texas Tech University School of Law, and admitted to the U.S District Court, Eastern District of Texas in 2006.
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