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Educational guides for commercial real estate due diligence—from Phase 1 ESAs to lender requirements.
What is an ALTA Survey?
Comprehensive guide to ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys—what they are, why lenders require them, and what's included.
Read guide SurveysWhat is ALTA Table A?
Optional survey items that lenders require. Learn which Table A items you need and how they affect cost.
Read guide SurveysNSPS Standards
The ALTA/NSPS Minimum Standard Detail Requirements define national survey standards. Learn about 2021 and 2026 standards.
Read guide SurveysALTA vs Boundary Survey
Compare ALTA surveys and boundary surveys—cost, scope, and when each type is required for your transaction.
Read guide EnvironmentalWhat is a Phase 1 ESA?
Environmental due diligence that protects you from CERCLA liability. Learn what's included and why it matters.
Read guide EnvironmentalWhat is a Phase 2 ESA?
Physical testing of soil and groundwater to confirm or rule out contamination identified in Phase 1.
Read guide EnvironmentalPhase 1 vs Phase 2 ESA
Side-by-side comparison of Phase 1 and Phase 2 ESAs—cost, timeline, process, and when each is required.
Read guide EnvironmentalWhat is a REC?
Recognized Environmental Conditions indicate potential contamination requiring further investigation.
Read guide EnvironmentalREC Types: REC, HREC, CREC
Understand the differences between REC, Historical REC (HREC), Controlled REC (CREC), and De Minimis conditions.
Read guide EnvironmentalEnvironmental Risk Levels
How property types are classified by contamination likelihood—from gas stations to office buildings.
Read guide EnvironmentalVapor Intrusion
Understanding vapor intrusion risk—when volatile compounds migrate from soil into buildings.
Read guide RegulationsCERCLA Liability & Innocent Landowner Defense
Understand Superfund liability, who can be held responsible, and the three defenses that protect property buyers.
Read guide RegulationsAll Appropriate Inquiries (AAI)
EPA's AAI rule establishes requirements for environmental due diligence to qualify for CERCLA liability protections.
Read guide RegulationsEnvironmental Liens
How contamination can create liens on property and what to look for in title searches.
Read guide PracticalCRE Due Diligence Timeline
Typical timelines for Phase 1 ESA, ALTA Survey, PCA, and other due diligence deliverables.
Read guide PracticalWho Pays for Due Diligence?
Understanding who typically pays for Phase 1 ESA, ALTA Survey, and other third-party reports in CRE transactions.
Read guide LendersLender Requirements Overview
Compare due diligence requirements across SBA, Fannie Mae, HUD/FHA, and CMBS lenders.
Read guide LendersSBA Loan Requirements
Phase 1 ESA and ALTA Survey requirements for SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs.
Read guide LendersFannie Mae Requirements
DUS multifamily loan requirements including Form 4251 environmental standards.
Read guide LendersHUD/FHA Requirements
FHA multifamily requirements including MAP Guide and Form HUD-92457 survey standards.
Read guide LendersCMBS Requirements
The strictest due diligence standards—B-piece investor requirements for securitized loans.
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