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California Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Will a document always be marked electronically filed or EFILED when an attorney submits it electronically?

VS when an attorney submits it in person with the clerk it will be mark FILED? No background for these questions, just need to confirm the difference

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on May 28, 2024

Thank you for your question!

The document filed electronically are usually labeled as"Electronically Filed." Those filled in person are labeled as"filled."

This is merely a discussion of general laws and not legal advice. For legal advice, more specific facts and...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: In a probate case. Closing date was May 7, 2024. Can't close escrow, uninsured deed Agent left begin/end dates blank

Agent asked if I was ok signing new contract, I said no twice. New contract wrote up with different begin date and extended close date. I haven't signed . Sent by a different person

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on May 27, 2024

Thank you for your question!

A valid contract needs mutual assent. This means that unless you sign the agreement, no contact is formed. However, to protect yourself, in a conspicuous language in writing, communicate to the agent that you do not want the agreement to be formed. This way you...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: In a probate case. Closing date was May 7, 2024. Can't close escrow, uninsured deed Agent left begin/end dates blank

Agent asked if I was ok signing new contract, I said no twice. New contract wrote up with different begin date and extended close date. I haven't signed . Sent by a different person

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 25, 2024

Based on the details you provided, it seems like there are a few issues at play here:

1. The original closing date of May 7, 2024 has passed without the escrow being able to close. This could be due to various reasons, such as issues with funding, title, or other contractual obligations not...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: How do I find my HOA in Long Beach, CA?

I own my condo and have occupied just over one year. My next door neighbor, also an owner/occupant, has lived here for 2-years. Neither of us has received any communication from the HOA, minutes, meetings, ballots, financials, etc. When I first started down this road in 2023, I couldn't even... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on May 25, 2024

Thank you for your question!

You can find the information about the HOA in the package of closing documents. You can ask the sales agent. Also, you can search online for the subdivision or community name along with HOA.

This is merely a discussion of general laws and not legal...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: How do I find my HOA in Long Beach, CA?

I own my condo and have occupied just over one year. My next door neighbor, also an owner/occupant, has lived here for 2-years. Neither of us has received any communication from the HOA, minutes, meetings, ballots, financials, etc. When I first started down this road in 2023, I couldn't even... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 24, 2024

To find information about your HOA in Long Beach, CA, you can start by reviewing your property purchase documents, which often include the name and contact information for the HOA. You can also check the public records at the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office, where HOAs typically file... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Inheriting real property from probate

If one of the beneficiaries for the house is married, would the spouse of the married individual be entitled to the property via community property laws (CA)?

We would want the deed to list all owners as "joint tenants".

Would we have to add to the deed that the married... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 23, 2024

Under California law, community property generally refers to assets acquired during marriage, but inherited property is considered separate property unless commingled with community assets. If you inherit property and want to ensure it remains separate, it's important to clearly state this... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Inheriting real property from probate

If one of the beneficiaries for the house is married, would the spouse of the married individual be entitled to the property via community property laws (CA)?

We would want the deed to list all owners as "joint tenants".

Would we have to add to the deed that the married... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on May 25, 2024

Thank you for your question!

1. The property that is obtained through heritage is separate. In California, the tracing method is used for the classification of the properties as community or separate. When tracing back the source of the property (here it is heritage), comes from a separate...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for California on
Q: Can a City build 725 apartments within a 1 mile radius without neighborhood input?

The city has planned to develop 225 apartments next to an established neighborhood and did not notify all affected homeowners. Add insult to injury they will be developing another 500 apartments within a half a mile from the 225 apartments.

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on May 28, 2024

Usually zoning laws determines what density for real estate development is allowed.

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 more details.

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for California on
Q: Can a City build 725 apartments within a 1 mile radius without neighborhood input?

The city has planned to develop 225 apartments next to an established neighborhood and did not notify all affected homeowners. Add insult to injury they will be developing another 500 apartments within a half a mile from the 225 apartments.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 22, 2024

In California, cities are required to follow certain procedures when it comes to land use planning and development, including providing opportunities for public input and engagement. However, the specific requirements can vary depending on the type of project and the applicable zoning regulations.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Who receives the down payment when friends sell a jointly owned home?

Two friends buy a house in California (JTWROS). Friend A puts down $50,000. Friend B does not contribute financially. When the time comes to sell the house do they split the $50,000 down payment in half or does friend A receive it all back?

What if Friend A told Friend B he was gifting him... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on May 22, 2024

Thank you for your question!

A. No Gift: The agreement or intention of the parties at the time of the purchase of the property governs their interest regarding the property share or sale proceeds rather than the $50,000. All the contributions will be considered in this allocation....
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Who receives the down payment when friends sell a jointly owned home?

Two friends buy a house in California (JTWROS). Friend A puts down $50,000. Friend B does not contribute financially. When the time comes to sell the house do they split the $50,000 down payment in half or does friend A receive it all back?

What if Friend A told Friend B he was gifting him... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 22, 2024

In California, when two friends purchase a home as joint tenants with right of survivorship (JTWROS), the distribution of the down payment upon sale depends on the specific agreements and circumstances between the friends.

Scenario 1: No mention of gifting the down payment

If Friend...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Selling CA home. Deed in my name only. We live in NV. Does comm prop law protect my spouse if I die during sale process?

I just acquired house from late father's trust. Been married 45 years.

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on May 21, 2024

Thank you for your question!

Under California laws, Assets obtained through heritage are separate properties even if during marriage.

The house was obtained through a trust from your father. It would be probably a separate property, rather than a community property if you lived in...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Selling CA home. Deed in my name only. We live in NV. Does comm prop law protect my spouse if I die during sale process?

I just acquired house from late father's trust. Been married 45 years.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 21, 2024

Since you acquired the house from your late father's trust, it is likely considered your separate property rather than community property under California law. However, there are a few important considerations:

1. Commingling: If you use any community funds (e.g., income earned during...
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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Who pays for repairs to upgraded driveway easement?

I own a 1935 house w/ a historically gravel driveway easement to neighbor’s property. A new home was built there in 2020. At that time their driveway/easement was paved. Their entire construction did not consider drainage on a steep side hill and have had massive damage as a result - including to... View More

Yelena Gurevich
Yelena Gurevich
answered on May 21, 2024

Attorney Keshvarian is absolutely correct. I will only add is that you should factor the cost of paying a lawyer to litigate versus the cost of repair. Consider sitting down with the neighbor and discuss the cost of repair (get estimates before the sit down) and try to determine the cost to each... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Who pays for repairs to upgraded driveway easement?

I own a 1935 house w/ a historically gravel driveway easement to neighbor’s property. A new home was built there in 2020. At that time their driveway/easement was paved. Their entire construction did not consider drainage on a steep side hill and have had massive damage as a result - including to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 21, 2024

In California, the responsibility for repairs and maintenance of an easement depends on the specific terms of the easement agreement and the nature of the damage. Generally, the owner of the servient tenement (the property burdened by the easement) is not obligated to repair or maintain the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Who pays for repairs to upgraded driveway easement?

I own a 1935 house w/ a historically gravel driveway easement to neighbor’s property. A new home was built there in 2020. At that time their driveway/easement was paved. Their entire construction did not consider drainage on a steep side hill and have had massive damage as a result - including to... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on May 21, 2024

Thank you for your question!

Some things need to be clarified for an answer to be given. What are the positions of the properties (your property and the neighbor's) regarding each other? Are you down the hill?

Both of you who use the driveway must take care of it and maintain...
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5 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for California on
Q: My mom owned a house in Los Angeles as trustee with me as successor trustee. She died in 2/24. Must I change the deed?

THE REVOCABLE trust for the house was written as the 'MY MOM's NAME trust dated October 11, 2022,' and the house title/deed was changed at the LA county reg/recorder's office & Assessor's to that effect on the next day. NOTHING else, such as bank accounts, is in the... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on May 27, 2024

1. DO I have to change the deed at reg/recorder's office and risk reassessment?

No you do not have to for now unless it is too the best interest of the beneficiaries of the trust (and the interests of the trustees are not considered in any decision about the management of the trust...
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5 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for California on
Q: My mom owned a house in Los Angeles as trustee with me as successor trustee. She died in 2/24. Must I change the deed?

THE REVOCABLE trust for the house was written as the 'MY MOM's NAME trust dated October 11, 2022,' and the house title/deed was changed at the LA county reg/recorder's office & Assessor's to that effect on the next day. NOTHING else, such as bank accounts, is in the... View More

Rebecca Sommer
Rebecca Sommer
answered on May 20, 2024

I want to clarify something in your question which impacts the answer. Your question is around being the successor trustee which is what my colleagues have addressed (no requirement to change the deed to you as the successor trustee).

HOWEVER, you also mention that you are the only heir. If...
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5 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for California on
Q: My mom owned a house in Los Angeles as trustee with me as successor trustee. She died in 2/24. Must I change the deed?

THE REVOCABLE trust for the house was written as the 'MY MOM's NAME trust dated October 11, 2022,' and the house title/deed was changed at the LA county reg/recorder's office & Assessor's to that effect on the next day. NOTHING else, such as bank accounts, is in the... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on May 19, 2024

The previous lawyers gave you good information. As I often tell my clients, there’s a legal answer and a practical answer to your question and those answers are often different. Legally, there is no requirement that you change title to your name as trustee. But, some realtors, mortgage companies... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for California on
Q: My mom owned a house in Los Angeles as trustee with me as successor trustee. She died in 2/24. Must I change the deed?

THE REVOCABLE trust for the house was written as the 'MY MOM's NAME trust dated October 11, 2022,' and the house title/deed was changed at the LA county reg/recorder's office & Assessor's to that effect on the next day. NOTHING else, such as bank accounts, is in the... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on May 19, 2024

1. Changing the Deed and Reassessment

When your mom, the original trustee, passed away, as the successor trustee, you typically have the responsibility to manage and eventually distribute the trust's assets according to its terms. Here's what you need to consider regarding the...
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