Seeking Legal Guidance for Out-of-State Property Purchase: Navigating Attorney Challe

[Daniel M.]

Hello BiggerPockets Community,

I'm facing a situation that many of you might have encountered or could provide insight on. I am in the process of buying property out of state and have run into a series of challenges with the law firm I've been using. This firm has represented me in two transactions, but their performance could be more satisfactory. They have consistently failed to communicate essential information to the sellers and their attorneys. Additionally, they decided to take a vacation at a critical juncture - the week of closing, without notice or planning - rendering them unreachable and leaving me in a difficult position.

This experience has led me to question whether I need to stick with an attorney in the state where I'm purchasing property. My primary goal is to find a legal partner who is responsive, reliable, and thorough, ensuring that all parties are kept in the loop and that closing can proceed smoothly without last-minute surprises or delays.

I'm reaching out to this knowledgeable community for advice:

1. Have you worked with law firms not based in the state where you were purchasing property, and if so, how was your experience?
2. Can you recommend any strategies for finding and vetting a reliable and communicative law firm specializing in real estate transactions, particularly those that might not be local to the property?
3. Are there specific questions or criteria I should use when interviewing potential law firms to ensure they won't be as detached and unreliable as my current firm?

I would greatly appreciate any insights, personal experiences, or recommendations you could share. Navigating the legal landscape in real estate can be complex, and finding a trustworthy legal advisor is paramount to the success of any transaction.

Thank you in advance for your guidance and support!