Professional Assistance With Your Commercial Real Estate Needs

Navigating real estate transactions in Allentown can be complex, whether you’re buying, selling, leasing, or investing in property. Our Allentown, PA real estate lawyer is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services that protect your interests and ensure smooth transactions. Our deep understanding of Pennsylvania real estate law allows us to offer tailored solutions for every client.

At Hoegen & Associates, P.C., we pride ourselves on our client-centric approach, offering personalized guidance through every step of your real estate transaction. Our expertise spans residential, commercial, and industrial real estate, making us a trusted partner for individuals, businesses, and investors throughout Allentown and beyond.

Our real estate lawyer in Allentown is ready to answer any questions you have about preparing your property for selling or finding the right new commercial location. We understand that buying or selling a property can be a stressful experience. With our help, you can have confidence that you have the guidance to make the most informed decisions. Real estate transactions involve many different factors, but we can make the experience simpler and easier to understand. Don’t hesitate to call Hoegen & Associates, P.C. for help right away.

Finding the best lawyer to assist you with your case can be a daunting task. It can be hard to know where to start. When you are finding a lawyer to work with, you need to be able to know the indicators of Here are just a few reasons why many people in the Pennsylvania area turn to our team for real estate assistance:

Common Real Estate Challenges and How We Address Them

• “Unexpected Title Issues”:
  We conduct comprehensive title searches and work closely with title insurance companies to prevent any last-minute surprises that could jeopardize your transaction.
• “Complex Lease Negotiations”:
  Our experience in drafting and negotiating lease agreements ensures that our clients get the best possible terms, whether they are landlords or tenants.
• “Disputes During Transactions”:
  Real estate disputes can arise at any time. We are prepared to represent our clients in all types of real estate litigation, striving to achieve the most favorable outcome through skilled negotiation or litigation if necessary.

Understand What You’re Purchasing

Unfortunately, there are many instances in which a purchaser gets taken advantage of because they did not have proper legal representation throughout the process. This means that a buyer may end up getting stuck with termites, asbestos, hazardous conditions, or an illegal structure without realizing it. They may have failed to review the full details of a property they purchased, such as inspection reports. The last thing you want to find out after purchasing a property is that there are additional expenses because of undisclosed issues or hidden damage. To avoid this, it’s best to hire a real estate lawyer before you sign a contract to buy a home. They know what questions to ask to approve a transaction and ensure that a property can be safely purchased.

Real estate companies will not always be clear or honest about a property’s history or current condition, so you cannot rely on them to give you the truth about a property. The best way to protect yourself from this scenario is to obtain a professional opinion from a third party. A Pennsylvania real estate lawyer can hire an unbiased professional to perform an inspection of the home before buying, so you know exactly what you are purchasing before signing on the dotted line. They can inform you of red flags and go through a checklist of everything that needs to be done before you proceed with your purchase.

Your Commercial Lease Agreement

If you are a small business owner who is planning on leasing a space, you need to be certain that you review your potential lease very carefully. Often, commercial tenants are so focused on the terms related to the amount of rent that will be paid that they forget to focus on other important aspects of the lease. However, it is important to be aware of a number of factors, such as whether the landlord or the tenant will be responsible for maintaining common areas and landscaping or taking care of other work that needs to be performed.

Another critical issue that needs to be addressed is liability. Every commercial lease should contain an indemnity clause that outlines the landlord’s and tenant’s responsibilities for any third-party claims that occur. It should also address what types of coverage are required. Having a real estate lawyer in Allentown, PA examine the terms of your lease can avoid any surprises later on.

First Time Buyers

While each Allentown, PA real estate lawyer at our firm handles a wide variety of real estate transactions and other issues, one of the most rewarding types of cases we handle is helping first-time property buyers with their purchases. Owning your first property can be both exciting and overwhelming at times. And if you have never gone through the process, it can be complex. That’s why it’s important to consult with a real estate lawyer before signing any documents. The following are some tips for first-time buyers or anyone who is in the market to purchase property to avoid.

Do not look for properties before you are ready to purchase: This is especially true if you are not sure about the location of your purchase. While no one likes handing over monthly rent and helping someone else build equity in their property, if you purchase a property before you have concrete plans, you may not be able to resell it or find good tenants when you do decide to let the property go.

Do not ignore your budget: Before you begin looking at properties, it is important to know exactly how much you can afford. You should know how much money you have for a down payment, how much you can afford for your monthly mortgage payment (including property taxes, insurance, etc.), and what price range of buildings or lots you can actually afford. While it may be tempting to go over your budget as you are location hunting, remember that even a small increase in price can end up skewing your monthly budget, especially if something should happen, such as an illness or job loss.

As an Allentown, PA real estate lawyer can explain, ideally, you should have at least 20 percent of the total purchase price as a down payment and be preapproved for your mortgage before you even begin looking at properties.

Do not forget to include all operating costs when calculating your budget: Many first-time buyers are unaware of all the expenses that you can incur when owning a property. In addition to the mortgage, property taxes, and insurance, there is also utility bills that you may not have been aware of, such as water and sewer bills. There are also maintenance costs and repair expenses. All of these should be included in your monthly budget calculation.

Do not forget to get it in writing: It doesn’t matter how nice the seller is or the real estate agents involved in the transaction are, always get everything in writing. If you are told that an appliance or item is included in the sale of the property, make sure that is written down. Common issues that an Allentown, PA real estate lawyer sees disputes over include but are not limited to:

• Covenant Disputes
• Easement Usage Disputes
• Land Use Approval before Zoning or Planning Commissions
• Partition Matters
• Quiet Title Cases

Types of Insurance Required

The types of insurance that may be required in a commercial lease will likely vary depending on the nature of the business that will be renting the space. The greater the risk is for potential third-party claims or contamination or damage to the space, the higher the limits for the insurance coverage will likely be. The most common required forms of insurance in a commercial lease agreement include, but may not be limited to, the following:

Property Insurance

This will provide coverage for any damage that is done to the property. In some cases, the landlord may cover this type of insurance, especially if the building is a multi-tenant property. It is important for the landlord and tenant to discuss who will have the responsibility to rebuild the property if it is ever destroyed. In most cases, the landlord will have at least some responsibility for the property, and the tenant will have responsibility for at least the damage that they caused to their space.

Liability Insurance

This type of insurance will protect the parties from any claims made by a third party, such as a customer that is injured while on the leased premises. An Allentown, PA real estate lawyer can explain the types of situations where this insurance could be very important.

Business Interruption Insurance

Many business owners will choose to carry this type of insurance because it will replace their income that is lost while the property was untenantable and when the business could not operate. Most commercial leases do not require this type of insurance, but many business owners will carry it for their own protection.

Additional Insured

Most commercial leases will require the landlord to be listed as an additional insured on the liability and property insurance policies of the tenant. This means that any loss that the landlord sustains on the rented premises will be treated the same as a loss for the tenant. An Allentown, PA real estate lawyer knows that this type of provision is very important to ensure that the insurance company will pay claims quickly. Without this type of clause, valuable time could be lost while the insurance company attempts to sort out which party suffered the loss and which loss will be covered by the policy. This issue becomes even more of a problem if the landlord and tenant each have their own policy with their own insurance company.

Our Real Estate Services

• Residential Real Estate Transactions

Whether you are buying or selling a home, our attorneys provide thorough guidance to navigate the complexities of residential real estate transactions. We handle everything from drafting and reviewing contracts to closing negotiations, ensuring that your rights are fully protected.

• Commercial Real Estate Transactions

We assist businesses and investors with all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, including purchase agreements, lease negotiations, zoning issues, and land use planning. Our team ensures that every transaction is structured to meet your strategic objectives.

• Lease Agreements and Negotiations

Our firm drafts, reviews, and negotiates residential and commercial lease agreements, ensuring fair terms and compliance with Pennsylvania law. We represent both landlords and tenants, providing balanced solutions that protect your interests.

• Real Estate Litigation

Disputes can arise in any real estate transaction. Our experienced litigators represent clients in a wide range of real estate disputes, including contract breaches, boundary disputes, landlord-tenant issues, and title claims. We work diligently to resolve conflicts efficiently, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

• Title Examination and Title Insurance

Title issues can significantly delay or derail a real estate transaction. Our team conducts thorough title examinations to identify and resolve any potential issues before they become a problem. We also coordinate with title insurance companies to provide you with the necessary protection against future claims.

• Land Use and Zoning Compliance

Navigating local zoning laws and land use regulations can be challenging. Our attorneys provide guidance on zoning compliance, variance applications, and land use planning to ensure that your property development projects proceed without legal complications.

• Real Estate Development and Construction Law

From initial planning to project completion, we assist clients with all legal aspects of real estate development and construction projects. Our services include contract drafting and negotiation, securing permits, and ensuring compliance with state and local regulations.

Allentown Real Estate Infographic

Allenstown Real Estate Statistics

According to data from the National Association of Realtors, last year, approximately 35 percent of all people who purchased residential properties were first-time homebuyers. This was an increase of more than 30 percent from the year before. The average age of a first-time home buyer is 33 years old.

Unfortunately, not all of those transactions are processed smoothly, and many cases end up in the legal system. In fact, each year, more than 10 percent of real estate transaction cases involve breach of contract in the U.S. This is why it is crucial to have a skilled real estate lawyer advocating for you and protecting your interests.

Allentown Real Estate FAQs

Many people do not think of the property buying process to be a time when you would need to hire an attorney. In fact, you have a real estate agent for this, don’t you? It’s true that your real estate agent should be there to help you navigate buying or selling a property. However, they are not trained in the legal side of real estate and are not able to give you legal advice. Buying or selling real estate is a legal transaction that includes legal documents, so why not get the help of someone in the field? It is only sensible to hire a lawyer who specializes in this particular area of law and has the authority to provide you with legal advice, especially with a major transaction like a home.

Do you just help someone buying a piece of property?

Real estate lawyers do not only help clients who are purchasing a piece of property. They can provide assistance no matter what kind of transaction you are making, and whether or not you own a home. They can give you legal guidance on a variety of different topics pertaining to real estate. Instead, they can also help:

• Tenants
• Landlords
• Those who buy and sell land

What kinds of problems will a real estate attorney help me with?

A real estate attorney can assist clients experiencing a range of scenarios. Regardless of how complex an issue may be, a real estate lawyer can provide you with helpful legal advice. They will do a thorough evaluation of your case and suggest steps for your action plan. They can also inform you of key mistakes to avoid. A real estate attorney can assist you with many different issues. Our Pennsylvania real estate lawyer can help you when you are in the middle of different problems, including:

• Helping to negotiate a fair agreement
• Review any sales contracts for buyer or seller
• Go over problems with zoning or permits
• Help you if you are being illegally evicted

If there is a serious legal problem, will I need to go to court?

When a real estate issue comes up and you work with an attorney, it is good to be prepared if you need to go to court. It may not be necessary for you to go to court, but you should prepare as if you are. That way, you do not have to make a plan at the last minute. When you are dealing with a case, you want to anticipate a range of scenarios and be ready to have a solution that addresses them. When you work with us, you know you are getting someone who will work hard to settle a problem outside of court if possible but who will be aggressive when it comes to going to court. We will make sure we are protecting your best interests.

When do I need a real estate lawyer?

For the most part, the need for a real estate lawyer is going to depend on your locality, state laws, and the exact nature of the transaction. In some states, it is required to have a lawyer. If your state doesn’t require it and you may still want a real estate lawyer who can help in a few different points during the buying process and can provide help. Their assistance can include anything from drafting to finalizing purchase contracts, writing amendments to a standard contract, completing the title search, and conducting the closing.

Hoegen & Associates, P.C., Allenstown Real Estate Lawyer

152 S Franklin St #2, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

Contact Our Allentown Real Estate Lawyer Today

At Hoegen & Associates, P.C., our goal is to simplify the real estate process for our clients while providing exceptional legal representation. We understand the local market and have the experience to handle even the most complex real estate transactions. Our approach is proactive and detail-oriented, ensuring that every potential issue is addressed before it becomes a problem.

With a reputation for excellence, Hoegen & Associates, P.C. is proud to serve the Allentown community and surrounding areas. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a business owner, we are here to provide the legal support you need for all your real estate matters.

Real estate transactions can be daunting, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Contact Hoegen & Associates, P.C. today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced real estate lawyers and learn how we can assist you in achieving your real estate goals with confidence.

Client Review

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