“Attorney Suggested that My Client Use a Different Lender”

Joe, at one point in my mortgage career, I had a similar situation with a pricy attorney, and chose not to directly question costs (he was related to the wife-applicant), but I explained the need for his resume and insured closing letter. Since he was not approved, I offered to contact him and discuss needed documentation. I used fees from an approved attorney, and suggested he review fee structure. It turned out real estate was not his area of expertise, and he knew the attorney I had referenced. He referred them to the other attorney. He did the right thing, and I didn't have to knock on her relative. I have worked with some very good and reasonable attorneys and some who fumbled more than a football player on a rainy day. Divorce litigation on another deal had he and I working together briefly, as I needed copies of decree and settlement agreement on an applicant.

I would have done exactly what you did, well done!

Hello Joe Petrowsky 

As always, you gave your client the right advice!

Whats Black and Brown and looks good on a Attorneys back? A Doberman. Pretty much sums it up.

Sounds like the attorney was exploiting the naivete of first-time buyers. Glad to hear that you were there to help them keep their costs in line.

You did it right by giving more than 1 name for them to check out an make a decision.

Joe Petrowsky -Well done. Excellent post. Great job protecting your clients.

Cheers,

Tom

These are difficult situations. However, I think it is fair to advise clients when they are being grossly overcharged.

You did the right thing in staying within the guidelines of offering at least three options for your clients. Sometimes attorneys will throw you under a bus and then try to represent the bus company. I believe in fair wages for services provided. I also believe in freedom of speach; something all attorneys should understand.

That's a tough one. You try not to take it personally but some people know how to get under your skin. I think you handled it as as professionally as possible.

Hey, Joe!

I included this post in today's "Last Week's Favorites".  And have a fun Thanksgiving.

I really enjoyed your post!  So glad that Patricia highlighted it this week!

Hi Joe, 

I think you did right by your clients. Nice work. 

Giving the 3 alternate attorney options was perfect and then it is up to your client to make their preferred choice. You set a great stage. 

That disgruntled lawyer is obviously swimming in business considering how much time she has to go after you -- for a 'non issue'.

Keep up the great work you do! 

If this attorney wanted to match the fees they could've gotten elsewhere, she could have maintained the business.  That's what I would've asked her when she called for my head.  Would she accept what other attorneys were offering?  That way, she shoots herself in the foot and you aren't the bad guy.

Good job Joe, first time home buyers need a little direction.  I'm sure you're not the only one that this attorney says nice things about.

Joe - the whole basis is RESPA, she can't refuse to do business with you, you can't refuse to do business with her and none of us can tell a consumer who they must use. You handled it properly but I understand your frustration - I had a seller I was working with go to an attorney to help with a short sale and she said she ONLY works with Realtor "X" and that wasn't me - I didn't know that attorney and she didn't know me and by the way, she acted illegally - I didn't file a complaint with the state bar but always wished I had - this attorney who doesn't like you is unethical.

Nice part about this county..... attorneys are rarely used, everything falls to title 

I think that each individual buyer needs to do their own due diligence.  If this attorney is upset with you because you suggested that they shop around, you did nothing wrong.  Given your experience with the numbers, you could recommend that they check out the competition.  I would bet that you won't see an actual complaint, she just won't be your biggest fan.  Good luck.

It is NOT up to me to decide what an attorney thinks  they are worth Joe Petrowsky but I can provide my clients with a price list of area attorneys and let them make their own choice, which I do.   If the overpriced attorney doesn't want to be realistic, that is their choice and they will have to live with it.

You did the right thing.  She has to charge that because she's making up for all the clients she doesn't have who do their due diligence.  Next!