Real Estate Law
Real Estate Guidance
Whether you are buying or leasing the location that your business is going to operate out of, having a real estate attorney who focuses on business law is important. Buying or leasing commercial real estate is much different than buying a home or leasing an apartment. There are fewer protections for business owners than there are for residential real estate users.
For example, landlords are typically responsible for repairs on residential leases. However, most commercial real estate leases state that the tenant is responsible for all repairs. Without proper guidance from an attorney familiar with the ways in which commercial real estate transactions impact your business, you may potentially miss important details in the contract that expose your business to significant risks.
The Law Office of E.C. Lewis provides comprehensive real estate legal guidance for business owners. Elizabeth is an experienced Colorado business law attorney who has worked with a wide range of businesses on lease issues. She has the expertise necessary to help you with just about any real estate matter you may have.
Real Estate Services for Business Owners
Elizabeth Lewis provides the following real estate law services to small and medium sized business owners in Denver and throughout Colorado:
- Commercial real estate purchases
- Legal review of commercial real estate leases
- Protecting your assets
Commercial Real Estate Purchases
Whether you own a new or established business, buying a location for your business usually involves a whole new set of legal experiences. You will most likely have a variety of important questions regarding the transaction. These may include:
- What you can expect out of the seller
- What types of loans are available for commercial real estate owners
- How to approach your landlord about buying space you are currently leasing
While there are state-approved forms for the buying and selling of commercial real estate, it is helpful to have an experienced attorney involved to review the agreement and add any additional language that is necessary to protect your new investment.
The stakes are extremely high when purchasing commercial real estate property for your business. It’s critical to ensure every aspect of the transaction is handled properly so that you don’t expose your business to serious financial risks. Elizabeth can help you make sure you are protected today and for years to come.
Legal Review of Commercial Leases
The decisions you make when you lease commercial real estate space can have a significant long-term impact on your business. For example, the amount you pay on a lease has a direct impact on your bottom line. In addition, if you own a business that customers visit in person, the location you choose to set up shop is crucial. Elizabeth Lewis provides expert legal advice on a wide range of real estate-related issues, including the legal review of leases.
Commercial property leases run the gamut from simple, single-page agreements to complex documents filled with dense legal terminology. One thing they all have in common is that they may include language that you, as a business owner and not an attorney, are unfamiliar with. It’s important to work with an attorney who can ensure you understand all the terms of your lease.
In addition, you typically have a much greater ability to negotiate the terms of a commercial lease than you do with a residential lease. Commercial leases spell out a wide range of responsibilities and contingencies which can be altered to address the unique needs of your business. Elizabeth can work with you to customize your commercial lease in a way that protects your interests and sets your business up for success in your new location.
Elizabeth has experience helping business owners with a wide range of commercial leases. Whether you’re entering into a lease for warehouse space, retail space, office space or some other commercial property, Elizabeth can provide you with the guidance you need. Her expert assessment of each provision of the lease can help ensure that you do not sign an agreement that is unfair to you or unfavorable to your business. If she finds terms that put you at a disadvantage, she can advise you on how to request the necessary modifications to protect your interests.
It is also important to be sure that leasing is the right option for your company. There are advantages and disadvantages to both leasing and owning commercial property, and there are scenarios where buying property makes more sense than renting. Elizabeth can help you understand what is in your best interest, both today and down the road. If purchasing makes more sense, she can provide guidance on that process as well.
Protecting Your Assets
Your commercial real estate space isn’t the only property you need to be concerned about. Without the proper protection, your home and other personal property may potentially be at risk if your business runs into legal or financial trouble.
Elizabeth can provide the legal help you need to ensure your assets are properly protected. She can help you navigate a variety of asset protection strategies to keep your business and personal assets separate, including:
- Creating well-defined business entities
- Creating legal contracts to document formal partnerships
- Making a clear distinction between business and personal finances
In addition, the money you are owed for work performed or products delivered is considered an asset. In some cases, recovering that asset may require the placing of what is called a mechanic’s lien on a non-paying client’s property to ensure you ultimately get paid. Elizabeth can help you navigate this process to ensure it’s handled correctly.
Real Estate Advice for New Businesses
When starting a new business, very few decisions are more important than your location. Choosing the right commercial real estate property can set you up for long-term success, while a poor decision on your location can potentially doom your fledgling business before it can ever get off the ground.
There are a variety of factors impacting the best location for your business. It’s important to consider:
- Demographics – Who is your target customer? If you do business in person, are there enough of these people in the area to support you?
- Accessibility – Is the building you have chosen accessible to your customers, and does it have enough parking to accommodate the amount of traffic you anticipate?
- Business ecosystem – Many types of companies are more successful if certain other types of establishments are nearby. Is the environment you are considering right for business?
- Regulations and ordinances – Are there restrictions on the types of businesses that can operate in the location you are evaluating? If you can open your business there, are there regulations you need to adhere to?
- Does your business fit the area? – Your company has the best chance of thriving if you position it in an area well suited for it. For example, an upscale offering may seem out of place and perform poorly in an economically depressed area.
- Is the lease or purchase price justified for the amount of business you expect? – While the location may be perfect, if your lease is too high for your expected revenue, it may not be the right fit for your business.
Elizabeth Lewis has extensive experience helping new business owners choose the right location for their business. She can help you navigate these important questions to ensure you understand all the potential pros and cons of the location before you move forward.
Choosing a Real Estate Lawyer for Your Business
Real estate decisions can have a significant impact on the success of your business, and it’s critical to work with an experienced attorney who can protect your interests in these important transactions. The following tips will help ensure you choose the right business attorney to assist you with real estate matters:
- Expertise in real estate law – Not all business attorneys have experience handling real estate matters. It’s important to choose an attorney who understands the complexities of commercial real estate law and the ways these transactions can impact your business.
- Knowledge of local ordinances – Real estate laws vary across jurisdictions, so it is crucial to choose a lawyer familiar with the regulations in your local area. This can expedite the process, minimize potential pitfalls and ensure compliance with specific regional requirements.
- Knowledge of local neighborhoods – If your business relies on customers visiting your location in person, it’s important to work with an attorney who can help you choose the right neighborhood to set your business up for success.
- Costs – It’s important to understand the attorney’s fee structure before you agree to work with them. Always make sure these costs fit into your budget and that there aren’t any unexpected fees associated with these services.
- References and reviews – Always check an attorney’s online reviews and ask the lawyer to provide references of prior clients. This is an important step that will help you understand the quality of service you can expect.
Make Real Estate-Related Legal Decisions with Confidence
Real estate-related decisions can affect the success of your business for many years to come. Getting legal help from a skilled and experienced business attorney in Colorado allows you to move forward with confidence. Knowing that you have an expert on your side can make all the difference. When you work with Elizabeth Lewis, you’ll have peace of mind that your best interests will be protected in every real estate transaction you enter into.
Contact the Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C. today to schedule a consultation. We serve small and medium sized businesses in Denver and throughout Colorado.
Multiple Ways to Serve You
The Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C. understands that not all business owners can take the time out of their busy schedules to come to an office, appointments are available by phone, online, and through video-conferencing for those individuals who are on the go. Contact the Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C. today to schedule an appointment!
We Are Centrally Located
Located in Cherry Creek, the Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C. offers clients the convenience of being in the center of the Denver Metro Area, without having to deal with the traffic of downtown Denver.
Chet Baker
Rick Davis
How to Register a Trade Name in Colorado
How to Register a Trade Name in Colorado State of Colorado trade name registration is the process of filing a business name that is different from the legal name of the person or entity operating the business. A trade name is also commonly called a DBA, “doing...
Contact Us Today
Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C.
Your Denver Business Attorney
LICENSED IN COLORADO AND NORTH CAROLINA
501 S. Cherry Street, Suite 1100
Denver, CO 80246
720-258-6647
Elizabeth.Lewis@eclewis.com