St. Petersburg Commercial Real Estate Attorneys

Commercial real estate transactions can be incredibly complicated. Depending on the proposed use of the property, purchasing property as an investment or for business purposes requires a thorough understanding of business law, zoning, real estate law, and financial and tax issues. A skilled commercial real estate attorney in St. Petersburg can help to ensure that the process goes smoothly.

Working with an attorney is the best way to avoid the pitfalls that often occur when buying or selling commercial property. Whether you are leasing retail space, embarking on a construction or development project, buying or selling commercial buildings, or resolving zoning issues, a skilled lawyer will protect your interests and minimize risk.

Based in St. Petersburg, the Lopez Law Group represents businesses and individuals in a variety of commercial real estate transactions. We will listen carefully to understand your goals, advise you of your rights under Florida law, and work collaboratively with you to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Reach out to our law office today to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team.

Our Services

At the Lopez Law Group, we have substantial experience handling all aspects of commercial real estate transactions. We can handle any issues that may arise when buying, selling, or leasing a commercial property, including:

• Purchase and Sales Agreements: we can draft documents that clearly set forth the rights and obligations of both buyers and sellers. A well-written purchase and sale agreement may prevent disputes from occurring and offers guidance should the parties disagree about some aspect of the transaction.
• Lease agreements: we will draft, edit, and/or review commercial leases on behalf of both landlords and tenants.
• New construction agreements: for clients who plan to purchase new commercial construction, we will review and edit all necessary documents and contracts to protect your rights.
• Commercial lease disputes: if an issue arises with a commercial lease, we will advise you of your options, and if necessary, represent you in any litigation

Our legal team handles every aspect of commercial real estate transactions, from title examination and insurance to closing. Because we represent clients throughout the process, we are able to develop a comprehensive strategy that meets your needs. 

Title Examination

Before a commercial real estate transaction can move forward, it will be necessary to evaluate the title to the property to ensure that there are no “clouds” or encumbrances on it. We carefully evaluate your documents for issues such as:

• Easements
• Encroachments
• Restrictions
• Existing Mortgages
• Any other pre-existing issues
• Changes to the terms of the original contract

During our title examination, we will identify any potential problems and formulate a solution. Unlike traditional title insurance companies, our law firm is not limited to simply spotting deficiencies in the title. We take a proactive approach to fix the issue, understanding that any delays in closing can cost you both money and potential business opportunities.

As St. Petersburg commercial real estate attorneys, we take a holistic approach to each matter. We understand that these transactions have a lot of moving parts and that an error in one part of the process can lead to substantial unexpected expenses. We will work with you to make the process as easy and straightforward as possible, spotting problems and addressing them as soon as possible.

Title Insurance

In Florida, there are two types of title insurance available: owner’s and lender’s title insurance. Owner’s title insurance protects the buyer of a property, while lender’s insurance protects the lender. 

Although owner’s title insurance is not required in Florida, buyers who obtain financing are typically required to obtain a policy as a requirement of a loan. In addition, title insurance is highly recommended, as it protects the buyer of a home in the event that an issue with the title arises in the future. An owner’s title insurance policy can protect against third-party ownership claims, unforeseen clouds on the title, and liens against the property.

Title insurance is relatively inexpensive and should be a priority for all purchasers of commercial real estate in St. Petersburg. The Lopez Law Group can help you find a title insurance policy that meets your needs and ensure you are protected from any future claims against the title to your new property.

Beyond title insurance, there are several other types of insurance you may need to consider as well. For commercial real estate, you will likely need to purchase property insurance, liability, and even workers’ compensation insurance to make sure you comply with Florida law and have adequate protection against potential liabilities. As experienced commercial real estate lawyers in St. Petersburg, we will help you determine what type of insurance you need and even put you in touch with the right insurance broker to assist you with quotes and help you find the best rates on the market.

Closing Coordination

The final step of any real estate transaction is the closing. During a closing, every party involved in the transaction (or their representative) must be present. That can be a significant hassle when the sale involves a large group. We will coordinate with all involved parties, which can include:

• Buyers
• Sellers
• Lenders
• Brokers
• Surveyors
• Inspectors
• Other attorneys and important entities

Having all parties involved present at the closing help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that any last-minute issues can be resolved on the spot. The goal is to make the closing as easy and painless as possible. If you prefer that we coordinate scheduling matters with all involved parties, we can do that. We will make sure that everyone who needs to be there on closing day is present. The simple task of coordinating scheduling can make all the difference at your closing.

Real estate closing involves an extraordinary amount of paperwork, including the contract, title, and insurance coverage. Having a knowledgeable legal counselor on hand to guide you through the process can help you to avoid any potential issues and increases the odds of a smooth closing where all parties walk away satisfied.

How a St. Petersburg Commercial Real Estate Attorney Can Help

Commercial real estate often involves a significant investment. A St. Petersburg commercial real estate attorney will protect your rights as they relate to corporate ownership, commercial lease disputes, and other matters. Having a lawyer involved from the outset can make it easier to complete a deal and shield yourself from legal liability.

At the Lopez Law Group, our real estate attorneys specialize in protecting our Florida clients during real estate closings. That is why we offer comprehensive and customized services that can address common issues that may arise during the process. 

If this is your first time investing in a commercial property, we will start by explaining each step of the process, from earnest money deposits to applying for a loan to having the property appraised to obtaining an inspection of the property itself. If you are an experienced commercial property investor, we will work with you to make the transaction as seamless as possible.

Our team can help you review all critical paperwork involved in a transaction. For example, an inspection report for a commercial property is often different from the type used in residential real estate. We will use our experience to ensure that the property is up to industry standards, reviewing environmental reports, property surveys, and related documentation to ensure that the property meets your specific needs.

Once you have decided to purchase a property, we will draft, review, and/or edit all related documents. Any real estate transaction involves a substantial amount of paperwork, from loan and mortgage documents to purchase agreements to leases. These documents are typically very detailed, including the exact terms of the transaction, financial liability, each party’s rights and obligations, and more.

We will review all required and recommended paperwork for completeness, with the knowledge that anything that is not properly addressed via a contract or agreement could leave you open to litigation or disputes in the future. These agreements form the basis of the deal that you are making, so it is critical that a seasoned commercial real estate attorney in St. Petersburg carefully analyze each contract with an eye toward protecting your financial and legal interests.

We can also assist with the negotiation process. While many business owners have strong negotiation skills, they may lack in-depth knowledge of Florida real estate law and processes. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you will have access to the information and expertise that you need to get the best possible deal.

Having your own legal representation is also crucial in a commercial real estate transaction, whether the other party most likely has hired an attorney of their own. This can help you level the playing field and protect your interests.

Negotiations can cover all aspects of a commercial real estate transaction. Beyond the price, your St. Petersburg commercial real estate attorney can help you negotiate clauses and details such as what will happen if a defect in the property or title is discovered after closing. 

When your money and your business are on the line, you can’t afford to be penny-wise and pound-foolish. By investing in experienced legal representation, you can increase the likelihood of closing on your property on time and avoiding pitfalls often associated with real estate transactions. Just as a residential real estate attorney can assist you with buying a home, an experienced commercial real estate lawyer can help you with the purchase, sale, and lease of commercial properties throughout the greater St. Petersburg region.

Do I Need a Commercial Real Estate Lawyer If I Have a Realtor?

Yes. While real estate agents are licensed professionals, they are typically not attorneys. As such they are prohibited by law from giving legal advice. Because commercial real estate transactions involve a significant amount of legal documentation, it is vital to have a lawyer who can counsel you on the legal implications of your decisions.

Commercial real estate matters often involve related areas of law, such as zoning and environmental law. An attorney can advise you on these issues and how they will affect your planned purchase or sale. In St. Petersburg, call the Lopez Law Group for a consultation with an experienced commercial real estate attorney.

Do I Need to Set Up a Separate Entity to Hold My Commercial Real Estate?

Generally, you are not required to create a separate corporate entity to purchase or hold commercial real estate. However, some lenders may require that you create a single-purpose entity as a condition of obtaining a loan for the property. Even if your lender does not require the creation of an entity, there are a number of benefits to doing so – such as asset protection and reduced tax liability.

A seasoned commercial real estate attorney in St. Petersburg can help you decide whether you should create an entity for your property – and advise you as to the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. Contact the Lopez Law Group to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.

How Our Law Firm Can Help with Your Commercial Real Estate Needs

Whether you are an experienced commercial real estate investor or a first-time buyer, having a skilled attorney by your side can make the process as seamless as possible. Our lawyers will assist you with every step of the transaction, from property inspections to negotiations to title examinations and insurance to closings.

At The Lopez Law Group, we are fierce advocates for our clients in all Florida real estate matters, including both residential and commercial transactions. We will work with you to help you achieve your goals in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with a St. Petersburg commercial real estate attorney, give us a call at 727-933-0015 or fill out our online contact form.