It's every real estate agent's nightmare scenario: while showing a house and hoping for that big commission check, a client slips, falls, injures themselves and files a lawsuit. Recently an Iowa court held that the realtor in such a case was not at fault. Summary of...
What to consider before finalizing a historic home sale
Buying a home can be one of life's most joyful and stressful experiences. However, you must take on additional due diligence when you have your heart set on a property in one of Santa Rosa's historic districts. These are three essential points home buyers should...
What are your rights when a seller fails to disclose information?
When you purchase a new home, it is both exciting and stressful. There are many components involved in your real estate transaction to handle carefully and correctly. If you find out a seller failed to disclose defects with the house you bought, it is vital...
Where to start when purchasing your first home
Buying your first home can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. This can be true no matter where you live at. Beyond that, buying a home may feel like an even more complex task when the housing market is competitive. This can be particularly true when you...
What can you do if a deed’s legal description contains an error?
Tiny discrepancies in a deed's legal description of a real estate property can easily go unnoticed during a transaction and for years afterward. However, even the smallest of ambiguities can cause huge problems when they finally become apparent. Correcting description...
New program may help first-time home buyers
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...
