What to look for in a real estate attorney?

What to look for in a real estate attorney?

I often get questions from clients on what exactly makes up a good real estate attorney and how to select one.  I can say from experience that having a sense of humor is one of the key features of a good real estate attorney but also the ability to thoroughly explain the details of your real estate transaction.

Taking the time to actually answer your questions and being sure that you understand the buying or selling process is very important.  I've noticed that some attorneys are 'over-caffeinated' and get short tempered on answering the basic of questions. Find someone that you feel comfortable exchanging ideas with.

Having a sense of humor.  Didn't I mention that before?  Wanted to be sure that I covered that needed facet again.  Real estate has the tendency to elevate everyone's fears and expectations.  I would say that most consumers 'expect' the home buying or selling process to be handled one way when in actuality it will be exactly the opposite.  Patience and an open mind will be required from all participants.  

Don't forget that the people on the opposite side of the table are not your enemy even though it may seem that way.  You actually do have something in common with difficult buyers or sellers - both of you like the same home and in fact probably have very similar likes and dislikes.  Try to work through the problems or crazy requests based on fear.
 
Verbal Karate - yes, this is a legal contact sport and should be in the Olympics.  The attorney you select should be able to skillfully deflect any problems that may come your way from today's legalese.  How to phrase a response to the opposing side is very important to keep the deal going in a positive direction toward the closing table.  Saying 'no' can be done in many ways and many tones.

Choose an attorney that is real estate based and has the staffing to help with the paperwork.  The current real estate sales contract for our area is a hefty 12 pages long not including the necessary riders!  Just like any legal facet, real estate uses volumes of paper and everything that was discussed has to be reduced to writing to keep the transaction clear to all parties.  No verbal agreements in real estate are ever binding.

Reading 'all about it' on the internet will not prepare you for half of what is necessary to buy or sell a home.  Always get an attorney who will prepare all the necessary paperwork correctly and guide you through the process.