The Best Real Estate Attorneys in Franklin, ME
Find experienced real estate attorneys in Franklin, Maine. Compare 3 top-rated lawyers specializing in property transactions, closings, and real estate law.
Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in Franklin
Christopher J. Whalley
Whalley & Associates, P.A.
Christopher J. Whalley has over 20 years of dedicated experience in real estate law, serving Franklin and throughout Hancock County. He is highly regarded for his expertise in residential and commercial property transactions, title examinations, and land use issues. With a strong track record of client satisfaction and successful closings, he maintains a 4.8-star rating based on numerous positive reviews highlighting his responsiveness and thoroughness.
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Robert A. Laskoff
Laskoff & Associates, P.A.
Robert A. Laskoff brings 15 years of comprehensive legal experience to real estate matters in the Franklin area. Specializing in residential and commercial real estate, he is known for his meticulous approach to contracts, closings, and property disputes. His practice has earned a 4.5-star rating from clients who praise his professionalism and ability to navigate complex transactions efficiently.
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David P. Silk
Eaton Peabody
David P. Silk is a seasoned real estate attorney with 18 years of experience, part of Eaton Peabody's respected practice serving Franklin and regional clients. He focuses on real estate financing, commercial deals, and property development, backed by a 4.6-star rating from clients who value his strategic insights and successful outcomes in high-stakes transactions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What specific local issues in Franklin, ME, should I discuss with a real estate attorney before buying a waterfront or rural property?
In Franklin and the surrounding Hancock County area, key issues include verifying rights to well and septic systems, understanding Maine's Shoreland Zoning Ordinance which regulates development near water bodies, and checking for any conservation easements or land use restrictions. A local attorney can also help navigate the complexities of unorganized territory regulations that may apply to more remote parcels.
How can a Franklin-based real estate attorney help with a boundary dispute involving old stone walls or unmarked lines common in this area?
A local attorney can help by ordering a new survey from a Maine-licensed surveyor, researching historical deeds and plans at the Hancock County Registry of Deeds, and applying Maine's specific laws on adverse possession and boundary by acquiescence. They are familiar with the common issues arising from decades-old, informal property divisions in the region.
What are the typical fee structures for a real estate attorney in Franklin, ME, for a residential closing?
Most attorneys in Franklin and rural Maine charge a flat fee for a standard residential purchase or sale, which typically ranges from $800 to $1,500, plus title search and recording costs. This is often more cost-effective than larger urban firms and provides clear cost certainty for transactions involving local lenders and the Hancock County registry.
Do I need a real estate attorney in Franklin to review a camp or seasonal rental purchase agreement, or is the standard Maine Association of Realtors form sufficient?
While the standard MAR form is widely used, an attorney is crucial for reviewing any addenda, explaining local short-term rental ordinances, and ensuring the contract properly addresses issues like seasonal road maintenance, winterization responsibilities, and the specific terms of any furniture or boat inclusions common in Downeast Maine camp sales.
What role does a Franklin real estate attorney play in a transaction involving land that is part of a family trust or estate, which is common in this area?
The attorney ensures the personal representative or trustee has the legal authority to sell the property under Maine probate law and the specific trust agreement. They help clear the title, address any heirship issues, and ensure the sale complies with the fiduciary duties owed to the beneficiaries, which is vital for a smooth transfer at the local registry.
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