There are two main types of real estate: commercial and residential. Commercial real estate is any property that is used for business purposes, whereas residential real estate refers to any property that is used for housing or living purposes.
There are some key differences between residential and commercial real estate. For example, commercial leases are typically longer than residential leases, and commercial mortgages are typically larger than residential mortgages. Furthermore, the regulations and laws that govern commercial real estate transactions tend to be more complex than those that govern residential real estate transactions.
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate can encompass a large range of properties, including offices, retail stores, restaurants, franchises, hotels, warehouses, and factories. These properties are typically used for business purposes, such as for selling products or providing a service, although they can also be used for housing purposes, such as a commercial housing development.
Commercial real estate transactions can be very complicated and may frequently require the assistance of an experienced real estate attorney. There are numerous considerations to have when buying, selling or investing in commercial property, such as zoning, environmental regulations, legal requirements, and tax implications. A great real estate attorney can help you to navigate the many challenges that come with getting involved in commercial real estate.
What Does a Commercial Real Estate Lawyer Do?
Commercial real estate lawyers do many of the same things that attorneys focusing on residential real estate do—they work with buyers and sellers, manage title issues, review and draft contracts, and negotiate with lenders. But what makes a commercial real estate lawyer different from a residential real estate lawyer?
The main difference between these two real estate law specialties is that lawyers practicing commercial real estate law need to have knowledge in a few areas of law which are specifically related to businesses. Commercial real estate law usually involves more complex regulations and laws than residential real estate laws, and commercial real estate developers, investors and landlords have a lot more information and laws they need to be aware of than your typical homeowner.
This is where a great commercial real estate lawyer comes in. A great commercial real estate lawyer has ample experience with commercial real estate, exceptional knowledge on the local market and beyond, and knows how to combine that experience and knowledge with excellent people and communication skills to solve any real estate issue, no matter how complex. No matter how experienced a business owner or commercial real estate developer you are; it is never a bad idea to consult an experienced commercial real estate attorney to ensure that you are operating with optimal security and shielding yourself from liability.
As to what services a commercial real estate attorney typically offers; this can obviously vary widely depending on the attorney, firm, geographic location, and market. For instance, some attorneys may specialize in just one or a few key practice areas, while other attorneys may be more of a one-stop-shop for all your real estate needs. As to what services our firm offers for commercial real estate purposes, being a full-service firm, we’re proud to consider ourselves a true one-stop-stop for all your commercial real estate needs. The below are just some of the services we offer for commercial real estate purposes.
Our Commercial Real Estate Services Include:
- Real estate litigation: Even if you do nearly everything right as a business owner or real estate developer, there may become times where a dispute arises, and litigation is made necessary. While litigation can be incredibly stressful for those dealing with it, a great commercial real estate attorney will ease the minds of their clients even when handling the most complex cases.
- Commercial buyer/seller representation: Whether you’re buying or selling a commercial property, it’s important to ensure that your interests are protected, and that the transaction is being conducted legally. This is especially key when dealing with commercial properties.
- Commercial lease drafting and review: If you’re looking to rent out a commercial property and try your hand at being a landlord, you’ll want to make sure your lease is airtight. Check out our previous blog on commercial leases to learn more.
- Purchase and sale agreements: A purchase or sale agreement is a contract which spells out the terms and conditions of a real estate transaction. With an expensive commercial property, it is especially paramount that these agreements are legally sound and in your best interest.
- Loan agreements and disclosures: As a real estate developer or investor putting your hard-earned money into a property, you want to ensure that your investment is well-placed and eventually comes to fruition. A great commercial real estate attorney can draft a loan agreement or disclosure that looks out for you or review a loan agreement or disclosure to makes sure it aligns with your interests.
- Land use and building code documents: A commercial real estate attorney can help you to navigate the complexities of the Florida Building Code and ensure that your documents are legally sound.
- Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements: As a full-service law firm, our attorneys also practice business and employment law. If you’re looking to start a real estate business, such as a brokerage, or if you’re negotiating a deal with another business owner, we are happy to assist you in drafting confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements.
- Fiduciary duty legal counsel: Beyond drafting and reviewing documents and going to court, some of the most important service any attorney can offer is preventative legal advice or counsel. This skill is exceptionally important when it comes to commercial real estate, as there are typically more regulations and laws associated with commercial real estate than residential real estate. You’ll want to make sure that you are operating with optimal legality and following all requirements.
- Commercial lease negotiation: Having trouble drafting a lease that all parties will agree to? A good commercial real estate attorney could be a great asset to you. Our commercial real estate attorneys are not only skilled in drafting and reviewing documents but are also exceptional at negotiating with business partners and tenants.
- Commercial development: Being a full-service firm, our attorneys can advise you in regard to all aspects of your real estate business, from general business advice, counsel on employment law, and more. Hiring a full-service firm to fulfill your commercial real estate needs ensures that all your bases are covered at all times.
- Escrow services: A commercial real estate attorney can handle closings from start to finish, including the escrow process. You’ll need an attorney you can trust to safeguard your escrow deposit. An attorney can also assist in the event of any escrow related disputes.
The attorneys at The Orlando Law Group represent property owners, prospective property owners, developers, contractors, lenders, investors, real estate agents, brokers, landlords, tenants and more throughout Orlando, Waterford Lakes, Altamonte Springs, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and throughout central Florida.
If you are dealing with a real estate issue or looking for some preventative real estate legal services, please reach out to our office at 407-512-4394, fill out our online contact form.
If you have questions about anything discussed in this article or other legal matters, give our office a call at 407-512-4394 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 12301 Lake Underhill Rd, Suite 213, Orlando, FL 32828, as well as offices in Seminole, Osceola, and West Orange counties to assist you.
Real estate is an essential part of the Florida economy. Whether you are a large developer or simply buying a home, you need real estate counsel. The Orlando Law Group’s attorneys handle virtually all aspects of real estate. We represent individuals by reviewing their leases as well as contracts. We also represent developers, contractors, lenders, and owners of commercial properties.
Why Hire a Florida Real Estate Attorney?
To start, why should you hire a real estate attorney? There are countless reasons why one might want to hire an attorney, but here are a few of the most common. First, hiring an attorney to handle your real estate matter will ultimately save you time and money. A real estate attorney will safeguard you, your clients and their investment by thoroughly reviewing all legal documentation, handling negotiations keeping you and your clients informed throughout the process and asking the questions you may not know to ask. Hiring a real estate attorney can also give you clarity and peace of mind throughout the transaction. Hiring an attorney to review all agreements and contracts and assist in negotiations will ensure the maximum level of transparency and comfort for your clients and can also grant you the peace of mind that your transaction is legally sound and has been reviewed thoroughly by a professional.
A real estate attorney also has valuable experience and knowledge from working in the field that simply cannot be recreated. Our attorneys have the institutional knowledge of working daily in the industry and have their fingers on the pulse of the local and state laws. Especially for those of you with unique real estate situations, it’s important to have the legal support to mitigate any risks that could delay, if not jeopardize, your real estate purchase. Lastly, hiring a real estate attorney can also expedite the process of your transaction significantly. Hiring a Florida real estate attorney not only serves to protect each party’s interests but also expedites the entire process and helps to streamline the contract negotiation, the closing process, securing title insurance and communicating with lenders.
The Importance of Prevention in Real Estate Law and for Real Estate Agents
Often, we turn to lawyers as a last resort – after the contract has been signed, or when a dispute is already out of control. However, good legal advice is one of the greatest preventative measures a lawyer can provide. Not only can it save you money in the long run, but it can also save you from unpleasant difficulties later.
At The Orlando Law Group, you can be sure that your attorney possesses both a sharp, experienced legal mind, and a friendly smile that will welcome and comfort you. What’s more, we are serious about preventative legal tactics, working to solve issues for our clients before they blow up into legal messes. Simply put, we are here for you, and we have your back at all times!
A successful Florida residential real estate transaction is more than mere document preparation. Buyers and sellers alike may encounter any number of hiccups including, but most definitely not limited to, disclosures, financing, findings as a result of property inspections, dealing with property owner association requirements and title insurance.
As a real estate agent, it is wise to have a go-to Florida real estate attorney to ensure that you and your clients are protected and are properly informed when making pertinent decisions. While conducting a residential real estate transaction in Florida, only an attorney can provide legal guidance and advice that is truly in your best interest.
Legal Connections in Real Estate – Why Hire a Full-Service Firm?
- Diverse Clientele: Our firm provides legal assistance to a wide variety of clients with different needs and preferences, meaning our team is well-equipped to handle the specificities of your situation.
- Multiple Perspectives: If your attorney needs an objective perspective from a different legal professional, they can get that from within the firm. You can’t get that kind of flexibility from a boutique lawyer, who would have to hire another attorney for a second opinion.
- One-Stop-Shop: At The Orlando Law Group, we work as a team in all endeavors. With each attorney having experience in a multitude of fields, we can provide a comprehensive solution for our clients.
- Flexibility and Creativity: As a full-service firm, each member of our team has a diverse skillset and base of knowledge. With these assets, we are able to navigate through each case with flexibility and provide creative solutions for our clients.
- Adaptability: Like many industries, the legal world is subject to change and improvement over time. New laws are created, and we are responsible for understanding the fine details on how they affect our clients. What makes us successful is our ability to learn these new laws and understand how they apply to current and future clients.
A legal challenge can easily stretch across multiple practice areas. Real Estate Law, for example, can stretch into business law, family law, and estate planning quite easily. As a full-service firm, we are well-equipped to tackle any legal challenge involving real estate, regardless of how many other disciplines the challenge involves. We offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of the Florida real estate community, whether it be for residential or commercial real estate. Here are a few examples of some connections real estate law can have with other areas of law:
- Family Law: A divorce or separation can often involve complex real estate transactions or the division of assets, including property.
- Probate Law: When a person passes away, you may find yourself in a situation where the deceased person owns a piece of property and the heirs of that person want to sell it, but probate must be administrated prior to this occurring.
- Business Law: Business law can easily relate to real estate law when commercial property transactions are involved, or a business is buying or selling a property.
- Civil Litigation: In some situations, disputes cannot be fully solved through negotiation and may require complex civil litigation to address.
The attorneys at The Orlando Law Group represent property owners, prospective property owners, developers, contractors, lenders, investors, real estate agents, brokers, landlords, tenants and more throughout Orlando, Waterford Lakes, Altamonte Springs, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and throughout central Florida.
If you are dealing with a real estate issue or looking for some preventative real estate legal services, please reach out to our office at 407-512-4394, fill out our online contact form.
If you have questions about anything discussed in this article or other legal matters, give our office a call at 407-512-4394 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 12301 Lake Underhill Rd, Suite 213, Orlando, FL 32828, as well as offices in Seminole, Osceola and West Orange counties to assist you.
Last Updated on February 1, 2023 by The Orlando Law Group