Florida Real Estate Attorney
Navigating through the jungle of the real estate industry can be tricky business, especially in today's climate, with ever-changing rules and regulations, new challenges and shifting tides of market viability. The need to have an expert on one's side is more important than ever. Attorney Craig Feldman has 20 years experience in the areas of real estate and business law. He knows the market and the players within it. His goal is to take clients by the hand, offering the help they need, whether they are trying to buy or sell a home, challenging a condo association, or facing a foreclosure or bankruptcy.
"Every solution is different," said Feldman. "I analyze the client's situation to figure out the best options for them." Feldman asks questions like 'Is this a primary residence?' 'Is there equity in the property?' 'What is the situation with the mortgage?' 'What is the job situation?' He emphasizes that the sooner a client comes to him, the better. "It's like a funnel," he said, "The longer you wait, the less options... The funnel gets narrower."
He acknowledges that the market is not in tiptop shape right now, but says that there are opportunities and pitfalls in falling as well as rising markets. It's important for buyers and sellers to know the rules to avoid costly mistakes in the long run. "A little money for a real estate attorney upfront can prevent a lot of problems later on. It's kind of like preventative medicine," he said.
"People are trying to make deals work. First, we have to make sure it is legal. Second, we have to make sure it makes good business sense. I want to make sure the client is not getting ripped off or becoming a victim."
Feldman sees that many people are finding themselves being landlords for the first time and trying to deal with obtaining rent and security deposits or processing evictions on their own. "They may use a general lease that may not protect them in the long run," he said. "We try to advise the right thing to do."
Another issue many of his clients are dealing with is handling condo associations, who seem to be taking more and more liberties with their powers these days. "They may be asking for things they are not entitled to, adding on attorney fees, not following the rules."
Besides the issues intrinsic to foreclosures and bankruptcies an issue that many property owners may confront shortly is a deficiency judgment.. This is a situation in which a person may owe more on a mortgage than the property is worth. The bank has the right to sue them to recover the difference, and says Feldman, in the future many more lenders may choose to assert that right. "I foresee a time when banks say to their attorneys 'Here's 1,000 foreclosures, pick the best 500 and go after them ... People think they can just go into foreclosure, but they may not be able to just walk away so easily," he said. There are ways of avoiding the possibility of a deficiency judgment but property owners need to be aware of them.
Feldman also works with general business formation and has his own title company, Asset Land Title Services. He not only has the knowledge of the industry, but contacts as well. He can recommend realtors, lenders, inspectors and the like and works with them to make sure the client's best interests are met.
Feldman grew up here in South Florida where he attended Nova High School. He is active in the community and coaches several local youth sports teams.He obtained his B.A. at the University of Pennsylvania and is an honors graduate of The University of Florida Law School. He also has an advanced law degree in Intellectual Property and Technology law from John Marshall Law School in Chicago where he headed the technology transaction department for a major technology company, before opening his own practice here in the Sunshine State. He is a member of the Florida, Colorado and Illinois Bar.
The Law Offices of Craig Feldman is located at 300 S. Pine Island Road, Suite 245 in Plantation, Florida 33324. To reach Mr. Feldman, call the Law Offices of Craig Feldman at 954-888-1739.
