After an eight-day trial, Becker Shareholder Glenn Spiegel, along with attorney Samantha Lesser, prevailed in a litigation over who owned certain waterfront property in Queens, New York. In the case, Gentile v. Spadaro (23982/09), the plaintiffs claimed that the defendants entered into an oral agreement to sell the property and that the closing took place […]
Read MoreResults
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 MoreBecker Announces Florida Relocation Advisory Team
An influx of individuals and businesses have flocked to Florida since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Lured by the lack of income and capital gains taxes, along with year round summer-like weather, a reported 1,000 individuals per day move to the Sunshine State. Boasting a favorable tax climate, business incentives, and a growing multicultural […]
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 MoreReal Estate Law Blog Attorney Spotlight: Hugo V. Alvarez
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 Hugo V. Alvarez
Read MoreAre NFT’s and Mortgages in Real Estate Possible?
I recently wrote an article discussing how the use of cryptocurrencies in real estate transactions may one day soon be commonplace. Cryptocurrencies have the potential to revolutionize real estate transactions, but cryptocurrencies are not alone in that regard. NFT’s also offer the potential to change the way real estate transactions are conducted and completed.
Read MoreReal Estate Law Blog Attorney Spotlight: Michael E. Boutzoukas
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 Michael E. Boutzoukas
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 MoreChallenges to Address in the Anticipated Rise in Foreclosures
The third quarter of 2021 saw the largest quarterly percentage increase of foreclosures since 2014. Lenders started the foreclosure process on 25,209 properties and repossessed 7,574. That trend can be seen locally too. We have witnessed an increase in foreclosure filings in Miami-Dade County. For instance, one third of all foreclosures filings in 2021 have taken place […]
Read MoreReal Estate Law Blog Attorney Spotlight: Hugo V. Alvarez
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 Hugo V. Alvarez
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 MoreReal Estate Law Blog Attorney Spotlight: Philip C. Rosen
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 Philip C. Rosen
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 MorePerpetual Leases
A landlord client came to me with a problem. He was stuck in a lease with an uncooperative tenant paying an unreasonably low rent, and he wanted to know how he could terminate or renegotiate the lease. The challenge? The lease contained a provision that allowed the tenant to renew the lease at the end […]
Read MoreWitnessing Lease Agreements: What Did, and Did Not, Change
Prior to July 1, 2020, some landlords and tenants did not realize their lease agreement contained a minor defect which undermined the enforceability, in whole or in part of the lease agreement itself. Leases for a term of more than one year were distinguished under Florida law and an interest in real estate for a […]
Read MoreIndustrial Real Estate in the New COVID-19 World
The long-term effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic should boost demand for industrial and logistics focused real estate in Florida and throughout the country in large part because of the following reasons: Acceleration of E-Commerce: Even as the country slowly re-opens, many believe that consumer behavior and the proclivity towards e-commerce will persist, causing the […]
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 MoreBecker’s Glenn Spiegel Weighs in on Next Steps for Retailers After COVID-19 on CGTN
As the Novel Coronavirus forces retailers to close their doors, many are wondering how they can sustain business and afford the rent. With retail sales down and business grinding to a halt, some are inquiring if force majeure clauses in their contract will apply to the coronavirus, something that will give relief to some and […]
Read MoreBecker’s Real Estate Practice in Tampa Grows with Addition of Terri Thomas
April 1, 2019 — TAMPA, FL – Becker, a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists and other professionals at offices across the Eastern Seaboard, today announced that Terri N. Thomas has joined the Real Estate Practice as a Shareholder based in the firm’s Tampa office, where she will focus on commercial real estate. Ms. […]
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 MoreCommercial Loan Document Review – Time Well Spent!
The day of closing arrives. You just wired the final amounts due and hope you can get to the notary or closing office on time. Getting to closing and getting the lender approval was no small task and the finish line lies just ahead. A pile of documents awaits your signature. The transfer of title […]
Read More“Top 10 Reasons for Due Diligence” – Southwest Florida Business Today
Even if you are a sophisticated and seasoned commercial property owner, each transaction and each property is different and commercial experience alone does not replace the need to thoroughly perform due diligence on each property being purchased. Tyra Read outlines the questions that should be answered by your due diligence. Read the full article from […]
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 MorePhil Rosen on Growth Fueled by Brightline – Should You Get On Board?
Richard Branson’s Virgin Group is now a minority owner of Brightline. If you thought the new regional train service was already heating up South Florida’s business environment, just wait. Branson’s demonstrated track record means Brightline’s business model just went into hyperdrive for business owners, investors, and developers. Hyperdrive is Branson’s M.O, so buckle up. The […]
Read More