Dear Clients and Friends, The essence of Community Property law concepts in California - and in other community property jurisdictions such as Alaska, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, Washington Arizona, Lousiana and Texas - is the recognition that both spouses make valuable … [Read more...] about Property division in a California Dissolution of Marriage action
Real Estate Law
Easements
Dear Clients and Friends, An “easement” is a legal right of someone who doesn’t own a piece of property to use the property for a particular reason. Many properties have easements on them, so it’s important to know about them if you’re considering buying real estate. An … [Read more...] about Easements
Appraisals no longer on certain home sales
Dear Clients and Friends, Starting in October 2019, some home sales under $400,000 no longer require an appraisal. Previously, appraisals were not required on home sales of $250,000 and below. But federal regulators just approved a rule that will raise the threshold for the … [Read more...] about Appraisals no longer on certain home sales
Avoid problems with your mortgage application: Tips for applicants
Dear Clients and Friends, There are all sorts of stories out there about predatory lenders being sued for fraud against homebuyers. On the other side of the coin, however, a study by CoreLogic found that fraud by mortgage applicants is also rising. According to the study, … [Read more...] about Avoid problems with your mortgage application: Tips for applicants
FHA reduces cash-out refinancing limits
Dear Clients and Friends, The Trump administration is limiting the amount of cash borrowers can withdraw from their homes under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) financing program. As of September, the FHA now limits cash-out refinancing to 80 percent of the home … [Read more...] about FHA reduces cash-out refinancing limits
Challenging a quitclaim deed
Dear Clients and Friends, The next-door neighbors convinced your aunt to sign over the deed to her house. Your stepfather’s long-lost son came to visit and walked away with a quitclaim deed to the family cottage. What do you do when you suspect someone did something “fishy” to … [Read more...] about Challenging a quitclaim deed
