Closing on a new home or commercial property can be a nerve-wracking experience for both the buyer and the seller. Generally, a large sum of money will change hands during the closing and both parties involved in the transaction have done a large amount of work prior to the settlement date. Additionally, real estate contracts have a lot of legal jargon that can be tough for the average person to understand. That’s why it’s so essential to hire the assistance of a real estate attorney, like attorney Tim Kassouni, a real estate lawyer in Sacramento, CA, to help make the transaction go as smoothly as possible.

Here are some tips on how to find the perfect real estate lawyer for your needs.

Start Your Search Early

It’s imperative that you start looking for a real estate attorney at the same time you begin your hunt for a new home. You need time to find a qualified attorney. Otherwise, you’ll be scrambling at the last minute and pick one without doing the proper amount of research.

Utilize a Lawyer with Whom You Already Have a Relationship With

If you have already used a real estate lawyer to help you with a previous house closing and have had a positive experience with that attorney, do not hesitate to use their assistance again. Since you have already worked with them and felt comfortable with their services, it’s a good idea to hire them a second time. They might even be willing to give you a lower fee since you are a repeat client.

Call Your State’s Bar Association

If you have not used a real estate attorney’s services before, your state’s bar association will be able to provide you with a list of qualified candidates that specialize in real estate law. Using the bar as a resource ensures that you will be choosing a properly licensed real estate attorney in your area. You can either call the bar association or find information for a list of local real estate attorneys on their website.

Ask for Recommendations

Ask for real estate attorney recommendations from friends, colleagues, or family members. Ask people you know who have bought or sold a house if they used the services of a lawyer and if they would recommend you hiring them too. Personal recommendations are a great tool when trying to find the right attorney because they come from a trusted source.

Schedule Consultations with a Few Attorneys

Once you have narrowed down your list of candidates, schedule to meet with them. Many real estate lawyers offer free initial consultations. Your main goal during these meetings is to get a sense of how experienced the real estate attorney is, how well you get along, and how well they will be able to handle your case.