Editor’s Note: Attorney Roxana Tejeda talks about the rush of the holiday weeks at the end of the year to be found inside a real estate law firm such as hers, Tejeda Law Group.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Tejeda Law Group
Burning the midnight oil, shuffling through our day’s paperwork—these are sentiments most independent attorneys know. We can hire help, but at the end of the day, the practice, the many signatures, and second and third and fourth glances are in our hands. Towards November leading into the busy upswing of December, the phones are off the hook. Calls, clients, and the overall schedule are also nothing less than unpredictable in real estate law firms. However, there are some types of services I see consistently towards Christmas and have seen particularly this year:
1. Closings: Even the economic pitfalls of 2020 are not stopping people from buying their dream homes. Potential buyers are making up for months in quarantine and have more ambition to “branch out” rather than draw back. Millions of houses are now on the market. COVID-19, as well, has not halted the transaction process. E-closings are not only a trend but also a practical, user-friendly medium for buyers. During a typical holiday season, I hear from homeowners who are simply ready to start a new life towards the New Year.
2. Tax Queries: Pushing through the holiday tension, a second wave of stress usually hits with tax season. Even well before that time, I get queries about property taxes. More commonly, clients want to know, “Why is my rate so high? Was there something wrong with the appraisal? Did they make a mistake?” These are valid questions leading to possible litigation with the tax appraiser. With the right troubleshooting, property taxes can be partially relieved and adjusted.
3. Litigations: Although courts close for the holidays, 2021 will set the stage for upcoming lawsuits. Evictions, tenant default, a seller refusing to disclose defects within a property—these are all hot button issues this year. As 2020 comes to a close, people are ready to tie up loose ends and that often means starting a legal case they’ve needed to tackle for months. Typically, when it comes to tenant/landlord problems, some minor issues can be solved with mediation or arbitration. The more in-depth cases need the right attorney and the right analysis.
Working up until the holidays can be taxing, but I don’t vacation until my clients are heard. All consultations deserve my time and consideration. For any of my colleagues who are hitting burn out, this is the time to reflect back on a year’s worth of hard work. We got through and we will move on. Wishing you all the best going into the New Year!
—Roxana
Learn more about Roxana Tejeda by visiting her Haute Lawyer profile: https://hauteliving.com/hautelawyer/member/roxana-tejeda/
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