Real Estate Attorneys
& Best Real Estate Attorneys
Find a Top-Ranked Real Estate Attorney Near You
Helpful Resources and Articles
Whether you're looking to buy your first home or you need help with a complex real estate transaction, these resources have been curated to help you decide the best course of action and find the best attorney for your case.
Real Estate Lawyers
Do you need a real estate lawyer? These resources have been curated to help you decide whether you should hire a real estate attorney or not and how much it may cost to do so.
Real Estate Law
Looking for a refresher on land use law or how to find your property boundaries? These resources can help you decide if you have a case worth pursuing with the help of an expert real estate attorney.
State-Specific Real Estate Laws
Homestead laws, adverse possession rules, and more for each state.
Find a Top-Ranked Real Estate Attorney Near You
We did the research for you!
- Licensing
- User Reviews
- Mystery Shopping Calls
Learn about our selection process.
Top Real Estate Attorneys
= Featured Provider
New York, NY
Robert Aronov & Associates, PC
315 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017Expertise.com Concierge Service
New York, NYThe Law Office of Jeanne M. Reardon
Jericho, NY 11753
Los Angeles, CA
Schorr Law, APC
1901 Avenue of the Stars Ste 615, Los Angeles, CA 90067Law Advocate Group, LLP
9701 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1000, Beverly Hills, CA 90212Anand Law
5455 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 1609 , CA, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Chicago, IL
M. Hedayat & Associates
Romeoville, IL 60446Lohse Law
270 Center Dr., Suite 210, Vernon Hills, IL 60061Berliner Group LLC
55 W Monroe St Ste 2455, Chicago, IL 60603
Brooklyn, NY
Robert Aronov & Associates, PC
1172 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11230Expertise.com Concierge Service
Brooklyn, NYAdam Leitman Bailey, P.C.
1 Battery Park Plaza 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004
Queens, NY
Robert Aronov & Associates, PC
88-02 136 Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418Expertise.com Concierge Service
Queens, NYThe Law Offices of Brian M. Tracz, P.C.
450 Lexington Avenue, 4th Fl., New York, NY 10017
Houston, TX
The Weaver Law Firm
1800 Bering Drive, Suite 1050, Houston, TX 77057Expertise.com Concierge Service
Houston, TXGordon Lusky LLP
3417 Mercer St Ste A, Houston, TX 77027
Phoenix, AZ
Faith, Ledyard & Faith, PLC
Avondale, AZ 85323Kadish Associates Law Group
Phoenix, AZ 85018Rose Law Group PC
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Philadelphia, PA
Rabinovich Sokolov Law Group
1700 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103Fineman Krekstein & Harris P.C.
1801 Market St Ste 1100, Philadelphia, PA 19103Reidenbach & Associates, LLC
Wayne, PA 19087
San Antonio, TX
The Law Offices of Cesar A. Montalvo, PLLC
1175 W. Bitters Rd. Suite 1106, San Antonio, TX 78216Law Offices of Benjamin E. Golden, PLLC
8503 NW Military Hwy Ste 105-50, San Antonio, TX 78231Law Office of Thomas G. Bassler
San Antonio, TX 78209
Dallas, TX
LaSusa & Deb
10300 N Central Expy Ste 544, Dallas, TX 75231Curtis | Castillo PC
901 Main St Ste 6515, Dallas, TX 75202Nowak & Stauch, PLLC
10000 N Central Expy Ste 1040, Dallas, TX 75231
Top Real Estate Attorneys in other locations
- Real Estate Attorneys in Memphis, TN
- Real Estate Attorneys in Baltimore, MD
- Real Estate Attorneys in Boston, MA
- Real Estate Attorneys in Milwaukee, WI
- Real Estate Attorneys in Seattle, WA
- Real Estate Attorneys in Denver, CO
- Real Estate Attorneys in Nashville, TN
- Real Estate Attorneys in Washington DC
- Real Estate Attorneys in Las Vegas, NV
- Real Estate Attorneys in Portland, OR
Find a Top-Ranked Real Estate Attorney Near You
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a real estate attorney do?
Real estate attorneys are responsible for preparing and reviewing transactional documents and helping clients with the closing process. They draft purchase agreements, perform title searches, write title insurance policies, disburse funds, and prepare federally mandated HUD-1 settlement statements. They can also help clients understand the tax implications of selling a home. In the case of a dispute between the buyer, seller, or a third party, real estate attorneys also defend clients in court. Even if there is no identifiable dispute over the transaction, an attorney will make sure everyone “plays by the rules” during the purchase or sale.
Can I purchase property without a real estate attorney?
In some cases, it’s possible to purchase residential or commercial real estate without consulting a real estate lawyer. However, legal representation is required in approximately 20 states, and some jurisdictions require a lawyer to be present at the closing. Usually, real estate attorneys take over once real estate agents have an offer in hand. Buyers are encouraged to consult an attorney when purchasing damaged or bank-owned property or real estate located in high-risk areas. Attorneys can also assist out-of-town buyers and negotiate favorable solutions if liens, structural issues, or legal challenges crop up during the procurement.
What does a real estate attorney do for a buyer/seller?
Real estate transactions may seem cut and dried, but it’s common for unforeseen difficulties to arise. Attorneys who represent buyers or sellers can facilitate a successful transaction while protecting their clients’ interests and preventing costly mistakes. On the buyer’s side, attorneys can provide advice related to financing, estate planning, tax law, and first-time home buyer credits. Real estate attorneys can also help sellers who are dealing with challenges due to liens, structural damage, probate disputes, or uncooperative partners.
What’s the difference between real estate and property?
Real estate includes land, permanent structures, and natural resources, such as water, minerals, and trees. Property typically describes personal items and belongings that aren’t permanently attached to land. The transfer of real property includes the bundle of legal rights, which give landowners the freedom to possess or occupy the property, enjoy their land without interference, restrict others’ access to the property, and dispose of their ownership rights as they see fit.
What happens when a real estate lawyer puts a lien on you?
In most cases, liens stay attached to the property until the debt is satisfied or the debtor files for bankruptcy. The creditor’s rights vary depending on whether the lien is voluntary or involuntary. Additionally, if a lien has been perfected, that lienholder has priority over other creditors. Voluntary liens are most common when homeowners use their property as collateral against a secured loan. Involuntary liens are typically related to back taxes, court judgments, and child support. Properties are also subject to involuntary mechanic’s or materialman’s liens in case a customer or contractor fails to pay for materials or labor. Liens don’t necessarily prevent someone from transferring property, but most buyers want a title that’s free and clear.
What does a real estate lawyer do at closing?
Lawyers perform critical functions during every stage of the closing process. They draft and review documents, negotiate contracts, and finalize all of the details needed to close the sale. Attorneys who represent buyers can negotiate the terms of sales contracts, including contingencies, perform title searches to ensure that the seller can legally transfer ownership, and resolve issues related to third-party claims, liens, and easements. They can also assist with loan paperwork, title insurance, and other financial matters, such as taxes and transfer fees. Real estate attorneys who represent sellers are responsible for handling deeds, insurance declarations, and payoff letters.
Do I need a lawyer to sell my house privately?
Not necessarily. Some states require a real estate attorney to be present at the closing, but there are some situations when you might consider hiring one even if it's optional where you live. Examples might include:
- You're selling the house with an uncooperative partner
- You've inherited a property from an owner who is now deceased
- You anticipate tax consequences
Find a Top-Ranked Real Estate Attorney Near You
Other Top Picks
- Arbitrators & Mediators
- Bail Bonds
- Bankruptcy Attorneys
- Bicycle Accident Attorney
- Birth Injury Attorney
- Brain Injury Attorney
- Business Lawyer
- Car Accident Lawyers
- Child Support Attorneys
- Criminal Defense Attorneys
- Divorce Attorneys
- Dog Bite Attorney
- DUI Attorneys
- Employment Lawyers
- Estate Planning
- Family Lawyer
- Immigration Attorneys
- Litigation Attorneys
- Long Term Disability Lawyer
- Medical Malpractice Attorneys
- Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
- Personal Injury Attorneys
- Probate Attorneys
- Slip And Fall Lawyer
- Tax Attorney
- Truck Accident Lawyer
- Workers Compensation Attorney