Navigating the Eviction Landscape: Issues for Landlords and Property Managers

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Construction, Real Estate Holmquist + Gardiner, PLLC Construction, Real Estate Holmquist + Gardiner, PLLC

Updated Condo Act Offers Incentives to Spark New Property Developments

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…

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Business, Real Estate Holmquist + Gardiner, PLLC Business, Real Estate Holmquist + Gardiner, PLLC

Opportunity Zone Investments – What You Need to Know

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. 

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Business Holmquist + Gardiner, PLLC Business Holmquist + Gardiner, PLLC

Advice for Borrowers Seeking Multifamily Property Loans with Freddie Mac

It’s prime time to talk Freddie Mac Loans. Freddie Mac helps generate loans to large borrowers at highly competitive rates. This summer is no exception as low interest rates offer plenty of incentive for large borrowers to refinance or purchase multifamily residential property. But understanding Freddie Mac’s function, and the process required to secure a large multifamily loan, are important to achieve goals efficiently. 

Holmquist + Gardiner helps borrowers successfully acquire Freddie Mac loans in order to refinance or purchase multi-family residential properties. These are properties with a minimum of five units per building that cater to urban life. When seeking funding over $5 million, it’s important to be prepared.  Below are a few helpful tips…

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Business Holmquist + Gardiner, PLLC Business Holmquist + Gardiner, PLLC

Corporation Scams

If you have formed an entity in Washington, you know that there are several forms that must be filled out and exchanged with the Secretary of State’s office. Because the creation of a business entity is visible to the public, some bad actors have recently attempted to take advantage of new business owners by mailing them official-looking letters requesting payment for documents from the Secretary of State.

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Business, Real Estate Imants Holmquist Business, Real Estate Imants Holmquist

Restoration Work — a Frequent Source of Conflict in Commercial Lease Agreements

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. 

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