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WHAT TYPE OF CASES DO REAL ESTATE ATTORNEYS HANDLE ?
Purchase and Sale of Homes, Purchase and Sale of Commercial Property, Deeds,
Quit Claim Deeds, Warranty Deeds, Property Line Disputes, Representing Landlords,
Purchase and Sale of Vacant Land, Land Usage Variances, Zoning, etc.
NOTE: Most Real Estate Lawyers DO NOT represent TENANTS.
However, most Free Legal Aid Offices have free tenant services.
IF YOU ARE A TENANT click here TO FIND FREE LEGAL AID.
 

WHERE DO I NEED A REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY ?
In Michigan, real estate deeds and mortgages are filed at the "Register of Deeds" which is usually located at the County Court or County Offices.  So it is usually faster and less expensive to hire an attorney in the county where the PROPERTY IS LOCATED.
Note: Property laws vary greatly from State to State. So, if you live in Michigan, but you
have a property matter in another State, you will probably need a lawyer in that State.

HOW  DO I CHOOSE  A  REAL ESTATE  ATTORNEY ?

• (1.) Look for a lawyer who is very experienced specifically in REAL ESTATE law. They will be more likely to know the current laws about property transfers, taxes, etc. and how they can be applied to get you the best results.
  ALL LAWYERS in this data base are screened for experience.   

• (2.) Find someone who practices law in the County where your case is. They may have a better relationship with the judges & the court personnel. And they will have less travel time, reducing your costs.
  ALL LAWYERS on this site have experience in area County Courts.  

• (3.) Make sure the lawyer is in good standing with the Bar Association, with no history of successful malpractice actions, complaints or disciplinary actions.
  ALL LAWYERS on this site are screened for being in Good Standing
  with NO history of disciplinary action or malpractice.    

• (4.) Interview lawyers who give a Free First Consutation to find someone whose personality  and "style" suits you. It is important to be able to communicate with your lawyer. Do not be  afraid to ask questions.
  ALL LAWYERS on this site give Free Telephone Consultations.  

• (5.) Cost is an important consideration, but you do NOT want to select a lawyer only on on the basis of who is cheapest.  Remember: usually, "you get what you pay for."   A  "cut-rate"  lawyer may not devote the time & effort needed to get you the best results.  ALL LAWYERS in this data base are screened for being reasonably & competitively priced in their area.

• (6.) Convenient locartion should be less important than finding the "right"  lawyer.  Just like finding a good Doctor, you may have to travel a few extra miles to find someone who is more specialized. The closest lawyer may not be the best, or the most affordable, for you.

WHEN CAN I CONTACT A REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY ? Most Law Offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  A few firms offer Saturday or evening hours. If you call in advance, many lawyers will be happy to schedule appointments after regular hours, if it is necessary to accomodate your schedule. SOME LAWYERS ON THIS SITE OFFER HOUSE CALLS FOR THE ELDERLY OR DISABLED. You can also reach firms on this site by e-mail.

HOW MUCH DOES A REAL ESTATE LAWYER COST ?
Attorneys generally charge by the hour when preparing or reviewing contracts, deeds,or other documents, or when attending closings or going to court. In the Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area the average hourly charge for a reasonably priced lawyer is approximately $200 per hour.

The amount of time involved in drafting your documents will depend upon how how complex or involved your particular situation is. The more time it takes the lawyer, the more it will cost.

Most  lawyers will require a retainer (downpayment) of at least $1,000 to open a new case.
The hourly rate is then applied against this downpayment.  Some lawyers will set a "flat rate" for attending a closing or for preparing a deed or other documents. Again, this fee will vary depending upon how "complicated" the legal matter is. The more involved the documents are, the more time it will take the lawyer and the larger the "flat rate" (set fee) is likely to be.  

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Information contained on this web site is GENERAL INFORMATION only, and as such IS NOT INTENDED AS SPECIFIC LEGAL ADVICE FOR YOUR SITUATION.   Obtaining a consultation from a qualified attorney is the only way to insure a proper understanding and evaluation of the law as it applies to your specific legal matter. Additionally, laws can and do frequently change and are subject to interpretation, therefore the information on this site may occasionally be superceded by new laws or interpretations