Norman is a contributing author to the Austin Business Journal.  Since 2001, his articles have addressed the complexity and individuality of commercial real estate contracts. The articles provide a glimpse of his sound business judgment as they offer prudent advice for any business owner who is contemplating a commitment to a commercial transaction. Although the subject matter differs in each article, one major focal point common to all article is that there is no such thing as a “standard commercial real estate contract” and "everything is negotiable."
 
Gelfand Group is a Tenant & Buyer Representative Commercial Real Estate firm. Our articles are written from that perspective, as we focus on the significant risks taken on by a tenant as he/she embarks on establishing a business.  Whereas Buyers also commit to a significant financial responsibility, upon closing & funding, there is no longer a contractual real estate relationship between the purchaser and the seller. It’s a one-time transaction. Not so with commercial leases.

We emphasize that a commercial lease establishes a relationship between a tenant and a landlord. We note the importance of thoroughly reviewing and analyzing each point in any commercial lease and explain why integrating safeguards throughout the contract are essential to a proper & fair negotiation, both of which play a large part in a successful tenant/landlord relationship. When a dispute occurs during a lease term, all parties look to the lease for direction as to resolution.  
 
As our firm’s business evolved into a more specialized commercial real estate sector, our resource articles have become more focused on dental & medical real estate, underscoring the importance of a properly-negotiated lease and its effect on a practice’s profitability. Gelfand Group’s articles identify a few of a prospective dental or medical tenant’s perilous contractual obligations and explain why the practitioner faces a much higher contractual risk in relation to that of a general commercial tenant.  We suggest negotiation tips that can help protect the practice owner from suffering a devastating financial loss in the real estate portion of his/her practice. We recommend that a practitioner engage a real estate firm that knows not only the “ins-and-outs” of a commercial lease, but specializes in dental or medical real estate due to the practitioner’s large capital investment.  
 
All lease & purchase contracts differ with respect to their content and financial implications. Our articles emphasize that there is no such thing as a “standard commercial real estate contract” and underscore the importance of a properly-negotiated lease and its effect on a practice’s profitability.  

What People are Saying:


I appreciate Gelfand Group’s knowledge of the industry and market, as well as the proactive client service attitude in their evaluations and recommendations. Norman was thorough, honest, & aggressive on behalf of our organization.

Shad Dabaghi, MD
Austin Gastroenterology
Austin Endoscopy Centers, LLP