Commercial Real Estate
Legal guidance for commercial property purchases, sales, leases, and development in New Jersey.
Commercial real estate transactions are more complex than residential deals — involving larger sums, more parties, and greater legal and financial risk. Whether you are purchasing investment property, leasing commercial space, or selling a commercial building, experienced legal representation is essential.
"Commercial real estate decisions have long-term financial consequences. We protect your investment with thorough due diligence and careful contract negotiation."
Commercial Purchases & Sales
We represent buyers and sellers in the acquisition and disposition of commercial property, including office buildings, retail centers, industrial properties, multifamily buildings, and vacant land.
- Letter of intent (LOI) drafting and negotiation
- Purchase and sale agreement review and negotiation
- Due diligence coordination (title, environmental, zoning)
- Review of title commitment and survey
- Closing coordination and attendance
Commercial Leases
Commercial leases — whether you are a landlord or a tenant — are lengthy, complex documents with significant long-term financial implications. We review and negotiate lease terms to protect your interests over the full term of the agreement.
- Office, retail, and industrial lease negotiation
- Net, gross, and modified gross lease structures
- Personal guarantee review and negotiation
- Lease renewal options, expansion rights, and termination provisions
- Landlord and tenant representation in lease disputes
Investment Properties
We assist real estate investors with the acquisition, financing, management, and disposition of investment properties throughout New Jersey, including structuring ownership through LLCs and other entities for liability protection.
- Single and multi-family investment property transactions
- 1031 exchange coordination
- LLC and entity formation for property ownership
- Landlord compliance and tenant relations
Zoning & Land Use
Zoning and land use regulations in New Jersey can significantly affect the value and utility of commercial property. We advise on zoning compliance, variances, and the approvals process for property development and improvement.
Foreclosure Matters
We represent both lenders pursuing foreclosure on commercial properties and borrowers facing foreclosure, navigating New Jersey's judicial foreclosure process and exploring alternatives including loan modification and deed in lieu.
Commercial Real Estate FAQ
Commercial leases are complex, heavily negotiated documents — unlike residential leases, there are very few statutory protections for business tenants in New Jersey. Key provisions to scrutinize include: rent escalations, the definition of rentable vs. usable square footage, responsibility for repairs and maintenance, permitted use clauses, assignment and subletting rights, personal guarantee requirements, and early termination conditions. Never sign a commercial lease without legal review.
Due diligence is the investigative period before closing where you verify everything about the property: title history and encumbrances, environmental conditions, zoning compliance, existing lease obligations, survey and boundary issues, and the physical condition of the property. Skipping or rushing due diligence is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes in commercial real estate.
An NFA letter from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) confirms that a site has been remediated to a standard suitable for its intended use. If you are buying commercial property with any history of industrial or gas station use, an NFA letter is a key document to obtain. Without it, you may be assuming environmental liability for contamination you didn't cause.
Protect Your Business Investment
Legal Guidance for Your Commercial Transaction
Commercial real estate deals carry significant legal and financial risk. Nicole reviews contracts, conducts due diligence, and represents your interests through every stage of the transaction.