Berlin Patten Ebling

10/31/2023

Which office's costume game is strong enough to claim the Halloween crown? Let the voting begin! And may the best costume win!

Swipe ➡️ to see the Spooktacular looks from each location, and VOTE for your favorite by dropping the matching emoji in the comments below.

👑 Disney Villains - Venice Office
✌️ Through the Decades - Sarasota Office
💣 Marvel Characters - Tampa Office
🚔 Law & Order: SVU - St. Petersburg Office
🎅 Holidays - Lakewood Ranch Office
🐭 3 Blind Mice - Bonita Springs Office

Happy Halloween!

10/31/2023

Legal matters don't have to be as frightening as a haunted house. You can trust BPE to keep the goblins and ghouls of legal worries at bay! 👻📜

10/27/2023

Don't miss out on the iconic Tanner's Turkeys event! 🍂 Every year, we come together to bring smiles to over 500 families during Thanksgiving. 🍁🥧 Be part of this heartwarming cause! Grab your tickets NOW and let's make a difference together. Hope to see your wonderful faces there!

🥰Another beautiful Morton's Gourmet Market basket donated by Berlin Patten Ebling!! The silent auction this year is going to be FANTASTIC!! 🤩🧡🦃 Get your tickets today!! https://bit.ly/TannersTurkeys2023

10/27/2023

In this week's blog, attorney T.R. Smith, Esq. investigates Florida’s state and local rental restrictions.

In this blog, the focus will be on purchasing Florida real property as a rental, investors must know which rental restrictions...

10/26/2023

We're both excited and humbled to share that nominations for the 2024 Readers' Choice awards are now open. We'd be deeply honored if you considered nominating Berlin Patten Ebling for:

1️⃣ Best Title Company
2️⃣ Best Law Firm
3️⃣ Best Attorney

Your support has always been the wind beneath our wings. And while we're professional in our approach, we can't help but do a little happy dance at the thought of being recognized by YOU! 💃

👉 Nominate us here: https://heraldtribune.gannettcontests.com/2024-Sarasota-Communitys-Choice-Awards/

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your faith in our services means the world to us. Here's to many more years of partnership and excellence!

Submit your favorite area companies for consideration and be entered for a chance to WIN a $250 gift card!

10/25/2023

Way to go, Melissa Strassner, Esq.! Melissa has been elected to the Executive Council of the Environmental and Land Use Law Section of the Florida Bar (ELULS). In addition to this esteemed recognition, she has been honored with the Judy Florence Memorial Outstanding Service award for her remarkable contribution to the ELULS CLE symposium held at the annual Florida Bar Conference this year!

Melissa's commitment to environmental and land use law is unparalleled. Her recent accolades are a testament to her professionalism, dedication, and the high esteem in which her peers hold her. We're immensely proud of her accomplishments and are confident she will continue to make significant contributions in her new role on the ELULS Executive Council.

10/24/2023

Please help us welcome attorney Lauren Mabe, Esq. to the Berlin Patten Ebling family!

Lauren has been practicing in the areas of Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Wealth Protection Planning, Trust Administration, and Probate since 2020. While attending law school, Lauren worked as a legal intern for the Orlando Magic in their general counsel’s office.

When working with Lauren, clients can expect comprehensive estate planning solutions tailored to their unique needs. She will be your trusted advisor, ensuring your assets are protected for generations. Her clients will never be overwhelmed by complex legal terms because she makes the process easy to understand.

Some fun facts about Lauren:
- She played Division 1 tennis in college.
- She has hiked to the top of the tallest waterfall in Iceland.
- She has been on three dental mission trips to the Dominican Republic with her dad and his staff (he is a dentist!).

Her favorite quote is, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” – Michael Jordan

You can find Lauren at our Tampa office, and we can't wait for you to meet her!

10/20/2023

In this week's blog, attorney Andrew Conaboy, Esq. explores alternative real estate financing options.

In this blog, the focus will be on an seller financing as a possible alternative to conventional financing, which may be attractive to...

10/19/2023

Dive into our latest blog to discover the updates that could impact your golden years. From age shifts and trust tweaks to charity wins, we've got you covered.

Remember the SECURE Act of 2020? Well, welcome its successor, the SECURE 2.0 Act, signed off by President Biden on December 29, 2022.

10/18/2023

Have you ever considered who’d inherit your prized collection of vintage teacups or that signed baseball? Please don’t leave it to a game of rock-paper-scissors! This week, we’re bringing attention to getting your ducks (and documents) in a row.

Join us this week, and let’s make planning for the future a piece of cake. Because, after all, it’s better to have a plan than to leave things to chance... or your Aunt Gertrude’s ‘intuition.’ 😉

10/16/2023

Happy National Boss' Day! 🎉 Today, it's all about recognizing these incredible leaders at Berlin Patten Ebling who make every day at work a true delight.

Join us in celebrating these extraordinary leaders on this special day! Drop a ❤️ in the comments if you've been motivated by their guidance, or share your favorite boss moment below. Let's spread the love and appreciation! 🙌

10/13/2023

In this week's blog, attorney Daniel Guarnieri, Esq. demystifies the term interpleader and guides on how an interpleader action may impact your transaction.

Real estate agents have often heard the term “interpleader” and scratched their heads in confusion. It’s no surprise; it is a legal term...

10/06/2023

In this week's blog, Mark Mann, Esq. dissects the steps involved in selling real estate with minor children involved.

A minor cannot enter contracts because the law deems them legally “incompetent” due to their age. However, this doesn’t mean...

10/05/2023

Our reward for our incredibly hard-working (and extremely valuable) employees is our 20th annual Firm Retreat, which will be from October 6th to October 9th.

Please be advised that during this time, we will be short-staffed. Thank you in advance for your consideration while our excellent staff enjoys a well-deserved trip to Panama!

10/05/2023

Spreading smiles, one community at a time! Our team of busy little helpers had heartwarming experiences volunteering at the Florida Dream Center and joining forces with the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota at the Sarasota Chamber's Fall for Sarasota event. Together, we're making a difference and building a brighter future for our community! ❤

10/04/2023

Thank you RPAC Committee for having us! We're honored to help shape the future of the real estate industry.

09/29/2023

With the Standard Contract, the Inspection Period allows for only three types of home inspections. So, how would additional inspections be able to occur under a Standard Contract?

In this week's blog, Mallory Bauer, Esq. shows how to seamlessly add mold and pest inspections to standard real estate contracts for confident, successful transactions.

When using the AS IS Contract, the Inspection Period allows the Buyer to conduct any and all home inspections as they see fit. Conversely...

09/28/2023

Notice to homebuyers: A possible government shutdown starting October 1, 2023 may result in the expiration of the authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program; meaning if you do not bind your flood insurance policy by then, you may not be able to close financed transactions in special flood zones. So bind your flood insurance ASAP!

09/22/2023

The lesson from this story is clear: whether you are the listing agent or the selling agent, it’s crucial to create a detailed written list or inventory that accurately represents what you intend to include or exclude from the real estate.

In this week's blog, attorney Mark Hanewich, Esq. explores the nuances of personal property in real estate transactions.

Sometimes, “turnkey” is intended to describe a home that is also fully furnished. “Furnished,” on the other hand, means furniture, fittings..

09/17/2023

In this week's blog, litigation attorney Brad Spivey, Esq. educates on resolving real estate disputes efficiently with mediation.

Parties have an obligation to attend mediation in real estate disputes to attempt to resolve the dispute before pursuing litigation.

09/14/2023

Congratulations to the 15 distinguished Berlin Patten Ebling attorneys who were recognized as this year's 2023 Elite Top Attorneys in SRQ Magazine! We strive to set the gold standard in providing comprehensive and innovative counsel to our clients. This accomplishment is a testament to the unwavering dedication and skill of our attorneys, who continually go above and beyond to achieve exceptional results.

Evan Berlin, Esq., Legacy - Real Estate
Brenda Patten, Esq., Legacy - Land Use
Jamie Ebling, Esq. - Real Estate
Will McComb, Esq. - Real Estate
Dan Guarnieri, Esq. - Civil Law Litigation
Mallory Bauer, Esq., Rising Star - Real Estate
Natasha Selvaraj, Esq. - Real Estate
Andrew Conaboy, Esq. - Real Estate
Cameron Allen, Esq., Rising Star – Real Estate
Jill Bowen, Esq., Rising Star - Real Estate
Melissa Strassner, Esq. - Land Use
Mariah Miller, Esq., Rising Star - Land Use
T.R. Smith, Esq. - Real Estate
Chris Caswell, Esq., Legacy - Wills & Trusts
Gary Peal, Esq. - Wills & Trusts

09/12/2023

Berlin Patten Ebling is thrilled to announce the recent election of two outstanding team members to prominent leadership roles within the Sarasota County Bar Association!

🔸 Jill Bowen, Esq. has been appointed Chair-Elect for the Council of Diversity and Inclusion and is also taking on the role of Secretary of the Young Lawyers Division. Her commitment to diversity and nurturing young legal talents is truly inspiring.

🔸 Natasha Selvaraj, Esq., one of our esteemed Firm Partners, has been sworn in as the President of the Young Lawyer Division. This incredible achievement showcases her dedication to driving the growth and success of emerging legal talents.

We're also proud to announce that Sarah Ferlazzo, Esq. has been selected to lead as the Real Property Section Chair, addressing critical issues for real estate practitioners.

These remarkable individuals are making waves in our legal community and on a broader scale. Berlin Patten Ebling remains committed to diversity, inclusion, and nurturing the legal stars of tomorrow.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to champion excellence and positive change in the legal profession!

09/11/2023

As we look back on this day, let us also look forward with hope, unity, and resilience. Together, we can ensure that the sacrifices made by our first responders, the innocent lives lost, and the heroes who emerged from the rubble are never forgotten.

09/08/2023

In this week's blog, attorney Melissa Strassner, Esq. dives into the benefits and risks of subdividing land, providing a roadmap to navigate this transformative journey.

This blog will delve into the benefits and risks of subdividing land, providing a roadmap to navigate this transformative journey.

09/04/2023

Cheers to hard work, dedication, and a well-deserved break! Wishing everyone a relaxing and rejuvenating Labor Day!

09/01/2023

Divorce is a complex journey often involving dividing shared assets, including real estate.

In this week's blog, attorney Natasha Selvaraj, Esq. navigates the intricate legal landscape surrounding divorce-related real estate transactions in Florida.

Read it now:

When selling real estate during a divorce, there's a web of legal considerations that must be managed to ensure a seamless closing process.

08/31/2023

Happy Litigation Attorney Day!

We would like to take a moment to let our incredible attorneys know just how much they are appreciated for going above and beyond when taking care of our clients every day- their hard work does not go unnoticed!

Mark C. Mann, Esq., a partner at Berlin Patten Ebling, boasts an esteemed AV Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell. With a wealth of trial expertise, he specializes in civil litigation encompassing a diverse array of areas such as personal injury, real estate, contracts, probate, trusts, and family law.

Brad Spivey, a litigation attorney since 2019, adeptly handles complex business disputes, landlord-tenant matters, contracts, insurance, and personal injury cases.

Dan Guarnieri, Esq., a partner at Berlin Patten Ebling since 2004, specializes in diverse civil litigation areas such as complex commercial disputes, real estate, contracts, collections, foreclosures, government representation, construction, and maritime cases.

Jackson Kracht, Esq., a partner at Berlin Patten Ebling, possesses the esteemed AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Most recently, he has focused his practice on representing community associations(condominiums, homeowners associations, and cooperatives).

Today we honor these dedicated professionals who tirelessly advocate for justice and provide unwavering support to our clients. Your commitment to the legal profession is truly remarkable!

08/28/2023

Given the impending storm, we've decided to close all offices early tomorrow (8/29) at 3:00 PM.

The arrangements for our offices on Wednesday are as follows:
1. The Tampa and St. Petersburg offices will be CLOSED.
2. The Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and Bonita Springs offices will remain OPEN.

We're continuously monitoring the situation. If the storm's pace deviates from current forecasts, there might be a slight delay in opening the Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice offices on Wednesday.

Everyone's safety remains our primary focus. Stay safe, and please don't hesitate to message us with any questions or concerns.

This information is subject to change.

08/25/2023

As a looming tropical system threatens Florida’s Gulf Coast, we strongly urge you to take vital precautions to safeguard your loved ones and homes.

In this weeks blog, we address the approaching tropical storm system, what you should do if you have an upcoming closing, and how you can protect your loved ones.

As a looming tropical system threatens Florida's Gulf Coast, we urge you to take vital precautions to safeguard your loved ones and homes.

08/24/2023

We're thrilled to announce that we've snagged a spot on the Top Workplaces 2023 list! 🏆 This is such an honor. A big shoutout to our incredible team for making it happen, we are so grateful for your recognition. Here's to more years of awesomeness together.

08/24/2023

Exciting News!

Attorney Jill Bowen, Esq. will be a speaker at the upcoming “Get Down to Business” 2023 RASM Conference & Expo!

Jill’s presentation will cover a variety of topics related to buying and selling property for use as a residential rental, including:

✅ Best practices for Realtors dealing with properties housing residential tenants.
✅ The impact of existing leases on buyers post-closing.
✅ Strategies for transactions involving short-term rentals (Airbnb or VRBO).
✅ Utilizing the short-term rental rider effectively and appropriately.
✅ Exploring rental restrictions specific to various counties and jurisdictions.

Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting in the real estate industry, Attorney Jill Bowen's expertise will help you navigate the complexities of residential rental property transactions with confidence. You can register at myrasm.com/conference. We hope to see you all there!

08/22/2023

Exciting News! Natasha Selvaraj Esq., a partner at Berlin Patten Ebling, has been selected for a highly prestigious fellowship with the Florida Bar Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law (RPPTL) Section!

As a fellow, Natasha will join forces with top legal minds, exchanging insights and driving the progress of real property, probate, and trust law in Florida. We're incredibly proud of Natasha's achievement and can't wait to see what she accomplishes in this new role!

08/18/2023

Navigating real estate transactions from contract to closing can feel like a lifetime for clients, but these challenges can be easily managed with a well-prepared agent by their side.

In this week's blog, attorney David Reider, Esq. outlines ten basic guidelines for preparing residential real estate contracts, and how to avoid closing issues.

In the spirit of “Back to School,” here are ten basic guidelines for preparing residential real estate contracts and avoiding closing issues:

08/17/2023

Being named “Best Lawyer” is an exceptional accomplishment among top legal professionals.

We’d like to congratulate the BPE attorneys included in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.

Lawyers on the Best Lawyers in America List are among the top 5.3% of elite lawyers in the nation, reviewed by their peers based on professional expertise and under an authentication process to ensure they are in current practice and good standing.

08/14/2023

We are thrilled to announce that David Reider Esq., an attorney at Berlin Patten Ebling, has been chosen to serve as the St. Petersburg Bar Real Property Vice Chair for the fiscal year 2023-2024!

As Vice Chair, he'll be at the forefront of shaping the strategic path of the St. Pete Bar's Real Property division, nurturing professional development, and upholding the highest legal standards in our community. Join us in celebrating David's well-deserved achievement and wishing him an incredible year ahead!

08/11/2023

The hustle and bustle of the moving process can sometimes cause the Seller to leave behind leftover belongings.

In this week's blog, attorney Jill Bowen, Esq. explains the Seller's responsibility to remove all personal items from the property prior to Closing, and gives Buyers tips to ensure a seamless Closing.

The Seller is responsible for ensuring that “at closing, Seller shall have removed all personal items and trash from the Property…”

08/07/2023

🏆🎳 Our 3rd Annual Berlin Patten Ebling Firm Wide Bowling Tournament was an absolute STRIKE of fun! This year, the alley was on fire as the reigning champions, the SRQ Attorneys, showed their skills and snatched the trophy once again.🔥

From gutter balls to turkey shots, it was all in good spirits as our talented teams battled it out for the ultimate glory. Laughs, camaraderie, and maybe a little friendly competition - that’s what it’s all about!

Hats off to the SRQ Attorneys for their impressive victory, and a huge shoutout to every team that brought their A-game to the lanes! 🎳🏆

08/04/2023

What do you do if a Buyer wants to close on the property and deal with the title defect after closing?

In this week's blog, attorney Mariah Miller, Esq. discusses how to address title defects after closing, addressing encroachments in drainage, utility easements, and building setback lines with HOA variance considerations.

What do you do if Betty Buyer wants to close on the property and deal with the title defect after closing?

08/03/2023

Our offices will be closed on Friday, August 4th, from noon to 5:00 pm for a computer system upgrade. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. We'll be back in action on Monday, August 7th, with business as usual. Thanks for your understanding! 💻🔧

08/01/2023

Berlin Patten Ebling attorneys Brenda Patten, Esq. and Melissa Strassner, Esq. teamed up with visionary developers to bring the new Bath & Racquet Residences and Club in Sarasota, Florida to life.

The impact of their hard work is undeniable, and we are thrilled to see how the Bath & Racquet Residences and Club is poised to elevate the standard of living for residents and visitors alike. Attending the groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of this transformative venture!