Real Estate Law

Real estate development is a huge part of Florida’s economy. It is critical to know the real estate laws to navigate the fast-moving and ever-changing world of Florida real estate development. Our experienced real estate law attorneys have helped those who make a living in every aspect of development. We’re proud of the role we have played in helping Florida’s real estate market flow smoothly and cleanly, helping both businesses and individuals alike protect their property interests, and allowing real estate investors and/or developers to safely invest, build, and create.

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate projects can be highly profitable but are laden with potential pitfalls that must be avoided and legal concerns that must be addressed at all stages of the development. Our real estate attorneys Boca Raton offer a comprehensive list of services to our commercial real estate clients.

Owning, investing in, or renting a commercial property can be a time consuming affair. Our experienced attorneys can reduce the amount of time and money spent in the purchase, sale or lease of a property, allowing you to focus on running your business. We can help you with:

• Purchases or sales : We offer full support throughout the transaction including: due diligence, title and survey review, contract negotiations, engineering and environmental studies, building inspections, and review of existing leases and service contracts which could impact the property’s development
• Construction and development contracts : We work with developers to have projects built to their specifications, and we can also deal with administrative duties, including legal oversight of construction to enforce contractors’ compliance with the terms of their contracts
• Retail and commercial leasing : We can negotiate and draft leases for both tenants and landlords
• Title and survey reviews : We will review title and surveys, with the help of trusted engineers, surveyors, forensic CPAs, and building inspectors
• Zoning and easements : Our commercial real estate lawyer Boca Raton team represents clients seeking rezoning orders, reciprocal easement agreements, as well as cross and utility easements

If you’re involved in commercial real estate, our real estate lawyers Boca Raton can help you along every step of the process.

Residential Transactions

Even with the decline of the real estate market, the purchase or sale of a home is still one of the most important decisions one can make. Fraud was rampant during the real estate bubble and its ripples are still being felt. Foreclosures and short sales are the new normal and liens and abandoned properties are not uncommon.

Having a real estate attorney is just as important as having a real estate agent. Our Boca Raton real estate attorneys provide our clients with prompt, professional service that can result in savings of both time and money. We answer questions and provide information to remove any mystery from the closing process, so our clients can focus simply on living their lives and buying or selling their homes, without the hassle of unexpected legal issues.

Our Boca Raton real estate lawyers educate our clients about state law regarding disclosures so there won’t be problems when a property is listed and inspected. We can identify title problems early in the process so the closing happens on time or in severe cases, we may even be able to save the deal. We make sure documents and contracts are properly drafted. It’s not uncommon for closings to be interrupted by unwanted surprises during a closing. We work to help our clients prevent and avoid surprises and manage them if they do occur.

Part of residential law is also helping families protect their financial and emotional investments in their homes during tough economic times. Depending on the situation, we may try to delay the foreclosure process as long as possible or directly challenge the loan and the foreclosure process to reduce and possibly eliminate the debt. We help our clients with loan modifications so the mortgage can be reinstated, or we can short sell their property so the loan deficiency is reduced or eliminated. Sometimes, it’s even possible to get the mortgage holder’s agreement to receive the deed in lieu of any further liability. We can also save our clients money by helping them file a tax appeal to try to lower their tax costs.

Condominium and Homeowners Associations

We represent condominium owners and associations. We know the unique laws that apply to them and the legal situations they face. Like most areas of the law, we seek to negotiate most issues to reach amicable agreements, but we also litigate when necessary.

Condominium and homeowners associations (HOA) are similar to a governmental body in Florida. The state has specific HOA and condo laws that govern how a condominium and an HOA can conduct themselves. State HOA law requires the owners to elect a board of directors. That board is authorized to make decisions that are in the best interests of the condo – HOA association and its owners. The board appoints officers who are responsible for the day to day functions of the condo – HOA association. If a board member deliberately makes choices that are contrary to Florida condo and HOA laws, that board member may be held personally liable for the act, so seeking advice from a well-versed condominium attorney may save a lot of time, aggravation and money.

Tough economic times have caused Florida condominium and homeowner associations to suffer, as owners going into foreclosure are unable to pay HOA – condo dues. A Florida HOA – condo lawyer needs to be creative in assisting these communities in distress. We can file motions to compel the completion of foreclosures in a timely manner so mortgage companies can start paying association fees.

Every HOA needs legal counsel to address their legal needs and ensure that the association board’s actions are consistent with their governing documents and Florida law. Because each association is unique, with its own rules, bylaws, and declarations, we work closely with each one to understand the unique issues of these governing bodies.

Partial Service List

We can provide the following services for condo and homeowner associations, or the individuals they’re seeking redress from:

• Collect unpaid assessments
• Enforce restrictive covenants
• Resolve election disputes and recall petitions
• Litigate against the developer, unit or parcel owners, contractors or vendors
• Arbitration and mediation
• Representation before the Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Legal opinions regarding governing documents and Florida law
• General legal representation regarding the administration of the association’s business

Whether you’re an association or an individual home or condo owner, our Boca Raton real estate law firm can advise you of your legal rights, responsibilities and protections. We will represent you to help resolve issues in your favor and effectively litigate, if necessary, to help you reach your goals.