Real Estate

We assist with land acquisition, zoning and entitlements, contract negotiation, financing, permitting, construction law, and dispute resolution. We guide developers through local zoning codes, help obtain variances or special exceptions, and represent clients in front of planning and zoning boards.

Risks include title defects, zoning violations, environmental issues, construction delays, and financing defaults. We help mitigate these through due diligence and strategic planning.

Yes, we structure and negotiate P3 agreements for projects like city halls, sports facilities, and infrastructure improvements.

We offer contract drafting and negotiation, risk management, dispute resolution, lien and bond claims, regulatory compliance, and representation in litigation or arbitration.

A construction contract should include the scope of work, payment terms, timelines, change order procedures, indemnification clauses, insurance requirements, and dispute resolution provisions.

A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim against a property by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier who hasn’t been paid in full for work or materials. It can cloud the title and make it difficult to sell or refinance the property without being cured.

A lien waiver is a document signed by a contractor or supplier stating that they waive their right to file a lien for the amount they’ve been paid.

Types of Lien Waivers:

Conditional Waiver on Progress Payment: Waives lien rights only if payment is actually received.

Unconditional Waiver on Progress Payment: Waives lien rights immediately, regardless of whether payment clears.

Conditional Waiver on Final Payment: Used when the final payment is pending; lien rights are waived once payment is received.

Unconditional Waiver on Final Payment: Waives all lien rights immediately, assuming full payment has been made.

A lien release is a legal document used after a lien has been filed. It formally removes the lien from the property once payment has been made or the dispute has been resolved.

Why a release is important:

For property owners: It helps ensure clean title and reduces the risk of surprise liens.

For contractors: It provides proof of payment and helps maintain good relationships with clients.

For lenders: It’s often required before disbursing funds to ensure no liens will interfere with the collateral.

Having an attorney review, advise on, and negotiate your purchase agreement is key. An attorney can help limit and navigate disputes. Consulting an experienced attorney ensures the agreement is thorough and legally sound.

A deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real estate (i.e., Warranty deed, quit claim deed, enhanced life estate deed, etc). Deeds include:

• Names of the current and new owners
  
• A detailed legal description of the property
  The type of ownership (tenants in common, joint tenancy, joint tenancy with right of survivorship, life estate, etc.)
• The signature of the person transferring the property signed in the presence of a notary and witnesses.

After signing, the deed should be recorded in the appropriate county land records office. Recording gives public notice of the ownership change and protects the property rights of the new owner. A recording fee is required.

When a homeowner fails to make mortgage payments, the lender may initiate foreclosure. State laws regulate the process, including notice requirements and opportunities to cure the default before the property is sold. Homeowners may remain in their homes during the foreclosure proceedings. Lenders often try to avoid foreclosure by negotiating alternative payment arrangements called loan modifications.