The Best Real Estate Attorneys in North Lakewood, WA
Find experienced real estate attorneys in North Lakewood, Washington. Compare 3 top-rated lawyers specializing in property transactions, closings, and real estate law.
Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in North Lakewood
Christopher L. Beresford
Beresford Law PLLC
Christopher Beresford is a highly-regarded real estate attorney serving the North Lakewood and greater Pierce County area. With over 15 years of dedicated real estate law practice, he specializes in residential and commercial real estate transactions, title disputes, and property law matters. His firm receives consistent praise for responsive client service, thorough contract review, and effective handling of complex real estate closings. Beresford has built a strong reputation for helping clients navigate challenging real estate situations with practical legal solutions.
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Thomas A. Gagliardi
McKinley Irvin
Thomas Gagliardi is a seasoned real estate attorney with McKinley Irvin's Tacoma office, serving clients throughout Pierce County including North Lakewood. With two decades of experience, he handles complex real estate matters including commercial transactions, residential purchases, land use issues, and real estate litigation. Gagliardi is recognized for his strategic approach to real estate law and has represented clients in numerous high-value transactions and disputes. His firm maintains one of the strongest real estate practices in the South Puget Sound region.
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Ryan C. Gaffney
GTH Law Group
Ryan Gaffney of GTH Law Group brings extensive real estate expertise to clients throughout Washington, including North Lakewood area matters. With over 12 years focused on real estate and business law, he specializes in commercial real estate transactions, development projects, and complex property matters. Gaffney is known for his practical approach to real estate legal issues and has successfully represented both individual and corporate clients in significant real estate transactions. While based in Seattle, his firm regularly serves clients across the Puget Sound region with comprehensive real estate legal services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What specific local zoning or land use issues in North Lakewood, WA, should I discuss with a real estate attorney?
North Lakewood, located in Snohomish County, has specific zoning ordinances and potential development regulations near Lake Goodwin or the Stillaguamish River. A local attorney can advise on permissible property uses, setback requirements, shoreline management rules, and any unique municipal codes that could affect building, subdividing, or running a home-based business on your property.
How can a North Lakewood real estate attorney help with reviewing a purchase agreement for a rural property?
Many properties in the North Lakewood area are rural or semi-rural, involving wells, septic systems, and easements for access or utilities. A local attorney will scrutinize the contract for contingencies related to septic inspections and water rights, verify legal access via often private roads, and ensure disclosures about flood zones or agricultural covenants common in Snohomish County are properly addressed.
Are there title issues specific to properties in North Lakewood that an attorney should check?
Yes. Given the area's history of logging, farming, and rural development, title searches can uncover old, unrecorded easements, boundary disputes due to informal land divisions, or restrictive covenants from previous land use. A real estate attorney will ensure the title insurance policy adequately covers these local risks and resolves any clouds on the title before closing.
What should I expect to pay for a real estate attorney's services for a standard residential closing in North Lakewood?
Fees typically range from $800 to $1,500 for a standard residential transaction, depending on complexity. This usually includes reviewing contracts, coordinating with the title company, and conducting the closing. Costs may be higher for properties with land use issues, boundary concerns, or if drafting complex addendums is required. Most attorneys charge a flat fee for straightforward purchases.
When is it especially important to hire a local North Lakewood attorney versus using a title company alone for closing?
It's crucial to hire a local attorney for transactions involving raw land, new construction, properties with boundary issues (common with older, large parcels), or when seller financing is involved. An attorney provides legal advice, drafts secure financing documents, and offers representation that a title company's escrow officer, who is neutral, cannot. For complex or high-value assets in this rural market, legal counsel is a wise investment.
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