The Best Real Estate Attorneys in Gloucester, VA
Find experienced real estate attorneys in Gloucester, Virginia. Compare 3 top-rated lawyers specializing in property transactions, closings, and real estate law.
Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in Gloucester
J. Barrett St. George
The St. George Law Group
J. Barrett St. George is a highly respected real estate attorney with extensive experience serving clients throughout Virginia, including the Gloucester area. His firm specializes in residential and commercial real estate transactions, property disputes, and title examination. With a strong reputation for thoroughness and client communication, he has handled numerous complex real estate matters across the Tidewater region. The St. George Law Group is known for providing comprehensive real estate legal services with particular expertise in waterfront properties common to the Gloucester area.
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R. Shawn Majette
Coastal Law
R. Shawn Majette leads Coastal Law's real estate practice and serves clients throughout the Virginia Peninsula, including Gloucester County. His practice focuses on residential and commercial real estate transactions, title issues, and property disputes. With extensive experience handling real estate matters specific to coastal Virginia communities, Majette has developed particular expertise in waterfront property transactions and land use regulations. Clients consistently praise his attention to detail and ability to navigate complex real estate legal issues efficiently.
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William T. Taliaferro
Taliaferro & Gildersleeve, P.C.
William T. Taliaferro is a Gloucester-based attorney with deep roots in the local community and extensive experience in Virginia real estate law. His firm has served Gloucester County and surrounding areas for nearly two decades, handling residential and commercial real estate transactions, land use matters, and property disputes. As a local practitioner, Taliaferro has particular insight into Gloucester's specific real estate requirements, including rural property issues, agricultural land considerations, and waterfront property regulations. His long-standing presence in the community provides clients with trusted local legal counsel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What specific local regulations in Gloucester County, VA, should a real estate attorney help me navigate?
A Gloucester real estate attorney is crucial for navigating the county's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) ordinances, which impose strict rules on land development and clearing near waterways. They also handle local zoning laws, well and septic system regulations, and any subdivision requirements specific to the county, ensuring your transaction complies with all local mandates.
When buying a historic or rural property in Gloucester, why is a local attorney important for the title search?
Gloucester's long history and rural landscape mean properties often have complex title issues like unrecorded easements, old family land divisions, or ambiguous boundary lines. A local attorney will conduct a thorough title search at the Gloucester County Circuit Court Clerk's office to uncover these unique issues and secure title insurance, protecting you from future claims.
How can a Gloucester real estate attorney assist with a transaction involving a percolation test or septic system?
In Gloucester County, where many properties rely on private septic systems, an attorney ensures the sale is contingent on a satisfactory percolation test and Health Department approval. They review the official site evaluation, verify any necessary permits, and can negotiate repairs or contingencies if the system fails, which is a common hurdle in rural VA transactions.
What are typical fee structures for a real estate attorney in Gloucester, VA, for a residential closing?
Most attorneys in Gloucester charge a flat fee for residential closings, typically ranging from $800 to $1,500, which covers document review, title work, and closing coordination. This is generally paid at settlement. For complex matters like drafting contracts or litigation, they may charge an hourly rate, which is always advisable to confirm during an initial consultation.
Do I need a real estate attorney in Gloucester to review a builder contract for a new home in a development like Fox Mill or Beaverdam?
Yes, absolutely. Builder contracts are heavily weighted in the builder's favor. A local attorney can negotiate critical terms, such as completion deadlines, specifications for materials, warranty details, and dispute resolution procedures. They ensure your deposit is protected and the contract complies with Virginia's New Home Warranty Act and local Gloucester building codes.
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