The $350 Million Case Against Donald Trump: Unraveling Long-Term Consequences
Have you thought of the consequences of this ruling?
2/17/2024
The court ruling against Donald Trump unveils profound implications that will ripple through New York’s real estate marketplace. While Trump’s assessments adhered to standard industry practices, the imposition of unprecedented penalties sets a concerning precedent.
Real estate developers will now adopt an overly cautious approach, valuing properties at “Over $10,000” to steer clear of potential legal repercussions. This cautious stance will choke deal flow and investment in the short and long term.
Even more concerning is the anticipated decline in property valuations, leading to reduced real estate tax revenue. This directly impacts funding for crucial public services such as schools, leaving constituents rightfully frustrated as they witness cuts to essential services.
Capital will gravitate towards jurisdictions where deals can be conducted without fear of prosecution, prompting money to flow away from New York State and New York City as investors seek safer alternatives. Consequently, lower property taxes will deprive municipalities of vital funding for schools, infrastructure, and other necessities.
The ramifications of this seminal case will reverberate for decades to come, and its consequences will be felt across the board. New York now faces significant challenges ahead as a result of this ruling.
#RealEstate #DonaldTrump #LegalRuling #NewYorkCity #Consequences #IndustryShifts #Implications
STARBUCKS – North Windham, Ct.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2/10/2024
Concept photo – Stay tuned
Roosa Developments signs deal with Starbucks to occupy 2,550 sq. ft. at the Wal-Mart plaza in North Windham, CT
NORTH WINDHAM, CT – Roosa Developments, a leading real estate developer in the region, is proud to announce that it has signed a deal with Starbucks to occupy 2,550 sq. ft. of prime retail space at the Wal-Mart plaza located at 6 North Ridge Drive, North Windham, CT. Starbucks will be joining T Mobile as one of the anchor tenants of the plaza, offering customers even more options for shopping and dining.
“We are thrilled to welcome Starbucks to the Wal-Mart plaza,” said Joe Roosa, President of Roosa Developments. “Starbucks is an iconic brand with a loyal following, and we believe they will be a great addition to the plaza, enhancing the shopping experience for our customers.”
The new Starbucks location will feature the brand’s signature coffees, teas, and specialty beverages, as well as a selection of food items, including sandwiches, pastries, and snacks. The store will offer both indoor and outdoor seating, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for customers to relax and enjoy their beverages.
“We are excited to open a new Starbucks location at the Wal-Mart plaza in North Windham,” said a Starbucks spokesperson. “We look forward to serving the local community and providing a gathering place for customers to connect with friends and family over great coffee and food.”
Construction on the new Starbucks location is expected to begin any day now, with an opening date anticipated for later this year. Roosa Developments continues to be committed to bringing high-quality, innovative retail spaces to the North Windham area, and looks forward to the continued growth and success of the Wal-Mart plaza.
For more information on Roosa Developments and the Wal-Mart plaza, please visit www.roosacorp.com
An open letter to the City of Russellville, Arkansas
While the Buc-ee’s project will not be advancing, we at Roosa Corporation continue to be proud members of this community. Russellville has shown what makes it a truly special place to live, work, and conduct business. We look forward to many more opportunities to invest in the bright future of this city.
Thank you again for all your efforts.
Regarding the Arkansas Supreme Court decision issued 10/26/2023 and the state law requiring the issuance of a gaming license for Russellville, and Pope County Arkansas:
Decisiveness is the lifeblood of progress. Without clear decisions, opportunities wither on the vine. People cannot move forward, communities stall, and businesses spin their wheels.
A good decision propels an organization forward. It is a victory to be celebrated. A poor one provides equally valuable lessons about what went awry. The seeds of correction are sown in every mistake. By confronting and correcting bad calls, we iteratively improve until success is inevitable. Indecision, not incorrect decision, is the greatest enemy.
Indecision has deprived Russellville and Pope County of chances to advance. Deals left lingering are deals left dying. Decisiveness, even if imperfect at first, starts the engines of commerce and builds hope. Progress demands the courage to decide and the humility to refine.
Mavis Discount Tire Springville, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/1/2022
Roosa Development is proud to announce the opening of a Mavis Discount Tire store at 183 S. Cascade Drive in Springville, NY
Roosa Development is proud to announce the opening of a Mavis Discount Tire store at 183 S. Cascade Drive in Springville, NY. This new location will provide residents with convenient access to a wide range of tire services, including sales, installation, and maintenance. The Mavis Discount Tire store will offer a variety of tire brands and models to suit every need and budget, including options for cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. Customers can also take advantage of the store’s state-of-the-art equipment and highly-trained technicians for tire services such as balancing, rotation, and alignments. “We are excited to bring this new Mavis Discount Tire store to Springville, NY,” said Joseph Roosa, CEO of Roosa Development. “This location will provide our customers with the best possible service and selection of quality tires at competitive prices. We look forward to serving the community for all their tire needs.” The new Mavis Discount Tire store at 183 S. Cascade Drive will be open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. Customers can also take advantage of the store’s online appointment scheduling system for added convenience. For more information about the new Mavis Discount Tire store in Springville, NY, please contact Mavis at 716-561-0025 or visit the store’s website at https://www.mavis.com
About Roosa Development: Roosa Development is a leading real estate development company specializing in the construction and operation of retail/office / residential/industrial properties. With a focus on quality and customer service, Roosa Development is committed to creating vibrant, convenient shopping experiences for communities across the country. Visit Roosa Corporation’s website at:
Roosa Development – A Real Estate Development Company roosacorp.com
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Springville, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/11/2020
Veterans Affairs of the United States opens New VA Clinic in Springville, NY 14141
Washington, D.C. – The Veterans Affairs (VA) of the United States is pleased to announce the opening of a new VA clinic in Springville, NY. The clinic, which will be located in the Roosa Development’s Springville Village Shopping at 231 South Cascade Springville, is set to open on November 11th 2020. The VA clinic in Springville will provide a range of healthcare services to eligible veterans in the area, including primary care, mental health care, and specialty care. The clinic will also offer telehealth services, allowing veterans to receive care from the comfort of their homes.
“We are thrilled to be opening a new VA clinic in Springville,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “This clinic will help ensure that our nation’s veterans receive the care and support they need and deserve. We are grateful to the Roosa Development team for their collaboration and support in bringing this clinic to the Springville community.”
The VA clinic in Springville is part of the VA’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to veterans across the country. The VA currently operates over 1,200 healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and community-based outpatient clinics.
“We are honored to be a part of this project and to support our veterans,” said the Roosa Corporation team. “We believe that the clinic will be an asset to the Springville community and we look forward to working with the VA to make it a success.”
The VA clinic in Springville will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Veterans who wish to receive care at the clinic can call 1-800-827-1000 to schedule an appointment.
For more information about the VA’s health care services and programs, please visit www.va.gov.
Media Contact: VA Office of Public Affairs 202-461-7600 publicaffairs@va.gov
WellNow Urgent Care
Opens in Springville, New York
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/1/2020
Roosa Developments Announces the Completion and Opening of WellNow Urgent Care in Springville, NY
Springville, NY – Roosa Developments is proud to announce the completion and opening of WellNow Urgent Care, a state-of-the-art urgent care facility located at 225 S Cascade Dr in Springville, NY.
The new facility offers a wide range of medical services, including treatment for illnesses and injuries, physical exams, lab work, and x-rays. The clinic is staffed by a team of highly trained and experienced healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and medical assistants, who are dedicated to providing high-quality care to patients in the community.
The clinic is open seven days a week, with extended hours to accommodate busy schedules. Patients can walk in without an appointment and will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We are thrilled to be part of the new WellNow Urgent Care in Springville and to be able to bring a first class operation to the community. WellNow Urgent Care with its accessible and affordable healthcare services is a plus to the Springville community,” said Joseph Roosa, President of Roosa Corporation. “Our goal is to make work with healthcare providers to help make health care as convenient and stress-free as possible for WellNow Urgent Care patients.”
WellNow Urgent Care is committed to delivering quality healthcare services to the communities it serves, and the new WellNow Urgent Care is just the latest example of this commitment.
For more information, please visit the WellNow Urgent Care website or call (716) 599-1163.
WellNow Urgent Care is now open in Springville, New York
Roosa Development – A Real Estate
Development Company
Phone: 716-945-5165
T-Mobile North Windham, Ct
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/13/2020
Roosa Developments announces the opening of T-Mobile in North Windham, CT North Windham, CT
Roosa Developments is proud to announce the opening of a new T-Mobile location at 6 North Ridge Drive in North Windham, CT. The store offers a wide range of T-Mobile products and services, including the latest smartphones, accessories, and high-speed internet services.
“We are thrilled to bring T-Mobile to North Windham, CT, and we are confident that the community will appreciate the convenience and quality of T-Mobile’s products and services,” said Kyle Roosa, Vice President of Roosa Developments. “We are proud to partner with T-Mobile to bring this new store to life, and T-Mobile looks forward to serving the North Windham community for many years to come.”
The new T-Mobile store offers a convenient and welcoming environment for customers to explore and purchase the latest T-Mobile products and services. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are available to answer any questions and help customers find the perfect solutions for their needs.
“It was a pleasure working with the T-Mobile team on bringing this store to North Windham, CT,” said Roosa. “Their dedication and commitment to providing the best possible customer experience is evident in every aspect of the store, and we are confident that our customers will appreciate their attention to detail and quality.”
For more information about T-Mobile, call the North Windham store at (860) 931-7052 or visit their website at: www.t-mobile.com
About Roosa Development: Roosa Developments is a leading commercial real estate development company committed to delivering high-quality projects that meet the needs of communities and businesses. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Roosa Developments is dedicated to creating a first class building and value for its customers.
Contact: Kyle Roosa at Roosa Developments (716) 945-5165 kroosa@roosacorp.com
Marquette Savings Bank Meadville, Pa.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/1/2019
Roosa Developments, a leading real estate development company, is proud to announce the opening of Marquette Savings Bank’s new free-standing building in the Meadville Village Shopping center.
The location with an address of 16272 Conneaut Lake Rd, Meadville, PA 16335 is adjacent to the Wal-Mart Super Center and provides easy access for customers in the Meadville area.
The new building features modern architectural design and is equipped with the latest technology to offer customers a seamless banking experience. Marquette Savings Bank is known for its commitment to the community and offers a wide range of financial products and services, including personal and business banking, mortgages, and wealth management.
“We are thrilled to partner with Marquette Savings Bank in bringing this new state-of-the-art facility to the Meadville community,” said Kyle Roosa, Vice President of Roosa Developments. “This project is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality, modern facilities that meet the needs of our tenants and their customers.”
The Meadville Village Shopping center has been undergoing significant revitalization, and the addition of Marquette Savings Bank’s new building is a welcome addition to the area. With easy access to major highways and ample parking, and drive through services, customers can conveniently access all of their banking needs.
“We are excited to open our new location in the Meadville Village Shopping center,” said Marquette Savings Bank CEO Michael Edwards. “We are proud to be a part of this growing community and look forward to serving our customers with the same commitment to excellence they have come to expect from us.”
The opening of Marquette Savings Bank’s new building is a significant milestone for Roosa Developments, the Meadville Village Shopping center, and the Meadville community. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on community needs, Roosa Developments continues to lead the way in real estate development in the region.
Marquette is THE HOMETOWN BANK, and when you are THE HOMETOWN BANK, you look beyond the numbers to envision what could be. You see businesses growing and jobs created, families prospering and buying homes and lives changed for the better. Because when it’s your hometown, it matters more. That is the Marquette Difference.
Call the Marquette Savings Bank in the Meadville Village Shopping Center today at Phone: (814) 724-1211 for your banking needs.
CASEY'S ICE CREAM
Meadville,Pa
BEFORE & AFTER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/1/2018
Roosa Development, a real estate development company, announced today the conversion of an old metal building into a state-of-the-art building store for the iconic Casey’s ice cream store.
The project, which has been in development for several months, is a testament to Roosa Development’s commitment to revitalizing the community and promoting economic growth on a local level.
The new building store will feature a modern and spacious interior, with ample space for customers to enjoy Casey’s signature ice cream flavors and a local flavor called “Meadville Mud”. The exterior of the building will be designed with a classic look that will enhance the surrounding community and provide Casey’s the opportunity to present an updated sign package.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting project and to have the opportunity to work with Shawn Sullivan of Casey’s to create a beautiful new space for their customers to enjoy,” said Kyle Roosa, Vice President of Roosa Development. “We take great pride in our ability to transform old buildings into vibrant and modern spaces that serve the needs of our community.”
The conversion of the building is just one of many projects that Roosa Development has undertaken to help revitalize the local community. The company has a long history of working with local and national businesses to create beautiful and functional spaces that enhance the community and promote economic growth.
Casey’s ice cream store is a local institution that has been serving the community for over 25 years. The new building store will allow them to continue to provide high-quality ice cream to their loyal customers for years to come.
“We are excited to work with Roosa Development to create a new, modern space for our customers to enjoy,” said Shawn Sullivan, owner of Casey’s ice cream store. “We are grateful for their commitment to the community and for their dedication to helping local businesses grow and thrive.”
If you would like more information on Casey’s Ice Cream visit their website at https://www.caseysicecreamandcandies.com/ Or better yet stop in and enjoy one of the many flavors offered by this Iconic Ice Cream and Candy Shop. Casey’s Ice Cream can be reached by phone at 814-333-3769.
The new building opened in 2018 and both Roosa Development and Casey’s ice cream store are looking forward to welcoming customers to the store.
Advanced Auto Parts Springville, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/1/2017
Advanced Auto Parts Opens New Location in Springville, NY
Springville, NY – Advanced Auto Parts is proud to announce the opening of its new location in the Roosa Development’s Springville Village Shopping Center in Springville, NY. The store is conveniently located at 265 S Cascade Dr, Springville, NY 14141.
The new location is designed to provide customers with a superior shopping experience, offering a wide range of automotive parts and accessories. Whether customers are looking for new brakes, batteries, or any other type of auto part, Advanced Auto Parts has the products and expertise to help them get the job done right. Additionally, the store has a team of experienced professionals on staff who are always available to provide customers with expert advice and assistance.
“We are thrilled to open our newest location in Springville,” said Mitch Recoon for Advanced Auto Parts. “We’re committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience, and our new store is designed to do just that. We have a wide range of products available, and our staff is always available to help customers find exactly what they need. It has been a pleasure working with the professionals at Roosa Development and we are confident that this new location will be a great addition to the community.”
The new Advanced Auto Parts store is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm and on Sunday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Customers are invited to stop by and check out the store’s impressive selection of automotive parts and accessories.
For more information, please visit the Advanced Auto Parts website at www.advanceautoparts.com
Advance Auto Parts: Car, Engine, Batteries, Brakes, Replacement, Performance & Accessories
Advance Auto Parts is your source for quality auto parts, advice and accessories. View car care tips, shop online for home delivery, or pick up in one of our 4000 convenient store locations in 30 minutes or less.
www.advanceautoparts.com
Call (716) 592-0421 to speak to a representative at the new Springville location.
About Advanced Auto Parts: Advanced Auto Parts is a leading automotive parts and accessories retailer, with over 4,600 stores throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada. The company is committed to providing customers with the best possible shopping experience, offering a wide range of high-quality products at affordable prices.
The community at work
How to be a good corporate neighbor
By Amanda Roosa
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” – Annie Dillard
The average person spends a third of their life at work. That’s over 90,000 hours in a lifetime. With so many of our days spent at work, it’s safe to say where we work affects our lives—not just the building itself, but the neighborhood and even the commute. That’s why it’s important that businesses take office design and, increasingly, their relationship to the surrounding community into consideration.
This latter endeavor is what placemaking is all about—it’s a collaborative process meant to shape an environment in a way that strengthens the connection between the people that inhabit and share the space, to maximize value to everyone.
How we think about space, from West to East
The first roadblock to building community is to draw boundaries. Western concepts of space often involve boundaries—we are notorious for categorizing and organizing smaller things within larger things. Here’s an example from Quartz: “An office is in New York City, which is in the United States. The sales team is inside the office, and Jules is a member of the sales team.”
We spend so much time working inside buildings that it becomes dangerously easy to think of where we work as separate from our outside environment.
The East, on the other hand, seems to understand space in a more collaborative manner. For example: “In Japan, a building can’t be in Tokyo without Tokyo being in the building.” In fact, the Japanese word tokoro is used to describe the location of something as well as a state of being. “The idea of place is indistinguishable from the historical, cultural, social, and other connections contained within it. The idea of tokoro therefore implies the idea of context, as the place is inevitably connected with all the activities around it,” writes Jarrold McGrath.
We spend so much time working inside buildings that it becomes dangerously easy to think of where we work as separate from our outside environment.
No ivory towers
Western businesses could learn from Eastern concepts of space. While placemaking typically involves building community in public spaces, the process can be applied more broadly to any shared space. Millennials and younger generations are calling for businesses to have a positive impact on the wider community and one of the first things a company can do is turn its attention to its immediate surroundings. Understanding space with a more collaborative mindset can help prevent enterprises from colonizing neighborhoods and turning them into gentrified business parks—at least, not without giving something back.
For example, some tech companies like Airbnb, Google, and Facebook have made the news for providing nearly all amenities on site, creating workplaces “where tech workers get their own hermetically-sealed everything, from gyms to restaurants to transit” instead of becoming part of the neighborhood and part of a solution to community issues.
In an effort to get tech giants to engage with the community and boost local restaurants and businesses, Mountain View banned Facebook’s new campus from providing a free cafeteria. Legislation supports this, stipulating that “companies cannot routinely fund more than 50 percent of employees’ meals, but it can fully subsidize meals if they come from open-to-the-public restaurants.”
Understanding space with a more collaborative mindset can help prevent enterprises from colonizing neighborhoods and turning them into gentrified business parks—at least, not without giving something back.
These tech companies give back to the community, but sometimes community-building can begin right out the front door. As Tiffany Apczynski, Zendesk’s director of social responsibility advised in The Guardian, “Don’t lock yourself up in your ivory tower.”
Being a good neighbor pays in dividends
Beyond lunching out, a 2017 Deloitte study found that employees like it when businesses incorporate community involvement into the work day. “Of the 1,000 employees surveyed, the report concluded that 70 percent believe that volunteer opportunities boost morale more than company mixers.” Community engagement helps create a positive work environment inside the office, and it also reduces turnover and positively impacts your bottom line.
Of course, creating shared community both inside and outside the office should also directly benefit external organizations, whether through volunteering or the longer-term impact of helping employees to feel like they have a stake in improving the environment where they spend so much of their time.
So how does one keep the doors to the ivory tower open? Try adopting a tokoro mindset and encourage employees to be responsible for understanding the area where they arguably live and work. As Director of Corporate Responsibility at Zendesk Megan Trotter advises, being a good neighbor is mostly about getting out and meeting the people around you. Try offering small group activities that allow employees to “have a conversation, find a commonality, and build community.” Look for opportunities to lend existing skill sets to nearby nonprofits, schools, health and charity organizations, or maybe even just organize an informal “clean up the neighborhood” day or sponsor small group lunches out at local establishments as a starting point.
When done well, placemaking will and should affect the workplace and by extension, the community and even, ultimately, your life.
Where I Didn’t Spend My $350
New York City attracts thousands of daily visitors, and its streets are constantly bustling with all sorts of vehicles. It’s a magnificent place, but it’s also home to some perplexing parking regulations. Within the city, numerous signs dictate whether parking is allowed in certain areas, and over the years, these signs have befuddled countless tourists.
Allow me to share a personal anecdote. On a breezy Saturday afternoon, my wife and I decided to embark on a trip to New York City. The day promised excitement, with plans to explore Hell’s Kitchen market and savor a delightful meal at the Hell’s Kitchen restaurant, situated on 9th avenue between 38th and 39th streets. After finding a suitable parking spot, I used my credit card to pay the $22 meter fee, ensuring us ample time for our activities.
The day was progressing smoothly until our return to the car. To our dismay, a boot had been affixed to one of the wheels, and stickers adorned the windshield. We were now confronted with parking tickets and a warning of further consequences if the ticket wasn’t paid within two hours. Our plans were abruptly halted as I had to rush to Pier 76 to settle the $185 ticket. To compound matters, there was an additional $115 ticket that I had to mail. This unexpected turn of events cast a shadow over our otherwise blissful day in NYC.
It felt as though the government had its boot on my throat and the sword of Damocles hanging over my head. Our joyous day had transformed into an arduous and unpleasant ordeal, solely due to the confounding road signs. Only after paying and waiting two hours was the boot finally removed from our car. Before we could spend a single dollar on our planned activities, we had already lost $350, an unforeseen expenditure that left us bewildered.
Despite our attempts to move past the incident and resume our day, the injustice we perceived weighed heavily on our minds. Our original budget of $2000 for the day had been significantly depleted. We had to forgo spending at Fish on Bleecker Street, Goorin Bros. Hats, Frye shoes, Chelsea Market, and even Macy’s. Instead, we opted to conserve our funds and spend them exclusively in the local market.
This experience offered a valuable lesson. The city allows commercially licensed vehicles to park virtually anywhere on its streets, which may seem unusual. Given that tourism drives NYC’s economy, motorists often struggle to find convenient parking due to the myriad restrictions imposed on them. Incidents like mine are not uncommon. While the city’s infrastructure isn’t particularly accommodating to any vehicle, if you plan to visit NYC, driving a commercially licensed vehicle can lead to substantial cost savings by day’s end. Otherwise, you might find yourself in the same predicament I did.
It’s undeniable that all citizens must adhere to a city’s rules, especially those governing the road, to ensure the safety of both vehicle occupants and pedestrians. However, these rules need to be effectively communicated to the community. Frequently, road signs can be misleading, leading to confusion among drivers.
On the other hand, it’s crucial to allocate parking spaces on both sides of the street for passenger cars, especially in a bustling city like New York. While commercial vehicles deserve priority, passenger cars also play a significant role. Ideally, each side of the street should be designated separately to allow hassle-free parking for passenger cars.
Incidents like mine can have negative consequences for businesses in New York City. When visitors from other states or regions encounter similar situations, they may begin to avoid the city due to the frustrations they experienced. As one of the world’s premier business hubs, NYC cannot afford to tarnish its reputation in this way. Road regulations are essential, but they should be crystal clear, leaving no room for ambiguity.
If you plan to visit NYC in the near future, remember this: Don’t hastily park your car and leave the area. Before departing, double-check multiple times to ensure the spot is legally available. As I previously mentioned, the best approach is to visit the city with a commercially licensed vehicle. If not, you might unexpectedly incur losses, as I did. I still find it hard to believe that I lost $350, and I hope to spare others from a similar misfortune. Therefore, make sure you fully understand the meaning of all road signs before leaving your car unattended.
How to find a good real estate attorney
In the realm of Real Estate, in contrast to many other industries, one encounters a multitude of challenges: intricate risks, convoluted complexities, sensitive legal procedures, and, of course, numerous intricate negotiations. Nevertheless, these challenges should not overshadow the substantial opportunity that lies beneath the surface, beyond what might initially appear obvious. As the old English adage goes, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” and this adage is particularly relevant in the realm of commercial real estate.
Rest assured that with a capable attorney by your side, your concerns will be minimal, if not entirely alleviated. However, competence alone should not be the sole criterion when selecting a Commercial Real Estate Attorney. Several other equally significant qualities should also be considered. Before delving into how to identify an exceptional attorney, let’s first establish a definition to guide our search. While not exhaustive, this definition will provide a foundation for your quest:
An exemplary commercial real estate attorney possesses both the expertise and the capability to identify, negotiate, and mitigate both imminent and potential risks in your real estate ventures. They excel in managing transactions, offering invaluable legal counsel, and drafting essential documents, agreements, and contracts. This attorney’s background should include approximately sixty-five percent of their professional experience dedicated exclusively to real estate, with a particular focus on commercial real estate in the past five years. Furthermore, they should be actively involved in real estate investment and boast a roster of professional real estate investors as clients.
Now that we have established the ideal qualifications, let’s explore how to locate such an attorney.
For some individuals, conducting a background check on their prospective attorney may satiate their curiosity. They may want to know details like the attorney’s alma mater and academic success, among other things. While these aspects are noteworthy, certain facts speak volumes and should be prioritized over more trivial details.
Your prospective attorney should be an active member of the real estate committee within your local bar association or actively engaged in the development of legal education programs for the county. These educational courses, taught by lawyers for lawyers, typically feature instructors who are top-tier professionals in their field. Additionally, consider whether the attorney operates independently or is part of a small firm. Although hiring a competent attorney from a large firm is an option, it’s crucial to note that the firm’s reputation does not guarantee quality, and their fees may be higher. Attorneys who run their own practices tend to have a more entrepreneurial mindset and are generally more open-minded, flexible, and willing to negotiate on pricing.
A CAUTIONARY NOTE: While excellent attorneys may be open to negotiating fees, it’s essential not to demean them by demanding reduced rates in exchange for increased patronage. Such demands may imply that you are not a valued long-term client.
When searching for a commendable commercial real estate attorney, investigating their reputation is paramount. It is advisable to not only seek feedback from their clients but also gather insights from colleagues and peers. You should inquire about the attorney’s track record in building relationships and their commitment to every aspect of their work. An attorney who actively engages with construction workers on-site, listens to their concerns, and demonstrates genuine care for their issues regarding the project is highly desirable. Look for an attorney who prioritizes building bridges, not walls. Regardless of an attorney’s proficiency and experience, if they lack dedication to your projects, they are not worthy of your time or financial investment. You need someone who comprehends your desire for a long-term business partnership, listens to your innovative business ideas, and collaborates with you to achieve your goals.
Another crucial attribute to seek is a profound understanding, not solely in matters related to commercial real estate transactions, but also in the diverse laws and regulations governing the industry. Your attorney should be well-versed in laws pertaining to apartments, contract disputes, commercial leasing, property management, and risk mitigation. Pay close attention to how they have safeguarded their clients’ interests through legal advice, rigorous negotiations, contract drafting, and courtroom advocacy. An attorney who excels at deciphering local land use codes is an asset. Keep in mind that an attorney’s expertise is indispensable in resolving construction disputes, addressing mechanic’s liens, and managing property defects, among other potential issues.
If you are wondering whether all these qualities can coexist in a single attorney, the emphatic answer is yes. The feasibility of finding such an attorney ultimately depends on your dedication to your business and the extent to which you are willing to be thorough in selecting a competent and reliable attorney. As previously mentioned, a proactive, business-minded attorney is the ideal choice. They should be actively engaged in the ever-evolving landscape of commercial real estate.
Entrusting significant business matters to an inexperienced attorney, while well-intentioned and diligent, may lack the requisite experience and insights necessary for a successful partnership.
Or you could just call Blaine Schwartz at Lippes Mathias at 716-853-5100