Real Estate Law

Buying or selling real estate requires careful legal oversight. Our attorneys assist with residential and commercial transactions, including contract drafting and review, negotiations, due diligence, financing arrangements, and closings. We identify and address potential title defects, liens, zoning restrictions, property-use limitations, and other issues that could affect the transaction or the value of the property.

Through our attorney-led title agency, Woodward, Kelley, Fulton & Kaplan provides comprehensive title and closing services for residential and commercial real estate transactions throughout Florida. Our team assists with title searches and examinations, title insurance, escrow services, document preparation, and closings. When title defects, liens, ownership questions, or other complications arise, our clients benefit from having experienced real estate attorneys directly involved in evaluating the issues, identifying potential solutions, and helping move the transaction toward closing.

Lease agreements create significant legal and financial obligations for both property owners and tenants. Our firm represents landlords, businesses, and investors in negotiating, drafting, reviewing, and enforcing residential and commercial leases. We assist with residential rental agreements and leases for offices, retail spaces, industrial properties, and other commercial premises, helping clients establish clear and enforceable terms that protect their interests.

A properly structured Section 1031 exchange may allow qualifying real estate investors to defer recognition of certain capital gains when exchanging investment or business property for other qualifying real property. Our attorneys advise clients on the legal and transactional aspects of 1031 exchanges, including contract language, transaction structure, title considerations, and coordination with qualified intermediaries, tax professionals, lenders, and closing agents. Since strict legal requirements and deadlines apply, clients should seek appropriate legal and tax guidance before selling or acquiring property as part of a proposed exchange.

Real estate acquisitions, developments, and investments often require carefully structured financing and ownership arrangements. Our attorneys assist clients with loan documents, refinancing transactions, development agreements, joint ventures, private investments, and other financing and ownership structures. We provide strategic guidance designed to align each transaction with the client’s objectives while addressing applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Real estate disputes can be costly, disruptive, and time-consuming. Our experienced team represents clients in residential and commercial disputes involving purchase and sale agreements, lease violations, property ownership, title defects, boundary and easement issues, construction defects, and landlord-tenant matters. We pursue practical resolutions through negotiation or mediation when appropriate and are prepared to litigate when necessary to protect our clients’ rights.