John Premo has extensive experience in the representation of clients in complex commercial real estate and business transactions. He represents a wide range of clients, from experienced developers to entrepreneurial novices, as well as lenders and local governments. John’s skills include a well-developed ability to counsel, negotiate and prepare documentation for acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, construction, condominium projects (including master deeds and bylaws), reciprocal easements, restrictive covenants and other declaratory documents. He has counseled his clients in transactions involving vacant land, office buildings, retail centers, hotels, warehouses, golf courses and other commercial and residential properties. John’s representation of his transactional clients also includes the negotiation and drafting of loan documents, management agreements and service contracts. He has negotiated and drafted construction agreements, managed the draw request process, and resolved discrepancies in the construction process. He routinely prepares corporate documentation for limited liability companies, partnerships and corporations, including operating agreements, bylaws, and resolutions, as well as maintaining corporate records.
John also leads the firm’s real estate tax appeal practice, and has vast experience challenging real property tax assessments at the Michigan Tax Tribunal. His methodical approach to a successful resolution incorporates a study of market data, review of income and expense statements, evaluation of issues relating to uncapping and additions, and any other factors affecting a property’s value. He has successfully challenged the assessments of commercial (including apartment buildings, hotels and retail centers) properties, industrial properties and golf courses. As a result of his efforts, clients have saved thousands of dollars on an annual basis.
John received a B.S. from Michigan State University and a J.D. from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He is a member of the General Business and Real Property Law sections of the State Bar of Michigan, is a certified mediator, a roundtable presenter for the International Council of Shopping Centers, and a licensed real estate broker.