A property easement is a legal right granted to someone – other than a property’s owner – allowing them access to or use of that property for a specific purpose. These purposes can vary widely, from granting utility companies the right to install and maintain...
Real Estate
How can buyers adjust offers to protect against an appraisal gap?
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...
Are you currently upside down on your home loan?
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...
Types of encumbrances in real estate
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...
Can a tenant prevent a pending California eviction?
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...
The rights of a buyer when a seller doesn’t disclose defects
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...
Can a buyer back out of a real estate purchase without penalty?
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...
Who pays for remodeling when a tenant suffers an injury?
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...
Can landlords prohibit animals in their California rentals?
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...
3 ways to appeal an HOA decision
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...