
Real Estate Private Equity Fund Structures
Private equity real estate is best defined as a type of asset that pools together public and private real estate investments. These funds are typically costlier and often times riskier than other forms of investments in real estate, but they allow high-net-worth individuals and institutions invest in real estate related equity and debt holdings.
First, there are several different...

NJ Rental Assistance Programs Through Covid-19
Rental Assistance Programs for NJ Tenants
Finding housing and paying rent can sometimes be a challenge. Luckily, NJ tenants can seek assistance if they need via the New Jersey State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP). This program provides rental assistance grants to tenants in need until the same tenant receives a federal subsidy award.
To be eligible for the SRAP, applicants must...

The NJ Consumer Fraud Act
The Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) is a New Jersey regulation which prohibits merchants from using deceptive means to sell an item to a consumer.
Specifically, the act states that any:
“use or employment by any person of any unconscionable commercial practice, deception, fraud, false pretense, false promise, misrepresentation, or the knowing, concealment, suppression, or omission of any...

Real Estate Closing Disputes
Time of the essence means that a failure to perform an obligation by the date specified for that obligation is likely to be (a) a material breach of the agreement (b) strictly enforced by a court of equity. Marioni, 374 N.J. Super. At 603; Gorrie v. Winters, 214 N.J. Super. 103, 107 (App. Div. 1986).) For example, if the agreement contains a time of...

New Jersey Landlord/Tenant Law During Covid-19: Eviction Moratorium
Given the COVID-19 health crisis, Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey signed Executive Order 106 on March 19, 2020, which placed a moratorium on removals of tenants, lessees, or homeowners from residential properties stemming from evictions or foreclosure proceedings. The executive order declared that police should also refrain from removing residents from their properties while this order is...

Student Loan Repayment Suspension
President Trump signed an executive order that temporarily suspends federal student loan payments and interest under the CARES Act. The temporary suspension of student loan repayment has been extended to December 31, 2020.
There are three types of student loans: federally guaranteed loans backed by the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), including Stafford and PLUS loans,...

Covid-19 Contracts
Force Majeure is a contractual provision which may excuse performance under the contract. This is a common issue that has been raised by my clients who seek to cancel their wedding venue(s) since relatives are unable to attend due to COVID-19 restrictions.
I have been asked whether the initial wedding deposit is refundable. The answer varies case to case.
It is likely that force majeure will...

Immigration Law, I-944
I-944, Affidavit of Self Sufficiency
A few months ago, USCIS required any individual applying for permanent residency (green card) to complete an additional lengthy form called I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency. The alleged purpose of this form was to ensure that said individual (beneficiary) seeking permanent residency would be able to financially support themselves and not become...

Covid Small Business Programs
The Small Business Administration (SBA) was providing various loans to small businesses suffering as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, two programs are being actively sought by small business owners to keep their business afloat and running. Small businesses are businesses with few employees including sole proprietorships, independent contractors, a tribal small business, and private...

Mortgage Forberance
Mortgage forbearance is an agreement with your lender not to initiate foreclosure proceedings against you due to delays in payments to your lender pursuant to your mortgage arrangement. In New Jersey, foreclosure orders are suspended for a period not exceeding two months. This means that the lender is unable to take legal ownership of your property to settle a debt that is owed by the...