The last thing a homebuyer wants is to emotionally commit to purchasing a home and then lose it. Similarly, no seller wants to select a buyer, only to see the home sale fall apart. Everybody made plans. Suddenly, both parties have to start over. When the sale falls through, both buyer and seller can feel an emotional attachment to the initial earnest money deposit. That’s when earnest money disputes arise.

Sales fall through for unexpected reasons. Sometimes it’s an unforseen life event, cold feet or a sudden change in finances. Earnest money disputes seek to determine whether the buyer or the seller deserves to retain the original monetary deposit. If you’re a potential buyer or seller, it’s a good idea to understand a few concepts about earnest money to help reduce the possibility of a bitter trip to the courtroom. 

There’s big news this summer for residential real estate developers, sales agents and future buyers of condominium properties in Seattle. Washington state’s updated condo act, known as SB 5334, became effective law on July 28, 2019. The new legislation eases regulations on condominium defect liabilities for residential condominium developers and management companies. That means exciting prospects for the condominium market in the city of Seattle. SB 5334 reduces concerns of risk and uncertainty that previously plagued condominium investments across Washington state. 

The experienced attorneys at Holmquist + Gardiner support clients involved in all phases of the construction process including property developers, contractors, architects, engineers, management firms and individual tenants. We assist our clients with diverse issues specific to Seattle and Washington state laws and regulations. SB 5334 represents a transformative moment in…

The federal Opportunity Zone program offers significant tax incentives to taxpayers who invest in land-use, business or real-estate projects within specified low-income and underserved communities. Investors with the right strategy and long-term investment goals can take advantage of this program to reduce, or event eliminate, their capital gains taxes. 

As a real-estate attorney with Holmquist + Gardiner, I specialize in transactions involving mixed-use development properties and tax-deferred investment strategies, including Opportunity Zone investments. I help clients mitigate risks and successfully take advantage of incentives. 

There is an often overlooked, yet critical moment in every good-faith business relationship between commercial landlords and tenants. It’s not the day the price per square footage is agreed upon, nor the moment the ink burns bright on the lease agreement — or even if/when the lease is renewed. No; a great indication of a smooth landlord-tenant relationship is apparent by its orderly conclusion. When entering a lease agreement, it’s important to remember that the end is inevitable. 

I’m talking specifically about “restoration work,” a provision within every lease agreement that defines the responsibility of landlords and tenants after a lease expires. Restoration work refers to any inevitable preparation required to successfully transition the interior space from past tenant to new tenant. 

Is it time once again to consider renewing your residential lease? Often that leaves tenants asking if they should stay another year. Is there room to negotiate a better deal or should tenants save time, energy and effort and move to a new place? 

Previously, we’ve looked at commercial lease negotiations best practices, but we at Holmquist + Gardiner often receive requests for guidance with residential property lease negotiations as well.

Spring is here. The cherry blossoms are blooming. It’s nearly time to roll out the grill for its summer stint on the patio. Hopefully any extended time spent outside enjoying your property includes a friendly wave from your neighbor. For residential property owners dealing with the turmoil of a contentious boundary line dispute, a wave is more likely an apoplectic stare, or worse.