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17 Apr, 2024 by Brian hester
I highly recommend working with Williams Teusink and cannot convey the gratitude I have for Karen Scott. She navigated a compliance issue with the city whose remedy far exceeded the code that was cited in the complaint. She worked with the code compliance officer to reach an equitable resolution. When work needed to be done that our neighbor didn't agree with she even went to our property to handle it in person. She was very responsible with the use of her time and consequently our money! When it was time to appear in court I walked in to a plea having been reached and approved and in minutes the case was closed without penalty. I would highly recommend Karen for any code issue with the City of Atlanta.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Christopher libbey
10 stars. Amazing results, far, far exceeded our expectations. Our HOA's tax situation was a mess, a residual left to us from the developer. Twenty-five tax parcels, all with errors; incorrect appraisals, addresses and names. We owed tens of thousands of dollars in back taxes and liens. It was an overwhelmingly complex jumble. Attorney David Metzger and the WT team successfully negotiated with the county and the developer. Our appraisals were corrected and our tax bills were reduced from $31,000 to $31.00. David secured tax refunds that far exceeded our liens. He also negotiated a positive settlement with the developer for our HOA There are plenty of attorney's who can assist with appraisals, that's easy. Few are the firms who understand how to work with the counties and cities property tax departments to resolve complex issues. Williams Teusink is one these select firms. Do not hesitate.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Donna narducci
I was extremely pleased with this firm, in particular with the services of my attorney, Karen Scott. Ms. Scott is professional, courteous, and kind. From my initial consultation I had the utmost confidence in her ability to help me navigate the code enforcement citations I received. I was in a stressful situation and knew I would be out of my league trying to handle it on my own. Ms. Scott heard my concerns and worked with me to develop a plan to come into compliance. She stayed in touch with the code enforcement officer and relayed the status of compliance progress. She represented me at my court date and negotiated a terrific settlement. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don't go it alone. Get a consultation with Karen Scott at Williams Teusink. You won't be disappointed.
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17 Apr, 2024 by Brian hester
I highly recommend working with Williams Teusink and cannot convey the gratitude I have for Karen Scott. She navigated a compliance issue with the city whose remedy far exceeded the code that was cited in the complaint. She worked with the code compliance officer to reach an equitable resolution. When work needed to be done that our neighbor didn't agree with she even went to our property to handle it in person. She was very responsible with the use of her time and consequently our money! When it was time to appear in court I walked in to a plea having been reached and approved and in minutes the case was closed without penalty. I would highly recommend Karen for any code issue with the City of Atlanta.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Christopher libbey
10 stars. Amazing results, far, far exceeded our expectations. Our HOA's tax situation was a mess, a residual left to us from the developer. Twenty-five tax parcels, all with errors; incorrect appraisals, addresses and names. We owed tens of thousands of dollars in back taxes and liens. It was an overwhelmingly complex jumble. Attorney David Metzger and the WT team successfully negotiated with the county and the developer. Our appraisals were corrected and our tax bills were reduced from $31,000 to $31.00. David secured tax refunds that far exceeded our liens. He also negotiated a positive settlement with the developer for our HOA There are plenty of attorney's who can assist with appraisals, that's easy. Few are the firms who understand how to work with the counties and cities property tax departments to resolve complex issues. Williams Teusink is one these select firms. Do not hesitate.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Donna narducci
I was extremely pleased with this firm, in particular with the services of my attorney, Karen Scott. Ms. Scott is professional, courteous, and kind. From my initial consultation I had the utmost confidence in her ability to help me navigate the code enforcement citations I received. I was in a stressful situation and knew I would be out of my league trying to handle it on my own. Ms. Scott heard my concerns and worked with me to develop a plan to come into compliance. She stayed in touch with the code enforcement officer and relayed the status of compliance progress. She represented me at my court date and negotiated a terrific settlement. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don't go it alone. Get a consultation with Karen Scott at Williams Teusink. You won't be disappointed.
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17 Apr, 2024 by Brian hester
I highly recommend working with Williams Teusink and cannot convey the gratitude I have for Karen Scott. She navigated a compliance issue with the city whose remedy far exceeded the code that was cited in the complaint. She worked with the code compliance officer to reach an equitable resolution. When work needed to be done that our neighbor didn't agree with she even went to our property to handle it in person. She was very responsible with the use of her time and consequently our money! When it was time to appear in court I walked in to a plea having been reached and approved and in minutes the case was closed without penalty. I would highly recommend Karen for any code issue with the City of Atlanta.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
29 Feb, 2024 by Christopher libbey
10 stars. Amazing results, far, far exceeded our expectations. Our HOA's tax situation was a mess, a residual left to us from the developer. Twenty-five tax parcels, all with errors; incorrect appraisals, addresses and names. We owed tens of thousands of dollars in back taxes and liens. It was an overwhelmingly complex jumble. Attorney David Metzger and the WT team successfully negotiated with the county and the developer. Our appraisals were corrected and our tax bills were reduced from $31,000 to $31.00. David secured tax refunds that far exceeded our liens. He also negotiated a positive settlement with the developer for our HOA There are plenty of attorney's who can assist with appraisals, that's easy. Few are the firms who understand how to work with the counties and cities property tax departments to resolve complex issues. Williams Teusink is one these select firms. Do not hesitate.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Feb, 2024 by Donna narducci
I was extremely pleased with this firm, in particular with the services of my attorney, Karen Scott. Ms. Scott is professional, courteous, and kind. From my initial consultation I had the utmost confidence in her ability to help me navigate the code enforcement citations I received. I was in a stressful situation and knew I would be out of my league trying to handle it on my own. Ms. Scott heard my concerns and worked with me to develop a plan to come into compliance. She stayed in touch with the code enforcement officer and relayed the status of compliance progress. She represented me at my court date and negotiated a terrific settlement. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don't go it alone. Get a consultation with Karen Scott at Williams Teusink. You won't be disappointed.
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star star star star star
17 Apr, 2024 by Brian hester
I highly recommend working with Williams Teusink and cannot convey the gratitude I have for Karen Scott. She navigated a compliance issue with the city whose remedy far exceeded the code that was cited in the complaint. She worked with the code compliance officer to reach an equitable resolution. When work needed to be done that our neighbor didn't agree with she even went to our property to handle it in person. She was very responsible with the use of her time and consequently our money! When it was time to appear in court I walked in to a plea having been reached and approved and in minutes the case was closed without penalty. I would highly recommend Karen for any code issue with the City of Atlanta.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
29 Feb, 2024 by Christopher libbey
10 stars. Amazing results, far, far exceeded our expectations. Our HOA's tax situation was a mess, a residual left to us from the developer. Twenty-five tax parcels, all with errors; incorrect appraisals, addresses and names. We owed tens of thousands of dollars in back taxes and liens. It was an overwhelmingly complex jumble. Attorney David Metzger and the WT team successfully negotiated with the county and the developer. Our appraisals were corrected and our tax bills were reduced from $31,000 to $31.00. David secured tax refunds that far exceeded our liens. He also negotiated a positive settlement with the developer for our HOA There are plenty of attorney's who can assist with appraisals, that's easy. Few are the firms who understand how to work with the counties and cities property tax departments to resolve complex issues. Williams Teusink is one these select firms. Do not hesitate.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Feb, 2024 by Donna narducci
I was extremely pleased with this firm, in particular with the services of my attorney, Karen Scott. Ms. Scott is professional, courteous, and kind. From my initial consultation I had the utmost confidence in her ability to help me navigate the code enforcement citations I received. I was in a stressful situation and knew I would be out of my league trying to handle it on my own. Ms. Scott heard my concerns and worked with me to develop a plan to come into compliance. She stayed in touch with the code enforcement officer and relayed the status of compliance progress. She represented me at my court date and negotiated a terrific settlement. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don't go it alone. Get a consultation with Karen Scott at Williams Teusink. You won't be disappointed.
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07 Feb, 2024 by Beverly patillo johnson
I will recommend this Law Firm for any Real Estate Needs any day hands down!
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13 Jun, 2023 by Bill lichirie
I highly recommend Ken Levy and Ed Carpenter
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10 Oct, 2022 by Kim a patrick
I find the staff to be intelligent enough to handle the job.
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22 Feb, 2023 by William
Mr. Carlton was friendly, but we were unsure if we were dealing with him or a secretary from the responses we received, as they would be one-sentence replies, improper grammar, etc. We were shocked that our filing was done by hand and not typed. It wasn't even easy to read. We had to conduct weekly check-ins to get the status of our landlord-tenant dispute case, which took a year and a half. I previously worked as a judicial secretary, so I had some familiarity with cases. In one instance, we were sent someone else's case information. I would not recommend his service unless you want to do most of the work yourself.
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10 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Called because they are listed as free consultants but refused to speak with me
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09 Dec, 2020 by T. berry
I called upon Attorney Matthew Carlton last week to review our HOA documents and ACC guidelines. He took his time and had only 4-business days to get familiar with our documents. My wife and I invited him on our Zoom call on 12/8/20. By the time he spoke on our behalf last night to our HOA Board and ACC governing body, he was well versed and fully prepared in explaining to everyone our POA (Property Owners Association), our rights etc. He was very knowledgeable about voting rights and amongst other things, keeping harmony in a Subdivision. He was absolutely a homerun hire!! We will definitely call upon Attorney Carlton without hesitation shall the need arise!!! Thanks Matt!!
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22 May, 2021 by Tony
She came highly recommended to me from another restaurant owner. She was hired for a simple labor matter. The case was so easy I could of done it myself. I instructed her to wrap up quickly. That did not happen. In the end she billed me $17K while the suing attorney charged $10K. The employee got $5K. I had to eat the whole thing. I asked for her billing records and it a week to get them. It was so obvious her records were filled in after the case. This lady is not only a terrible lawyer but also a total thief. STAY AWAY!!!
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02 Jul, 2013 by Mark
Ms. Caiola is an outstanding attorney who is an expert litigator when needed, but is such an expert strategist and negotiator that she can and will reach the desired result and at the same time avoid protracted litigation and the expense attendant to it. She is also the most efficient professional with whom I've worked in my 40 years in business. Add to that an attorney who is kind, considerate and cares about her client and you have an attorney you can't afford to pass up. She is the embodiment of the phrase "attorney and counselor at law." She is quite simply the best of both.
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23 Jun, 2011 by Nicole
I tried to settle a case myself, but after negotiations stalled, I hired Mrs. Caiola. She was able to DOUBLE my settlement offer in a matter of days! She was quick with returning my calls and kept me informed every step. She was compassionate, and honest- two great qualities for an attorney.
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23 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Babcock from Logan & Babcock, LLP, Alpharetta, was hired to represent me as a proxy in communications with extremely difficult RE agent whose client wanted to buy my house. In a simple selling transaction that ends up with me losing the buyer, Mr. Babcock initially showed a willingness to help, but during the course of further communications he was not able to adequately relate messages between both sides and had problems capturing the repair items I agreed to address. He often changed the course of his recommendation, but unfortunately after the fact, when no changes can revoke the previously conveyed messages to the buyer. For example, he approved and reinforced my message to decline the buyer’s request for bringing contractors for the repair estimates, but later on, in his letter (sent to me, but I suspect it had more recipients as I never asked for such letter) he points to this message (in highly “modified” form) as the cause of this deal failure. Although a list of similar confusions could include more facts, I am not blaming Mr. Babcock in this deal failure, but feel strongly that I would be better off not using his services.
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23 Sep, 2020 by Andrea brown
They are very backwards. Why are they sending notices to a house that they banned me from going to. I've given them my correct address several times, but I guess that means nothing, smdh.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Joyze taylor
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23 Sep, 2020 by Andrea brown
They are very backwards. Why are they sending notices to a house that they banned me from going to. I've given them my correct address several times, but I guess that means nothing, smdh.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Joyze taylor
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You

A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.

Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.

When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?

Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:

  • Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
  • Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
  • Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
  • Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
  • Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
  • Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.

What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?

A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:

  • Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
  • Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
  • Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
  • Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
  • Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
  • Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.

How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?

Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:

  • Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
  • Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
  • Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.

It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.

How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:

  • Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
  • Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
  • Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.

Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.

Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.

Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.

Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer

Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:

  1. What experience do you have with real estate law?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on.
  3. How long will the process take?
    Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last.
  4. Have you handled cases similar to mine?
    Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case.
  5. Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
    Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities.
  6. Can you provide references?
    Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.

How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:

  • Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
  • Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
  • Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
  • Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:

  • Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
  • A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
  • Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
  • Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
  • Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.

By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.

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