Real Estate Lawyer reccomendations

I was also looking for a lawyer about a month ago and I just asked the sales agent of the new development we bought at and he suggested Robert Schlosser. I have to say that although he charges more than the usual lawyer, he is very detailed and explained every single important part of the offering plan to us. This is now our 4th real estate transaction in NY City and this was the first time that someone actually went through the purchase agreement and offering plan with us. Plus, he actually went through all the estimated closing costs with us before we signed the purchase agreement and NOT at the day of the closing which was our experience with the past 3 lawyers we have worked with! He charges $3000 but I believe it is very worth it! His email address is rhs@rhsesq.com

thanks Dandy. I will have to contact Robert.

Another Q: is a contract signed with the real estate attorney before entering into work with her/him? I ask because the attorneys I've spoken with have quoted their flat fee and said a verbal agreement is fine. Is this normally the case? It would seem to me that without a written agreement of what the fee for services is, would leave you vulnerable for being billed an amount higher than the agreed upon amount?

3,000 for a closing seems excessive. Try Dru white at Thomas + White in manhattan or John Bradbury at nyrelaw.com. VERY smart guys--always watching your back.

Also, for independence issues try to find your own lawyer rather than one reccomended by the sales agent. The sales agent may only be looking out for their back rather than yours.

The most important thing you have to do is to get a real estate lawyer who practices in Manhattan, not the outer boroughs. Otherwise, they will be hard pressed to go into the city and read the "minutes" which is part of their due diligence. Using an out of town lawyer always causes delays for some reason, partly due to the fact that they are not as versed with the buildings and markets as the ones based in Manhattan. The good one know alot of the buildings and management companies which are a real plus for a smooth deal.

Generally, $1700 for a coop closing is average in Manhattan.
Of course, you will be paying for extra fees, ie. FEDEX, Power of attorney if needed, etc.

Get a set fee for this kind of transaction as it is not complicated.

I am happy to report that I am (finally) closing today on condo that I've waited two years(!) for. My lawyer will be Richard Cohen of Friedberg Cohen Coleman Pinkas, LLP. I've done five transactions with Richard in the past seven years, and can't think of a more relaible, honest, knowledeable, professional, or well priced attorney who specializes in Manhattan real estate. In addition, he's a known quantity in the field, which means his calls get returned, and there's less shenanigans that are attempted by the opposing team.

#7 I'm looking at apartments in the %500k range. Does your lawyer work with mid-priced apartments or only high end? Thanks

Stella, I think it's a good idea to get your attorney to put an agreement in writing (retainer agreement). This way it protects both you and him/her. I also think it's good business practice and may demonstrates a degree of professionalism.

#8 Julia:

I am sure Richard Cohen would help you - my first purchase with him (albeit it was in 2000) was a one bedroom for $299,000. Let me know if I can assist any further.

what a frustrating experience this has been! So I did end up going with a RE attorney (Manhattan based) a friend reccomended.

She's been delaying the process for no reason at all. Getting a response to a phone call takes 2-3 days. Any changes in contract require even more time. It's been over 2 weeks and we haven't gotten very far. She keeps making promises that we'll be ready to sign soon, but now I feel trapped. Too much time has lapsed for us to hire another attorney. I just want this to be over with!!

We recently used Richard Cohen to buy a new condo and sell our previous co-op through the recommendation from streeteasy.com. We were very pleased with his experience and efficiency. His fee was reasonable too. We highly recommend him:
Richard N. Cohen
Cohen & Coleman, LLP
767 Third Avenue, 31st Floor, NY, NY 10017
(212) 829-9090 telephone
(212) 829-0999 fax

Um, this thread's been dead for four years. Why are you resurrecting it now?

Richard must be looking for business. Didn't you hear the lawyer business is in the pits.