CONTRACTS & REAL ESTATE
Structured Documentation for Business and Property Matters
Contracts and real estate transactions often involve significant financial commitments and long-term obligations. Clear documentation, careful drafting, and informed review can reduce risk and prevent costly misunderstandings.
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Our contracts attorneys and real estate attorneys assist individuals, business owners, investors, and property holders in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and structuring agreements involving commercial relationships and/or real property matters.
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Contract Services
Contracts define rights, allocate risk, and establish expectations. We assist with:
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Commercial agreements
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Business purchase and sale agreements
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Asset and stock purchase agreements
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Service agreements
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Independent contractor agreements
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Licensing agreements
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Settlement agreements
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Real estate-related contracts
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Premarital agreements
Our review goes beyond wording. We consider enforceability, internal consistency, allocation of risk, and alignment with broader business or personal objectives.
Real Estate Services
Real estate transactions often intersect with business planning, liability considerations, and long-term ownership strategy. We assist with:
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Purchase and sale agreements
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Deeds and transfer documents
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Lease drafting and review (commercial and residential)
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Easements and access agreements
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Title and lien considerations
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Ownership structuring through entities
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Family home-sharing agreements
Where appropriate, we coordinate real estate matters with entity formation and estate planning to promote clarity and continuity.
Who We Serve
​We serve:
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Parties entering into or interpreting agreements
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Individuals and businesses buying or selling residential or commercial property
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Landlords and tenants
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Individuals involved in significant property transactions
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Families and investors sharing ownership of real property
Our Approach
​We focus on careful drafting and practical implementation. Agreements should be understandable, internally consistent, and aligned with your broader objectives.
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Before finalizing documents, we help clients consider:
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Financial exposure
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Termination rights
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Liability allocation
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Long-term obligations
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Coordination with existing agreements
Our goal is measured, deliberate documentation that supports stability and reduces unnecessary conflict.
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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
What contracts are commonly entered into by most businesses?
There is no standard list, but many businesses enter into loan agreements, promissory notes, security agreements, commercial leases, personal guarantees, equipment leases, service agreements, sales contracts, vendor and supplier agreements, license agreements, confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements, employment agreements and independent contractor agreements. We assist with all of these.
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What contracts are used in the settlement of disputes?
The terms of the dispute resolution should be reflected in a settlement agreement, which typically includes payment terms (if any), waiver, release, covenant not to sue, and confidentiality provisions.
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Are verbal agreements enforceable?
Many verbal agreements are valid, if the elements of a binding contract are present: offer and acceptance, consideration, legal capacity to contract, sufficient certainty, and intent to be bound. However, state laws require that some contracts must be in a signed writing in order to be enforceable. While the details may vary by state (and some exceptions may apply), the types of contracts covered by these laws typically include: deeds, mortgages, real property sales contracts, long-term leases, contracts that cannot be performed in 1 year, premarital agreements, and sales of goods over $500.
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Can a contract be formed by email exchanges?
Yes, if the elements of a binding contract are present. A formal written document with ink signatures by both parties is not required. Important contracts should always be formalized.
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Should I have an attorney review a real estate purchase agreement?
In some transactions, standard forms adopted by realtor organizations may be sufficient. However, real estate agents who are not licensed attorneys cannot provide legal advice. In significant or unusual transactions, legal review can help clarify contingencies, risk allocation, financing terms, and post-closing obligations.
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What are common issues in commercial leases?
We represent landlords and tenants in commercial leasing. Key issues often include rent structure, maintenance responsibilities, assignment rights, personal guarantees, and default provisions.
What is an easement?
An easement grants someone the right to use another person’s property for a defined purpose, such as access or utilities. Easements can affect property value and use.
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In what situations do you prepare deeds?
We typically draft deeds for related-party transactions, such when conveying property between family members, when conveying property into or out of a trust or estate, and when conveying a vacation home to a family LLC.