The Best Real Estate Attorneys in Friendship, ME
Find experienced real estate attorneys in Friendship, Maine. Compare 3 top-rated lawyers specializing in property transactions, closings, and real estate law.
Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in Friendship
Michael Masterson
Masterson Law Office
Michael Masterson is a highly respected real estate attorney with over 15 years of experience serving the Midcoast Maine region, including Friendship. He specializes in residential and commercial property transactions, title issues, and land use matters. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and personalized client service, he has built a strong reputation for achieving favorable outcomes in complex real estate cases. Clients consistently praise his responsiveness and expertise in navigating Maine's real estate laws.
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R. Thomas Perkins
Perkins Thompson, P.A.
R. Thomas Perkins is a founding partner of Perkins Thompson and has over two decades of experience in real estate law, serving clients throughout Maine, including the Friendship area. He is recognized for his expertise in complex real estate transactions, financing, and development projects. With a track record of high client satisfaction and successful case resolutions, he is often recommended for his strategic approach and deep knowledge of state and local regulations. His firm is known for its commitment to client-centered service and ethical practice.
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Michele R. Mckenney
Mckenney & O'Brien
Michele R. Mckenney is an accomplished real estate attorney with over 12 years of practice, focusing on the Midcoast Maine area, including Friendship. She handles a wide range of real estate matters, from residential closings to commercial leases and land use disputes. Clients value her practical advice, strong negotiation skills, and ability to resolve issues efficiently. She has earned a reputation for professionalism and reliability, with numerous positive reviews highlighting her dedication to achieving client goals in real estate transactions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What specific local issues in Friendship, ME, should I discuss with a real estate attorney before buying a waterfront property?
In Friendship, a real estate attorney can help you navigate critical local issues like Maine's Shoreland Zoning Ordinance, which regulates development near the coast, and verify the property's grandfathered status for docks or structures. They will also review any rights-of-way or easements for beach access, which are common in this coastal community, and ensure there are no hidden liens on the property, such as from a local fishing co-op.
How can a Friendship-based real estate attorney assist with the transfer of a family-owned cottage or island property?
A local attorney is essential for handling the complexities of transferring family-owned coastal property, which may involve fractional ownership or an LLC. They can draft or review a deed to ensure it complies with Maine's strict requirements for metes and bounds descriptions common for irregular shoreline lots. They can also advise on potential Maine estate tax implications and help establish a clear plan to avoid future disputes among heirs.
Are there unique title search concerns for older properties in Friendship that a real estate attorney should address?
Yes, many properties in Friendship have long, complex histories that may include unrecorded agreements, ancient road rights, or old fishing and wharfing rights. A local real estate attorney will conduct a thorough title search to uncover these issues, often going back decades further than a standard search, and will secure title insurance that specifically covers risks associated with Maine's antiquated property laws and local maritime history.
What role does a real estate attorney play in a transaction involving a property with a working lobster wharf or bait shed in Friendship?
An attorney is crucial to review the commercial aspects and regulatory compliance of the wharf operation, including licenses from the Maine Department of Marine Resources and compliance with the Maine Coastal Conveyance Act. They will also scrutinize any existing leases with lobster fishermen, ensure environmental regulations are met, and help structure the purchase to properly account for the business assets separate from the real estate.
When is it legally necessary to hire a real estate attorney for a closing in Friendship, Maine, and what will they do?
While not always legally required, it is highly advisable for any real estate transaction in Maine. For a Friendship closing, the attorney will prepare and review all legal documents, including the deed and settlement statement, conduct the final title search, ensure the proper payment of Maine Real Estate Transfer Tax, and oversee the closing to ensure funds are disbursed correctly and the deed is properly recorded at the Lincoln County Registry of Deeds.
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