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The commercial tenant needs to be mindful of: (a) tenant improvement allowance/free rent period; (b) what is included in a "triple net lease"; (c) exclusive parking or business restrictions on competing businesses in the same center; (d) options to renew or extend the...

The commercial landlord needs to be mindful of: (a) mechanic's liens for work done to benefit the tenant; (b) tenant's option to purchase; (c) annual or periodic rent increases; (d) exculpatory language; (e) remedies for default.  Commercial leases are unique and the...

If your tenant is in default of the lease, and you want to evict, Florida law requires either a three (3) day notice for non-payment of the rent, or a seven (7) day notice for violations other than non-payment.   A different notice is required to terminate a...

How does title to the home pass upon the death of the last parent?   Title can pass by will, trust, lady bird deed, or the laws of intestacy if there is no will or trust.  Please discuss the consequences of each with your estate planning attorney and obtain the best...

I recently did a commercial closing where the seller, my client, took back a promissory note and mortgage for part of the sales price, secured by the real estate and business assets sold to the buyer.  The note had a market interest rate, twenty-year term, five-year...

For commercial loans, you should at least consider SBA loan availability.  There is a lower downpayment requirement (10%, instead of 20% or more) and sometimes more relaxed collateral and underwriting standards.  Borrower and loans are not one size fits all, so ask...

No one wants to pay more property taxes than necessary.  Forida affords a generous homestead exemption and valuation cap for your primary residence.  There are other available exemptions for living quarters addition, seniors with long-term limited income reduction,...

Clients often want to purchase vacant land and develop it for a commercial building or subdivision.  This is a time consuming and expensive process, before you can start "turning the dirt."  Zoning, variances, special exceptions, traffic studies, engineering,...

Each state has different laws and practices when it comes to real estate.  For example, in Florida we have mortgages, but other states have deeds of trust.   While similar, there are important differences between these two types of instruments.  Do not assume that...

The feeling of owning your own home free of any mortgage debt is exhilarating and liberating.  However, if you are not there yet, before you prepay this debt, make sure you have six (6) months of living expenses set aside for job loss or emergencies.  After that,...