Real Estate
Robert F. Vargo’s real estate practice includes a diverse base of clients covering a wide range of real estate issues. He represents developers, owners, tenants and lenders in all manners of real estates transactions, including clients who have operations or own properties throughout the southern United States. He provides his clients with a full array of real estate legal services, including property acquisition and disposition, land use and development, office, industrial and retail leasing, formation of investment and management entities, financing transactions, title review, environmental analysis, and negotiation. The breath and depth of his experience advances his ability to provide creative advice and flexible solutions to clients.
PRACTICE AREA OVERVIEWS
Real Estate Development
Mr. Vargo’s extensive background is brought to bear on behalf of owners and developers in the planning, acquisition, financing, construction, leasing and management, and sale of a wide range of projects, including office buildings, shopping centers, apartments, condominiums and multi-use projects. With a broad view of the entire real estate picture, he understands the long-term implications of development requirements and exactions on subsequent construction, financing, operation, leasing and sale of a development project. In connection with such transactions, the scope of his representation frequently includes:- Initial formation and structuring of ownership entities
- Preparation and negotiation of all relevant transaction documents
- Analysis of title and survey matters
- Economic and regulatory due diligence
- Review of leases and service contracts, permitting and environmental issues
- Analysis of land use and zoning matters and representation of clients before local boards and commissions
- Procurement of relevant third party consents and approvals
- Closing and transfers of title
- Assist in the preparation and negotiation of property management agreements
- Review, preparation and negotiation of architectural design and construction contracts
Finance
Mr. Vargo’s broad experience in real estate-based financings ranges from large institutional deals to small transactions. By representing both borrowers and lenders, he is able to understand the perspective of both sides. The scope of his representation includes the negotiation, documentation and closing of the financing arrangements and providing counseling with regard to loan restructures, workouts, foreclosures and acceptance of deeds in lieu of foreclosure.Leasing
Mr. Vargo has extensive experience representing both commercial and residential landlords and tenants in all facets of leasing, including lease preparation, review and negotiations. As the leasing of real property increasingly involves the understanding of other areas of law, such as bankruptcy and governmental compliance, the depth of his real estate practice advances his ability to provide creative advice and flexible solutions to clients.Property Acquisitions and Dispositions
Mr. Vargo has an extensive practice in the acquisition and disposition of real property, as well as the formation of real estate-related entities. He has substantial experience in the drafting and negotiation of all relevant transactional documents and in the closing of the contemplated transactions. He has represented real estate investors and developers in the acquisition and sale of all types of properties, including apartment complexes, shopping centers, and mixed-use projects.
He also has substantial experience in the collateral issues involved in the acquisition of real property, including detailed analysis of title condition and surveys.
Real Estate Closings
Mr. Vargo provides comprehensive real estate closing services. His typical real estate closing involves an experienced support staff, who has the responsibility for ensuring that the subject transaction is closed according to the client’s instructions and in a timely manner. Typically, he and his staff establish long-term relationships with all involved parties, including lenders and real estate agents, developing a close understanding of their needs and requirements.
He serves as agent for title insurance underwriters and can provide direct title insurance services on a timely and economical basis.