Entries by Evans Law

Indemnity and Insurance Provisions: What Every Maryland Builder-Developer Should Negotiate Up Front

The moment dirt moves on a new commercial site or a residential subdivision, the financial exposure for a builder-developer multiplies. Whether you are constructing a mid-rise mixed-use complex in Bethesda, developing townhomes near the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, or expanding a retail center in Columbia, the legal risks are heavily front-loaded in your contract documents. […]

How Can FSBO Sellers Protect Themselves When Accepting Non-Refundable Earnest Money in Maryland?

Selling a home independently in Maryland offers the appealing prospect of retaining more of your equity by avoiding traditional real estate commissions. When a prospective buyer submits a strong offer accompanied by a substantial earnest money deposit, it feels like a definitive victory. You might even negotiate for that deposit to be “non-refundable,” assuming this […]

What Should HOA Boards Look for Before Approving Investor Purchases in the Community?

In Maryland’s current real estate climate, from the high-rise condominiums of Silver Spring to the sprawling townhome communities of Columbia and Brandywine, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and Condominium Boards are facing a distinct challenge: the rapid increase in investor activity. While a healthy mix of rentals can be beneficial, an unchecked influx of investor-owned properties often […]

Letters of Intent in Maryland Commercial Deals: How Binding Are They Really?

You’ve found the perfect warehouse space in the Hollander Business Park, or perhaps you’re acquiring a promising biotech startup in the Shady Grove Life Sciences Center. The terms look good, the handshake is firm, and you sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) to get the ball rolling. You assume it’s just a preliminary outline, a […]

How Can Property Management Companies Standardize Lease Forms Across Multiple Maryland Properties?

Managing a diverse portfolio of rental properties across Maryland, from the historic townhomes of Fells Point in Baltimore to the high-rise apartments in Silver Spring, presents a unique set of logistical and legal challenges. For property management companies, the temptation to use a single, generic lease agreement for every unit is strong. However, Maryland’s legal […]

Key Clauses High Net Worth General Contractors Should Never Skip in a Subcontract Agreement

For general contractors handling high-stakes projects, whether luxury custom estates in Potomac or large-scale commercial developments in Bethesda, the quality of the work is only as good as the subcontractors performing it. While you may hold the vision and the relationship with the property owner, your subcontractors execute the critical details that determine the project’s […]

Do Maryland FSBO Sellers Still Need an Attorney if the Buyer Already Has One?

In Maryland’s active real estate market, from the historic rowhomes of Baltimore to the suburban spread of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, homeowners are increasingly considering the “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) route. The motivation is clear: eliminating the typical 5-6% listing agent commission can mean tens of thousands of dollars in retained equity. However, […]

What Should FSBO Sellers in Maryland Include in a Basic Purchase and Sale Agreement?

Selling a home without a real estate agent—commonly known as For Sale By Owner, or FSBO—can offer significant financial savings on commission fees. However, assuming the role of the seller also means assuming the responsibility for drafting a legally binding contract that protects your interests. The Purchase and Sale Agreement is the roadmap for the […]