Soaring real estate prices make California a challenging place for many people to become first-time home buyers. A new home loan program may make the process easier for some buyers. How does the program work? Forgivable Equity Builder Loan program First-time...
What happens if a house sustains damage while under contract?
Most homebuyers do not want to purchase property with significant damage. Before closing on a house, the buyer generally arranges an inspection to identify damage and flaws. Despite these efforts, events beyond the buyer's or seller's control, such as fire or...
3 things you should not do during a boundary dispute
A boundary dispute can become a major point of contention between you and your neighbor. While you may wish to quickly put the issue to rest, there are certain things you should not do during an ongoing dispute. Many circumstances can trigger a California boundary...
Most common new construction deficiencies
When buying a new construction home, you trust your builder to build a safe and quality structure that will shelter your family for years to come. However, when builders, contractors or manufacturers cut corners or perform subpar work, you may discover your final...
Tips for winning a real estate bidding war
Though the white-hot housing market shows some signs of a cooldown, housing inventory remains low, and competition among buyers is high. Migrations are a continuing by-product of increased career mobility, leaving real estate as a surging market. How can a prospective...
Town invokes wildlife protections to halt multi-family housing
The California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency Act requires cities to permit property owners to build an additional residential unit on parcels of land zoned for single-dwelling units. The law went into effect statewide on January 1, 2022. One California town...
Your guests may become tenants if you allow them to stay too long
With the growing population and rising cost of living, non-expensive housing is scarcer than ever before. The current housing shortage especially impacts individuals looking for their first, affordable abodes. Due to this crisis, it is not uncommon for individuals to...
What homebuyers should know about the California Solar Mandate
The California Solar Mandate, which took effect on January 1, 2020, updated the state's building code for residential homes. If you are planning to buy new construction, you must outfit the home with a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for electricity. Learn more about...
California dominates most expensive zip code list
Savvy real estate investors know California for its high real estate prices. That trend does not appear to be changing any time soon. A recent report has California ZIP codes claiming 70% of the spots on the list of the 100 most expensive ZIP codes in the United...
Is a quiet title action necessary before you buy your dream home?
If you have finally found the home you wish to purchase, the title company will require a clear title before they can issue an insurance policy to you. In order to clear up any doubt regarding legal ownership, a quiet title action may be in order. Understanding a...