What to Do If Your Neighbor Builds on Your Property or Crosses Your Property’s Boundaries
When facing a property line dispute, take a deep breath before jumping to conclusions. Remember that you still have to live next to your neighbors, but don’t let property line issues go unanswered. Inaction on boundary line disputes could haunt you when it’s time to sell and it could also cost you part of your […]
Protecting Your Homes in the U.S. if You Are Undocumented: How Estate Planning Can Help
Owning real estate in the California while being undocumented can be a source of both pride and anxiety. Many undocumented individuals work hard to invest in homes, rental properties, make their down payment on a commercial real estate, only to live in constant fear of deportation or sudden immigration enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and […]
Can I Back Out of a Home Purchase After a Home Inspection in California?
Worried about issues found during a home inspection? Maybe you found termites, foundation issues, or leaky plumbing that would cost you thousands and wasn’t disclosed before, but you’re affraid of the consequences of cancelling the agreement or losing your deposit. Here’s what California homebuyers need to know, especially if you’re considering hiring a real estate attorney. […]
News for California Homeowners: New Cap on HOA Fines & Violations
If you live in a community governed by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) in California, there’s some significant news you need to know. Buried within the recent state budget legislation (Assembly Bill 130) are major reforms to the Davis-Stirling Act that directly impact how HOAs can levy fines against homeowners. Gone are the days of worrying […]
Liquidated Damages and Buyer Deposits in California Real Estate: What Sellers and Buyers Need to Know
When you enter into a California real estate transaction, one of the most heavily negotiated provisions in the purchase agreement is often the liquidated damages clause. Buyers and sellers may see this clause as a straightforward way to predetermine damages if the buyer backs out of the deal. But what happens if the buyer never actually […]
Challenging HOA Fines in California: How Homeowners Can Fight Back (2 of 3)
Many HOA fines stem not from valid rule violations but from procedural missteps, legally defective rules, or enforcement actions that go far beyond the association’s authority. In Part 1 of this series, we discussed foundational defenses, such as improper notice, failure to provide a hearing, and selective enforcement. In this second installment, we explore more legal grounds that […]
What to Do If a Fraudulent Mechanics Lien Appears on Your Property
Imagine preparing to sell your home, a property you’ve renovated and invested in, only to discover that a stranger has placed a $24 million lien on it for “cleaning services.” For a group of homeowners in the Beverly Hills area, this nightmare became a reality. As recently covered by local news, a businesswoman operating as […]
When Someone Claims the Right to Use Your Property in California
For many property owners, few situations are more concerning than discovering that another person claims the legal right to access or use their land. These disputes commonly arise when a neighbor asserts a right-of-way, a utility company claims access for infrastructure, or someone references an old easement that does not appear on recent surveys or […]
Forced Sale of Inherited Property in California
Families often believe that inheriting a home together will preserve a parent’s or grandparent’s legacy for future generations. In practice, however, jointly inherited property frequently becomes the source of intense conflict. One sibling may want to keep the home. Another may want to cash out immediately. A third may be struggling financially. In recent years, […]
Protecting Your Empty Rental Property: Why You Need “No Trespassing” Signs and a Trespass Authorization Letter
Owning a rental property can be a great investment, but when that property sits vacant, it becomes vulnerable to trespassers, squatters, and potential vandalism. If you have an empty rental property, taking proactive measures to protect it is essential. Two key steps to safeguarding your property are posting “No Trespassing” signs and filing a trespass […]