Month: November 2020

Attorney Brian Arrighi, the owner and managing partner of North Tampa Law Group, says his firm has the knowledge and experience to be your go-to expert if you need legal assistance for a real estate transaction, estate planning or probate.

North Tampa Law Group is conveniently located in the Cypress Glen Professional Park, about a mile east of the I-75 exit off S.R. 56 (behind MINI of Wesley Chapel). The firm relocated there several years ago, after Brian originally opened it in the Tampa Palms Professional Center in 2014.

Brian has been practicing law for more than 14 years, since earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, and a B.S. degree in Mass Communications from the University of Florida in Gainesville. He’s a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law section of the Florida Bar.

He says the busiest part of his practice might be real estate transactions, as the housing market in this area remains very active.

“It has been and still remains more of a seller’s market,” says Brian. “If the home is priced fairly, we frequently see homes go under contract quickly, with multiple offers. In a seller’s market, we also see an increase in calls regarding ‘For Sale By Owner’ transactions.”

He explains that North Tampa Law Group offers the same title services as a title agency, but a title agency has to refer a buyer or seller to legal counsel if any legal issues arise. With a real estate attorney already involved, Brian and his team simply go to work addressing those issues, and act as your title agency.

“It’s a convenience,” he explains. “We cover all the bases, whereas a title agency can’t address anything that requires legal advice or legal documents.”

He adds that hiring North Tampa Law Group to handle a real estate closing doesn’t necessarily increase the cost of a transaction without an attorney. “Our fees are very competitive compared to a standard title agent,” Brian says.

Covid Choices

Brian says that because of the Covid-19 pandemic, North Tampa Law Group has changed the way it handles closings, giving clients a variety of choices to allow them to close in the manner that is most comfortable for that client.

“We can send a mobile notary to the client, or we’re even offering curbside signings, where the client pulls up in their car, calls us, and we send the notary out to them,” Brian explains. “Clients also can choose to sign in the office, but we space it out and clean the conference room in between groups.”

In most transactions, the seller is the party who chooses the title agency, and sellers often use whoever their Realtor recommends. But, people are free to choose, so they can let their Realtor know they would like North Tampa Law Group to handle their closing and title insurance.

Taylor Oliveri, the firm’s title manager, works with clients from start to finish on real estate transactions to ensure that those transactions close without a problem.

“Taylor is extremely responsive and very helpful,” says Brian. “Buyers and sellers are calling, they’re anxious and nervous and worried, and she’s great at bringing everybody back down to earth…calming them down.”

Taylor says North Tampa Law Group will go the extra mile to make sure your closing goes smoothly. 

“As a smaller law firm, we have more of a boutique feel, rather than a large corporation,” she says. “We establish a good rapport with our clients and with Realtors, as well.”

Many of the clients Taylor works with are those who are selling their homes without a real estate agent. “People want to save money by not hiring a Realtor,” she says, “and they still get top-notch service with us.”

Seven Oaks resident Sandy Villeneuve agrees. When she was ready to sell a townhome that she owned as an investment property in The Bay at Cypress Creek (near I-75 off S.R. 56), she says she didn’t want to use a real estate agent.

“Nobody knew the property better than I did, so I refused to pay a Realtor thousands of dollars to sell it for me,” she says. “But, I couldn’t do the legal side of it, so I needed an attorney.”

Sandy says she and her husband sat down for a consultation with North Tampa Law Group and were pleasantly surprised at the low cost of hiring the firm. From the first meeting, Sandy says it was a great experience every step of the way. “Brian was absolutely wonderful,” she says. “He and Taylor were so responsive and easy to work with. They made it a very easy transaction.”

People looking to sell their property “by owner” can schedule a free phone or in-person consultation with North Tampa Law Group. At that point, Brian and his team go over the steps to the transaction and provide of the all necessary documents, such as a real estate contract, seller disclosure form and homeowners association documents.

To access some of the documents, or to find out what your title costs would be, visit NorthTampaLawGroup.com.

Estate Planning & Probate

North Tampa Law Group also helps people ensure that they don’t unintentionally leave behind problems for any heirs they may have, which can require a lot of time and expense to resolve. Estate planning is preparing for the management of your assets and determining how to efficiently distribute the assets to your loved ones when you pass away. 

People are often most familiar with a Last Will & Testament document, which directs the distribution of assets, but does not avoid the potentially lengthy and expensive court process known as “probate.” North Tampa Law Group also can discuss a “living will” and other options to avoid probate. 

At a consultation with North Tampa Law Group, all estate planning options are discussed to avoid or minimize any court involvement. While probate might not be the best option for everyone, Brian says there are times when it can be beneficial.

In addition to asset distribution, Brian adds that real-life factors — such as long-term health care, guardianship and insurance coverage — also are part of estate planning.

 “There is really a lot we can help you with,” he explains. “Many clients are relieved to find out it was not as expensive or as difficult as they thought.”

Brian says that communicating effectively with clients is an important part of the firm’s success. “I think we do a great job of explaining things in simple terms and allowing the client to proceed at their own pace,” he says, adding that many people don’t like to think about estate planning. “Addressing the issues is more difficult for some people and it can take a few discussions before they determine how they want to handle their affairs, and that is perfectly fine.”

For those who have recently lost someone and find themselves needing assistance in the probate process, Brian is experienced in that area as well.

North Tampa Law Group is located at 26852 Tanic Dr., Suite 102. For more information, visit NorthTampaLawGroup.com or make an appointment for a free initial consultation by calling (813) 518-7411.