Lane Powell PC - Real Estate Law

The Foreclosure Fairness Act (“FFA”), which took effect in Washington state on July 22, 2011, provides an opportunity for Washington homeowners to seek relief from the foreclosure tidal wave of the past four…more

Mixed-use development projects have proven to be not only economically viable, but also desirable to the residents who live there, the businesses that serve the residents and visitors, and the community at large. As the…more

When you Google the phrase “economic development” you get an interesting mix of various international councils and state agencies focused on economic development. At the time I did my search, the Portland Development Commission…more

As of July 22, Washington state’s new foreclosure mediation program, established by the Foreclosure Fairness Act (FFA), provides a mechanism for borrowers facing foreclosure to pursue modified loan agreements with the help of a…more

Parties to a lawsuit over adverse possession of real property will have some new provisions to take into account as a result of a new law passed by the Washington State Legislature and signed by the governor. Engrossed…more

Japan’s horrific March 11, magnitude-9 earthquake and tsunami is a wake-up call to the Pacific Northwest. The quake emanated from the Japan Trench Subduction Zone on the Pacific Ring of Fire. The Northwest has a similar…more

In his fiscal year 2012 budget, President Obama included a proposal for a new, six-year surface transportation program worth $556 billion. In the first year, the budget proposes $50 billion in spending on roads, railroads and…more

If subordination, non-disturbance and attornment agreements (SNDA) were called something more exciting, perhaps lenders, landlords and tenants would have given them greater attention during the real estate bubble. Instead,…more

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a recent ruling in Guggenheim v. City of Goleta, 2010 WL 5174984 (C.A.9 (Cal.)), which could have a far-reaching impact on future "regulatory takings" claims challenging governmental…more

Oregon Revised Statute 306.815 presently prohibits any city, county, district, or other political subdivision or municipal corporation from imposing a transfer tax. The only exception is the existing transfer tax in Washington…more

There is a scene in the recent comedy Date Night where the real estate broker Claire Foster, played by Tina Fey, is showing a Tuscan-style mansion to a couple of prospective buyers. Claire tells the couple that the mansion was…more

It’s that time of year again. The Urban Land Institute and PricewaterhouseCoopers released their 2011 annual forecast, “Emerging Trends in Real Estate.” According to the forecast, Seattle ranks sixth overall in market quality…more

The situation looks enticing: finished lots or condominium units in a great neighborhood being offered by a motivated seller. The price is bargain-basement, so buying and waiting for the market is a feasible strategy. This…more

With more than $500 billion of commercial real estate loans maturing during the next few years, and with declining market values and a dearth of lenders willing to lend, it doesn’t take much imagination to visualize foreclosures…more

The movement behind ECODistricts is gaining momentum. Around the country and, most notably, in the Pacific Northwest, civic leaders, sustainability experts and leading-edge property developers are exploring the concept of…more