Real Estate and Construction Law Blog
Insurance is meant to serve as a safety net for any construction project. But too often, that net has holes—some visible, many not. From ambiguous endorsements to missing documentation, small oversights can lead to major coverage gaps when a claim hits.
After decades of reviewing policies, litigating claims, and helping clients manage project risk, one…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
