Commercial and Residential Real Estate.
Prior to opening her own practice, Ann Smith worked at a large law firm representing high-level real estate investors and developers in a variety of complex transactions including purchases and sales of retail sites, office buildings, and apartment complexes. She has experience representing lenders and borrowers in construction and permanent financing transactions, securitized loan transactions and defeasances. Ms. Smith has a strong background working with affordable housing developers, and has counseled clients on issues relating to land acquisition and site development. Over the course of her twenty year career, Ms. Smith has assisted numerous residential clients with all aspects of the purchase and sale of residential real estate, including title work and FSBO representation. She is an authorized title agent for both First American Title Insurance Company and Attorneys’ Title Fund Services. The sharp decline in real estate prices in the Florida market creates unprecedented opportunities. Ms. Smith’s experience offers unique value in this changing market.
Loan Modifications and Workouts.
Due to the credit contraction and decreases in property values in the current economy, numerous project owners are having difficulty meeting debt obligations, or finding alternative financing for loans reaching maturity. Ann Smith understands the importance of the continued successful management and operation of the project in order to generate available income while extending or restructuring the loan on viable terms. Ms. Smith has the necessary experience to negotiate with lenders and to document workouts or loan modifications in order to keep a project working. Cost containment is crucial during the workout process. Ann Smith provides an attractive alternative to large law firm legal costs.
Landlord and Tenant Issues.
Ann Smith has handled numerous issues for landlords and for a variety of tenants from small retail operators to large anchor tenants. She has negotiated and drafted a variety of leases, and she understands the requirements of the landlord’s lender under the leasing agreement. In the current economic climate, more tenants are struggling to meet lease obligations while landlords are struggling to meet debt obligations. Ms. Smith has the experience necessary to assist landlords and tenants in negotiating or renegotiating lease terms so help tenants remain on site, and to preserve rental income for landlords so financing is not jeopardized. Ann Smith understands the bigger picture, and she can work with all parties toward the desired result.
Wills, Trusts and Probate.
Ann Smith appreciates the planning required in connection with the preservation and transfer of wealth. She can assist you to assure your final wishes are followed in the most cost-effective manner. Whatever stage you may be in your life, Ms. Smith can evaluate your situation and discuss creation of a will or trust for the management and disposition of your property. For younger clients, Ann Smith recognizes the importance of providing legal and financial guardianship of your children in the event of your death. She can also assist you with a durable power of attorney, and a living will which allows you to set forth in advance whether you want to withhold or withdraw medical treatment in the event of an incurable or irreversible condition. Ms. Smith offers compassionate and effective assist with the orderly administration and disposition of assets of an estate upon the death of a loved one.
Business Law.
Ann Smith has over twenty years of experience addressing the legal issues facing business owners. She has assisted start-up businesses with selecting the appropriate business entity and she has drafted a variety of formation contracts including by-laws, operating agreements and partnership agreements. Ms. Smith strives to understand the nature of each client’s business operations and objectives so that she can better serve the client’s needs. She has drafted operational contracts in connection with a number of diverse business entities, and she has counseled clients on various employment issues. Ms. Smith has represented clients in mergers, acquisitions and joint venture, and she has reviewed and negotiated numerous loan documents for both the purchase and on-going operations of the business. Ms. Smith understands the challenges facing business owners in the current economy, and she works hard to offer exceptional service, value and practical advice.