Individuals or groups looking to diversify their investment portfolio with commercial real estate might consider using a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) designed for this kind of investing. In determining whether an investment LLC is the right fit, the individual...
Business-Minded Legal Solutions
AAPI women face challenges even as they close the entrepreneur gap
There is much concern about the economy here in 2023 as businesses try to find their footing in the post-pandemic world with rising interest rates, empty workspaces and a general sense of uncertainty. Still, CNBC recently published some positive news: Asian American,...
Surveys are crucial to commercial real estate transactions
Some question the value of a survey when it involves commercial real estate, but the right survey can be invaluable. It is also recommended not to rely on an existing survey if it does not reflect all existing improvements and easements, is blurry or damaged. Surveys...
When does a buy-sell agreement make sense?
Owners of publicly-held companies can sell their equity at any time for the market price. On the other hand, owners in privately-held businesses are often restricted by the company’s organizational documents, contracts and securities laws which prohibit sale to the...
Preparation is essential when selling your company
Many founders, owners or CEOs spend their career building a successful business. It involves making strategic business decisions, picking the right personnel, reading market trends and creating products and services. It is smart leadership and due diligence. Still,...
What to do when real estate appraisals and purchase prices differ
It is common for buyers, sellers, lenders and real estate professionals to place different appraisal values on the same property. Reconciling the differing values is a significant part negotiations between the buyer and the seller. However, once they can arrive at an...
Why those bank failures impact commercial real estate financing
We wrote about commercial real estate indicators at the end of last year. At that time, there was concern about interest rates, inflation, recession fears, falling prices and other issues. We did not predict that the federal government would have to bail out banks,...
Chris Hanno appointed to Real Estate Law Exam Commission
The Directors of the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) recently announced that it appointed Stephenson Fournier partner Chris Hanno to its Real Estate Law Exam Commission. His three-year term runs from March 24, 2023, through February 1, 2026. Mr. Hanno will...
Determining the value of oil and gas leases
The Texas energy industry has a rich and colorful past, with wildcat rigs out searching for oil and gas in the first half of the 20th century. Fortunes were made in the old days by gambling if there was oil or gas and how much. Technology has refined exploration...
Phantom stock can be a win-win
Companies are always looking at different incentives to motivate their employees better. Examples include year-end bonuses, profit sharing, restricted stock or stock options. These perks can increase productivity, improve the company's overall success and retain...