Brannen, Searcy & Smith, LLP is looking to hire a well-qualified real estate paralegal to join the team.
The applicant MUST have a MINIMUM of 3 years work experience as a real estate paralegal.
Equally as important, the applicant MUST have a wonderful rapport with real estate agents and lenders.Continue Reading
Back in May 2016, I posted an article regarding disputes arising between the buyer and seller in connection with the Community Association Disclosure (“CAD”). The issue that frequently caused problems was that while the seller was filling out the CAD to the best of his or her knowledge, the seller either (1) failed to include all of the relevant fees, charges, etc. on the CAD or (2) was unaware of some of the same (i.e., transfer fee). If the seller failed to include a fee or charge on the CAD, arguably it was not clear whether the buyer or seller was responsible for paying those fees at closing. My advice to the selling agents was to attempt to contact the HOA to confirm the accuracy of the information included in the CAD during the due diligence period.Continue Reading
Purchasing a home is a BIG deal! For most individuals it will be the largest purchase of their lives. As a closing attorney, I take being a part of such a significant life event very seriously. So why do I call every buyer on every closing? There are actually several reasons.
First, there is nothing more important than speaking with a buyer early in the process to introduce myself and to answer any questions he or she may have. Learning that the purchaser is a first-time homebuyer, buying a second home or moving from another state helps me understand that buyer’s particular situation on the front end of the transaction. I also provide the buyer my cell phone number so they feel comfortable calling me anytime throughout the process. By speaking with the buyer prior to the closing I truly believe that it reduces the general anxiety that a buyer normally feels attending a closing. When I walk in the closing room both the buyer and myself know that we have spoken and are genuinely excited about finally meeting in person for the first time.Continue Reading
Now that Ho Ho Ho is over and Happy New Year is upon us, another important “H” word must be addressed. That’s right . . . the Homestead Exemption. If you are a Georgia resident and purchased a primary residence in 2016, the following is a guide to help you determine whether you should file for the exemption this year. Please note that for those of you who live in Bryan, Effingham, Liberty or Bulloch County guidance for filing the Homestead Exemption is addressed towards the end of this post.
For Chatham County property owners, first go to the Chatham County Tax Assessor’s website. Search by address to view your property record card. Do not be alarmed if the proprty record card is not yet in your name. The 2016 Fair Market Value of your property can be found in the top right corner of the property record card. You will need to know the Fair Market Value to determine whether to file for the Homestead Exemption.Continue Reading
I was just notified by the Super Lawyers publication that I was selected to the 2017 Georgia Super Lawyers list. Only 5% of attorneys in Georgia receive this distinction. While I have received the Georgia Super Lawyer Rising Star honor for many years (awarded to attorneys under the age of 40), this is the first time I have been selected to the Super Lawyer list. I guess this really just means I’m getting old.Continue Reading