Hiring a real estate lawyer may come in handy if you are buying or selling a house. Some states even require that you have a real estate attorney when closing on a property. There are many other situations where the expertise of a real estate lawyer will come in handy. If you find yourself in need of this type of legal help, finding the right attorney is crucial. Here's what to know about hiring a real estate lawyer. 

When You Should Hire One

Not every real estate transaction means that you will need to hire a real estate lawyer, but knowing when their services are needed is vital. Of course, you will want to hire a real estate attorney if your state requires it during closings. However, other situations in which you may find the services of an attorney helpful include buying a bank-owned or short-sale property, buying or selling a property that is in distress or in a challenging location, and buying or selling a property that has liens or other judgments against it. If you feel that there are any potential legal problems when buying or selling real estate, hiring a lawyer is your best bet.

How Much It Will Cost

How much you pay a real estate lawyer depends on the situation at hand, their experience, and their location. Depending on the situation, an attorney may charge a flat rate or an hourly fee for their services. Most real estate lawyers charge $150 to $350 per hour for their services. Before committing to a real estate attorney, you will want to ask about their rates and get an estimate for the bill you will receive for their services. 

Where To Find One

Another thing to know when hiring a real estate lawyer is where you can find one. Often, friends and family members can be excellent sources of recommendations, but there are other ways to find real estate lawyers. Your state bar association will have lists of local real estate attorneys. Real estate agents are also fantastic resources if you are searching for a real estate lawyer. 

If you need a real estate lawyer, here's what to know about hiring one. First, you should determine whether a real estate lawyer is necessary for your transaction. Second, how much a real estate attorney charges will vary, but most have hourly rates amounting to a couple of hundred dollars per hour. Finally, knowing where to find a real estate lawyer is crucial.