The Best Real Estate Attorneys in Deer Isle, ME
Find experienced real estate attorneys in Deer Isle, Maine. Compare 3 top-rated lawyers specializing in property transactions, closings, and real estate law.
Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in Deer Isle
S. James Levis
Law Office of S. James Levis
S. James Levis has over 20 years of experience specializing in real estate law, with a strong focus on serving Deer Isle and the surrounding Hancock County area. He is highly regarded for his expertise in property transactions, land use disputes, and residential real estate matters. Clients consistently praise his attention to detail, responsive communication, and successful outcomes in complex cases. His practice is known for high client satisfaction rates and a reputation for integrity within the legal community.
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John A. Bannon
Law Office of John A. Bannon
John A. Bannon brings 15 years of dedicated real estate law experience, serving clients in Deer Isle and the broader Mount Desert Island region. His practice emphasizes commercial and residential real estate transactions, zoning issues, and property development. With a track record of favorable case resolutions and positive client feedback, he is recognized for his strategic approach and deep knowledge of Maine real estate laws. His firm maintains a strong local presence and is often recommended for its professionalism and results-driven service.
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Karen B. Good
Good Law Office
Karen B. Good has built an 18-year career focusing on real estate law, with extensive experience serving Deer Isle and coastal Maine communities. She excels in handling property disputes, transactional real estate, and integrating estate planning with real estate matters. Clients highlight her compassionate yet assertive representation, leading to high satisfaction and successful outcomes. Her firm is noted for its commitment to client education and community involvement, reinforcing her standing as a trusted attorney in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to hire a local Deer Isle attorney for a waterfront property purchase?
Deer Isle's coastline is governed by Maine's strict Shoreland Zoning Ordinance and local town ordinances that regulate setbacks, structures, and environmental protections. A local attorney understands these specific rules, can identify potential title issues related to historical fishing rights or easements, and ensures your purchase complies with all local and state regulations unique to the area.
What specific services do Deer Isle real estate attorneys provide for a typical home closing?
Beyond standard title review and deed preparation, a Deer Isle attorney handles critical local steps. This includes verifying the property is not in a local land use ordinance violation, checking for unpermitted structures common in older island homes, coordinating with the unique municipal office schedules, and ensuring proper documentation for any shared private roads or wells, which are frequent on the island.
How do attorney fees for a real estate transaction in Deer Isle typically work?
Most attorneys in Deer Isle charge a flat fee for a standard residential purchase or sale, which often ranges from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on complexity. This fee covers title examination, document preparation, and representation at closing. For more complex matters like boundary disputes or subdivision, they will typically charge an hourly rate, which is important to clarify upfront.
When buying land in Deer Isle to build, what legal issues should an attorney help me navigate?
A local attorney is essential for reviewing the subdivision approval (if applicable), verifying the lot meets Maine's Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules and local septic requirements, confirming there is legal, year-round access (not a right-of-way that may be impassable in winter), and ensuring no conservation easements or historic preservation covenants restrict your building plans.
Can a Deer Isle real estate attorney help with disputes over property boundaries or right-of-way access?
Yes, this is a common service. Many properties on Deer Isle have old, vague metes and bounds descriptions or shared, unmaintained driveways. A local attorney can review historical deeds, potentially commission a new survey, and attempt to negotiate a resolution or, if necessary, file a quiet title action or other lawsuit in the Hancock County court system to legally establish your property lines or access rights.
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