Legal Advice Blog: Legal Advice, Case Insights, & Local Law Information

Legal marijuana growers in California, including in Los Angeles, are causing rents and prices for industrial properties to increase exponentially. In fact, in some parts of Sacramento, prices are jumping to never-before-seen heights. This may be good news for those interested in selling commercial real estate or offering commercial leases. According to commercial real estate brokers, light-industrial buildings and warehouses are selling for double the typical asking prices. In addition, rents have jumped to four to five times the normal rent prices in a particular area on the southeastern part of Sacramento. The heating up of this market is leading up to recreational marijuana’s legalization next year in California. Voters in California approved marijuana’s legalization in 2016 with Proposition 64. However, counties and cities are retaining a lot of say in where and how legal marijuana may be grown. Sacramento’s adoption of marijuana-growing ordinances makes it a unique major urban area in California — one that is drawing a large number of businesspeople, even those from other states who want to own legitimate marijuana-growing businesses. A real estate bubble may occur in several years, but the value of properties may be sustained. The idea of higher rents and prices may be appealing for property owners who are interested in selling their properties or offering commercial leases. However, navigating commercial real estate transactions can be tricky, with mistakes potentially costing a property owner or investor a deal. An attorney in Los Angeles can strive to ensure that one’s goals are ultimately achieved in today’s high-demand, competitive real estate market. Source: sacbee.com, “Pot growers take over warehouse space in Sacramento”, Hudson Sangree, Oct. 9, 2017

A shopping center in Pleasant Hills, California, was recently sold for a whopping $5.3 million. A private investor purchased the center, which features three stores, including a Starbucks. The purchase of such buildings, where small businesses can take advantage of commercial leases, can help to stimulate local economies throughout the state, including in Los Angeles. Besides Starbucks, stores that have called the shopping center their home include a Pier 1 Imports, a Party City, a T-Mobile and an Aspen Dental. However, Starbucks really drove the re-development of this site, which took 14 months to complete after the property was purchased in June of 2016. Starbucks had been searching for an area to locate in the Pleasant Hills area for about three years before purchasing the shopping center. At the time of its 2016 purchase, the property was bought for just $1.5 million. The private real estate investor who just bought the property for $5.3 million had sold a California vineyard to buy the center. The center is now bringing brand-new retailers to the local area in addition to allowing old ones, such as Aspen Dental, to remain there. Purchasing commercial real estate properties in Los Angeles and other parts of California can be exciting, and the properties often generate regular income for their investors. The community also benefits from these purchases, as they prevent vacant buildings from becoming eyesores. However, navigating a commercial real estate deal can be a challenge, and commercial leases need to be reviewed and negotiated before being signed. An attorney can provide the necessary guidance with all of these types of transactions so that one’s goals can ultimately be achieved in the Golden State. Source: triblive.com, “ Pleasant Hills shopping center sold to California real estate investor “, Stephanie Hacke, Oct. 22, 2017

A shopping center in Pleasant Hills, California, was recently sold for a whopping $5.3 million. A private investor purchased the center, which features three stores, including a Starbucks. The purchase of such buildings, where small businesses can take advantage of commercial leases, can help to stimulate local economies throughout the state, including in Los Angeles. Besides Starbucks, stores that have called the shopping center their home include a Pier 1 Imports, a Party City, a T-Mobile and an Aspen Dental. However, Starbucks really drove the re-development of this site, which took 14 months to complete after the property was purchased in June of 2016. Starbucks had been searching for an area to locate in the Pleasant Hills area for about three years before purchasing the shopping center. At the time of its 2016 purchase, the property was bought for just $1.5 million. The private real estate investor who just bought the property for $5.3 million had sold a California vineyard to buy the center. The center is now bringing brand-new retailers to the local area in addition to allowing old ones, such as Aspen Dental, to remain there. Purchasing commercial real estate properties in Los Angeles and other parts of California can be exciting, and the properties often generate regular income for their investors. The community also benefits from these purchases, as they prevent vacant buildings from becoming eyesores. However, navigating a commercial real estate deal can be a challenge, and commercial leases need to be reviewed and negotiated before being signed. An attorney can provide the necessary guidance with all of these types of transactions so that one’s goals can ultimately be achieved in the Golden State. Source: triblive.com, “ Pleasant Hills shopping center sold to California real estate investor “, Stephanie Hacke, Oct. 22, 2017

California readers know that trespassing is illegal, but there are circumstances in which a person could actually obtain certain rights to use property that belongs to another party. This confusing concept goes by the name of adverse possession, and you may find it beneficial to understand how this process works. In certain circumstances, a person who has been trespassing for an extended period of time may actually obtain the right to stay on the property. In order to qualify for adverse possession, a person must be using the land exclusively and openly, without attempting to hide it. The rights granted to a person through adverse possession differ on a case-by-case basis and depend on the unique circumstances of the individual case. Who should pursue an adverse property claim? One of the most common examples of the need to file an adverse property claim is when a person inherits or comes into possession of a piece of land that comes with very little documentation. This often happens when a person receives property from a family member in a will or through a traditional chain of possession. An adverse possession claim could also be appropriate when a person who is not the property owner uses a piece of land for an extended amount of time, typically for several years. A valid adverse possession claim There are certain requirements a person must meet in order to qualify for an adverse possession claim. These include the following: The claimant must be occupying, regardless of whether or not he or she knows it is actually trespassing. The actual act of trespassing must be fairly obvious. The claimant must be treating the land as if he or she owned it. The trespassing must occur for an unbroken, extended period of time, unshared with any other person. Whether you are the one who wishes to have legal claim to a piece of land you are using or you have concerns about a person trespassing on your property, you could benefit from a complete explanation of your legal rights and the options available to you. The terminology associated with adverse possession and trespassing is confusing and difficult. Whether you are considering initiating an adverse claim or simply want a better explanation of your property rights, you would be wise not to delay in seeking an evaluation of your case. When it comes to your entitlements, rightful access and use of property, there is no time to lose.

California readers know that trespassing is illegal, but there are circumstances in which a person could actually obtain certain rights to use property that belongs to another party. This confusing concept goes by the name of adverse possession, and you may find it beneficial to understand how this process works. In certain circumstances, a person who has been trespassing for an extended period of time may actually obtain the right to stay on the property. In order to qualify for adverse possession, a person must be using the land exclusively and openly, without attempting to hide it. The rights granted to a person through adverse possession differ on a case-by-case basis and depend on the unique circumstances of the individual case. Who should pursue an adverse property claim? One of the most common examples of the need to file an adverse property claim is when a person inherits or comes into possession of a piece of land that comes with very little documentation. This often happens when a person receives property from a family member in a will or through a traditional chain of possession. An adverse possession claim could also be appropriate when a person who is not the property owner uses a piece of land for an extended amount of time, typically for several years. A valid adverse possession claim There are certain requirements a person must meet in order to qualify for an adverse possession claim. These include the following: The claimant must be occupying, regardless of whether or not he or she knows it is actually trespassing. The actual act of trespassing must be fairly obvious. The claimant must be treating the land as if he or she owned it. The trespassing must occur for an unbroken, extended period of time, unshared with any other person. Whether you are the one who wishes to have legal claim to a piece of land you are using or you have concerns about a person trespassing on your property, you could benefit from a complete explanation of your legal rights and the options available to you. The terminology associated with adverse possession and trespassing is confusing and difficult. Whether you are considering initiating an adverse claim or simply want a better explanation of your property rights, you would be wise not to delay in seeking an evaluation of your case. When it comes to your entitlements, rightful access and use of property, there is no time to lose.

A realty company in California recently closed a brand-new deal at a property known as the old Garland Center. The data center part of this property has thus been renamed the West 7 Center. Evocative, an internet company, signed a lease for a whopping 42,000 square feet at this piece of property, which is located in the downtown area of Los Angeles. These types of commercial leases can be mutually beneficial for both the lessor and lessee. Evocative provides the secure internet infrastructure that its clients need. Thanks to its recent signing of a long-term lease, it will be able to access two data centers at West 7 Center. It will offer a capacity of 2.5 megawatts. The West 7 Center will actually be the company’s first location for a data center in Los Angeles. The firm already possesses data centers in other parts of California, such as San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Emeryville, as well as in Las Vegas. The property has office space totaling 450,000 square feet on nine floors, and its data center — the biggest one in the downtown area — features more than 280,000 square feet. Commercial leasing can be a lucrative area of real estate for investors. However, figuring out how to handle commercial leases can be tricky for both investors and the tenants interested in leasing their properties. An attorney in Los Angeles can help to ensure that investors’ best interests are protected when putting together and negotiating leases. Likewise, an attorney can make sure that business owners who are interested in becoming tenants at a commercial property are not taken advantage of in the process. Source: therealdeal.com, “ Internet company takes space at Rising Realty’s West 7 Center “, Natalie Hoberman, Sept. 12, 2017

A realty company in California recently closed a brand-new deal at a property known as the old Garland Center. The data center part of this property has thus been renamed the West 7 Center. Evocative, an internet company, signed a lease for a whopping 42,000 square feet at this piece of property, which is located in the downtown area of Los Angeles. These types of commercial leases can be mutually beneficial for both the lessor and lessee. Evocative provides the secure internet infrastructure that its clients need. Thanks to its recent signing of a long-term lease, it will be able to access two data centers at West 7 Center. It will offer a capacity of 2.5 megawatts. The West 7 Center will actually be the company’s first location for a data center in Los Angeles. The firm already possesses data centers in other parts of California, such as San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Emeryville, as well as in Las Vegas. The property has office space totaling 450,000 square feet on nine floors, and its data center — the biggest one in the downtown area — features more than 280,000 square feet. Commercial leasing can be a lucrative area of real estate for investors. However, figuring out how to handle commercial leases can be tricky for both investors and the tenants interested in leasing their properties. An attorney in Los Angeles can help to ensure that investors’ best interests are protected when putting together and negotiating leases. Likewise, an attorney can make sure that business owners who are interested in becoming tenants at a commercial property are not taken advantage of in the process. Source: therealdeal.com, “ Internet company takes space at Rising Realty’s West 7 Center “, Natalie Hoberman, Sept. 12, 2017

In Southern California, the real estate market is highly competitive. This is especially true for those interested in purchasing properties in the Los Angeles area that would enable them to offer in-demand commercial leases. A couple of tips may help with navigating commercial real estate deals in the Golden State. First, financial qualification can help an aspiring buyer and his or her company to succeed when the perfect opportunity comes. A bank might have already verbally told a buyer that it is willing to lend this buyer money to purchase a commercial property, but this is not enough. Obtaining a pre-qualification letter that includes a comprehensive review of the buyer’s current financial snapshot is essential. Another essential move is to remove contingencies. For instance, some buyers might actually have to sell their own properties before they can buy new ones. If this is the case and they include these contingencies with their purchase offers, their offers may end up getting overlooked for those of other buyers who are immediately ready to buy. In addition, having a liquid down payment can increase a buyer’s chances of having his or her offer approved. Commercial real estate in Los Angeles offers great promises, but it can also be a big headache for those unfamiliar with the buying process. Even those who are familiar with it may run into new issues with every deal, as no two deals are the same. An attorney can help with navigating these types of deals so that one’s goal of being able to offer commercial leases in California will ultimately be realized. Source: ocregister.com, “ 4 ways to win a commercial real estate deal “, Allen Buchanan, Sept. 2, 2017

In Southern California, the real estate market is highly competitive. This is especially true for those interested in purchasing properties in the Los Angeles area that would enable them to offer in-demand commercial leases. A couple of tips may help with navigating commercial real estate deals in the Golden State. First, financial qualification can help an aspiring buyer and his or her company to succeed when the perfect opportunity comes. A bank might have already verbally told a buyer that it is willing to lend this buyer money to purchase a commercial property, but this is not enough. Obtaining a pre-qualification letter that includes a comprehensive review of the buyer’s current financial snapshot is essential. Another essential move is to remove contingencies. For instance, some buyers might actually have to sell their own properties before they can buy new ones. If this is the case and they include these contingencies with their purchase offers, their offers may end up getting overlooked for those of other buyers who are immediately ready to buy. In addition, having a liquid down payment can increase a buyer’s chances of having his or her offer approved. Commercial real estate in Los Angeles offers great promises, but it can also be a big headache for those unfamiliar with the buying process. Even those who are familiar with it may run into new issues with every deal, as no two deals are the same. An attorney can help with navigating these types of deals so that one’s goal of being able to offer commercial leases in California will ultimately be realized. Source: ocregister.com, “ 4 ways to win a commercial real estate deal “, Allen Buchanan, Sept. 2, 2017

The state of California, including Los Angeles, continues to offer a wellspring of opportunities for those interested in mixed-use properties. In San Francisco, construction is expected to soon start on a new mixed-use project that will stand six stories tall and feature residential, restaurant and retail spaces. Just a few important permits are necessary before the construction phase can begin and commercial leases are offered. The area being developed was the site of a McDonald’s restaurant in recent years. Now, instead of seeing golden arches there, passersby will start to see a building that spans 150,000 square feet and features ritzier food and beverage options. Restaurants and retail shops will be on the ground floor, and there will also be 20 hotel rooms and 77 apartments sold at market rates. Three floors will also be dedicated to underground parking. No formal schedule related to the beginning of construction currently exists. However, the developers of the site, known as 1380 California, currently have the majority of the permits needed to commence building, which will first include demolishing the old McDonald’s building. The project’s last design review took place on Sept. 20. Business owners in Los Angeles may benefit from new opportunities to sign commercial leases in this area of the state. The right spots can help them to draw more customers and ultimately buttress their bottom lines. However, choosing the right spot is only half the battle, with the other half having to do with lease negotiations. An attorney can help with reviewing and negotiating a lease to ensure that one’s rights and best interests are protected before one signs on the dotted line. Source: eastbaytimes.com, “ Walnut Creek mixed-use project to push out old McDonald’s “, Sam Richards, Sept. 26, 2017

The state of California, including Los Angeles, continues to offer a wellspring of opportunities for those interested in mixed-use properties. In San Francisco, construction is expected to soon start on a new mixed-use project that will stand six stories tall and feature residential, restaurant and retail spaces. Just a few important permits are necessary before the construction phase can begin and commercial leases are offered. The area being developed was the site of a McDonald’s restaurant in recent years. Now, instead of seeing golden arches there, passersby will start to see a building that spans 150,000 square feet and features ritzier food and beverage options. Restaurants and retail shops will be on the ground floor, and there will also be 20 hotel rooms and 77 apartments sold at market rates. Three floors will also be dedicated to underground parking. No formal schedule related to the beginning of construction currently exists. However, the developers of the site, known as 1380 California, currently have the majority of the permits needed to commence building, which will first include demolishing the old McDonald’s building. The project’s last design review took place on Sept. 20. Business owners in Los Angeles may benefit from new opportunities to sign commercial leases in this area of the state. The right spots can help them to draw more customers and ultimately buttress their bottom lines. However, choosing the right spot is only half the battle, with the other half having to do with lease negotiations. An attorney can help with reviewing and negotiating a lease to ensure that one’s rights and best interests are protected before one signs on the dotted line. Source: eastbaytimes.com, “ Walnut Creek mixed-use project to push out old McDonald’s “, Sam Richards, Sept. 26, 2017

A real estate brokerage in California recently completed a property portfolio sale and leaseback. The transaction took place in Rancho Cucamonga and Carteret, less than an hour from Los Angeles. With these types of transactions, property owners may sell their commercial real estate assets for quick capital and then do commercial leases with these assets, essentially leasing them back from the buyers. In the recent sale and leaseback, the company CBRE purchased an industrial portfolio featuring three properties. The company said the transaction was complex and highly coordinated, considering the short time frame with which it had to work. The three properties total more than 139,000 square feet. According to CBRE, the solid interest in this offering proves that the demand for these types of industrial investments is robust in submarkets that serve Los Angeles and other similar gateway cities. The three-property portfolio is currently fully leased to a manufacturer of seafood products. The manufacturer specializes in providing products that are crab flavored to food service clients. The specific financial terms of the complex were not divulged. Dealing with commercial leases can be both exciting and intimidating in the competitive real estate markets of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. In the same way, buying and selling real estate can be complicated, with one mistake having the potential to cost a buyer or seller money, time or the deal itself. An attorney in California can help with these types of transactions to make sure that one’s rights are protected with each step. Source: njbiz.com, “ CBRE completes purchase in Carteret, California “, Mario Marroquin, Sept. 7, 2017