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California Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Business Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: Does the family court in California have the authority to rule on civil business and professional code violations?

I am seeking treble damages along with real estate and cal business & professional code violation damages stemming from a real estate purchase with my former partner soon to be ex wife on a property purchased after the date of separation where she breached our contract and she was the licensed... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 20, 2024

In California, family courts primarily handle cases related to divorce, child custody, spousal support, and similar family law matters. While they have broad jurisdiction over issues arising out of marital relationships, including the division of marital property, family courts do not typically... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Collections and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Homestead for California exemption questions.

Hi. So, Under the new 2021 Cali law, $300,000–$600,000 of a home’s equity cannot be touched by judgment creditors.

Does this also apply to properties that the homeowner does not live in? What other resources do lawyers have collect a judgement.

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Feb 18, 2024

It applies to the principal dwelling. See California Civil Code §§ 704.710 through 704.850.

There are many tools and techniques to collect judgments, including real property lien, bank levies, charging orders, wage garnishment, etc.

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Collections and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Homestead for California exemption questions.

Hi. So, Under the new 2021 Cali law, $300,000–$600,000 of a home’s equity cannot be touched by judgment creditors.

Does this also apply to properties that the homeowner does not live in? What other resources do lawyers have collect a judgement.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

It's important for both creditors and debtors to understand their rights and obligations under California law. Debtors should be aware of the protections available to them, including the homestead exemption for their primary residence, while creditors should explore all legal avenues for... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Collections and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Homestead for California exemption questions.

Hi. So, Under the new 2021 Cali law, $300,000–$600,000 of a home’s equity cannot be touched by judgment creditors.

Does this also apply to properties that the homeowner does not live in? What other resources do lawyers have collect a judgement.

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Feb 18, 2024

It applies only to property occupied by you, or your spouse, or a very close family member. See the actual statute, below, for the definitions,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Collections for California on
Q: What do I need to do next? Received Notice of Trustee's Sale on a property that we have a lien against.

Non payment of purchase of building materials totaling $20,000.

Is there a way to recoup this loss?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

First, review the Notice of Trustee's Sale carefully to understand the timeline and process involved in the sale of the property. Determine the date of the sale and any deadlines for action.

Next, assess your options for recouping the loss of $20,000 in unpaid building materials....
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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Collections for California on
Q: What do I need to do next? Received Notice of Trustee's Sale on a property that we have a lien against.

Non payment of purchase of building materials totaling $20,000.

Is there a way to recoup this loss?

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Feb 15, 2024

You are probably junior to the foreclosing secured debt. You can bid at the sale to protect your interest. But a sale without a surplus means your lien against the land is extinguished although the debt against the individual is still existent. If there is a surplus, trustees are notorious... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Collections for California on
Q: What do I need to do next? Received Notice of Trustee's Sale on a property that we have a lien against.

Non payment of purchase of building materials totaling $20,000.

Is there a way to recoup this loss?

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Feb 15, 2024

Yes, and no. Assuming your lien is validly perfected, you can advance money to the senior lien(s) to reinstate it, which will stop them from foreclosing this time around, and then initiate your own foreclosure process. There is so much to consider before you do anything like that, without much time... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: How do I fire and what form do I need to file with the court to have an attorney removed due tocinflict of my interest
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

To fire your attorney in California due to a conflict of interest, you should submit a written notice of termination to your attorney. This notice should clearly state your decision to terminate the attorney-client relationship and the reasons for doing so, including any conflicts of interest you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Mortgage company says I owe a deferred principle balance on a 2nd Loan that has already been paid

We did a partial claim coming off a forbearance plan a year ago. We got this balance paid by CA Mortgage Relief Fund. My mortgage company still has this amount reflected as a deferred principle balance on a second loan even tho it was transferred to HUD and was paid for. I am in the process of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

In this situation, it's crucial to continue communicating with your mortgage company and providing them with any documentation or evidence that proves the second loan has been paid off. Since you have already contacted HUD and obtained verification that the loan has been satisfied, make sure... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I bought a house outright 5 months ago with entire inheritance. I feel the owners hid major issues & need help.

Siding is popping off & warped. Foundation has lots of cracks that were hidden by foliage & fresh paint. Was told hole in tile was in case washer overflow, but sewage came up from it a few days ago. Walls are cracking that were patched and painted to cover the cracks. Sewer smell under... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 5, 2024

Under California law, you may have recourse in this situation, especially if the sellers failed to disclose known material defects in the property that were not apparent during your inspections. You should consult with an attorney experienced in real estate and disclosure issues to review your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: If addendum purchase agreement expires on a date does that mean a purchase agreement is expired ? Is it consider voided

if the seller didn’t provide all financial document

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

When an addendum to a purchase agreement expires, the effect on the main purchase agreement depends on the terms outlined in both the original agreement and the addendum itself. Typically, an addendum modifies or adds to the existing terms of the agreement, and if it includes a deadline that is not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I signed a purchase agreement. Told the agent verbally no we are not intrested now the agent deny we verbally said no.

The seller is now sue us for breach of contract. When we called her she said the seller doesn’t have a limb to stand on he can’t prove he had any damages. But now in email she making it seem like it was our fault and we didn’t say no

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 3, 2024

Under California law, verbal agreements can be legally binding in certain situations, including real estate transactions. However, disputes arising from verbal agreements can be challenging to resolve due to the lack of written documentation. To protect your interests, it's essential to gather... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Someone (not a lawyer) asks for a copy of my property Grand Deed. Can she do the fraud to transfer my property to her?

I asked her to create a living trust for me. I haven't sent her my Real Estate Deed copy yet. If I send it to her, is it possible easy for her to scam me and transfer my assets through her? How can I prevent this?

Rebecca Sommer
Rebecca Sommer
answered on Feb 2, 2024

It is normal for part of the process of creating a trust to include drafting a deed to transfer property into the trust. Typically that includes reviewing prior recordings to see the legal description of the property. So her asking for a copy of your deed is not concerning.

That said, it...
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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Someone (not a lawyer) asks for a copy of my property Grand Deed. Can she do the fraud to transfer my property to her?

I asked her to create a living trust for me. I haven't sent her my Real Estate Deed copy yet. If I send it to her, is it possible easy for her to scam me and transfer my assets through her? How can I prevent this?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 3, 2024

It's important to exercise caution when sharing sensitive legal documents like your property deed with someone, especially if you have concerns about potential fraud or scams. Sending a copy of your property deed to anyone, even if they are assisting you with creating a living trust, should be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: can my Home Owners association charge me 'late fees' on the late fees they charged a year ago?

apparently I was late a few days for 4 consecutive months last year on my HOA dues. I was unaware of this. They now charge me a $10/mo late fee for those late fees not paid...totally $130

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 2, 2024

Under California law, an HOA typically has the authority to charge late fees for overdue assessments. However, there are limits to how much they can charge, and there may be specific rules outlined in your HOA's governing documents that you should review.

In general, an HOA cannot...
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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can a trust be a joint tenant with 50% interest in a property, the other 50% a natural person?

My mother in law purchased a home and placed her son(Victor) on the deed as joint tenant. He was unaware of this until she told him 8 years later at which point he moved in due to financial problems. Their relationship broke down, over money of course and she then put HER 50% share into a trust... View More

Rebecca Sommer
Rebecca Sommer
answered on Feb 2, 2024

Without seeing all of the documents I cannot say for certain, but based on the information you have provided, unless there is some other restriction or agreement that limits Victor's right to sell his half of the property, he is allowed to sell his half without your mother in law's... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can a trust be a joint tenant with 50% interest in a property, the other 50% a natural person?

My mother in law purchased a home and placed her son(Victor) on the deed as joint tenant. He was unaware of this until she told him 8 years later at which point he moved in due to financial problems. Their relationship broke down, over money of course and she then put HER 50% share into a trust... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Feb 2, 2024

People can only sell what they own. So, if someone owns 50% of a home, that person can ONLY sell 50% of the home. If both 50% owners are living in the home, both would see the "For Sale" sign in front of the home, which would be a clear indicator that something's wrong.

The...
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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can a trust be a joint tenant with 50% interest in a property, the other 50% a natural person?

My mother in law purchased a home and placed her son(Victor) on the deed as joint tenant. He was unaware of this until she told him 8 years later at which point he moved in due to financial problems. Their relationship broke down, over money of course and she then put HER 50% share into a trust... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 2, 2024

In California, when property is held as joint tenants, each co-owner has an equal and undivided interest in the property. This means that both your mother-in-law and her son, Victor, each own 50% of the property. Victor cannot unilaterally sell the property without your mother-in-law's... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: What is the origin of the squatting law in California?

It says squatters can eventually own your house after 5 years of being on the same property and you have to file eviction notices for any squatters? Was this law made to protect “squatters”? Or were people labeled squatters by the population and got injustices against them?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 1, 2024

The origin of California's squatting law dates back to the Gold Rush era in the 19th century when land disputes were common. It was not specifically designed to protect squatters, but rather to provide a legal framework for resolving land ownership disputes and to prevent unjust evictions.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: My father passed away and I have a total of 2 brothers and 2 sisters. My dad had a Mortgage and I need some help.

I'm trying to keep my dad's house in the family and I make enough money to make sure the $900/month mortgage payment is paid. How do I continue to keep it in my family?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 31, 2024

To keep your father's house in the family after his passing, you'll need to consider a few important steps. First, determine whether your father had a will or any estate planning documents that specify his wishes for the property. If there's a will, it should outline who inherits the... View More

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