Most of my clients and I will arrange a flat fee for my services right at the beginning of my representation.  We will reduce our agreement to writing so there are no unexpected costs or charges. 

Matters other than real estate transactions are handled on a different fee schedule, depending on the preferences of the client.  My hourly rate varies depending on the matter.  Court related work is usually billed hourly or on a contigency basis.  A contingency means that I wil only get paid if I recover money for the client and I usually accept contingency fee arrangements for 1/3 of the total recovery, plus court costs.  My hourly rate is $250 per hour.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS:
1) Buying or selling residential real estate (not including short sales or REO files) = $500;
2) Buying a short sale = $650;
3) REO purchases = $750
4) REO sales = $600, with discounts given to clients for volume.

BANKRUPTCY FILES:
1) Chapter 7 - $1,500 plus court costs;
2) Chapter 13 - please call for quotes.

"In life, you pay for what you get.  When you need a lawyer, the last thing you want to do is hire the cheapest one.  You must feel confident that your lawyer can handle your case.  Without confidence in your lawyer, you will not trust your lawyer.  Without trust, your relationship will not work.  When you trust your lawyer, a handshake is all you need.  When you do not trust your lawyer, a retainer agreement is not worth the paper on which it is written.  Every person deserves competent legal representation and sound legal advice.  Invest in yourself and hire a good attorney."

-Arthur C. Czaja