Effective January 1, 2026, Washington’s newly enacted RCW 61.40.010 (the “Solicited Real Property Act”) introduces a suite of statutory protections for property owners in transactions initiated through direct solicitation. While many prospective purchasers will be impacted, this provision will have meaningful implications for real estate purchasers who rely on off‑market acquisition strategies. On its face
Real Estate
Tacoma Passes Eviction Relief for Some Landlords
After a year of policy review, the City of Tacoma has amended its ordinances to provide some landlords of affordable housing with significant relief from a number of onerous burdens imposed on landlords by the City’s “Landlord Fairness Code Initiative” (For the sake of clarity, we will refer to it as the Tenant Protection Code…
Major Regulatory Changes Coming to Oregon’s Real Estate Industry in 2026
Oregon’s real estate professionals are on the cusp of a sweeping regulatory overhaul. House Bill 3137, signed into law in June 2025 and taking effect January 1, 2026, introduces significant new responsibilities for brokers, tighter oversight of teams, and expanded education requirements—all aimed at enhancing accountability across the industry.
With final rules now in place…
Oregon’s Building Performance Standards: ODOE finalizes incentive program rules
Oregon’s new Building Performance Standards (BPS) are now in effect, setting phased energy targets for commercial and institutional buildings.
Although the first compliance deadline is not until 2028, building owners should prepare now, as the Oregon Department of Energy (DOE) has just finalized its rules regarding the incentive program for early compliance. A competitive incentive…
Lease of Mind: Why Developers Should Consider Lease Options in Real Estate Agreements
Before leasing land, it is important for developers to understand the benefits of using a lease-option structure instead of jumping straight into a leasehold. By deliberately separating and sequencing the grant of rights from a landowner to a developer, parties can better manage potential reporting obligations under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) and…
Washington Adopts Statewide Rent Control: What Landlords Should Know
- Rent Caps and
Negotiating Loan Assumptions in Commercial Real Estate Purchase Agreements
As high interest rates continue to shape the commercial real estate landscape, buyers are increasingly exploring alternatives to traditional financing. One such strategy—assuming the seller’s existing mortgage—can offer significant savings when the seller’s loan terms beat current market rates.
But executing a loan assumption isn’t simple. It requires close coordination with lenders, detailed contract language…
Bricks and bots: AI technologies’ growing impact on construction
- Hallucinations –
Upcoming Event: Bisnow’s Portland Multifamily & Affordable Housing Summit
On April 23, 2025, join me in Portland, OR, for Bisnow’s Portland Multifamily & Affordable Housing Summit where leaders in development, policy, and finance will explore what’s next for Portland’s multifamily and affordable housing sectors.
I’ll be serving as the moderator for the Affordable Housing Panel. Hear from Margaret Salazar, CEO at REACH Community Development…
Executive Summary: When disaster strikes: Navigating damage provisions in commercial leases
Commercial leases contain numerous provisions that impact a tenant’s business, including those addressing damage and destruction. While these clauses may seem secondary during negotiations, recent natural disasters—such as wildfires in Oregon, Hawaii, and the West Coast—highlight their critical importance. When unforeseen events occur, well-negotiated lease provisions can provide clarity and protection for both landlords and…