About Kelly
Kelly Behr: Leading Real Estate Attorney for Affordable Housing Transactions
Kelly Behr is an associate attorney specializing in affordable housing transactions, providing expert legal counsel and strategic guidance to clients nationwide. With a deep understanding of the complexities involved in developing, acquiring, financing, and preserving multifamily affordable housing projects, Ms. Behr is dedicated to ensuring her clients’ success while upholding the critical mission of providing accessible housing options for communities.
Ms. Behr’s expertise extends across the entire lifecycle of affordable housing projects, from initial acquisition and construction through ongoing ownership and rehabilitation. She expertly navigates intricate regulatory landscapes, working closely with lenders, investors, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders to secure the approvals necessary to facilitate these vital transactions. Her proactive approach and meticulous attention to detail make her a trusted partner for developers, investors, and non-profit organizations alike.
Prior to joining her current firm, Ms. Behr honed her legal skills at a leading real estate finance law firm in Washington, D.C. There, she provided critical support to lenders, assisting in the securing of loan insurance for a diverse portfolio of multifamily housing and health care facilities. Her experience with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac afforded her an invaluable understanding of the financing mechanisms underpinning affordable housing development, significantly enhancing her ability to advise clients on complex financial transactions.
Beyond her transactional expertise, Ms. Behr is committed to social justice and dedicates her time to providing pro bono representation to domestic violence victims seeking protective orders. This commitment reflects her strong belief in advocating for vulnerable populations and ensuring equitable access to legal support.
Key Areas of Focus:
• **Multifamily Affordable Housing Acquisition:** Ms. Behr expertly guides clients through the due diligence process, including title and survey reviews, contract negotiations, and risk assessments, ensuring a smooth and successful property acquisition.
• **Construction & Development:** She provides comprehensive legal support throughout the construction phase, including contract drafting, permitting assistance, and compliance with local zoning regulations.
• **Ownership & Financing:** Ms. Behr’s deep understanding of real estate finance allows her to structure optimal financing solutions, leveraging various funding sources to maximize project returns.
• **Rehabilitation & Preservation:** She assists clients in implementing strategies to preserve existing affordable housing units, including lease-up assistance, tenant relocation support, and property rehabilitation financing.
• **Transactional Support:** Ms. Behr excels at facilitating complex transactions by interacting with lenders, investors, and governmental agencies to obtain the necessary approvals and streamline the closing process.
Education & Credentials:
• Practice Area: Real Estate Law
• Awards: Recognized: Real Estate Law – 2025, Recognized: Real Estate Law – 2024, Recognized: Real Estate Law – 2023, Recognized: Real Estate Law – 2022, Recognized: Real Estate Law – 2021
• Recognition: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2026
• Bar Admissions: District of Columbia
Affiliations:
• Best Attorney USA – 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
Contact Information:
City: Washington, State: District of Columbia, Country: United States
If you are seeking experienced legal counsel for your affordable housing project or need assistance with a complex real estate transaction, please contact Kelly Behr today. Her dedication to client success and her profound understanding of the affordable housing landscape make her an invaluable asset.
