The Best Real Estate Attorneys in New Orleans, LA
Find experienced real estate attorneys in New Orleans, Louisiana. Compare 3 top-rated lawyers specializing in property transactions, closings, and real estate law.
Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in New Orleans
Margaret B. Diamond
Jones Walker LLP
Margaret B. Diamond is a highly regarded real estate attorney with over 23 years of experience, specializing in commercial real estate transactions, land use, and zoning matters. She has a proven track record of handling complex real estate deals for developers, investors, and businesses, with numerous successful outcomes in high-stakes negotiations and litigation. Diamond is consistently praised for her meticulous attention to detail, strategic approach, and high client satisfaction, earning her a 4.8 rating based on 85 reviews. She has been recognized in legal directories for her expertise and is actively involved in the New Orleans real estate community, providing reliable counsel on regulatory compliance and development projects.
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Katherine M. Loos
Adams and Reese LLP
Katherine M. Loos is an accomplished real estate attorney with 18 years of experience, focusing on residential real estate, title insurance, and property transactions. She has built a strong reputation for her client-centered approach, successfully guiding individuals and families through home purchases, sales, and disputes with a high rate of favorable resolutions. Loos is known for her clear communication, efficiency, and dedication to client needs, reflected in her 4.6 rating from 65 reviews. Her expertise includes navigating Louisiana's unique real estate laws, and she has been instrumental in resolving title issues and contract negotiations, earning trust through consistent results and professional integrity.
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Joseph S. Fiorette
Dunlap Fiore, LLC
Joseph S. Fiorette is a seasoned real estate attorney with 24 years of experience, co-founding Dunlap Fiore, LLC in 2000. He specializes in commercial real estate, development law, and complex property transactions, representing clients in acquisitions, financing, and land use matters. Fiorette has a notable success rate in facilitating large-scale development projects and resolving disputes through negotiation and litigation, backed by a 4.7 rating from 75 reviews. His deep knowledge of local regulations and commitment to client advocacy have made him a top choice for developers and businesses in New Orleans, with a reputation for delivering practical solutions and maximizing client outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a real estate attorney essential for a property closing in New Orleans, compared to other states?
Louisiana operates under a Napoleonic civil law system, unlike the common law in other states, making legal guidance critical. A New Orleans attorney ensures proper review of the Act of Sale, verifies title is free of historic issues like usufruct or succession rights, and handles the notarization required for all transactions, protecting you from unique local legal pitfalls.
What specific local issues should a New Orleans real estate attorney help me investigate before buying a home?
A competent local attorney will conduct a thorough title search for historic succession (inheritance) issues common in old New Orleans families and verify compliance with the city's strict zoning and historic preservation rules, especially in districts like the French Quarter or Garden District. They also check for flood zone designation, elevation certificates, and any existing violations with the City's Department of Safety and Permits.
How can a New Orleans attorney assist with a succession (inheritance) and transferring property?
Succession is the Louisiana legal process for settling an estate. An attorney navigates the specific parish (Orleans) court procedures, helps clear title when a property owner dies without a will (intestate), and prepares the necessary Acts of Donation or Sale to transfer ownership to heirs. This is crucial for establishing a marketable title for future sale.
Are there common contract contingencies specific to buying a home in New Orleans that an attorney should include?
Yes. A savvy local attorney will add contingencies for a satisfactory termite inspection (especially critical due to the climate), review of the property's elevation certificate and flood insurance requirements, and approval from the Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) if the property is in a regulated area. They may also advise on a contingency for repair of any cited code violations.
What should I expect to pay for a real estate attorney's services for a residential purchase in New Orleans?
Fees are typically a flat rate ranging from $750 to $1,500 for a standard residential transaction, depending on complexity. This usually covers title examination, drafting/reviewing the Act of Sale, coordinating with the notary, and overseeing the closing. For complex titles, successions, or commercial deals, hourly rates ($200-$350/hr) are more common.
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