Title: Commercial Real Estate FAQ | Lawyers.com
Headings: Commercial Real Estate FAQ
Commercial Real Estate FAQ
Updated: Dec 19th, 2018
What exactly is commercial real estate?
Are there really that many differences between a commercial real estate deal and buying a residential house?
What are some of the common pitfalls in a commercial real estate business deal?
Should I hire a real estate broker?
If I hire a real estate broker, why do I need to hire a lawyer?
Is an escrow always necessary?
How do I find out if I am getting good title?
What's a preliminary title report and how much attention should I pay to it?
What’s title insurance and why is it necessary?
Are there different types of deeds, and why should I care?
Does it make any difference how I take title to commercial real property?
Why is it necessary to have a separate real estate purchase contract, when escrow instructions usually seem to be enough?
What provisions or language should be in a real estate purchase contract?
Does “as is” really mean “as is”?
In buying real property for my business, do I need to get an environmental site assessment?
What’s a “1031 exchange”?

Content: Are there really that many differences between a commercial real estate deal and buying a residential house? A: While many of the concepts are the same, there can be significant differences between the commercial and residential real estate markets. Generally, it is far more common for commercial property to be leased, rather than sold. It isn’t uncommon for commercial space to be owned by large real estate holding companies, particularly in urban areas. These entities will often enter into long-term leases with various businesses. The lease periods can be lengthy, often three, five, or ten years. This stands in sharp contrast to the residential market, where outright sales are more common. Residential real estate also offers significant leasing and renting opportunities for the consumer, but typically for one-year terms. Certain types of commercial transactions can have additional legal implications, particularly with regards to zoning and land use.