The term “grandfathered clause” has a more formal side that states “lawful prior non-conforming use.” You often hear this phrase thrown around when discussing property ownership or real estate issues. Grandfathered property rights is not a legal term nor is there an...
You usually must pay a security deposit when renting an apartment or a house. The average security deposit is equal to one to two months' rent. Your landlord keeps your deposit in escrow until you move out. Always inspect the property with your landlord when you move...
Whether buying a home for the first time or back in the market after decades, making an offer comes with nuances that may make or break a deal. Although the market has finally slowed down after the past few years of fast deals and low availability, homebuyers still...
Purchasing real estate is exciting, but you have a lot of research and decisions to make to ensure you make a great deal for the property you want. You may have a lot thrown at you at once when you investigate the property, but one thing you may not understand is...
An easement is a right granted to an agency to access property belonging to someone else for a specific purpose. In California, there are four types of easements with varying stipulations and legal protections. Prescriptive easement If someone used a piece of private...
When the seller accepts your offer on a home and you give them earnest money to show your commitment, you expect the transaction to go smoothly to closing. What happens when that is not the case? You might wonder if the seller can back out of the deal after accepting...
When you sign a commercial lease, you take on a significant responsibility. You want to maximize the benefits of your lease and sniff out any aspects that seem suspicious. Consider these red flags and how a lease should appear before you sign the dotted line....
Buying a new home requires careful consideration and planning. Once the buyer accepts your offer and a contract is in place, you should schedule a home inspection before finalizing the sale. This is an important step in the home-buying process, as it can uncover...
Subleasing a property is one way for lessees to follow through on a lease agreement if their situation has changed. Unlike subletting, subleasing is a process where you have an agreement directly with the lessee and they retain their existing lease. There are some...
If you are like many individuals today, you have invested in real estate to diversify your portfolio, earn a regular income and prepare for your financial future. However, if you are your own property manager, your income may not be entirely passive. Working with...
