Real Estate, Development & Construction
Contact: Jonathan W. Anderson
Acquisition, financing, development, management, leasing, sale -- Varnum's real estate practice group counsels clients on all matters relating to real estate. Whether a property is residential, commercial or recreational, our real estate attorneys know the issues and the law.
Our clients -- ranging from individuals to major financial institutions -- include real estate developers and operators, real estate trusts, foreign investors, joint ventures, limited partnerships, syndicators, contractors, management companies, architects and a variety of lenders.
With our broad base of experience on real estate matters, we provide guidance in:
- Acquisitions, sales and exchanges
- Land use, development and zoning
- Condominium development and operations
- Commercial and industrial leasing
- Construction law
- Licensing and regulatory matters
- Financing and tax abatement
- Residential transactions
- Environmental law
- Litigation and arbitration
Much of our business involves representing condominium, commercial and other developers. Thanks to Varnum's team approach, we can call on experts in municipal and environmental law to address regulatory issues arising from acquisitions and development transactions.
For example, we work with zoning and land use planning matters of all kinds, including rezonings; variances, special uses, and other administrative approvals; planned unit developments; land use planning advice; and litigation in the trial and appellate courts when municipal actions are challenged.
We also handle contract drafting and negotiating for projects, including master deeds for condominium projects, service contracts, installment purchase contracts, and sale/leaseback agreements.
In a related area, we offer loan documentation services (negotiation, documentation and closing of commercial and real estate loans) for banks and other financial institutions. Our attorneys also render third-party opinions on behalf of business clients to lenders and other transaction parties.