Real Estate Definitions › Commercial Real Estate

Letter of Intent (LOI)

Outland and Associates Real EstateJames Outland, Broker AssociateDRE #01314390

What is Letter of Intent (LOI)?

A letter of intent is a short, usually non-binding document that outlines the main proposed terms of a commercial purchase or lease — price or rent, term, contingencies, and timing — before a full contract is drafted. It lets both sides confirm they're aligned and saves legal expense. Most LOIs explicitly state they are not yet binding.

Example: Before lawyers draft a 50-page lease, the tenant and landlord sign an LOI agreeing on rent, term, and TI allowance to confirm the deal's framework.

Important Disclaimer

This definition is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Real estate laws and lending rules change and vary by situation. Before acting, consult a licensed attorney, CPA, lender, or other qualified professional in the State of California regarding your specific circumstances.

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