Over the last few days, I have been flooded with articles about one mortgage company after another laying off hundreds, or thousands of employees because over the last several weeks, mortgage originations are down. Similarly, I am seeing articles that title companies who close residential loans, are laying off employees for the same reason. Armageddon […]
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War In Ukraine Can Affect U.S. Real Estate Transactions
As we watch the news each night, we see images of the devastating war in Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainian citizens have been displaced from their homes and are now considered refugees. The humanitarian crisis grows every day. It’s hard to imagine how such suffering can reach our daily business transactions here at home, but it […]
Read MoreReal Estate Law Blog Attorney Spotlight: David K. Blattner
We’re proud of all our Real Estate practice team members and know that their dedication to quality service is what elevates Becker above the competition. Take a moment to get to know the talent behind your next transaction! Name David K. Blattner
Read MoreAre Commercial Tenants in for a Surprise?
In early January, we learned that the inflation rate reached a staggering 7%, the highest rate since 1982. Analysts blamed many things for this increase. COVID and supply chain issues are cited as two of the leading causes. I don’t suppose it matters much to the average person why everything costs so much. We all […]
Read MoreBecker Launches Interdisciplinary Sea Level Rise Advisory Team to Serve Florida’s Coastal Residents
As one of the first law firms in Florida to address the legal issues stemming from sea level rise, Becker is excited to announce its interdisciplinary Sea Level Rise Advisory Team which includes experienced and knowledgeable lawyers ready to assist our clients in preparing for the future. Our multifaceted team is comprised of specialists at […]
Read MoreBuying Commercial Property? Take Property Inspections Seriously
Everybody who has ever bought a house knows that the property inspection is a crucial part of the purchase process. The property inspector tells the buyer whether the house is in good condition or if repairs are necessary. If nothing else, buyers pay close attention to the roof inspection. A defective roof will derail any […]
Read MoreBorrower Beware of Funding Reserves
Lending is a very competitive market today. When a lender presents a term sheet, it is very important to scrutinize all of the salient terms. How reserves are to be funded and held can change the dynamics of the transaction.
Read MoreDavid Blattner Featured in LexisNexis’ National Commercial Leasing Report
LexisNexis recently released its June 2021 Commercial Leasing Report, reviewing the current U.S. commercial leasing market. The report is based on data from hundreds of recently negotiated, non-publicly filed commercial leases and contains expert opinion, including that of Becker’s David Blattner, regarding the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “After the “shock” and economic stimulus […]
Read More“Commercial Real Estate Development (FL)” – LexisNexis Practical Guidance ®
Commercial Real Estate Development (FL) discusses key considerations for a developer of commercial real estate (CRE) in Florida. For purposes of this note, CRE development refers to retail, office, medical, industrial, hospitality, multifamily residential, and other types of commercial properties. Development means new construction or renovation of existing structures. This note is written from the perspective […]
Read MoreBecker’s Washington Weekly: Week of April 19, 2021
The House The House returns this week and will spend Monday evening voting on a series of bills under suspension of the rules. Among the mostly non-controversial legislation expected to receive a vote and pass under suspension is a package of bills related to the Department of Homeland Security, HR 1532 – the Improving Federal […]
Read MoreBecker’s Washington Weekly: Week of April 12, 2021
President Joe Biden is pushing Congress to pass his hefty infrastructure and budget proposals only three weeks after it passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. His $2.2 trillion infrastructure plan aims to achieve physical infrastructure modernization, nationwide electric vehicle adoption, and other climate-related initiatives. His $1.5 trillion budget proposal would boost investments in similar […]
Read MoreBecker’s Washington Weekly: Week of March 8, 2021
The House The House is back in session for four days of votes this week. At the top of the agenda will be the $1.9 trillion relief bill which the Senate, after some delay, passed over the weekend. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said the bill could pass as early as Tuesday afternoon; it is […]
Read More“Home Heartache,” WSVN 7 News Miami
Buying a home is a complex undertaking that, in order to reach a smooth conclusion, requires the good faith efforts of all parties involved. When that trust is compromised, the process of recovering monies invested or enforcing protective contract clauses can become volatile and overwhelming for homebuyers. Veteran real estate attorney David Blattner discusses the […]
Read MoreDavid Blattner Reminds Homebuyers to Establish & Trust Their Real Estate Team
As ‘pandemic migration’ continues, real estate markets outside of city centers are enjoying an infusion of serious buyers and motivated sellers. If you’re exploring a new home purchase, especially if that home is in a new city or state, it is crucial to surround yourself with a team you can trust. I’ve written several blogs […]
Read More“Purchase and Sale of Commercial Real Property (FL)” – Practical Guidance
There are many issues to consider when buying or selling commercial real estate (CRE) in Florida. The considerations that buyers and sellers face are sometimes different and these issues may differ by asset class as well. This practice note focuses on general considerations for CRE transactions while noting some specific instances that may arise in […]
Read MoreThe Do’s and Don’ts of Buying a House – a Personal Experience
Two years ago, my wife and I sold our house of 23 years and decided to downsize. We thought we would rent for a year and figure out what we wanted to do. I had an accident, so one year became two and she (not me) started looking just as the COVID-19 crisis began. I […]
Read MoreAssociation Title Services is Now Becker Title
Please join us as we celebrate the official launch of Becker Title! About Becker Title: Becker Title is the in-house title company of Becker & Poliakoff, a Florida-based law firm focusing on residential real estate closings, title, and escrow services. While we have modernized the look and feel of our logo and website to better […]
Read MoreWebinar: State of the CRE Industry: Will It Get Worse Before It Gets Better
Experts look ahead at how COVID-19 will continue to change the real estate market. Where will funding come from? Will evictions and foreclosure cause a new crisis? How will future development be affected? Join us for this timely discussion among senior industry professionals and a glimpse at what the future may hold. Watch the replay […]
Read MoreCoronavirus and Force Majeure: Questions Remain
A few weeks ago, my partners, Jennifer Drake, Steve Mezer, Jon Polenberg and Patrick Howell and myself, held a webinar, A Multi-Disciplinary Look at Force Majeure in the Age of COVID-19. After the webinar, I had the opportunity to review the questions that came in via the chat that we didn’t have time to answer […]
Read MoreWebinar: A Look Ahead at the “New Normal” for CRE Transactions.
Becker hosted the webinar, “A Look Ahead at the “New Normal” for CRE Transactions.” Hear the latest insights from brokers, lenders, and developers as we explore their outlook for the next 3-12 months including what it will take to get CRE transactions to closing and how the industry can adapt to the restrictions imposed in […]
Read MoreWebinar: Force Majeure in the Age of COVID-19
Hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters are commonly found in force majeure clauses, however, global pandemics are often left out. Join us for a live, in-depth discussion on this topic Thursday, April 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Becker attorneys will examine force majeure from a broad perspective, discussing how the clause affects players […]
Read MoreHouse Passes Two Affordable Housing Bills
The House of Representatives passed two bills in early March that supporters hope will encourage affordable housing development. HR 4351, the Yes in My Backyard (YIMBY) Act and HR 5931, the Improving FHA Support for Small Dollar Mortgages Act, both passed the House on voice vote with bi-partisan support and have been forwarded to the […]
Read MoreCoronavirus Disrupts Major Projects
As most of us have adjusted to the new reality brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19), developers and lenders are forced to look at the resulting economic shut down on ongoing real estate projects. When this virus first started making the news late last year, few people anticipated that it would turn into a global […]
Read MoreBigger Is Seldom Better
The end of the year is the time of year when real estate attorneys are the busiest. We are trying to close multiple deals by year-end for our clients. With the closing rush comes the review and negotiation of stacks of documents. We work on contracts, leases, and loan documents. Over the years, most attorneys […]
Read MorePop-Up Leasing is Good for Everyone
As Halloween approaches, we have all probably noticed a number of pop-up Halloween costume and party shops opening around town. As soon as they close, the Christmas stores will take their place. Holiday and other pop-ups have become very popular in the retail landscape over the last decade or so. For both landlords and tenants, […]
Read MoreControlling Uncontrollable Expenses
It has been some time since I last wrote about operating expenses in leases. Tenants like certainty in budgeting and, because of the way most leases are drafted, landlords often have flexibility to change and increase operating expenses each year. I have previously offered suggestions on how tenants can limit some of this uncertainty and […]
Read MoreIs Your Real Estate Agent On Your Side?
Buyers and Sellers of Florida real estate, particularly residential real estate, generally assume that their brokers and agents are working exclusively for them. And though I have no doubt that the vast majority of brokers are ethical, honest and hardworking, the fact is that Florida law provides that all broker relationships are presumed to be […]
Read MoreSimple Protections for Buyers in Commercial Real Estate Contract Negotiations
When entering into a contract to purchase commercial real estate, experienced investors and developers generally understand that dozens of things could go wrong before the closing date that would prevent the closing from happening or could make the acquisition less than attractive, giving the buyer pause as to whether to close at all. As such, […]
Read MoreDon’t Want No Short Sales ‘Round Here
With apologies to Randy Newman and his classic 1970’s song, Short People, this refrain, “Don’t Want No Short Sales ‘Round Here,” equally applies to the lenders who must process and approve requests for short sales as well as the attorneys and closing agents and their clients who are tasked with processing and closing them. Why […]
Read MoreHugo Alvarez Serves as the Bridge Between Developer and Bank for $51 Million Construction Loan
Miami-based apartment developer Estate Investments recently obtained a $51.35 million construction loan to proceed with Soleste Alameda, a two-building, 306-unit residential development. Of the $51.35 million, $46.7 million will be financed by Arkansas-based Centennial Bank. Becker shareholders Hugo Alvarez, Michael Boutzoukas, and David Blattner represented Centennial in the deal. Hugo, who acted as the bridge […]
Read MoreLaw360 Highlights New Partner Trio in Florida Offices
In an October 4th article titled “Becker & Poliakoff Lands Partner Trio In Fla. Offices,” Law360 took note of Becker’s continued, fast-paced growth in key practice areas including real estate, community associations, development, zoning and land use, as well as business litigation. The story reported that David K. Blattner, […]
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