Valerie Johnston

Valerie Johnston has extensive experience negotiating management agreements, purchase agreements, loan documents, leases and lease amendments, and construction contracts to facilitate development of all asset classes, including specialty assets such as hotels and data centers. She also provides general business advice to real estate developers and acts as a conduit to connect developers with potential opportunities and sources of projects and capital.

In addition to her knowledge of hotel-related transactions, Valerie has experience with CMBS (Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities) leasing work. She assists clients in structuring and negotiating leases within CMBS transactions, ensuring compliance with the distinct requirements and complexities of CMBS financing. Valerie's comprehensive understanding of both the legal and financial aspects of CMBS leasing enables her to provide strategic advice and solutions to her clients.

Valerie is well-versed in special financing options from both the borrower and lender side, including New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing. She helps clients leverage these financing mechanisms to fund their projects, providing guidance on compliance requirements and structuring of transactions to maximize the benefits of these programs.