Can you legally cancel your real estate transaction, or real estate listing, over Coronavirus (COVID-19)? What options does a buyer have to cancel, what about the seller, what about the REALTOR®? Read our below article for a preliminary discussion; watch this video where Mr. Lucas explains in detail: No doubt, real estate transactions are being … Continue Reading
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Orange County Real Estate
Buyer Opportunities: A Slow Fall and Winter – with Rising Interest Rates – Creates Incentive and Opportunity For Homebuyers
This Fall, throughout Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and most Orange County communities, there are more and more active listings and less and less closed sales, leading to a flurry of price reductions and open houses, with sellers eager to make a deal. While by no means a “burst bubble”, there is a clear slowdown of … Continue Reading
2018 Tax Reform – Key Impacts on California Real Estate
Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Orange County and all California homeowners – and potential homeowners – have some significant tax changes to consider and plan for in 2018. H.R. 1, known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which both houses of Congress passed on December 20, 2017, contains a large number of provisions that affect … Continue Reading
California Propositions 60 and 90 – Property Tax Transfer to New Residence
Proposition 60 allows the transfer of an existing Proposition 13 base year value from a former residence to a replacement residence within the same county, if certain conditions are met. This benefit is open to homeowners who are at least 55-years old and are able to meet all qualifying conditions, (see below) and applies in … Continue Reading
Real Estate Tax Tip For Itemizers (aka Loophole ALERT) – Consider Paying Your Second Installment Property Tax Bill Early (as 2018+ is Now Capped)
Consider prepayment of your property taxes in 2017. Newport Beach, California – H.R. 1, known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which both houses of Congress passed on December 20, 2017, contains a large number of provisions that affect individual taxpayers, especially homeowners. As of January 1, 2018 – single or married – you … Continue Reading
Rental Increases in California: Timeframe for Proper Notice
Rent Increases:Generally speaking (lease provisions must be reviewed), in areas without rent control (all of Orange County as of Summer 2016), there is no limit to the amount a landlord can increase the rent as long as proper advance notice is provided to the tenant. The length of notice is dependent upon the percentage of … Continue Reading
Feds Expand Reporting Requirements In All Cash Purchases to Some Areas of California
The U.S. Treasury in late July announced its intention to expand its Geographic Targeting Orders (GTO), temporarily requiring U.S. title insurance companies to identify the natural persons behind shell companies used to pay “all cash” for high-end residential real estate in six major metropolitan areas, including five in California. Expanding the GTOs is a continued … Continue Reading
Evicting a Tenant Over Failure to Obtain Renter’s Insurance? Think Again.
In Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Orange County Communities, where rental properties are abundant, landlords routinely require tenants to obtain “renter’s insurance” – insurance to protect the renter’s personal property, i.e. their T.V., clothing, etc. – in case of a fire, burglary, or other incident. Many landlords take a firm position “requiring” the tenant to … Continue Reading
Fair Housing Foundation’s Tip of the Month: Responding to Landlord Notices (and tips for landlords on how to serve a notice)
From the Fair Housing Foundation – their “Tip of the Month”… Visit www.fairhousingfoundation.com for more information… Responding to Notices Tenants: Receiving a notice from your landlord can be a very stressing occurrence. It is of the upmost importance that responding to the notice takes priority and that you respond as soon as possible to resolve the … Continue Reading
Hiring a Contractor? – A Few Tips to Consider
Remodeling your Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Orange County or other California property? – Hiring a contractor is a significant decision, with quality and pricing varying dramatically, especially on any larger scale project. Check out this info graphic from the California Contractors State License Board and the California Association of REALTORS® for some good tips. -Devin … Continue Reading