Commercial Real Estate Investment/Expert Profile


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Expertise

I am best qualified to answer any questions that involve commercial leases, the complexities and inter-relationships of the myriad provisions that a lease may contain, and explain how they commonly effect a landlord or tenant in their day-to-day business operation. I can explain most matters that will come up during of the full lease cycle from standard industry practices regarding the lease acquistion process, concerns related to remodeling/improving the leased premises, moving-in, subletting or assigning the leased space, and a long list of other problems that may come up during the lease term. I have practical experience with most property management issues and resolving landlord and tenant disputes. Note that I am not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice.

Experience in the area

Twenty-eight years active experience in the commercial real estate industry as a licensed real estate broker in the Washington DC Metro area(DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland). I have been admitted (approved) by the Maryland and DC courts to testify as an expert witness on the subjects of Commercial Leasing and Property Management in the area of standard industry practices. I have had a business for the last 14 years advising virtually every form of business entity from large national corporations to the smallest ma & pa new businesses regarding a wide range of commercial real estate matters in addition to property management and commercial leasing.

Organizations

Currently my three children keep me so busy that it is difficult to find time to participate in organizations.

Publications

I publish a local commercial real estate newsletter titled: "Tenants First". My firm was the subject of a high profile Washington Post business section cover page (2.25 page)feature story on January 13, 1993; "Overcharging Overhead".

Education/Credentials

BA in Political Science from Memphis University, and five years of study in the real estate development summer program at MIT. I was certified as a commercial property manager (CPM-IREM), and currently hold a brokers license licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Awards and Honors

Routine, the same plaques and honors that most others in my industry have earned, none that are significant.

Past/Present Clients

Past clients include: The World Bank, George Washington University, National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, US Department of Commerce, The American Benefits Council, K-Mart Development, many law firms, a national union, other major organizations, and many, many small business firms and retail operators that I am most honored to serve. I estimate more than 1,500 firms/organizations.

What do you like about this subject?

I enjoy helping hard working business managers with lease and property management problems that are commonly much more complex and/or financially perilous than they recognize.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
Mary Lou Box11/04/0910101010Mr. Avancena was extremely thoughtful and obviously .....
Deb11/02/0910101010thank you very mcuh. this is most .....
alicia10/29/0910101010Great advice. Thanks so much for your .....
Tom kumar10/19/091010Dear Jim, Thank you for your detailed .....
anna10/14/0910101010I appreciate your input so much.I'll .....

Recent Answers from Jim Avancena

2009-10-30 Late fees on Commercial Leases:

Debora- I do no residential work whatsoever and I am unfamiliar with the "L%26T Guideline" for residential property. In the District most commercial landlords charge a five percent (5%) late fee

2009-10-27 Late fees on Commercial Leases:

Deb- You should check the website for the District of Columbia Government as they have several departments that deal with various aspects related to owning commercial property in the city. They have

2009-10-27 commercial lease:

Mary- You need to check on a few things about your lease, especially regarding your measurement. Overcharging rent by misleading the tenant about the amount of space they have rented is one of the

2009-10-22 CAM Calculation:

Bill: You confirmed that the landlord uses a cash accounting method. Landlords have often manipulated their accounting records on the cash basis of accounting to maximize the income they can squeeze

2009-10-21 CAM Calculation:

Bill- The complete answer to your question could be very long and extended; far to much to detail here. Let me give you the basic answer. The CAM provision that you have in your lease should address

 

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