Specialized Land Transactions
North Georgia Attorneys Providing Outstanding Representation in Specialized Real Estate Matters
When it comes to specialized real estate matters, it’s important that you have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you navigate the various and complex issues that often arise. At Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C., our real estate lawyers in Athens and Lake Oconee are incredibly knowledgeable of the many intricacies associated with unique real estate matters. We have the experience, skills, and resources necessary to help you throughout the process.
At Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C., we routinely represent clients in the following:
- Association Representation
At BBGA, our experienced real estate attorneys assist with the acquisition, development, and sale of commercial and residential properties. Our clients include developers, builders, and existing associations requiring counsel in the challenges, rights, and responsibilities associated with the creation and administration of owners and condominium associations. In our representation, we routinely negotiate, review, interpret, prepare declarations, covenants, covenants, and restrictions governing the use of property. We are well-versed in the Georgia Property Owners Association Act and the Georgia Condominium Act, and have extensive experience in submitting and converting property to the condominium form of ownership.
- Internal Revenue Code 1031 tax deferred exchanges
Our attorneys have represented buyers and sellers in traditional 1031 tax-free exchanges, as well as reverse exchanges. We work closely with related partners, such as Qualified Intermediaries and Exchange Accommodation Title Holders, to help accomplish our clients’ objectives.
- Tax Sales
Property with unpaid taxes is often sold at tax sales. Purchasers do not have “marketable” title or ownership of these properties until specific time frames have passed and actions have been taken. We help tax sale purchasers foreclose the right of redemption and file Petitions to Quiet title on these properties so that the title is marketable and may be sold.
- Tax Appeals
Property owners may appeal the ad valorem tax assessment of their property in the State of Georgia. The property owner desiring to appeal the assessment may do so within 45 days of the date the Assessment Notice was mailed by the county. We assist taxpayers in appealing their assessment, which can be based on taxability, value, uniformity, and/or the denial of an exemption.
- Conservation / Current Use Assessments
Real property that is devoted to bona fide conservation uses is assessed at 40 percent of its current use value. This favorable tax treatment is designed to protect property owners from being pressured by the property tax burden to convert their land from agricultural use to residential or commercial use. The property must be maintained in a qualifying use for a period of ten years. We assist owners of agricultural and/or timberland that qualifies for conservation use in applying for current use assessment.
- Petitions to Quiet Title
Ownership of real property may be difficult to ascertain or have liens that impede the marketability of that property. We help such owners file an action to quiet title, a lawsuit brought to establish a party’s title to a property – against anyone and everyone – and thus “quiet” any challenges or claims to the title.
- Property Management
Especially in a university town such as Athens, and a resort community such as Lake Oconee, property managers oversee many residential rental units including houses, condominiums, and apartments. We draft Management Agreements, Lease Agreements, and other legal documents for property managers. We also offer advice and guidance on the various legal issues that arise when leasing or renting property to tenants.
PLEASE CONTACT US AT (706) 354-4000 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW OUR FIRM CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR NEXT REAL ESTATE MATTER.