Real Estate

An appraisal gap is an issue that can prevent a real estate transaction from closing. A professional appraiser may look at the property and decide, based on its condition and the recent sale price of other properties nearby, that it is not worth what the buyer offered...

Whenever the housing market fluctuates, some property owners find themselves in a difficult position. When prices start to correct after they have risen for some time, the correction can leave some people upside down on their mortgages. An underwater or upside down...

Encumbrances are legal rights or interests that limit a property's use or transferability. They can affect property value, ownership rights – and future plans. Whether you’re buying or selling, learning more about encumbrances in real estate and exploring some common...

Eviction is a lengthy and expensive process for landlords that they often pursue because they want to regain control over a unit and end their relationship with a specific tenant. For tenants, eviction can lead to financial uncertainty and difficulty securing a good...

Real estate transactions can be very stressful experiences. People complete a purchase that represents multiple years of their salary. Oftentimes, the property they purchase will be where they will live for many years. For those selling real estate, maximizing their...

Selling real property requires careful planning. As the real estate market has been so volatile recently, sellers generally need to have a plan in place so that they know that they’ll have somewhere to live after listing their property. They may have to invest in...

Property maintenance and improvements can be a source of disputes between tenants who are renting a home and the landlord who owns and maintains the property. Landlords would prefer to keep their maintenance costs as low as possible, which means they may delay major...

Pets can be messy and expensive, but they can greatly enhance someone's daily life. A companion animal like a dog or a cat can provide someone with emotional support and motivation to exercise. Tenants renting in California may feel happier when they have a  pet to...

Many homeowners in California live in neighborhoods that follow strict precedents set by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA). An HOA works to maintain common areas within a community and enforce rules and regulations in the interest of all homeowners. The association may...

There are benefits that come from living in a community governed by a homeowner's association (HOA). You have an intermediary to help if there's a conflict with a neighbor, as you can report noise violations and problem pets to the HOA. You know that there are others...