The Gordon Davis Johnson and Shane P.C. (the Firm) Real Estate Section is diversified, and spans of a wide variety of transaction types, regions and countries.
The Real Estate Section has extensive expertise in advising clients through all stages of a real estate transaction, including the acquisition, financing, development, construction, leasing, management and sale of improved and unimproved real estate property. The Firm assists property owners in all aspects of the land development and land use entitlement process, including zoning, utility districts, tax abatement, and enterprise and foreign trade zones.
Additionally, the Section advises on the formation of joint ventures and partnerships in connection with the development of office, retail, industrial, hotel, resort and mixed-use projects.
The Firm’s Tax Section’s knowledge of tax-free exchanges and the acquisition and development of international properties complements the Real Estate Section’s expertise.
The Firm represents both lenders and borrowers in the southwest region, including Texas, New Mexico and Mexico, in the structuring and documentation of complex real estate and asset-based financing transactions, including recapitalization financings, revolving credit loans, multiple option and competitive bid facilities, construction loans, shelter loans, and maquiladora loans.
The Firm strives to be an asset to each real estate transaction through the cultivation of an intimate understanding of the development process and real estate industry. The Firm is an active member of many trade organizations including CCIM, ICSC and IREM.
The Real Estate Section’s practice areas are outlined below:
The Section handles contract negotiations for unimproved and improved, farm and ranch, and affordable housing properties. Throughout the purchase process, the Section conducts due diligence to provide accurate advice on potential issues affecting the client’s property. The Section also handles closings and 1031 exchanges.
The Section advises clients on the legal aspects of leasing property including retail, office, industrial and hospitality structures. The Section has an expertise in negotiating national tenant leases and shopping center development and management, including the negotiation of reciprocal easement agreements, tenant exclusives and restrictions for shopping centers.
The Section provides legal assistance to developers and investors starting new construction projects. In addition to easement planning, acquisition and enforcement, the Section advises on maintaining compliance with municipal regulations, planning for subdivisions and shopping centers and the development of tax incentive agreements. The Section has advised clients regarding the planning and feasibility of shopping centers, hospitality projects, apartments, town homes, office spaces, retail spaces and more.
With an understanding of local and regional markets, the Section can provide legal advice regarding the financing of commercial real estate projects including loan opinion letters and seller financing options.
To protect clients and their interests, the Section advises on contract negotiations and performance benchmarks for construction projects.
As a vital resource to many industries, ownership, usage and control of water plays a crucial role in the growth and development of businesses and industries. When contemplating the purchase or sale of water rights, clients can obtain legal advice from the Section.
