You've heard all the lawyer jokes and so have I.
In fact, let me let you in on a little secret: There's only one lawyer joke. All the rest are true stories.
There's a lot of law involved in a real estate transaction. There's agency law, contract law, property law, tax law, condominium regulations, homeowner's association rules, escrow accounts, and more. Some states like New York require attorneys to write the real estate purchase contract. In Virginia & D.C., real estate agents fill in the blanks on a form contract provided by the local associations.
In the D.C. metropolitan area, I've heard it reported that approximately 1 in 4 adults holds a law degree, although not all practice law. If you are an attorney looking to buy or sell a home, you may find it beneficial to work with a REALTOR who speaks your language.
Introducing THE REALTOR FOR ATTORNEYS:
Brian Block, Esq., REALTOR / Attorney
Here's some background about why you should consider trusting your real estate needs to me.
I graduated from highly-ranked George Mason Law School in 1998. For 2 years, I practiced banking litigation at a medium-sized law firm in D.C. representing major banks suing the U.S. government in the aftermath of the 1980s S&L crisis. Following that, I worked a year in securities law advising on private placements and public offerings as well as some general practice.
After a short time handling legal matters on my own for private clients, I entered real estate in early 2002. Reaching out to area attorneys to help them with their real estate needs, I shortly became "Of Counsel" with a real estate litigation firm in Old Town Alexandria. For 3 years while I built my real estate sales business, at the law firm, I learned the real estate business ins and outs from the legal perspective.
Learn about The Difference Between Realtors & Lawyers
I learned what can go wrong with a real estate transaction.
95-97% of real estate deals go smoothly. Everyone shakes hands at the settlement table. Sellers get their money. Buyers get the keys to the new house. Everybody is happy.
These were not the people who showed up at our law firm. The people who walk in the door at a real estate litigation firm are those 3-5% that have big problems. Lots of money at stake. Nobody's happy. I've seen deceit, fraud, trickery, and big bucks litigation. These are deals that went really wrong. I've been to settlements where the parties did not want to see each other let alone sit at the same settlement table. I've seen defaults, judgments, and class action lawsuits.
As a REALTOR, I incorporate my knowledge and experience of the law to best serve my clients. While I'm not representing my clients as an attorney nor practicing law, I bring those skills to the table. My job is to ease the anxieties and prevent those 3-5% of transactions from going awry.
Thus, as a result, many of my clients do end up being attorneys themselves. There seems to be a comfort level.
I can speak legalese.
I've even had the stereotypical 20 minute discussion with attorney clients over comma placement.
I understand contracts.
I understand property.
I can negotiate.
Here's a little chart to help you make a wise decision:
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| Brian Block, Esq. REALTOR / Attorney | Average Real Estate Agent |
| Graduated Law School | YES! | NO |
| REALTOR > 5 Years | YES! | NO |
| Can Explain Contract Terms | YES! | NO |
| Real Estate Broker’s License | YES! | NO |
| Knows the Rule Against Perpetuities | YES! | NO |
As an attorney, you need to concentrate on your billable hours. Why not leave the stress of the homebuying or home selling process to a REALTOR / Attorney that you can trust?
Contact Brian Block, Esq. today!
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Brian Block is proud to serve the Northern Virginia real estate market. View his website for the latest listings and homes for sale in Northern Virginia and search all active homes.
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Impressive, I'm glad I don't have to compete against you for clients !! If I were a Realtor in your area, i'd consider using you myself HAHAHA!!!!
WOW, Brian, good for you!
Brian - Very impressive indeed. There's no doubt who I'm referring folks too in your area. And take it easy on me as far as the retainer if I ever need your services myself:-)
Nice job how many agents can spell "Perpetuities" let alone understand the rules.
Wow! A reported 1 in 4 adults holds a law degree in your area? I thought it was tough here in CA where 1 in 52 adults has a real estate license!
I like the the little table. I will have to use that myself down the road. That is some powerful ammunition
Real estate attorneys are a "special breed." My neice is one... I can see where attorneys would probably feel comfortable dealing with "one" of their own.
Great marketing leverage there Brian! We have an attorney/REALTOR in our office and I envy his knowledge base as it can be quite powerful for his clients.
Thanks for all your posts . It must be worth a lot of billable hours.
I would have referred my clients to you if you were in Pa.
Brian if I were a buyer looking for a home in your area it would certainly be an advantage to use your services. You can't beat having a Realtor and attorney rolled into one package - thats what I call one stop shopping :)
Brian~
Good to know that you are out in the world practicing. I want to know about the future of environmental law as it pertains to REALTORS...and our responsibilities to clients.
I R a reel astate
agintagnetagent, and I can too spellperpootiepeputuritypertuitfity, aw heck, Brian--good post and good way to market yourself!Hmmm, even after finding out I'm just an "average real estate agent" I will woman-up and say you've certainly found a great niche. I've always been told that carving out a niche means carving out a continuous flow of business. Well, actually I just made that up but I have been told that niche marketing was the way to go. :-)
Good Morning Brian...Great marketing!
One of my son's has a law degree from Georgetown. I tried talking him into real estate [truth be told, I suggest it to many people because I enjoy it so much] but he declined. So did his brother but my daughter has her license.
Glad you are in this field. We need top-notch agents like you.
Kathleen
I'd like to vouch for the fact that even though Brian is a competent Realtor, he actually has passion for what he does. He's just full of personality and has a keen sense of humor. Not only would fellow attorneys be in good hands, they'd have a lot of fun during the transaction. :-)
I am glad I now know who to contact with all my legal questions about real estate! Great post Brian!
Brian - Very informative - You are now on the top of my list for referrals to your area - I know that your clients will be well looked after
Gee Whiz, Brian - as if your good looks and brains weren't enough...
You get my vote - but then you already had it.
Good Job! Though Pa is one of those States where Lawyers use in Real Estate is minimum. Your Blog is Great.
You are one smart cookie. As the ex-wife of an attorney, I see great value in knowing the law when it comes to real estate. I have even toyed with the idea of going to law school. I am going to subscribe to your blog :)
Nicely done, Brian. The table kinda sums it up really quickly. Good job - congratulations on the featured post!
Brian, I am impressed, to say the least. I would think you would get all the business when competing. Seems like a hands down decision to me! I'm thankful you aren't in Huntsville, Alabama, lol! Best of luck to you and I will certainly keep you in mind for referrals in your area! Elizabeth
Brian, my clients seem to fall into two groups. They all seem to be journalists or lawyers, many of whom I worked with at Public Citizen or during the Carter administration, or people they refer to me. I think having spent a past life working as an "ordinary citizen" for a public interest group that was dominated by lawyers really helped me to understand a lot of the thought processes. I've found lawyers to be pretty easy to work with, and it's especially important for those of us not licensed to practice law to make sure that we don't! Congrats on the gold thingie!
That was a great post. You definitely got a lot going for you. I like the little chart at the bottom...hehe.
Brian,
I can certainly appreciate your post. I worked for a real estate attorney for seven years. That was my stomping ground that jump started me into the r.e. industry, so when you say, "'ve been to settlements where the parties did not want to see each other let alone sit at the same settlement table. I've seen defaults, judgments, and class action lawsuits." Oh, I get it, it ain't over 'til it's over.
And yes, attorney's do want someone who can speak their language or someone who will learn very quickly without their help.
Brian:
So true. One question: is 20 minutes the longest time you've debated over the placement of a comma? Hmmm, think I've got you beat by two days, although it involved the placement 3 commas. LOL. Great marketing!!
Lisa
CHAD: I appreciate the compliments. Thanks!
DONNA: Thanks for stopping by!
Now that is what I call speaking to the people who you want to do business with. BRILLIANT! I've helped two attorneys buy real estate this year...in fact...meeting one of them and his girl this evening for dinner. Congrats on your gold star stranger! :)
Just a quick question, are you allowed to give legal advice to your real estate clients? Are they hiring you in both capacities? Just wondering.
JASON: Thanks for your comments. Feel free to send your folks down this way.
TERRY: Very funny yet true!
VICKIE: Yep, D.C. is a very highly educated area. Lots of lawyers. Lots of law degrees -- lawyers, lobbyists, Congressmen, etc.
RUSS: Thanks. The table really provides and easy comparison, doesn't it?
GARY: Thanks for your comment. There is definitely that level of comfort.
DEBE: Thanks for your comments. I imagine that agent you know is quite successful.
GITA: Thanks for your comment. Feel free to refer any relocating clients to me if they are moving to Virginia or D.C.
BILL: Thanks for your comment and affirmation.
JANEANNE: Thanks for stopping by. I can't say that I have much knowledge about environmental law, though that is a big field these days.
KENT: Cute! Thanks.
TONI: Thanks for your comment and I'm sure that you are an above-average agent! Finding a niche can be very helpful indeed.
KATHLEEN: Thanks for your compliments. Feel free to have your son give me a call if you want to help sway him.
ANDREW: Yes, I do ask my clients to sign a disclaimer/disclosure stating that I am only representing them as a REALTOR unless they enter into a separate written fee agreement for legal representation. I also ask that they do not take anything I say as legal advice.
NATALIE: I appreciate your sincere recommendation. Thanks!
JEREMY: Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
KATHY: I appreciate you putting me at the top of your list for D.C. and Virginia referrals.
TED: Thanks for the compliments and the vote.
JERI & HENRI: Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it.
NAOMA: Thanks a bunch. Why don't you move up here?
EMILY: Thanks for your comments and for subscribing to my blog. I really appreciate that.
JASON: Thanks a bunch, my friend.
ELIZABETH: I really appreciate all your comments and certainly wish it meant I got all the business, but there's lots of competition here.
PATRICIA: Thanks for your comments. I think that any REALTOR working in the D.C. area can't avoid working with a good number of attorneys. It's just our demographics.
CHRISTY: Thanks for reading and commenting.
REBECCA: Glad you see where I am coming from on this post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience.
LISA: 2 days discussing a stinking comma (or three)! Wow! Very funny.
SHANNON: Thanks for your comments and compliments. Hope you had a great dinner.
SARAH: While yes I am allowed to give legal advice to clients since I am an attorney, I typically shy away from that and only represent clients in one capacity -- as an agent. If they want legal representation they can hire me separately or hire another attorney.