Achieving Results: Real Estate Law Success Stories
At Maria Gesualdi Attorney at Law, we understand that every successful legal case is supported by excellence and client advocacy. With more than 25 years of New Jersey real estate law experience, Maria Gesualdi, Esq. has undertaken complex transactions, litigated disputes, and earned positive outcomes in court and in front of municipal boards. This page features some of our most notable case studies to demonstrate the level of service we provide, the impact we can have, and the value we are to our clients’ legal matters.
Substantial Sale: Successfully Guiding a Large Property Owner through a Major Land Transaction
“A North Bergen family hired the firm after inheriting a four family property complicated by expired liens and zoning concerns. They were eager to sell but legal issues threatened to wrap the transaction in red-tape for the foreseeable future. Maria Gesualdi performed a meticulous title search, identifying stale municipal liens and negotiated with town counsel to mitigate outstanding taxes. She also then appeared before the Planning and Zoning Board to confirm the property’s classification of use. After carefully negotiating and steadfastly advocating, liens were extinguished, the legal use of the property confirmed and the family was able to quickly sell their property at 12% over the market value. The clients referred to Maria’s clear communication and personalized attention as instrumental in converting a difficult problem into a well received success.”
Real Estate Investor Success: Bank Owned Commercial Property Deal
“First-time real estate investor engaged us to assist in purchasing a bank-owned commercial building in Fort Lee. My client faced numerous hurdles – the building and grounds each carried multiple code violations, there was an outstanding environmental compliance issue, and a foreclosure action was pending. Maria Gesualdi’s assignment team managed a full scope due diligence review, drawing on her extensive experience in the purchase of bank-controlled real estate. Maria negotiated directly with the lender to minimize closing cost and excess expenditures, secured an environmental scope of work remediation for the environmental compliance issue, and represented the investor at a municipal code hearing to rectify all violations before the title transfer. The investor closed on the building free of any adverse liabilities with a national retailer as a tenant and a robust ROI shortly thereafter. Our client claims credit to Maria’s negotiation acumen and extended local government knowledge for a smooth transaction.”
Landlord/Tenant Court Win: Client’s Landlord Won Case to Evict Rent Control Tenant
Our law firm represented a Union City landlord against a tenant who repeatedly defaulted on the lease and refused to pay rent, claiming habitability issues. The case went to Landlord/Tenant Court. Maria Gesualdi documented the details of the parties’ dealings and encountered witnesses on both sides. She compiled maintenance logs and correspondence that proved satisfaction of legal obligations by the landlord. She cross-examined the tenant about the alleged habitability issues that drew an unflattering picture of his credibility. The court found for our client and issued a lawful warrant of eviction and judgment of unpaid rent. The landlord praised Maria for her attention to detail and court-room presence which protected his rights as a property owner and established a legal precedent for lawful, non-discriminatory landlord actions.
Public Interest Victory: Municipal Approval of a Zoning Change for a Local Developer
“A Guttenberg-based developer hired Maria Gesualdi Attorney at Law to secure a zoning variance for a mixed use redevelopment project. It was challenged by neighboring property owners and subject to strict zoning requirements. Relying on her expertise as the Joint Planning and Zoning Board Attorney of Guttenberg, she drafted a detailed application package, coordinated expert testimony, and presented the case at public hearings. She assuaged concerns from the local community by including traffic mitigation and green-space improvements in the overall site design. The variance application was approved by the Board which paved the way for the developer to proceed with a lucrative project that gave new life to the neighborhood. This matter highlighted Maria’s ability to advocate legally while engaging the community.”
Short Sale Success Story: Preventing Family’s Home in Foreclosure
“A bilingual family in West New York facing impending foreclosure due to a loss of work came to the office looking for help. Maria Gesualdi, fluently bilingual in Spanish and Italian, provided prompt, direct, thoughtful advice and worked with the lender to negotiate a short sale agreement, allowing the homeowner to sell the house for an amount less than was owed on the mortgage without being subject to a deficiency judgment. Using her experience and leveraging relationships with realtors and the bank, Maria shortened the timeline for the sale ensuring the family could move quickly into a new rental home that was affordable. Her ability to communicate directly with the clients in their native language was a source of peace and comfort at such a stressful time. The family thanked Maria for all her hard work and for protecting their financial future.”
Estate Planning: Securing Your Legacy for the Future
“A Fort Lee retired couple contacted Maria Gesualdi Attorney at Law to draft an estate plan that would safeguard their assets and streamline the passage of title to their investment property to their children. Maria performed a meticulous inventory of the couple’s assets and developed a comprehensive estate plan that incorporated trusts, new wills and powers of attorney. Maria also gave the couple advice on steps they should take now to reduce the estate tax burden, and worked with them to ensure compliance with New Jersey probate law. As part of the process, the couple’s kids were included throughout the drafting process and as a result there was effective communication provided by Maria that helped keep the family informed. When the clients left the estate planning process they enjoyed peace of mind in that they had a legally enforceable plan in place to preserve their legacy. This case study exemplifies the firm’s whole client approach to estate planning relative to long-term client relationships.”
Successful Tax Appeal: Small Business Client Received Reduction in Property Tax Bill
“A local Guttenberg restaurant owner experienced an increase in her property taxes that threatened the very existence of her business. Upon review, Maria Gesualdi found factual errors in the municipal property tax assessment and prepared a strong appeal based upon market comparables and expert appraisal. Maria appeared on her behalf at the county tax board hearing. The county board agreed to substantially reduce the assessed value of the River Road property and the business owner will continue to save thousands of dollars annually. Client later attributed saving her restaurant to Maria’s approach and thorough knowledge of local tax law.”
Why Retain Maria Gesualdi Attorney at Law?
This collection of case studies symbolizes the personal service, legal knowledge, and uncompromising commitment that characterizes Maria Gesualdi Attorney at Law. Be it a complex deal, a courtroom fight, or protecting a family’s livelihood, Maria applies 25+ years of in-the-trenches experience and multilingual global client serviced expertise to each engagement. Companies and individuals in Guttenberg, Fort Lee, and across North New Jersey rely on Maria’s ability to deliver dynamic solutions with tangible results.
Contact Us for Your Real Estate Legal Needs
If you need help with a real estate legal issue or you want counsel on any legal dispute, turn to Maria Gesualdi Attorney at Law. We are conveniently located at 6806 Bergenline Avenue, Guttenberg, NJ 07093 and 1073 Palisade Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ 07024 and offer appointments that will meet your schedule. Call today at 201-295-0700 or e-mail [email protected] to set up a meeting and discover the difference that knowledgeable, aggressive legal representation makes. Call now for our compassionate and knowledgeable service in real estate law, tax appeals, estate planning and administration, and other legal issues. For more information, please visit our Contact Maria Gesualdi page.