The Best Real Estate Attorneys in Phillips, ME
Find experienced real estate attorneys in Phillips, Maine. Compare 3 top-rated lawyers specializing in property transactions, closings, and real estate law.
Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in Phillips
John R. Glessner
Glessner Law
John R. Glessner has over 15 years of experience specializing in real estate law, with a focus on residential and commercial property transactions, title issues, and land use regulations. He is highly rated for his client satisfaction and successful case outcomes in the Franklin County area, serving Phillips and surrounding communities with a reputation for thoroughness and reliability.
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David A. Austin
Austin Law Office
David A. Austin provides comprehensive real estate legal services, including closings, disputes, and property development. With a decade of practice, he has built a strong reputation for diligence and a client-centered approach in central Maine, offering accessible and effective representation for clients in Phillips and nearby areas.
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Peter J. Murray
Murray Law Office
Peter J. Murray has been practicing law for over 14 years, with a significant focus on real estate matters including purchases, sales, and landlord-tenant disputes. He is known for his effective representation and high client satisfaction ratings in the Kennebec County region, extending services to Phillips with a track record of successful outcomes and professional integrity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What specific local issues in Phillips, ME, should I discuss with a real estate attorney before buying a rural property?
In Phillips and the surrounding Franklin County area, it's crucial to discuss well and septic system regulations, private road maintenance agreements (common for rural lots), and potential right-of-way or easement issues for landlocked parcels. A local attorney can also advise on local shoreland zoning ordinances if your property is near a stream, pond, or the Sandy River, which have specific state and local restrictions.
How can a Phillips-based real estate attorney help with a boundary dispute involving old stone walls or unmarked lines?
A local attorney familiar with Maine's rural properties can help by ordering a new survey from a licensed surveyor, researching historical deeds at the Franklin County Registry of Deeds, and interpreting Maine's laws regarding adverse possession and boundary by acquiescence. They understand that many older Phillips properties have descriptions referencing trees or stones that may no longer exist, requiring legal interpretation to resolve.
Are there unique title search considerations for historic properties or large woodland parcels in Phillips?
Yes, properties in Phillips often have complex title histories involving old timber rights, family heirship issues from decades of informal transfers, and potential claims under the Maine Unorganized Territory laws. A local attorney will conduct a thorough title search at the Franklin County Registry, looking for these encumbrances specific to the region's logging and agricultural past, to ensure a clear title before purchase.
What should I expect to pay for a real estate attorney's services for a standard residential closing in Phillips?
Fees vary, but for a typical residential closing in Phillips, you can expect a flat fee ranging from $800 to $1,500. This usually covers title examination, document preparation, coordinating with the lender, and conducting the closing. The cost may be higher for complex transactions involving land contracts, seller financing common in the area, or properties with multiple outbuildings and land divisions.
Can a real estate attorney in Phillips assist with creating a legally binding access agreement for a shared driveway, which is common on rural lots?
Absolutely. Drafting a formal shared driveway or right-of-way agreement is a common service. A local attorney will ensure the agreement complies with Maine law, clearly defines maintenance responsibilities (especially important for snow removal in Phillips), outlines cost-sharing, and is properly recorded at the Registry of Deeds to bind future owners. This prevents common disputes between neighbors on private roads.
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