Developers in D.C. frequently encounter regulatory challenges, especially related to tenant rights laws like the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), which gives tenants first refusal rights when rental buildings are sold and can complicate timelines. Zoning hurdles and local initiatives to preserve affordable housing also present significant legal complexities and potential delays.

Disputes with contractors are common in development and flipping projects. We assist developers and investors when contractors' work is defective or they abandon a job, or they place mechanic's liens. We also handle property damage claims resulting from contractor accidents, aiming to prevent claims from bankrupting your project.

Specific performance is a legal remedy often pursued in real estate litigation to force a buyer or seller to complete a transaction as agreed upon in the contract, particularly when a party backs out of a property sale. It requires a confident litigation strategy to enforce the deal.

We specialize in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts such as purchase agreements, joint venture agreements, and construction contracts. Our goal is to create rock-solid agreements that protect your interests, prevent future disputes, and provide peace of mind in high-dollar transactions.

Yes, securing zoning variances or special exceptions is a high-value service, especially in D.C. and certain NJ municipalities, as your entire project may depend on these approvals. We guide projects through hearings and can appeal adverse decisions. We also advise on environmental compliance, such as New Jersey's Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA), and resolving disputes over cleanup responsibility.

The most significant legal hazard for real estate agents is being accused of failing to disclose a material property defect or misrepresenting some aspect of a deal. Buyers who discover undisclosed problems often sue both the seller and the seller’s agent. Agents have a fiduciary duty to disclose anything that materially affects the property's value.

Commission disputes are common, arising from ambiguities in agreements, deals closing after listing agreements expire, or conflicts over client poaching. We help agents resolve these conflicts, which can occur with clients or within the brokerage over splits and bonuses. Quick legal action or mediation can be crucial for recovering owed commissions.

Modern realtors relying on platforms like Instagram and TikTok face legal risks related to advertising and compliance. You must comply with state real estate commission regulations, including displaying brokerage affiliation or license numbers. Misleading claims, inadvertent Fair Housing Act violations (even unintentional phrasing or targeting), and using third-party content (photos, music) without permission (which can lead to copyright infringement claims) are common pitfalls.

Top-producing agents carry Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance for good reason, as professional liability claims can arise from a deal gone wrong. Beyond misrepresentation claims, agents can face lawsuits for negligence (e.g., an injured person at an open house suing the listing agent) or be named in disputes between a buyer and seller simply due to their involvement. Having an attorney who understands real estate E&O issues is a wise move for these professionals.

Yes, ambitious agents often form teams or start their own firms, leading to potential legal conflicts during transitions. We assist with allegations of soliciting clients in violation of independent contractor agreements, disputes over client lists and listings, and non-compete or non-solicitation clauses. We also provide counsel for business formation (LLCs, trademarking) and represent agents in arbitration or litigation related to these transitions.