Florida foreclosure rates saw a rise in 2020, making them the second-highest in the nation. If you are currently facing foreclosure or are about to face it, it’s time to consider hiring an attorney. Having someone represent you ensures you know your rights and all of your options.
Keep these six tips in mind when choosing the best lawyer for your situation.
1. Experience
Hiring someone who has plenty of experience will give you a stronger defense against your foreclosure. They will have seen more unique situations and better understand how to approach specific banks for the most favorable outcome. Foreclosures involve two historically complicated things, real estate and contracts. Experienced lawyers have also developed a reputation and industry connections that can make finding a favorable outcome easier.
2. Track Record
An attorney’s track record is no guarantee of the potential outcome for your foreclosure case. However, no one wants to hire an attorney who loses the majority of their cases. During your consultation, ask the lawyer about their track record. Then dive deeper to ask about their track record with cases that are similar to yours.
3. Reputation
Find out what former clients have to say about the lawyer and their experience with them. A lawyer or law firm can make promises, but it’s the former clients that will tell you what it’s like to work with them. You could start by asking friends and family members. These are people you know and trust, so their opinions should be trustworthy. You can also read online reviews. However, be careful with this because people are more likely to write a negative review than a positive one. A few negative reviews should not eliminate a lawyer from your consideration. If they are overwhelmingly negative, this could be a bad sign. Conversely, you should question a law firm that only has hundreds of five-star reviews. This is a sign of review manipulation.
4. Communication Style
The foreclosure process can be confusing, so you need a lawyer that you can easily communicate with. Look for someone that has the same communication style. Someone should readily respond to you when you reach out to the law firm. Pay attention to how the lawyer communicates with you during your consultation. They should put you at ease and give you a clear understanding of your situation.
5. Budget
You are probably feeling financially stressed about your current situation. However, this does not mean you should choose to work with the cheapest attorney you can find. There is truth behind the saying; you get what you pay for. You also shouldn’t make things financially harder on yourself by hiring the most expensive attorney in town. It doesn’t make financial sense to hire an attorney that you can’t afford. Try to find the best foreclosure attorney you can find that is also within an affordable budget range.
6. Avoid the Red Flags
There are certain red flags that you should look out for when hiring your foreclosure attorney. No responsible lawyer will promise or guarantee results. This is unethical and against their code of conduct. Be wary of a one size fits all approach to your foreclosure. No two pieces of real estate are the same, and so your attorney shouldn’t treat all of their foreclosures the same.
Protect Your Rights During Foreclosure
Facing foreclosure is incredibly scary and stressful. You don’t have to go through it alone. Hiring the right lawyer to represent you can provide you with a sense of comfort and peace. Keep these six tips in mind when looking for your lawyer. The right lawyer will have the knowledge and experience to effectively manage your case and communicate with you throughout the process.
Request a consultation today and find out how our skilled team of lawyers can help you with your foreclosure.
