Smart Deals. Solid Foundations.
Commercial real estate is a high-stakes game. Whether you are acquiring a multifamily complex, leasing retail space, or developing raw land, we provide the strategic legal counsel needed to maximize ROI and minimize liability.
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Beyond the Dotted Line
Commercial real estate transactions are fundamentally different from residential ones. The due diligence periods are longer, the financing is more complex, and the liabilities are greater. A standard contract does not exist in this world; every clause is negotiable.
At Saffold Law, we represent investors, developers, business owners, and landlords. We understand that for you, real estate isn’t just a building—it’s a business asset. Our job is to ensure that asset performs by structuring deals that protect your bottom line today and in the future.
Comprehensive Commercial Services
We handle transactions across all asset classes: Office, Retail, Industrial, and Multifamily.
1. Acquisitions & Dispositions
Buying or selling commercial property requires rigorous attention to detail. We manage:
- Letter of Intent (LOI): Drafting the initial roadmap to lock in key terms before spending money on legal fees.
- Purchase & Sale Agreements (PSA): Negotiating reps and warranties to limit your exposure after the sale.
- 1031 Exchanges: Structuring tax-deferred exchanges to help you reinvest profits without an immediate tax hit.
2. Commercial Leasing (Landlord & Tenant)
A bad lease can bankrupt a business or devalue a building. We draft and negotiate:
- Triple Net (NNN) Leases: Ensuring CAM (Common Area Maintenance) charges are fair and transparent.
- Retail & Office Leases: Negotiating tenant improvement (TI) allowances, exclusivity clauses, and renewal options.
- Ground Leases: Structuring long-term leases for development projects.
3. Real Estate Finance
We represent borrowers in securing capital. We review and negotiate:
- Loan Documents: Promissory notes, deeds of trust, and guarantees.
- Construction Loans: Managing the draw process and lien waivers.
- Mezzanine Financing: Structuring complex capital stacks for large developments.
4. Development & Land Use
Turning raw land into a revenue-generating asset involves red tape. We assist with:
- Zoning & Entitlements: Rezoning applications and variances.
- Easements & Access: Ensuring your property has legal access to roads and utilities.
- Construction Contracts: Drafting AIA agreements with general contractors to keep projects on budget.
The Importance of "Entity Structure"
You should never own commercial real estate in your own name.
We help you structure specific entities (LLCs or LPs) for each asset.
This strategy:
- Limits Liability: Protecting your personal assets and your other properties from a lawsuit at one specific location.
- Facilitates Partnerships: Making it easier to bring in investors or partners for specific deals.
- Optimizes Taxes: allowing for pass-through taxation and flexibility.
How We Build Your Strategy
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1. The LOI Phase
Call us before you sign the Letter of Intent. The leverage you have is highest at the beginning. We help set the terms for the holdback period, due diligence timeline, and earnest money.
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2. Deep Due Diligence
We don’t just look at the title. We review surveys, environmental reports (Phase I), and existing tenant leases (Estoppels) to ensure you aren’t buying someone else’s problem.
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3. The Closing
Commercial closings are complex orchestrations of lenders, title companies, and sellers. We manage the checklist to ensure funding happens smoothly and title transfers cleanly.
Protect Your Investment.
In commercial real estate, the profit is made when you buy—but only if the contract is right. Contact Saffold Law to structure your next transaction with confidence.
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