Attorney Interview Checklist - by Becky Sanders

Here's the outline I use when I have interviewed attorneys.

1. Do you handle real estate law?

2. Do you personally own any investment property?

3. Do you have experience with: a. simultaneous closings b. Contracts for Deed or Land Contracts c. Setting up Land Trusts d. Transferring real estate subject to the existing mortgage e. Handling evictions f. Options to buy real estate g. Lease/option Agreements h. Commercial real estate transactions i. tax redemptions

4. How many years experience do you have with real estate law?

5. What percentage of your practice is devoted to real estate?

6. What do you charge for: a. a closing b. a simultaneous closing c. an eviction d. reviewing & making changes to our contracts hourly rate: paralegal hourly rate: minimum time increments on billing.

These questions should instigate meaningful conversation with your potential attorney as to their level of experience, but also to their willingness to handle creative transactions. My guess is you'll find a lot of attorneys who have the level of experience you need, but some will make negative comments about simultaneous closings. In this regard, the only thing that matters to you is whether they would do a simultaneous closing if you instructed them to; so ask. Keep a completed outline on each attorney you call for future reference. And by the way, don't try to negotiate their fees. If they are good attorneys, they're worth every penny. I only ask about their fees so that I can budget that into my loan requests.