Albany Commercial Real Estate Lawyers

Find the right Commercial Real Estate attorney in Albany, GA

Commercial Real Estate Law in Georgia

In Albany, Georgia, "commercial real estate" is any form of land or building which is utilized for a business, as opposed to residential, purpose.

Commercial real estate in Albany, Georgia is controlled by laws which differ significantly from state and local laws that apply to residential real estate.

People who buy and rent residential unites have a higher deal of legal protections not available to buyers of commercial property.

These include implied warranties of habitability, rent control, and covenants of use and quiet enjoyment, among various others. Of course, the most general protections, such as prohibiting the seller from actively concealing defects, apply to both.

Common Commercial Real Estate Law Issues in Albany, Georgia

Financing: The majority of small businesses in Albany, Georgia can't afford to make large real estate purchases with the money they have in the bank. Still, buying real estate is sometimes imperative for a business' survival. This problem is sometimes remedied by taking out a mortgage; a loan used to buy property, with that same property being used to secure the loan.

Duty to Disclose Defects: It is of the utmost importance that sellers and lessors of commercial real estate be up front about any defects that might be present in the property. Failing to disclose them can be bad, and actively concealing them can be much worse. In general, if a defect is significant enough that it would influence a reasonable person's decision to buy a piece of property, and the seller knows about it, the seller should disclose it. Failure to disclose can have significant results. If the buyer later discovers the defect, they can sue for the cost of repairing it, or for any reduction in the property's value caused by it. And, of course, if it causes any injuries, the buyer can sue the seller for those, as well.

Duty to Inspect: While buyers of real estate have some substantial protections with respect to defects, they also have some obligations. Before finalizing a purchase, buyers are expected to undertake a reasonable inspection of the property, usually by using a licensed building inspector. If the buyer fails to conduct an inspection, they typically won't be able to successfully sue, if defects are discovered after the purchase.

Encumbrances: These are defects to title, rather than physical defects. They are legal issues which might make it challenging or impossible for a landowner to make full use of their land. In Albany, Georgia, these might include easements. An easement is a right to use property held by a party other than the owner. This use is often very specific in scope, such as allowing the holder of the easement to cross the property to access a public road, or something similar. Such rights usually have to be recognized and honored by new owners, so if they buy property not knowing about them, they might be seriously inconvenienced.

Can a Albany, Georgia Attorney Help?

Because of the complexity and importance of many of the issues regarding commercial real estate, it is almost always imperative to consult with an Albany, Georgia attorney before buying or selling commercial real estate.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Albany

Albany, Georgia is located in Dougherty County, where it also serves as the county seat. It has a population of well over 77,000 and is nicknamed "The Good Life City". Production and manufacturing fuel much of the city's economy, and its community life is marked by a number of unique events.

Economically speaking, Albany, Georgia is supported largely by the manufacturing, health care, transportation, education, and retail industries. Top employers for Albany residents include Procter Gamble, Teleperformance USA, MARS Snackfood US, and Thrush Aircraft. Despite Albany's extensive expansion, the city still retains its "Southern town" environment, with many areas still surrounded by pine trees, tree groves, and farmlands.

Residents of Albany enjoy a great number of events and recreation establishment, thus earning the city its nickname of The Good Life City. A few examples of popular Albany events are "Discovery Days", held at The Flint RiverQuarium, and a "Frontier Festival" held the wild animal park. Popular tourist attractions include the civic center, the municipal auditorium, and weekend events such as outdoor farmer's market. Much of the city's art scene revolves around singer Ray Charles, who hailed from Albany.

Lawyers in Albany, Georgia are trained to handle legal issues in a broad range of fields. Many Albany lawyers assist clients at the Dougherty Superior Court, located in Albany. The Superior Court oversees all other courts in the county and also maintains the Dougherty County Law Library.

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