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Georgia Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Georgia on
Q: I sold a house in Georgia for a loss. What is the tax implication? Do I have to file? I am not a resident of Georgia.

The house was my primary residence until I moved out of Georgia over 10 years ago. Unfortunately, the house fell into disrepair, so I sold it for a loss of about $30,000.

What are my tax implications? Do I even need to file in Georgia (given that it's a loss)? I'm only asking... View More

D. Mathew Blackburn
D. Mathew Blackburn
answered on Jan 28, 2020

No income on sale due to the loss, no deduction on loss since it's personal property.

You should file a non-resident return just in case the state has a copy of the 1099-S.

If they do and you don't file they'll send you a bill for tax on the gross sales proceeds.

Kind of a headache to fix.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Gift letter was signed for intent as a gift of money for a mortgage, and now that party says it was a loan, is it fraud

It was stated in the gift letter that it does not have to be paid back it is a gift. Now party says it was a loan and wants the entire amount paid back. What happens?

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Jan 23, 2020

More likely this will/can be settled in small claims, depending on the amount specified in your jurisdiction. It is best to contact an attorney who can assist you with the specifics of your circumstances.

If you and the property are in Florida, you should contact an attorney licensed in...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: My name is on a deed and mortgage with my ex. I moved from the home but pay utilities. Can he say I abandoned the house

My now ex and I purchased a house last year. Both of our names are on the deed & mortgage. We tried to live as roommates but that was not worked. I recently moved all of my belongings from the home. He claims I abandoned the house. If I still pay utilities and have mail coming to the house can... View More

Paula J. Mcgill
Paula J. Mcgill
answered on Jan 13, 2020

He doesn't know the law.

You still have an ownership interest in the property.

Therefore, you should seek counsel who specializes in real estate to force a partition of the property, if possible.

This may cause the house to be sold or to force him to buy you out....
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: My mother left her house to me and my two sons when she died last year. How do I go about getting a loan or selling?
Vincent Gallo
Vincent Gallo
answered on Jan 11, 2020

It would take all 3 of you to get a loan and/or to sell.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for Georgia on
Q: My ex-roommate who no longer lives with me but name is still on lease rented furniture and didn’t pay What can they do

His name is on the lease but no longer lives with me and the documents says a judge will issue a writ of possession. Does that mean i can get evicted or they raid my home looking for the property if he doesn’t goes to court or pay bill. I’ve already let Furniture rental company in several times... View More

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Jan 9, 2020

In order to enter your home lawfully, they will need a search warrant. A search warrant allows them to search the location for only the items listed in the warrant. Be aware, if they are looking for a couch, they can only look for the couch in areas where a couch would/could be. So they would not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for Georgia on
Q: If you believe fraud or theft with HOA board and they won't comply with records request who can you report them to?

Who holds HOA accountable?

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Dec 30, 2019

This is a civil matter. As a homeowner or member of the HOA, you have a right to hold them accountable. If you believe or suspect fraud or theft, you can certainly file a civil suit against the board or appropriate member(s). It is best to contact an attorney who can go over the specifics of your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: My HOA emailed out monthly financial that included a list of all delinquent homeowners. Is the HOA in violation?

Should the homeowners speak with attorney? This is violation of Georgia privacy act seeings as none of the homeowners gave consent to release personal account information, to include name and delinquent amounts. The next day HOA sent an email to apologize but the damage is done.

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Dec 12, 2019

Yes, it is best to consult an attorney to discuss the specifics of your circumstances.

I wish you well.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, (770) 240-0922.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Help! Company leasing to college kids said it’s unbreakable!?

I’m a college student who got a sublease to cover for me while I moved out of Athens to Atalanta for work. My contract said you can’t buy out of the lease or transfer it over to someone else and they don’t have a clause for if a tenant were to get hurt or move they said it’s not going to... View More

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Dec 2, 2019

More information is needed to provide you with an accurate answer. It is best to consult an attorney who can review your lease and provide you with a more tailored response. We are glad to assist you. Contact us soon!

I wish you well.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, (770) 240-0922.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: What to file for fraudulent SERVICE to allow to counterclaim on SMALL CLAIMS case (6/28) scheduled for default on 12/26?

Small claims case is scheduled for default hearing on 12/26, AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE filed 07/01 appears to be fraudulent. What to file to remove default and allow to counterclaim? Defendant learned about the case after 30+15 days ellapsed, filed on 10/16 Opposition to "Request for Default... View More

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Dec 2, 2019

You need to contact an attorney As Soon As Possible. More information is needed to provide you with an accurate answer. There are defenses available to you.

We are glad to assist you. Contact us today. I wish you well.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, (770) 240-0922.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Problems with holes in the wall when i moved in, but no response from landlord.

There are holes in the wall and ceiling, I'd not noticed when i first looked at the place, but noticed and noted on move in inspection- though the holes at the baseboard i noticed just days AFTER. I contacted manager on the Nov 6, but did not get back to me, until i again contacted them on the... View More

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Nov 28, 2019

More information is needed to provide you with an accurate answer. What type of holes? Are they the result of insect/animal activity? Are the holes the result of water damage? Do the holes prevent you from doing something in your home? Does it threaten your safety/privacy?

We are glad to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: What can I do?

Me and my ex fiance bought a house last Nov, she moved out in April. Shes on the deed but not mortgage and wont sign a Quit Claim Deed. I also found out shes moving into a new place.

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Nov 23, 2019

More information is needed about your case in order to provide you with an accurate answer. You should consult an attorney who will go over the details of your case and provide you legal counsel tailored to your need.

I wish you well.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, (770) 240-0922.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: How can I get rid of an inoperable auto on my property?

The owner has said he will pick up the car but has not done so.

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Nov 22, 2019

More information is needed in order to provide you with an accurate answer. It is best to contact an attorney who will examine your facts and the the law related to it.

I wish you well.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, (770) 240-0922.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Is the claimed ownership of local City government property in GA by adverse possession legal?

In a nutshell:

I was sold a strip of undeveloped land in the right in the heart of a small city in Georgia. It was purchased in 2008 at the Fair Market Value of $5,000. This .8 acre strip of land is adjacent to more then 4 acres of land already owned by me. This strip of land also had a... View More

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Nov 22, 2019

More information is needed to determine the merits of adverse possession. It is best to contact an attorney who will examine your specific facts in light of Georgia law.

We are glad to assist you whenever you are ready. I wish you well.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, (770) 240-0922.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Georgia on
Q: My old landlord will not provide new owners contact information after selling my rental house before lease was up

I also found out that she was selling the house or that the house was sold on the day the house sold and now she's calling asking if we are found a place to move yet but my one-year lease isn't up until February

Paula J. Mcgill
Paula J. Mcgill
answered on Nov 22, 2019

Look at your lease. If the lease doesn't terminate if the house is sold, the new owner takes subject to the lease. He or she will have to wait until February unless your lease is bought out by agreement or there is an early termination provision in the lease.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning for Georgia on
Q: what is the law in rabun county for abandoned vehicles and houses on uncared for land?

@ 573 david drive this house is a nuisance and so is the vehicle parked at or in the right away for months now. just need some direction

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Nov 18, 2019

The best practice in this case is to contact Code Enforcement.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, (770) 240-0922.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Georgia on
Q: Our HOA in Georgia permits Action Without Meeting. To remove directors how many members must we have sign this action?

We will have at least 40% of total HOA members signing. Is that total good if we are considering the total of number of members who decide to vote at all vs. total number actual HOA members?

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Nov 18, 2019

Your HOA’s bylaws and covenants should provide guidance on this matter. If it does not contain the information, it may be best to speak with an attorney about the specifics of your case.

We have expanded our practice area, and we are glad to assist you. Call us today.

-The Upshaw...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Georgia on
Q: Our HOA in Georgia permits Action Without Meeting. To remove directors how many members must we have sign this action?

We will have at least 40% of total HOA members signing. Is that total good if we are considering the total of number of members who decide to vote at all vs. total number actual HOA members?

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Nov 14, 2019

It is best to refer to your covenants and/or bylaws; it should contain the rules about this topic. If your covenants and/bylaws do not contain the information, it may be best to consult an attorney who can assist you with the specifics of your case.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, (770) 240-0922.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: What are my rights to property if my name and my ex-boyfriends are on the deed but he is the only one on the mortgage

We are breaking up I asked him what he wanted to do about house he said it would be best to take my name off the deed I said not without negotiating a fair amount my lowest price was 21K seems more than reasonable to me especially when I know he has it in the bank.

Paula J. Mcgill
Paula J. Mcgill
answered on Nov 3, 2019

The two of you may want to hire an appraiser to determine the market value of the property.

If you are going to split the equity in half, you would be entitled to 50% of

The value of the property

Less

The outstanding mortgage

You may want to consult with a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: My question is whether or not the HOA president is acting legally and ethically

Hi I have a client who wants to sell her townhouse in a community with an HOA. According to the HOA President, she has $25,000+ in dues unpaid. There is also a tax delinquency, which may send the property to auction. She hasn't lived there in almost a decade, and the community looks like a... View More

Paula J. Mcgill
Paula J. Mcgill
answered on Nov 3, 2019

Look at the bylaws first. That may answer several of your questions.

Also, there may be an issue with self-dealing and breach of fiduciary duty. This would be a corporate litigation matter if it is not addressed in the bylaws.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Do I have a right to privacy & quiet enjoyment if lease says my LL can access the premises at any time/for any reason?

I currently rent one of two rooms in the basement of LL's home which has a private entrance. My LL and her family reside above the basement. At times, she or a family member has come to the basement during or after showering to inquire or complain about my water usage. She does not give notice... View More

Paula J. Mcgill
Paula J. Mcgill
answered on Oct 27, 2019

You signed a lease that gave the landlord unlimited access. I've had cases with similar provisions. In those cases, the judge held the tenant to the lease.

If you don't want the landlord to access your room while you are in, use a mobile security bar. They sell them on Amazon....
View More

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