Explain a Letter of Intent Without Giving Legal Advice

Clients often see a letter of intent as a quick way to reserve a space. A broker can explain the business items being discussed and the process for submitting a proposal through approved channels. The broker should not interpret legal effect, state that a term is enforceable, or assure a client that an owner will accept it.

In a fictional review, Paul says, “If I sign this letter today, am I locked in? Can you promise the owner will hold the suite?” Broker Suki answers, “I can walk through the business points we have discussed, such as the proposed term, space, and timing. Your attorney can advise you on legal effect. I also cannot promise the owner will accept or reserve the suite before the owner confirms it.” Paul wants to include signage and early access. Suki asks him to rank those requests, then records them as proposed items that still need agreement. She identifies the date the owner requested a response and offers to coordinate delivery of the proposal after Paul's adviser reviews it.

Before the next discussion, make a list of each point, its source, and its status: client request, owner indication, or confirmed written term. This simple record prevents casual language from becoming a false assurance. For roleplay, ask a broker to respond when a client says, “Just tell me what this means legally.” The response should state the role boundary plainly, offer the relevant property context, and name the client's adviser as the owner of legal interpretation.