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Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in Ray

1

Michael J. Mertz

McGee, Hankla, Backes & Dobrovolny

★★★★☆
4.5/5

Michael J. Mertz is a highly regarded real estate attorney with over 15 years of experience, specializing in residential and commercial real estate transactions, title issues, and property disputes. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail and strong client advocacy, consistently achieving favorable outcomes in complex real estate matters. Based in Williston, he actively serves clients in Ray and throughout Williams County, with a reputation for high client satisfaction and efficient case resolution. His practice is backed by a firm with deep roots in North Dakota law.

Experience:15 years
Reviews:48 client reviews
120 Main Street, Williston, ND 58801

Practice Areas:

Real Estate LawProperty TransactionsTitle Insurance
2

R. James Maxson

Smith & Strege Law Firm

★★★★☆
4.3/5

R. James Maxson is an experienced real estate attorney with 12 years in practice, focusing on real estate closings, land use agreements, and property development. He has built a strong track record in handling transactions for clients in Ray and the surrounding region, praised for his clear communication and practical legal solutions. His firm, Smith & Strege, is well-established in western North Dakota, and he is recognized for his professionalism and high client retention rates.

Experience:12 years
Reviews:35 client reviews
10 Broadway Street, Williston, ND 58801

Practice Areas:

Real Estate LawBusiness LawEstate Planning
3

John P. Twichell

Ohnstad Twichell

★★★★☆
4.6/5

John P. Twichell is a seasoned real estate attorney with two decades of experience, renowned for his expertise in commercial and residential real estate, including acquisitions, sales, and dispute resolution. Serving clients in Ray and across North Dakota, he is known for his strategic approach and successful case outcomes. His firm, Ohnstad Twichell, has a longstanding reputation for excellence, and he consistently receives high marks for client satisfaction and legal acumen.

Experience:20 years
Reviews:55 client reviews
10 First Street Southwest, Minot, ND 58701

Practice Areas:

Real Estate LawCommercial Real EstateLitigation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why might I need a real estate attorney for a property transaction in Ray, ND, instead of just using a title company?

While title companies handle the closing, a Ray-based real estate attorney provides crucial legal advice specific to North Dakota law. They can review complex purchase agreements, address unique rural property issues like mineral rights or easements common in the area, and ensure your interests are fully protected beyond standard title insurance.

What are common local issues a real estate attorney in Ray, ND, can help me with?

Attorneys in Ray are familiar with local county ordinances and issues prevalent in Williams County. They can assist with drafting agreements for buying or selling agricultural land, resolving boundary disputes with neighboring farms or ranches, and navigating rights related to oil and gas development, which is a significant consideration in the region.

How do I find a qualified real estate attorney serving the Ray, ND area?

Start by seeking referrals from local banks, title companies, or real estate agents in Williams County. You can also contact the North Dakota State Bar Association for referrals. It's beneficial to choose an attorney or firm with a physical office in the region, as they will have the most direct experience with the local court system and county officials.

What should I expect to pay for a real estate attorney's services for a residential closing in Ray?

Costs can vary, but many attorneys in North Dakota charge a flat fee for straightforward residential transactions, often ranging from $500 to $1,500. For more complex matters like drafting a land contract or resolving a title issue, they may charge an hourly rate. Always request a written fee agreement upfront that outlines the scope of services and costs.

Can a Ray, ND, real estate attorney help with a "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) transaction?

Absolutely. In fact, legal guidance is highly recommended for FSBO deals. A local attorney can prepare or review the purchase agreement to ensure it complies with North Dakota law, facilitate the title search and closing process, and help you understand your disclosure obligations, which is critical to avoid future liability in a direct sale.

Local Real Estate Insights

Why Ray, ND Business Owners Need a Local Commercial Property Solicitor

If you own or are looking to acquire commercial property in Ray, North Dakota, navigating the legal landscape requires more than just a standard attorney. You need a commercial property solicitor who understands the unique fabric of our local economy and the specific regulations that govern it. From the Main Street storefront to agricultural processing facilities on the outskirts, the right legal guidance is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring your business thrives.

Ray’s commercial real estate market is distinct. Many transactions involve properties with mixed uses, such as a building with retail space downstairs and residential apartments above—common along our historic downtown streets. A solicitor familiar with Ray’s zoning ordinances and Williams County codes is essential to navigate these complexities. They can help you understand conditional use permits for home-based businesses expanding into commercial spaces or the specific requirements for signage on a state highway like US-2, which runs through town. Without this local knowledge, you could face costly delays or violations.

One common scenario for Ray entrepreneurs involves purchasing or leasing former oil-boom era properties for new ventures. A solicitor with experience in our area will conduct thorough due diligence, checking not just the title but also for any lingering environmental assessments or undisclosed liens from past commercial activities. They understand the importance of water rights and easements for agricultural or industrial properties, which are critical considerations in our region. Furthermore, with the fluctuating dynamics of the local economy tied to energy and agriculture, a good solicitor can draft leases with flexible terms or purchase agreements with contingencies that protect you from market volatility.

Practical advice for anyone in Ray seeking a commercial property solicitor: start locally. Ask other business owners at the Ray Cafe or the Chamber of Commerce for referrals. Look for a professional who has experience with the Williams County Recorder’s Office and the North Dakota Secretary of State’s business filings. Before you sign a letter of intent for that warehouse or Main Street office, consult with them. They can review the agreement, advise on local tax implications like property and sales tax, and ensure the description of the premises accurately reflects the physical property and its permitted uses.

Investing in commercial property in Ray is investing in the community’s future. By partnering with a solicitor who knows Ray’s streets, its economy, and its people, you gain more than legal expertise—you gain a strategic advisor dedicated to helping your business build a lasting foundation right here in Williams County. Don’t let generic legal advice put your local enterprise at risk; seek out specialized, local counsel for your most important asset.

commercial property solicitor

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