There are a number of different reasons to hire a real estate attorney. According to the National Association of Realtors, 78% of people purchasing a new home recently found that working with a real estate agent was beneficial due to them being a good source of information. However, there are situations where it could be effective to add a real estate attorney to your team as well. If you're going to hire a lawyer for your closing, here are a few questions to ask.

How Much Do You Charge?

This is an important question to ask right away. You'll want to know if the lawyer will charge you an hourly fee or if they charge a flat rate for the transaction. Don't wait until you're already working with them to inquire about fees as you could find out that they're more expensive than you expected. Also, be sure to ask about payment options. Most attorneys will accept cash, card, or check, but it's always best to double-check.

Are You Familiar With This Type of Transaction?

There are many different reasons why you might need to hire a lawyer for your real estate deal. It might be a probate situation, or you're buying a house out of foreclosure. Whatever your reason, you'll want to make sure that the attorney has experience that's relevant to your needs. This conversation is in addition to asking about their education and training.

May I Speak With Some References?

Many people are reluctant to ask for references and don't end up calling them. References are a great way to get a better sense of how the attorney operates, and you should always ask for and contact their references. You'll want to ask about the lawyer's communication style and level of professionalism. You want to find someone who can both handle your needs and mesh well with you on a personal level. The more information you receive during your search, the better the chances that the lawyer you choose will be a good fit.

If your real estate transaction requires legal counsel, we're here to help. Our team has the knowledge and skill needed to advise you in a wide range of situations. Contact Kollmorgen, Schlue & Zahradnik, PC today to schedule your introductory consultation with a real estate attorney. We look forward to working with you!