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California Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Seller did not disclose known defects

We have bought a house and the seller did not sisclose some of the major issues and defects with the house. I have emails and text messages documents proving the seller was aware of these items. Looking for a lawyer who can help out and get a percentage of the final settlement amount

Gerald Barry Dorfman
Gerald Barry Dorfman
answered on Sep 6, 2024

You may have some difficulty finding representation on a contingency basis, unless the material failures to disclose are substantial. Does your sales contract have an attorney fees provision? If so, that may be to your advantage. Be prepared to show all your evidence, including any remediation... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Please let me know if requesting personal guarantees for the purchase of fix and flip investment properties is legal.

Please let me know if personal guarantees requested by hard money lenders, for the purchase of fix and flip investment properties, purchased in the name of an LLC, are legally enforceable. Thank you

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 26, 2024

In California, it is generally legal for hard money lenders to request personal guarantees for the purchase of fix and flip investment properties. This is a common practice to mitigate the lender's risk, especially when the property is purchased in the name of an LLC. The personal guarantee... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I am in escrow for a condo where the HOA is 42% funded. How concerned should I be about this?

Each unit is underfunded by $6,500.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 23, 2024

When you're in escrow for a condo with an HOA that's only 42% funded, it's crucial to understand the implications. An underfunded HOA can lead to unexpected special assessments, which means you might have to pay extra fees to cover shortfalls for maintenance, repairs, or emergencies.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I am a licensed Cal realtor not a broker .My client has a offer through me . me being a dual agent.The property is zoned

zoned commercial with a mixed use building consisting of a salon on ground level with a 1700 sf residence above .Owner is going to carry a 1st trust deed of 2,550,000 for 10 years at 5% intrest only monthly payments of $10,625.00.This will help her avoid capital gains tax for now .purchase price is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

In California, the law does not specify a fixed maximum prepayment penalty for commercial or mixed-use properties. However, lenders typically include a prepayment penalty clause in the loan agreement, which must comply with California law. These penalties are often negotiated between the lender and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I am a licensed Cal realtor not a broker .My client has a offer through me . me being a dual agent.The property is zoned

zoned commercial with a mixed use building consisting of a salon on ground level with a 1700 sf residence above .Owner is going to carry a 1st trust deed of 2,550,000 for 10 years at 5% intrest only monthly payments of $10,625.00.This will help her avoid capital gains tax for now .purchase price is... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jul 21, 2024

Zoning follows the local rules, and it can vary from city to city. You need to consult with a real estate attorney to give you an estimate about the penalty and if there is any way to get the permit for these types of property use.

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: Can a California Notary Public draft a grant deed and then notarize the grant deed herself?

Would it make a difference if she is also a real estate agent or are deeds only done by escrow companies?

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jul 21, 2024

There can be a conflict of interest between the agent's role as the impartial notary and beneficiary real estate agent. This must be disclosed to all parties to the sale.

A real estate agent can fill out the blanks in a prepared deed form, but they cannot draft a deed if they are not a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: Can a California Notary Public draft a grant deed and then notarize the grant deed herself?

Would it make a difference if she is also a real estate agent or are deeds only done by escrow companies?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

In California, a Notary Public can notarize a grant deed, but they cannot draft the deed themselves. Notaries are authorized to verify signatures and identities, but they are not allowed to provide legal advice or draft legal documents, which includes deeds.

If the notary is also a real...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Wondering if we have a case... My mortgage lender is stealing from us

My mortgage lender increased my loan because of the property tax. Now they did not acknowledge that I have a property tax exemption. I bought my home going on two years, and have been building up escrow. Not only did they take everything from escrow, but they also raised the amount of my loan. This... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2024

It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating situation. When your mortgage lender doesn’t acknowledge your property tax exemption and mismanages your escrow account, it can lead to significant financial strain. First, gather all documentation related to your property tax exemption and the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I am a co owner and would like to sell my half asap. How do I do that?

My co owner will soon have a lien on his half. We are not married.

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jul 18, 2024

If other co-owners consent to the sale, you can sell it. Absent of the consent, You can bring a partition action to force the sale of the property.

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: In CA, can multiple family members contribute to purchase a home?

Mortgage responsibility: Married couple (1 income), a Mom (retired) & an Aunt (retired). 4 people, 3 incomes

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jul 9, 2024

Thank you for your question!

The amount of rent can be increased under some restrictions after the fixed terms of tenancy ends.

If you have paid the rent to the address mentioned in the lease, and you were not given any notice about the change of address, then you can use that as a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: when i file a notice of abandonment how long does it give the person to get property off my land

a dispute regarding an elderly adjoining property owner who is taking too long to remove his property from my land saying the cause is a heart defibrillator/pacemaker incidences and hot weather

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jul 4, 2024

Thank you for your question!

15 days if the notice was served personally or 18 days if served by mail.

This is merely a discussion of general laws and not legal advice. For legal advice, more specific facts and investigations are needed. I recommend you consult with an attorney for...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can a tenant in a apartment complex place 2 Ring camera's on their front door & screen door facing the mailboxes

and common areas. In front of their door has a hallway and is recording them without their consent Tenants in the apartment complex feel violated about this aggressive action of this tenant. They are running a business out of their apartment and the Property management is turning a blind eye. The... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jul 4, 2024

Thank you for your question!

CA Penal Code 632 section(c) has excluded communications that a person reasonably does not expect confidentiality. This statute does not seem to apply to your case because no one expects full privacy in the common area of the apartment complex.

If...
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2 Answers | Asked in Construction Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Contractor threatening to put a lien on property however, I have paid extra costs to complete the job

The contract between me and the contractor does not state anywhere for roofing to be put on me for HVAC installation; however, it was. I agreed to pay the roofing for the job the day of installation as they brought it up, but fast forward, the price for roofing doubled. I believe because of the... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jul 4, 2024

Thank you for your question!

Did you have a written contract with the company before starting the work? If yes, then you may limit the price only to the reasonable value of their performed job for the roof.

In general under unjust enrichment legal theory, at least you should pay...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Environmental for California on
Q: Our water is brown and smokes when it’s cold. Its through our HOA. Is there any action I can take?

Our house is in a HOA. When we bought the house we were told we were not allowed to drill our own well because our HOA has a water company with it’s wells for the community. Our water is brown. It smokes on cold. My hair falls out, I got gallstones and an infection and a stomach infection had to... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jul 14, 2024

Thank you for your question!

HOA must maintain the common area which includes water. When an HOA fails to do so, it is subject to several liabilities such as tort and contractual liabilities. Water quality impacts the safety of residents.

You need a real estate attorney...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Environmental for California on
Q: Our water is brown and smokes when it’s cold. Its through our HOA. Is there any action I can take?

Our house is in a HOA. When we bought the house we were told we were not allowed to drill our own well because our HOA has a water company with it’s wells for the community. Our water is brown. It smokes on cold. My hair falls out, I got gallstones and an infection and a stomach infection had to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 1, 2024

This is a serious situation that potentially affects your health and safety. Here are some steps you can consider taking:

1. Document everything: Take photos and videos of the brown water and any smoking. Keep records of all health issues you believe are related to the water quality....
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Please let me know if a first position lender can revoke a loan if a second lien position is secured on a SFR.

A broker has suggested that a first position lender could somehow revoke their loan if a second mortgage was secured for the property.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

To answer this question accurately, we need to consider a few key points about mortgage lending practices and California law:

1. Loan agreements and due-on-encumbrance clauses:

Most first position mortgage agreements include a "due-on-encumbrance" clause. This clause gives...
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Please let me know if a first position lender can revoke a loan if a second lien position is secured on a SFR.

A broker has suggested that a first position lender could somehow revoke their loan if a second mortgage was secured for the property.

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jun 29, 2024

Thank you for your question!

Probably your broker is suggesting a refinance. This way the service loan pays the first, and releases it.

This is merely a discussion of general laws and not legal advice. For legal advice, more specific facts and investigations are needed. I recommend...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Contracts for California on
Q: Advice on Feasibility of a Lease-to-Own Agreement for Real Estate Investment

Hello,

I need advice on a potential lease-to-own arrangement. I invested in a person who can’t pay me back. He owns several properties but has low equity (around 25%). I’m considering renting the properties from him, making the mortgage payments directly to the bank, and taking... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jun 29, 2024

Thank you for your question!

You need an attorney to draft a lease agreement for you to protect your rights. If you are paying directly to the bank, you do not have to worry about the landlord's defaults.

You need to record the lease in the country recorder to protect your...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Contracts for California on
Q: Advice on Feasibility of a Lease-to-Own Agreement for Real Estate Investment

Hello,

I need advice on a potential lease-to-own arrangement. I invested in a person who can’t pay me back. He owns several properties but has low equity (around 25%). I’m considering renting the properties from him, making the mortgage payments directly to the bank, and taking... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

Here's an overview of the key considerations for your proposed lease-to-own arrangement:

Legal feasibility:

This type of arrangement is generally legally possible in California, but would need to be carefully structured. You'd likely use a combination of a lease agreement...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: I have two relatives who have fraud recorded Title Deed register with Los Angeles County Assessor's Office and the C.R.O

So that could place there name on title . And I have the documents number that shows bonafide gift was given to me same document number they used as purchased deed of title that the LA Assessor's refused to investigate yet once my grandmother passed they tried to probate the property and of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2024

I understand you're dealing with a complex situation involving potentially fraudulent property deeds and probate issues. This is a serious matter that requires professional legal assistance. Here's a summary of the key points and some general advice:

Key points:

1. You...
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