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Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in Clive

1

Thomas P. Murphy

Murphy & Murphy, P.L.C.

★★★★☆
4.9/5

Thomas Murphy is a highly respected real estate attorney with nearly two decades of experience serving the Des Moines metro area including Clive. His firm specializes in comprehensive real estate services including residential and commercial transactions, title work, and closing services. Murphy is known for his meticulous attention to detail in contract review and negotiation, with clients consistently praising his responsiveness and ability to navigate complex real estate matters efficiently. His practice handles everything from simple home purchases to sophisticated commercial real estate deals, making him a top choice for Clive residents and businesses.

Experience:18 years
Reviews:47 client reviews
11535 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, IA 50322

Practice Areas:

Real Estate TransactionsCommercial Real EstateResidential ClosingsTitle Services
2

Michael J. Staebell

Davis Brown Law Firm

★★★★☆
4.8/5

Michael Staebell is a prominent real estate attorney at Iowa's largest law firm, Davis Brown, which serves clients throughout the Des Moines metro including Clive. With extensive experience in complex real estate matters, Staebell focuses on commercial real estate development, financing, and land use issues. He has represented numerous developers, investors, and businesses in significant real estate transactions across central Iowa. Clients commend his strategic approach to real estate law and his ability to handle sophisticated commercial real estate matters while maintaining clear communication throughout the process.

Experience:15 years
Reviews:89 client reviews
666 Walnut Street, Suite 2200, Des Moines, IA 50309

Practice Areas:

Real Estate DevelopmentCommercial LeasingZoning and Land UseReal Estate Finance
3

Christopher R. Godfrey

Godfrey Law Office, P.L.C.

★★★★☆
4.7/5

Christopher Godfrey operates a well-regarded real estate practice that serves Clive and the greater Des Moines area. His expertise spans residential real estate transactions, property disputes, and real estate litigation matters. Godfrey is particularly noted for his skill in resolving complex title issues and boundary disputes, with clients frequently mentioning his thorough preparation and successful outcomes in challenging real estate situations. His practice handles both transactional work and litigation, providing comprehensive real estate legal services to homeowners, buyers, and investors throughout the Clive area.

Experience:12 years
Reviews:52 client reviews
1420 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Practice Areas:

Residential Real EstateReal Estate LitigationProperty DisputesTitle Examination

Frequently Asked Questions

When is hiring a real estate attorney in Clive, IA, necessary for a home purchase or sale?

While not always legally required in Iowa, hiring a real estate attorney in Clive is highly recommended for reviewing complex purchase agreements, handling title issues specific to the area, and ensuring a smooth closing. They are crucial for transactions involving unique properties, probate sales, or when significant negotiations are needed beyond the standard Iowa Realtors forms.

What are common local issues a Clive real estate attorney can help resolve?

A Clive attorney can address issues specific to the Des Moines metro area, such as navigating Clive's zoning and land use regulations for home additions, resolving boundary disputes with neighbors, and reviewing easements or covenants for properties in local subdivisions. They are also familiar with Iowa's specific disclosure laws and can help with any title problems that may arise from the area's history.

How much does a real estate attorney typically cost for a residential transaction in Clive?

Costs in Clive and the greater Des Moines area typically range from a flat fee of $500 to $1,500 for standard residential transactions, depending on complexity. For more involved work like drafting contracts or litigation, attorneys may charge an hourly rate of $150-$300. Always request a detailed fee agreement upfront to understand what services are included.

What specific services do Clive real estate attorneys offer for new construction contracts?

Given the active new construction in Clive and surrounding suburbs, attorneys can thoroughly review builder contracts from local developers to protect your interests. They can negotiate terms related to warranties, construction timelines, change orders, and ensure compliance with Iowa's New Home Construction Warranty Act, which provides specific legal protections for buyers.

Can a Clive attorney help with a 'For Sale By Owner' (FSBO) transaction in Iowa?

Yes, this is a key service. A Clive real estate attorney can draft or review the purchase agreement, ensure all mandatory Iowa disclosures are properly completed, coordinate with the title company, and oversee the closing process. This is vital for FSBO sellers to avoid legal pitfalls and for buyers to ensure their interests are protected in a transaction without a listing agent.

Local Real Estate Insights

Finding the Right Real Estate Lawyer in Clive, IA: Your Guide to Local Expertise

When you're searching for a "real estate lawyer near me" in Clive, Iowa, you're not just looking for any attorney. You need a professional who understands the unique landscape of our community, from the quiet neighborhoods near Walnut Creek to the newer developments along University Avenue. A local Clive real estate lawyer brings invaluable knowledge of Polk County procedures, Des Moines West Side market nuances, and the specific zoning considerations that can impact your transaction.

Why Local Clive Expertise Matters Real estate law isn't one-size-fits-all. A lawyer familiar with Clive can navigate the particular requirements of the Clive City Hall for permits and title transfers, understand the implications of being part of the Waukee Community School District for property values, and anticipate issues that might arise with properties near the Clive Greenbelt Trail system. They're also familiar with common local concerns, like reviewing easements for shared driveways in older Clive neighborhoods or understanding the covenants of the many homeowners associations (HOAs) throughout the city.

Common Situations for Clive Homeowners and Buyers Clive residents often encounter specific scenarios where legal guidance is crucial. If you're buying a home in the Ashworth Road area, a lawyer can help review the purchase agreement and ensure proper due diligence on flood plain maps, as some areas are near Walnut Creek. For sellers in established neighborhoods like Westminster, an attorney can clarify disclosure requirements for Iowa law and help resolve title issues that might surface from older properties. Many Clive residents also seek help with refinancing, boundary disputes with neighbors (common with larger, wooded lots), or reviewing contracts for new construction in developing areas.

Practical Steps to Find Your Clive Real Estate Lawyer First, ask for referrals from your local Clive real estate agent, mortgage lender at a Clive branch, or even neighbors who have recently closed on a home. Look for attorneys with offices in Clive, West Des Moines, or nearby who regularly handle Polk County real estate matters. Check their website for specific mentions of Clive or West Des Moines cases. When you contact them, ask direct questions: "How many residential closings do you handle in Clive annually?" "Are you familiar with the Clive city inspection process?" "Can you explain Iowa's unique requirements for title insurance?"

Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs, whether it's a straightforward purchase, a complex 1031 exchange for an investment property, or drafting a lease for a tenant. A good Clive-area lawyer will explain fees upfront—often a flat rate for standard transactions—and will be your advocate, ensuring your interests are protected in one of life's most significant financial decisions. Taking the time to find the right local professional provides peace of mind, knowing your Clive real estate matter is handled with expertise specific to our community.

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