Berlin Law Firm: Full-Service Representation in Real Estate-Related Matters
By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa
Photography By Chad Spencer
A full-service practice dedicated to handling all aspects of real estate transactions and litigation, Berlin Law Firm, PA works with real estate agents, lending professionals, builders, developers, buyers and sellers to facilitate successful transactions. One of the region’s only firms focusing exclusively on real estate-related issues, the group distinguishes itself through its exceptional level of customer service.
“Quality is of the utmost importance,” asserts founding partner Evan Berlin. “What really sets our firm apart, though, is the level of detail that we provide throughout a transaction. Because everyone in our office is experienced in handling real estate-related matters, there is not much from a real estate perspective that we have not done, have not seen or do not do.”
Committed to meeting the diverse needs of the firm’s clientele, Berlin has maintained his focus –and the firm’s growth- on expanding services related to real estate transactions. Education and experience are paramount: “Almost everyone employed by the firm is either a licensed attorney or a licensed title agent,” he explains. “We all have a strong working knowledge of our respective fields.” The firm issues title insurance as well, working with First American Title and Old Republic Title, whom he notes are “two of the largest underwriters in the country.”
Real estate professionals and their clients may initially eschew a law firm in favor of a traditional title firm because they want to keep costs low. According to Berlin, there is a distinct value in retaining his firm’s services for real estate transactions. “To be quite frank, real estate transactions have not gotten any easier recently,” he observes. “We are seeing more title issues arise than ever before. This is the time to have experienced and qualified professionals available to guide people through the transaction process, to offer knowledge and to answer and resolve questions as they arise. From fielding unusual questions from foreign buyers to drafting nonstandard addendums, we are able to keep transactions moving forward to a successful conclusion.” He adds, “Ultimately, the cost of working with us is comparable to, if not less than that associated with a traditional title agency.” He notes that lawyers at the firm “are available around the clock for our REALTOR® referrals. A title agency cannot provide that service. We understand that real estate transactions are not limited to the hours of nine-to-five. Our attorneys respond quickly to issues as they arise, working to achieve timely resolution whenever possible.”
Because the nature of real estate transactions is complex and imperfect, Berlin Law Firm, PA offers real estate-related litigation services to its clients. Veteran attorney David Altier works closely with real estate professionals and their clients to resolve disputes related to issues including short sales, foreclosures, failure to disclose material defects, and other contractual issues. “My aim is to ensure that our clients understand the choices that are in front of them, to facilitate a resolution that will save them time and money,” he asserts.
Attorney Jamie Ebling echoes Altier’s message. “In my career I have had the opportunity to manage my own practice and to work with large law firms,” he explains. “The detail and level of customer service here at Berlin Law Firm are each exceptional. We offer clients a great range of services- from traditional title and closing matters to more complicated issues such as rezoning and development processes. And the focus is consistently on open and ongoing communication with the individuals involved in the process.”
Berlin Law Firm continues to evolve to meet the needs of the firm’s clients. A revamped website includes transaction-specific modules with calendars and timelines, as well as take-action reminders sent to the appropriate parties. With two individuals assigned to each matter, there is always someone to whom one can speak, notes Berlin, who says that the use of cutting edge technology will enhance – not replace – the current level of customer service.
“We are very proactive in our approach,” says Berlin. “We have withstood the transitional market, and have the experience to assist our clients in navigating their transactions. If we have learned anything, it is that problems do not go away. Unfortunately we have seen issues arise years after a closing occurred, because the transaction was not handled properly the first time. That scenario is becoming much more prevalent as we are asked to handle transactions involving real estate which may have been hastily closed during the real estate boom by parties who are no longer in the business and who had little regard or understanding of the work they were doing at that time. Our policy is to protect our clients at all times, to ensure that they have marketable title from the onset so that there will be no issues down the road.”
Berlin Law Firm
1819 Main Street, Suite 302
Sarasota, FL 342436
Telephone: 941-954-9991
www.BerlinLawFirm.com [1]
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