HoganWillig’s new building (and its interior office space) will be one of the first commercial LEED certified office buildings in Western New York. “LEED “stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The design and construction of the building will be rated in seven different categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation in Design, and Regional Priority. These categories award points (and therefore encouragement) for doing things like (more…)

Tags: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, LEED

Every homeowner should be aware that the responsibility for keeping up your real property, whether it is your personal residence or a rental property, is not merely a personal preference to be exercised only when you desire. The condition and appearance of the property is also a matter of public interest and, if you fail to maintain said property to the satisfaction of the municipality in which the property is located, you could find yourself being called before a judge in Housing Court.

New York State law grants the courts (more…)

Tags: housing code, housing court, housing court summons, housing court violations

In New York State Grievance Day is the opportunity for owners of Real Property to challenge their property’s assessment for real property tax purposes.

Each municipality has its own Grievance day. Generally towns hold Grievance Day in the spring – in Erie County towns it tends to be (more…)

Tags: equalization rate, grievance day, property assessment, real estate tax, tax

You can find just about anything on the Internet, from a meatloaf recipe to a Yorkshire Terrier. The Internet can be a valuable tool or a source of entertainment, but it is a risky place to find a commercial lease form. “One Size Fits All” Lease forms may contain seemingly appropriate legalese like “subrogation” and “condition precedent,” but if you don’t know what those terms mean, you shouldn’t use them.

Generally, commercial leases are (more…)

Tags: acceleration clause, breach of lease, commercial lease, liability insurance, liquidated damages clause

The current economic chaos and uncertain future has negatively impacted many industries and people. Some businesses are filing for bankruptcy and others are seeking relief through bailout plans. The average person has probably suffered significant investment losses especially relative to their 401k or other retirement plan. Even worse, (more…)

Tags: homeowners, interest rate, loan, mortgage, mortgage crisis, refinance

Homeowner’s insurance provides coverage in event of damage to your property. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover damage from fire, smoke, windstorm, hail and/or snow. Everyone’s homeowner’s insurance covers different damage to their property and you should (more…)

Tags: date of loss, homeowners insurance, statute of limitations

I attended a meeting this morning where it was announced that there had been a significant rise in title insurance claims in New York State.  These claims are made against title insurance policies issued to either the homeowner (if he/she purchased this optional policy at the time they bought their home) or the bank lending the money for their purchase or refinance (such a policy is always required by the bank). (more…)

Tags: identity theft, insurance fraud, title insurance claims, title insurance fraud