Arizona’s real estate landscape is anything but static. From shifting regulations to evolving property rights, staying informed is essential—whether you’re a landlord managing leases or a business owner looking for your new office location. If you’re facing a real estate transaction or dispute in Scottsdale, hiring the right real estate attorney can make all the difference. But how do you know who’s truly equipped to protect your interests?
Before you commit, arm yourself with the right questions. In this blog, we’ll walk you through 7 essential questions to ask before hiring a Scottsdale real estate lawyer—so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and the legal support you deserve.
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How Well-Versed Are You in Arizona Real Estate Law?
Both state and federal real estate laws can impact your real estate case, as well as local regulations and ordinances. These laws are constantly changing. You should ask whether the attorney has extensive real estate knowledge specific to Scottsdale and the broader Arizona market.
You will also want to find out how much experience the attorney and their law firm have in handling real estate cases and practicing law in general. Ask how many years they have been practicing real estate law, what types of real estate cases they’ve handled, and how long they have been practicing law in general.
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Do You Have Experience with Cases Like Mine?
Whether you’re dealing with a commercial lease dispute, a residential purchase, or a title issue, it’s important to know if the attorney has successfully handled similar matters—and how those cases were resolved. Since real estate law covers such a broad range of transactions, you’ll want to ensure that your Scottsdale real estate lawyer is knowledgeable about your specific case. Hiring an attorney who is accustomed to dealing with your type of real estate matter is likely to increase the potential for a successful outcome.
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What Should I Expect in Terms of Fees and Billing?
Knowing what to expect in terms of fees and billing is essential, so look for an attorney who is transparent about their fee. Clarify whether the attorney charges hourly, offers flat fees, or requires a retainer. Understanding billing practices upfront helps avoid unwanted surprises later.
Legal fees can vary substantially based on the expected complexity and duration of your case. You should ask for a detailed estimate of legal costs that you can expect to pay, including any additional expenses, such as court fees. Nonetheless, you also should understand that an attorney cannot foresee every possible problem in your case, which could lead to higher fees.
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Will Others Besides You Be Working on My Case?
When working with a real estate law firm, you might think that your attorney handles everything for you. However, this often isn’t the case, especially for large firms that handle a large caseload.
For example, a lawyer may use a paralegal to draft documents like real estate contracts. An associate attorney may handle certain aspects of your case in some instances. A legal assistant may maintain phone contact with you about your case. Whatever the case may be, your attorney should explain how they normally handle a case like yours and ensure that you are familiar with the key players on your legal team.
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What Approach Will You Take to Resolve My Legal Issue?
Every case is different. A seasoned attorney should be able to outline a preliminary strategy tailored to your goals—whether that involves negotiation, litigation, or alternative dispute resolution. Ask your lawyer to walk you through the basic steps that they plan to take, any challenges they foresee, and their potential solutions to those challenges.
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What Potential Obstacles Do You Anticipate?
A proactive attorney will identify possible challenges early on, from title complications to contract ambiguities, and explain how they plan to address them. You should ask what kinds of issues typically arise in your type of real estate case and what experience they have in resolving those issues. You want to choose a Scottsdale real estate attorney who can work toward a successful outcome and not be deterred by problems that may develop.
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Why Should I Choose You Over Other Real Estate Attorneys?
An initial consultation is your opportunity to learn what sets the attorney apart—whether it’s their track record, client service philosophy, or local market insight. You have your choice of real estate attorneys, so you need to find out why one real estate attorney is better than their competitors. Ask them what they do differently from other lawyers and how those skills or services will affect your case positively.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s Talk
Navigating Arizona’s real estate laws doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially when you have the right legal partner by your side. At Provident Law®, we’re committed to helping you understand your rights, protect your investments, and resolve disputes with confidence. Whether you’re buying, selling, leasing, or facing a legal challenge, our experienced Scottsdale real estate attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.
Call us today at (480) 388-3343 or reach out online to schedule your consultation. Let’s make sure your next move is a smart one.