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Georgia Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Even though our HOA bylaws have an Open Meeting Section, can the board have meetings without being open?

Bylaw: Section 9. Open Meetings. All meetings of the Board shall be open to all Members, but Members other than the Directors may not participate in any discussion or deliberation unless expressly so authorized by the Board.

Some board members want to have meetings without homeowners and... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jan 10, 2024

If this is an issue with the property owners of your subdivision, then I recommend that you (and some of the property owners) consult with an attorney to obtain a legal opinion on this. The attorney providing the opinion will hopefully charge a legal fee in allows the interested property owners to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Can the HOA of a condo assoc raise HOA fees & make major capital decisions without any input from owners (Georgia)?

HOA fees were originally $151 for the 1 bedroom unit. The HOA took out a balloon loan several years ago and assure owners at the time that HOA fees would return to normal after the final payment in 2021. The fees never returned to normal but in December we were notified that they were increasing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 2, 2024

In Georgia, the ability of a Homeowners' Association (HOA) to raise fees and make major decisions typically depends on the governing documents of the association, like the bylaws and covenants. These documents usually outline the process the HOA must follow for such actions, including how and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Tax Law, Collections, Federal Crimes and Municipal Law for Georgia on
Q: So the city has annexed a distillery that is on a county road which should be out side city limits but they say they

Have the highway county does not allow sales outside Gilmer -city of ellijay - very weird but we are wanting to move in the area with our property but they put up signs and looks horrible

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 25, 2023

In your situation, where a city has annexed property that includes a distillery on a county road, there are a few steps you can take to address your concerns. First, it's important to understand the specifics of the annexation process. Typically, a city can annex adjacent areas through legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Land Use & Zoning for Georgia on
Q: Is it possible to over turn a lawsuit judgement?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 19, 2023

Yes, it is possible to overturn a lawsuit judgment in Georgia, but the process involves specific legal procedures. To challenge a judgment, you typically need to file a motion with the court within a certain timeframe, presenting valid legal reasons for the request, such as new evidence or errors... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Will I be able to stay in my home if my husband passes away? Deed is in his name, not the mortgage.

Deed is currently in my husband's name due to his previous wife passing away but not the mortgage. Her ex-husband is the mortgage holder. I'm not on either (mortgage or deed). If anything were to happen to my husband (Deed holder), will I still be able to stay in our home if I continue to... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Dec 18, 2023

It depends on a few factors. If your husband has a will and leaves the house to you, you will likely be able to continue paying the mortgage. However, it depends on the terms of the actual loan as it was written. You will need to closely review those terms. If he does not have a will and you have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for Georgia on
Q: Does Regulation Z's Ability-To-Repay Rule to Certain Situations Involving Successors-in-Interest apply to me, in GA?

I am seeking clarification of the Application of Regulation Z's Ability-To-Repay Rule to Certain Situations Involving Successors-in-Interest, pertaining to Successors-in-Interest who do not have the title to a property. It is my understanding that this rule was intended to prevent predatory... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Dec 5, 2023

Loan assumptions absolutely do not transfer title. You probably need a probate for that, but this is state-specific and you did not say what state the property is in. You also did not say whether the property is residential or not, and that matters too.

Lenders are all too happy to accept...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: my parents died without a will so who inherits their real estate the county or there heirs.?

State of georgia

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Nov 22, 2024

The heirs of the deceased will always inherit the property. The laws of intestacy provide a very detailed analysis of who inherits when someone dies. This can extend to cousins of varying degrees when necessary. Schedule a free consultation to figure out who is entitled to inherit the real estate.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Business Law, Election Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Georgia on
Q: Our HOA mgmt. co. broke several bylaw and CC&R rules to elect a puppet board. What are our options as a community?

Eight months ago, our HOA went from builder control to community control. The election, to our belief, was illegal in that the HOA mgmt. company broke bylaw & CC&R rules plus State (GA) HOA code rules in conducting the election. They also counted votes in secret without an auditor present.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 6, 2024

In your situation, the first step as a community is to gather support from as many homeowners as possible who share your concerns. Document all the actions that violate the HOA's bylaws, CC&Rs, and Georgia state HOA code. This documentation will be critical if you decide to pursue legal or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Can an individual get out of a contract with a wholesale real estate company? If so, how?

My sister entered into a contract with a wholesale real estate company and decided to not go forth with selling. She wants to keep her house, but the contract says she has to sell to them regardless. Can she back out and not lose her home?

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Sep 30, 2024

Your sister may be able to get out of the contract if there was fraud or deception in the formation of the contract, the wholesale company is in breach of the contract, your sister was forced against her will to sign the contract, or the terms are unconscionable.

Schedule a free...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Election Law for Georgia on
Q: In Georgia, USA, can an HoA limit political speech (displaying a sign)?

The HoA Covenants and Restrictions prohibit any sign not explicitly approved by the HoA; however, this provision has been historically, unequally, and inconsistently, enforced.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 25, 2024

In Georgia, an HOA can impose restrictions on signage, including political signs, if those rules are laid out in the HOA's Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). However, these restrictions must be applied consistently and fairly to avoid claims of discrimination or selective... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: If i live in Georgia and had a mortgage on a home before marriage can i sell the property without my spouse’s consent

The deed is is my name also

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Sep 10, 2024

If the deed is in your name only, you have the sole right to sell the property. However, if you are currently going through a divorce or are in bankruptcy, you cannot sell the property without a court order approving the sale.

Schedule a free consultation to make sure you make the proper...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Real Estate Law and Small Claims for Georgia on
Q: Bought property which has a couple had rented n put trailer on I evicted them been 30 days no one has claimed trailer

Or moved it off my property what do I do next

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 9, 2024

First, check your local and state laws regarding abandoned property or vehicles, as these can vary significantly. Often, there is a specific process for handling abandoned trailers or personal property left on your land after an eviction. You might need to post a notice on the trailer and send a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: I have a signedreal estate sales agreement that seller is refusing to execute. Next steps?
James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Sep 5, 2024

You will need to file a lawsuit for specific performance to force the seller to sell the property according to the terms of the agreement.

Schedule a free consultation to make sure your contract rights are protected.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: My dad passed in 94 my stepmom did a fraudulent claim on the property in 95 he was already dead is that legal

He has three kids that she didn't tell what she was doing she just took the property

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Sep 5, 2024

It is possible to challenge the transfer on fraud grounds. However, the length of time since the transfer will be a problem. The statute of limitations may have expired depending on the circumstances. You need to act quickly now that you are aware of the fraudulent transfer.

Schedule a free...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Can a probate lawyer be "retained" before an estate owner passes.
James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Sep 2, 2024

Yes, any heir may retain counsel prior to the passing of the individual that the heir may inherit from. If you anticipate that the estate may be contested, it would be in your best interest to retain counsel yourself.

Schedule a free consultation to make sure that your inheritance is protected.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Internet Law and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: the student apartment complex he signed a lease for through the internet is not what was advertised. Does he have rights

In the slums not a safe neighborhood and one of the roommates are out on bond for sexual assault. Can he break the lease?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 31, 2024

You have the right to expect that the apartment you leased matches what was advertised to you. If the apartment is in a significantly different condition or in an unsafe neighborhood, you might be able to argue that the landlord has violated the terms of the lease by misrepresenting the property.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Is it legal for a property management company to charge late fees on late fees for property management dues in Georgia?
James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Aug 29, 2024

It depends on the language contained in the covenants and restrictions of the community. Review the covenants for a more precise answer as there is no law that directly addresses that issue.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Can only 1 of 2 remaindermen file suit against life tenant for failure to maintain property? Value in land not home.

Do both remaindermen have to agree to file suit? Home will be demolished when sold. Georgia.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Aug 16, 2024

One Remainderman can file suit, but all interested parties in the land must be joined in the suit, either as defendants or plaintiffs. Waste action against a life tenant is a hard cause of action but possible.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Real Estate Law and Intellectual Property for Georgia on
Q: Do I need permission from the film studio to own an airbnb that has rooms themed after bedrooms on a popular tv series?

I want to build, own and operate a home as an airbnb that is mostly a historical recreation but I want to incorporate a couple of rooms that are themed after the bedrooms of characters from a popular tv show and this home would be located near the filming locations of said show. Do I need... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 2, 2024

To decorate your Airbnb rooms to resemble those from a popular TV show, you likely need to consider intellectual property rights. Creating rooms that closely mimic the show's set design could be seen as an infringement of the film studio's copyrights. This is especially true if you plan... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: HOA filed compliant judicial foreclosure of lien and damages. If I pay the HOA fees owed, will this go away?

HOA filed compliant judicial foreclosure of lien and damages for balance owed. I can pay outstanding balance and plan to answer the complaint. Will court be necessary? Will payment end the process?

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jul 25, 2024

Hire a GA lawyer today. HOA intends to take your condo. It is too serious for you deal with. You knew you had to make the HOA happy when you bought the place.

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