General contractors in California and around the country sometimes face construction defect lawsuits soon after completing projects, but this kind of litigation may also be filed months or even years after building work has come to an end. While some legal battles may be inevitable, others can sometimes be avoided by properly drafted construction contracts that clearly establish the duties and responsibilities of all of the parties involved.
Preparing a commercial building for occupancy
Finding the ideal office, warehouse or store to lease can be challenging for startup or growing companies in California and around the country. It can take business owners months to check local regulations, acquire necessary permits and negotiate lease terms, and there is often much still to do even after documents have been signed and keys handed over.
The link between commercial real estate and interest rates
California real estate developers are likely aware that the Federal Reserve chose to raise interest rates in March 2017, and they may also know that they may be raised two more times before the year ends. This means that rate levels may have an impact in the near-term results in the commercial real estate market. For some, higher rates mean that they aren't able to borrow as much money, which may put downward pressure on prices.
Lawsuit over Blackbeard's shipwreck media goes to federal court
California business owners may be interested to learn that a U.S. District Court judge ruled that a North Carolina photographer can continue his lawsuit against state officials. He had claimed that the state officials illegally copied videos he had recorded of Blackbeard's shipwreck and then passed a law that legalized their actions.
The importance of separate representation in real estate
Commercial real estate transactions in California are highly complex. Some sellers make the mistake of believing that they can rely on the buyers' attorneys during their transactions. Buyers' lawyers only owe duties to their own clients and do not represent the interests of the sellers.
