All real estate attorneys possess the legal acumen needed to purchase and sell homes safely and efficiently. However, only the best attorneys make the purchase and sale process seamless not just for the homeowner, but also for the real estate agent, the mortgage firm, and everyone else involved in this complex process. Real estate agents can help ensure that they have the best person for them if they know what to expect from the real estate attorney, and what is needed to facilitate a smooth home buying experience for everyone involved.

1. Ethics

Real estate attorneys are not paid through commission; they are paid solely for their expertise. Therefore, it is imperative that they conduct themselves in the utmost professional and ethical manner at all times. Attorneys should always follow the laws and regulations in their field, without bribery or deception. If you think something is suspicious, ask. And if you suspect that an attorney has a hazy ethical code, look up reviews, ask for references, and ask fellow agents – you’ll often be able to use colleagues in the industry to confirm or deny any lingering suspicions.

   2. Hassle-free

Buying and selling homes can be chaotic enough without a real estate attorney that does not do their job efficiently. The attorney should be readily available and offer tools that make the process easier, like communication platforms, options for sharing protected documents, and more. One example of a tool that actually consolidates all of those services is Qualia, a technology platform that allows agents, attorneys, and brokers to simplify the home purchasing/ selling process. It not only limits the number of platforms through which the involved parties need to communicate and share documents, but also adds a layer of transparency so that all parties involved can see the process move along in real time. You want your attorney to have something like this, so that your and your client’s process is easier, and more enjoyable.

    3. Reputation

Real estate agents should demand that their real estate attorneys have a good reputation in the industry. Real estate attorneys are an integral part of the real estate process and need to be able establish client and industry relationships that make all parties involved feel confident and comfortable with each step of the process. You should look for an attorney that has a solid track record of clearing titles, negotiating contracts, and working through challenging situations. Social media, review sites, and personal references all allow agents to explore an attorney’s past, and ensure that they are the right fit for you.

    4. Connections

Though an attorney’s reputation is important, it’s almost, if not more important that an attorney has strong relationships with individuals in the local real estate industry. If they are well known among the local realtors and community, that tells you that they have done their job for long enough, and well enough, that they are recognized and remembered throughout the industry. Their connections within the community are also helpful in allowing you to complete the real estate transaction properly and quickly.

Though not comprehensive, these characteristics provide a good roadmap for what to look for when determining the best legal partner for you and, most importantly, for your client.

Check out this great video!