5 Questions to Ask Your Commercial Real Estate Lawyer in NYC

  • Jan 01, 2025
  • | 36

When it comes to commercial real estate, you want to make sure you’re working with someone who knows the ropes. The process can be tricky, and without the right legal advice, you could find yourself in hot water. 

So, what should you ask your commercial real estate lawyer in New York to make sure you’re getting the best service? Here are five questions to ask before you sign on the dotted line.

What is Your Experience with Commercial Real Estate Transactions in NYC?

Not all lawyers are created equal, and the same goes for commercial real estate attorneys. When looking for a commercial real estate lawyer in NYC, ask about their experience with properties similar to yours. 

Do they have expertise in handling complex real estate transactions in New York? It’s essential to find a lawyer who understands the local market, regulations, and specific challenges that come with commercial properties in NYC.

Berenice Busson and Robert S. Sikorski bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, with deep experience in real estate law and a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of the NYC real estate market. 

Whether you’re dealing with an acquisition, a lease dispute, or property development, having a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the city’s legal framework can make a significant difference.

How Do You Approach Legal Issues in Commercial Real Estate?

Every deal has its risks, but a good lawyer should have a proactive approach to spotting potential issues before they turn into problems. Ask them about how they handle things like title issues, financing problems, or lease disputes. 

A lawyer with a sharp eye will see red flags early on and help you address them before they become real headaches. It’s also important that your lawyer takes a forward-thinking approach—helping you think through potential risks down the road. 

Real estate deals are rarely just about the present; a good lawyer will help you plan for the long-term implications of your decisions.

What’s the Timeline for Closing a Deal?

Every deal is different, but understanding the general timeline for closing a commercial real estate transaction is crucial. Ask your lawyer about their approach to handling deadlines and whether they have a track record of meeting them. 

The right lawyer should be able to give you a realistic timeframe, considering all aspects of the deal, such as inspections, financing, and negotiations.

A commercial real estate lawyer should also have connections to other professionals, such as title companies and contractors, to help keep everything moving smoothly. Having someone who knows how to keep things on track can save you time and frustration.

How Do You Handle Disputes?

In real estate, conflicts are bound to come up. Whether it's a disagreement over terms in a lease, a boundary issue, or something else entirely, you'll want a lawyer who knows how to handle these situations calmly and effectively. 

Ask them how they deal with disputes. Do they prefer to resolve things through negotiation or litigation? How do they communicate with clients when a dispute arises?

A good lawyer doesn’t just react when problems pop up; they stay calm, analyze the situation, and figure out the best way forward to protect your interests.

How Can You Help with Real Estate Planning?

It’s not all about the immediate deal; real estate planning is something you’ll want to think about too. Whether you're making plans for future property development or just want to ensure your assets are protected, ask how the lawyer can help with long-term planning.

A real estate planning attorney in NYC, like those at Busson & Sikorski, can help with everything from tax strategies to estate planning. They’ll help you set up the best possible plan to ensure that your commercial property works for you now and down the road.

Key Takeaway

Picking the right commercial real estate lawyer in NYC can make all the difference. By asking the right questions, you’ll know whether they have the experience, knowledge, and approach that suit your needs. 

Busson and Sikorski are well-versed in handling all aspects of commercial real estate, from complex transactions to long-term planning. With their expertise on your side, you can feel confident about your real estate ventures.