I have extensive experience representing both buyers and sellers in commercial real estate transactions. I advise clients through every stage of the process, from contract negotiations to the closing itself, with experience of the business and legal aspects of commercial real estate, attention to detail, strong communication, and a commitment to ethical and professional standards. Below is a checklist of important items to consider in a commercial real estate transaction.
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) (“Phase I”)
- A Phase I is an important due diligence tool in commercial real estate transactions that evaluates a property’s environmental condition in addition to identifying any potential environmental liabilities that could impact the property’s value or future use.
- Surveys are critical for a variety of reasons:
- Property Boundaries: A survey may be necessary to establish the exact boundaries of the property.
- Surveys also reveal encroachments, easements, and restrictions on the property, such as rights of way utility easements. These can factors can also influence the property’s value and developmental potential.
- Title Insurance: A survey may be required by a title insurance company as part of the due diligence process in order to issue a policy. A title insurance policy is essential in protecting owners from financial losses due to title defects that were not properly disclosed or unable to be found during a title exam.
- Zoning Compliance
- Verifying compliance with local zoning regulations is critical as this may affect the property’s value and development potential.