Scottsdale Commercial Real Estate Attorney
Buying, selling or leasing commercial real estate are major transactions. At Endurance Business Law, PLLC, we work with buyers and sellers, as well as lessors and tenants on transactions and leases throughout Scottsdale and the metro Phoenix area. Our commercial real estate lawyer, James D. Griffith, understands how real estate transactions and leases can affect business operations, and he works closely with clients to spot potential problems and develop clear contracts that avoid or minimize the chance of disputes and litigation.
Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Commercial real estate transactions involve contracts for the sale, purchase, or lease of commercial property for business purposes. Our clients may be interested in purchasing an office building, selling an industrial facility, leasing retail or warehouse space, or purchasing an apartment complex. Because these transactions involve contracts and property law can be complex, our commercial real estate attorney reviews and drafts transaction documents to promote clarity, limit ambiguity, and allow the exchange of property rights in return for payment to occur without a hitch.
Commercial Real Estate Leases
A commercial real estate lease is an agreement between a property owner and a business tenant for the use of office, retail, warehouse, or industrial space for business purposes. A commercial lease establishes how rent is calculated and each party’s obligations for maintaining and using the leased space. Unlike residential leases, the terms of commercial leases can vary quite a bit and may shift costs and responsibilities between the landlord and the tenant.
How We Can Help
At Endurance Business Law, PLLC, our legal team starts by getting to know your situation first. Are you expanding? Selling an investment? Negotiating your first major lease? Every client’s needs are different.
Our goal is to solve problems before they become disputes. That means conducting thorough due diligence, ensuring contracts are clear, and addressing issues during negotiations instead of in court later. When disputes do happen, we have the litigation background to handle them.
Attorney Jim Griffith brings 14 years of experience to each deal. You work directly with him on your case. At our firm, we believe in building long-term relationships rather than churning through high volumes of clients.
Questions We Hear Often
Here are answers to common questions about commercial real estate transactions and leases:
What is the difference between a triple net lease and a gross lease?
In a triple net lease, you pay base rent plus your share of taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Base rent is lower, but your total cost fluctuates with actual expenses. Landlords like triple net leases because they don’t absorb rising costs. Tenants need to budget carefully since expenses can jump.
In a gross lease, the landlord pays property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. You pay rent, and that’s mostly it. Your costs stay predictable, but your base rent is higher because the landlord factors in those expenses.
What issues should people look for before signing a commercial lease?
Before signing a commercial lease, pay attention to these key areas:
- Rent escalation: How your rent increases over the lease term
- Common area maintenance: What’s included and typical annual costs
- Permitted uses: Whether your specific business activities are allowed
- Sublease and assignment rights: Your flexibility to relocate or bring in other tenants
- Tenant improvements: Who pays for build-out, and how much allowance you receive
- Renewal options: Your ability to extend the lease and under what terms
- Default provisions: How much time you get to cure problems before facing consequences
- Personal guarantees: Whether your personal assets are at risk for business obligations
- Property condition: Written confirmation about utilities, code compliance, and building condition
These provisions directly affect your operating costs and business flexibility for years to come.
What due diligence is required for Arizona commercial property transactions?
For Arizona commercial property transactions, the due diligence process includes the following steps:
- Title review: Check ownership history and existing liens
- ALTA survey: Confirm property boundaries and identify encroachments
- Environmental assessments: Uncover contamination risks and potential liability
- Zoning verification: Ensure your intended use is permitted
- CC&Rs and restrictive covenants: Understand limitations on property use or development
- Physical property inspection: Assess building condition and deferred maintenance
- Existing lease review: Evaluate tenant quality and lease terms for income properties
- Seller disclosures: Identify known defects or issues
- Permit verification: Confirm compliance with building codes and land use requirements
- Financial analysis: Review property taxes and operating expenses
Skipping steps in this process can lead to expensive surprises after closing.
Call Us And Get Help With Your Commercial Real Estate Matter
Whether you’re buying property, negotiating a lease, or selling an investment, having the help of someone who knows real estate law makes the process smoother. At Endurance Business Law, PLLC, we focus on practical solutions and clear communication. Call us at 480-997-2951 or send us a message to schedule a consultation and discuss your situation with a commercial real estate lawyer with integrity.