The management of a patrimony usually stems from the management of a portfolio of real estate properties. It can also be a source of complex challenges. PF Law provides the counsel clients need to avoid them.
Our team of specialized Real Estate lawyers have a wealth of experience advising clients on how to avoid the most common traps when it comes to managing real estate portfolios, including the resolution of disputes between multiple owners of a real estate asset.
When assisting new clients in this area, PF Law first task is to ensure that everything is in order legally with the asset(s). In particular is the investigation to ensure that clients are aware of any liens or pending charges tied to real estate asset(s) they may be seeking to purchase or invest in. If this is not identified in time, then one may end up buying legal and financial problems in addition to the physical asset. Our team works to protect our clients from these situations.
Here our team confirms whether or not there are outstanding mortgages on the property or other expenses to pay in addition to ensuring that any property is free from any kind of constraint which would prevent the new owner from making use of it as they wish. For example, many historic cities impose strict restrictions on historic buildings, which must be renovated in a specific way to avoid violating architectural and decorative elements.
Once it has been ascertained that a property has no outstanding debts or obligations then the PF Law’s team prepares and reviews all of the documents necessary for the purchase, or sale, of a real estate asset. This includes the proposal, the contract with the real estate agency, and any rental agreements. In this way, our clients are sure that there are no hidden surprises and can enter into an agreement with peace of mind.
The involvement of lawyers in the acquisition of real estate assets varies from state to state in terms of mandatory requirements. For example, in New York or South Carolina legal counsel must be involved in the entire closing process – where as in other states they may only be required in terms of the preparation of certain documents. In terms of investment properties or land it would be prudent to engage legal counsel no matter what jurisdiction is involved.
The PF Law’s team has a notable experience in carrying out all the legal checks mentioned above, exploring all the legal stakes of a potential investment, and working closely with clients to verify that a given project is legally feasible.
This also means identifying any historical constraints (as inidicated above), in addition to ensuring that a piece of land is indeed buildable and what the potential tax burden may be when the development of a project is underway.
This counsel is especially valuable for international investors who do not necessarily have a clear idea of how the real estate market in the United States works. PF Law currently collaborates closely with an Italian firm based in Milan – allowing our team the ability to meet Italian and European clients, who want to invest in the USA. Alternatively, PF Law can assist US entrepreneurs who would like to make real estate investments in Europe.
PF Law provides strategic counsel to clients with the intention of avoiding disputes which could be harmful to their clients from an economic, organizational, intellectual or psychological point of view. However, at times this may be unavoidable – and a legal intervention may be required. PF Law always works in the first instance to resolve any contentious situations out of court where possible. If this is not feasible, our Dispute Resolution team has an extensive experience representing clients in court.
Of note is the firm’s work providing counsel on the violation of lease agreements and when required eviction procedures, in addition to intervening when harassment against landlords or tenants occurs. PF Law also helps clients when disputes concern the ownership of land and parts of buildings, which frequently occurs with very old buildings.
The primary objective is always to protect our client’s interests and to find an agreement as quickly as possible – where possible.
PF Law prides itself on its human approach to the practice of law as we work in partnership with our clients to guide them through the evolution and conclusion of legal processes.
PF Law accompanies clients in any situation, flanking them with a team of professionals specialized in diverse areas of law.