Real Estate Financing

Rider Clayton advises lenders and borrowers on the structuring, negotiation, and execution of real estate financing across the capital spectrum—from traditional mortgage debt to complex, multi-tiered capital stacks. Our role is to help clients navigate the financing process with foresight and precision while aligning the terms of the deal with broader project and investment goals.

Sophisticated Counsel. Seamless Execution.

We operate as transaction partners, guiding clients through every stage of the financing lifecycle—from term sheet negotiation to document drafting, closing, and post-closing compliance. Our goal is to make complex transactions feel seamless through strategic structuring, clear communication, and meticulous execution. We identify and resolve issues early to keep deals moving efficiently and protect our clients from unnecessary risk and delay.

Tailored Strategies for Complex Capital Structures

With more than 45 years of combined experience at nationally recognized law firms, founding partners Chris Rider and Harry Clayton bring deep real estate finance knowledge and transactional sophistication to every financing engagement. They founded Rider Clayton in 2022 to offer clients the best of both worlds—top-tier legal counsel combined with the responsiveness and focus of a boutique practice.

We regularly represent lenders and borrowers in a wide range of commercial financing transactions, including construction loans, bridge loans, permanent debt, and mezzanine financing. Whether our client is acquiring, refinancing, or repositioning a property, we approach each financing matter with the same level of strategic care and legal rigor.

Many of our clients have worked with us for years, trusting us to manage financing transactions where the smallest details can have significant consequences. Others have been referred to us by industry colleagues who value our clarity, responsiveness, and results. We view every transaction as a long-term relationship opportunity.

Comprehensive Financing Representation

We provide end-to-end counsel on real estate finance matters, including:

• Structuring, negotiating, and documenting mortgage loans and mezzanine debt
• Performing legal due diligence and advising on borrower eligibility, compliance, and structuring risks
• Forming borrower entities and structuring ownership in compliance with lender requirements and liability protection objectives
• Issuing legal opinion letters
• Coordinating title, survey, zoning, and insurance due diligence
• Managing closing logistics, escrow arrangements, and lender deliverables

We serve not just as document drafters but as strategic advisors and risk managers. We proactively surface and address hidden risks—legal, operational, and financial—so our clients can close with confidence and position their projects for long-term success.