This is the first in a series of articles that will describe the fundamentals of the most consequential topics falling under the umbrella of real estate law. As a real estate trial lawyer with personal experience handling disputes in each of the areas that will be considered, my goal is to explain in plain language
Is Mediating a Precondition to Arbitrating?
Many construction contracts now contain arbitration clauses. Arbitration can be an effective dispute resolution process, but how the clauses operate in practice can raise challenges. This is especially true when intertwined with mediation requirements and mechanic liens under state law. The scenario below illustrates how the seeming conflicts could be resolved.
Assume a contractor under
Lien Priority in Receivership?
For mechanic lien claimants having “priority” is a charmed state. Priority refers to the ordering of claims against a piece of real estate. Claims with first priority get paid first from the proceeds of a sale or foreclosure. Being “junior” can mean no payday at all.
Minnesota, like most states, has its own rules for
Twin Cities Multi-Family and Industrial Sectors Remain Strong
Last week I moderated an online forum in which three recognized experts in various segments of the real estate industry shared their respective crystal balls as we close out 2020 and look ahead to 2021. The panelists included Tim Elam, Managing Director, Scannell Properties, James Freytag, SVP, CBRE, and Gretchen Camp, Principal, ESG. Each panelist
Finding the Future: Retail Innovation Doesn’t Wait for a COVID Cure
Walk anywhere in the five and a half million square feet that make up Mall of America and you will find signs of COVID…literally signs that help keep guests safe as they visit and shop the country’s largest retail destination. Sanitation stations are a few feet apart in every hallway. Masks are required and
The Twin Cities Commercial Real Estate Market: What Does the Future Hold?
The United States is now more than 10 months into responding to the COVID-19 health care crisis. Minnesota has been grappling with it in earnest since at least March 2020 when Gov. Tim Walz initiated a series of executive orders designed to stem the spread of the disease until testing and/or a vaccine can be
Multifamily Housing Shifts Focus to the Suburbs
Like most things in 2020, the multifamily housing market is in a state of flux. Recently, I had the opportunity to moderate the Bisnow webinar, Twin Cities Deep Dive: Multifamily Update. The panelists included Brent Webb, Development Manager, Mortenson, Christian Osmundson, Director of Development, Alatus, and Josh Brandsted, President of Greco Properties. These leaders
Pandemic Disrupts the Multifamily Housing Market
The global pandemic has affected every aspect of life in America and across the world, the multifamily housing market is no exception. The impact of the pandemic is affecting every aspect of multifamily development from product design and selection, to getting deals done, to building management and operation.
Over the last decade, there has been
Commercial Lease Negotiations in Uncertain Times: Market Trends Surrounding Property Improvements Part 2
In our last post we welcomed the following guests to introduce themselves, to share advice they are currently offering to clients as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, and to share their initial observations surrounding property improvements as some businesses are beginning to re-open their doors to employees, customers, and clients:
Continue Reading Commercial Lease Negotiations in Uncertain Times: Market Trends Surrounding Property Improvements Part 2
Larkin Hoffman’s Real Estate and Construction Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for 2021
Every year attorneys from Larkin Hoffman receive recognition for their efforts to assist in a variety of complex issues relating to land use and zoning, real estate, environmental regulation, construction, eminent domain and condemnation, and tax law. This year a number of the firm’s real estate and construction practice attorneys have been selected by their