Attorney Change?
Hi there, I’m a first time buyer. We made an offer on a limestone 2-family house and hired this real estate attorney to assist us. So far, his email answers have been really terse. Today, we reviewed the home inspection report results, and he didn’t even notice there was a breakdown of costs in it….
Hi there,
I’m a first time buyer. We made an offer on a limestone 2-family house and hired this real estate attorney to assist us.
So far, his email answers have been really terse. Today, we reviewed the home inspection report results, and he didn’t even notice there was a breakdown of costs in it.
Also, I had to point out 1) that there are 2 active violations on the building, and 2) that the C-of-O has the cellar classified for ‘storage’. A potential problem since the cellar features a bedroom, toilet, and shower.
Should I really be leading him to these facts? Shouldn’t he be familiar with the property we offered on by now?
Ultimately, is it time for us to find another attorney that might a little more involved? Or is this behavior typical?
Many thanks for precious feedback in advance.
Thanks guys. This is very helpful.
I second DIBS comment….and add that we just purchased a home 3 months ago that took a year from making offer, securing loan, etc. We knew it would be problematic, and when the (highly recommended, Brooklyn-experienced attorney) gave me terse, one-word answers and seemed put-out at my questions/timing, I asked myself why I would be willing to pay someone that was in essence working for me but making me feel stupid or inconvenienced to ask things. And got a new lawyer (Zerline Goodman).
Oftentimes people get an attorney that they know or whom a friend recommends that doe not have real estate expertise. When I bought my Manhattan condo, the seller was actually the son of the owner and was a bartender. He used an attorney who was a patron at the bar from some swanky Park Ave law firm. he knew absolutey nothing about how to close a simple condo sale. If you decide to get a new one, David Fainkich specializes in RE in Brooklyn. 917-376-1588
We had the same concerns with an attorney we had. He didn’t change. I would talk to him and see what he says, but also have a plan b to go to someone else.
Attorneys be that way sometimes.
Generally, they’re not technically proficient either when it comes to DOB regs.
It seems you have some illegal work done in your cellar. Was your appraisal done already? If so, unless you are planning significant further work requiring DOB oversight, I wouldn’t worry about it.
Unless one of the architects contradicts me 🙂
You are most likely going to find that the 3 piece bathroom is illegal as they are not generally allowed in a cellar. Why don’t you try talking to him and voicing your concerns. Maybe it was a busy day for him.
Jock deBoer, AIA
deBoer Architects