Andy developed a strong interest in real estate immediately upon graduation from law school. Shortly after moving to Chicago, he was hired by a large real estate law firm and spent his first few years representing mortgage companies and institutional lenders in a variety of legal matters ranging from evictions and quiet title actions to complex real estate litigation in Illinois state and federal courts.
From there, Andy and his wife moved back to Michigan, and he resumed his passion for real estate, except his representation extended to representing real estate investors, developers and construction firms in zoning and land use matters.
In addition to practicing law, Andy provides a unique perspective as he is also a licensed real estate broker, rehabber, investor and landlord. He understands the needs of his clients in providing fast, effective and cost-efficient solutions.
Depending on the type of transaction, real estate attorneys typically charge an hourly rate whether it is representing someone in reviewing documents for a real estate closing or quieting a cloud on title.
It really depends as real estate is such an expansive area of the law. An attorney specializing in real estate might be involved in an eviction, reviewing or drafting a lease, reviewing or drafting a purchase agreement, clearing issues with title, representing a party seeking a variance with the city, zoning or rezoning a commercial or mixed use area, or handling a boundary dispute between neighbors, to name a few examples.
Attorneys normally bill an hourly rate to represent someone seeking to purchase a home. Generally, unless there are any issues that arise, it may only be 4-5 hours of time.
Michigan is one of the few states that does not require an attorney to be present at a real estate closing. However, the purchase of a home for most people is one of the biggest investments one can ever make. The cost of an attorney to review documents, answer questions, and to ensure that your interests are best represented would seem a reasonable investment to make. If property is held in the name of a company, a company cannot represent itself in court and will require attorney representation. Still, many minor disputes between neighbors can be handled without an attorney.
