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Welcome to the Commercial Real Estate Expert Blog! A host of industry leading real estate professionals, lawyers, and consultants providing the latest in real estate relevant news and advice.

Are We in the Zone? What You Need to Know about Zoning for Commercial Real Estate Deals

Zoning is a major factor in any real estate transaction. It determines how a parcel of land can or can’t be used and allows communities to control property values and ensure safe land use. Zoning rules and regulations are divided into two categories, these being land use requirements and ordinance-based requirements. The intricacies of zoning…

What to Do If Your Phase I ESA Has Environmental Concerns: Alternative Approaches

In compliance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, most commercial real estate sales include a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to identify environmental concerns at the site. This act of environmental due diligence allows property stakeholders to determine if there are any liability concerns of which they should…

Understanding ADA Requirements for Historic Properties

The passing of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) made access to places of public accommodation a civil right and is applicable to all properties, regardless of age or status as a ‘historic property.’ In other words, all places of public accommodation must remove barriers where feasible with no exclusions or exemptions. However, some historic…

Remediation: Not As Scary As It Seems

Environmental remediation, or a Phase III Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), is a potential sink for time and money at project sites. Fortunately, steps can be taken to ease the process of remediating contamination while keeping project timelines and budgets on track. Phase III ESAs take place if, after an initial Phase I ESA assessment and…

PCAs With a Twist

Property Condition Assessments (PCAs) are a standard component of most real estate transactions. These assessments allow for the evaluation of assets and their condition, including immediate and future upkeep requirements. Lenders, buyers, property managers, and developers alike can benefit from the completion of general PCAs. Lenders and property managers can use PCAs to keep track…

How a Geologic Review Can Avoid Costly Issues during Construction Projects and Transactions

How can geologic reviews or geotechnical investigations save you money?

Why PCAs are a Valuable Tool for Investors and Lenders

A Property Condition Assessment is used by lenders and investors to help determine the risk associated with an asset.

A closer look at the new ASTM E2018-15 Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments

ASTM has updated it A2018-15 Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments. What were the key changes?

Due Diligence in the Purchase and Sale of a Hotel Property

In the transaction for the sale or purchase of a hotel, both the seller and buyer will usually have divergent due diligence concerns.  The buyer typically wants full disclosure and broad representations and warranties from the seller while the seller wants to limit its risks, convey the property “as is” and make only limited representations…