Renting Out Rooms in Your Home? You Could Still Qualify for the IRS Section 121 Deduction When You Sell

  • October 6, 2024
  • devinlucas

If you rent out rooms in your primary residence, you can still qualify for the IRS Section 121 deduction when you sell, allowing you to exclude up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for married couples) in capital gains. However, be aware of depreciation recapture rules and how renting affects your taxes. Learn more about how renting out rooms or separate units impacts your tax benefits.

Prop 33 infographic

Understanding Proposition 33: What It Means for Homeowners, Renters, and the Housing Market

  • September 27, 2024
  • devinlucas

Understanding Proposition 33: What It Means for Newport Beach and Costa Mesa Property Owners

Proposition 33 aims to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, potentially imposing rent control on single-family homes and new apartment developments across California. This measure could drastically affect property owners in high-demand areas like Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and other coastal Orange County communities by expanding rent control regulations. At Lucas Real Estate, we guide property owners through the evolving real estate landscape, ensuring your investments remain protected. Discover how Prop. 33 could impact your property and the housing market.

For personalized real estate advice, contact Lucas Real Estate today.

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When Are Trustees Exempt From Certain Disclosures in California Real Estate?

  • September 18, 2024
  • devinlucas

Exemptions from Seller Disclosures: Are Trustees Really Exempt?

In California, trustees often believe they are exempt from disclosure requirements when selling property. However, if the trustee has lived in or owned the property within the past year, they must still disclose known defects. This exemption is truly meant for trustees who have no personal knowledge of the property’s condition, such as out-of-state heirs. At Lucas Real Estate, we specialize in guiding trustees through these complex transactions in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, leveraging our legal and accounting expertise. Let us help you navigate the process smoothly.

for rent sign

Renting Out Rooms? How Separate Leases Could Trigger Rent Control

  • September 18, 2024
  • devinlucas

Renting out individual rooms in your single-family home in Newport Beach or Costa Mesa? You might assume you’re exempt from rent control, but California’s complex legal landscape could prove otherwise. Under certain conditions, separate room leases could trigger statewide rent control and tenant protection laws—even if your property would otherwise qualify for exemptions. Understanding the nuances of the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) is essential to avoid costly surprises. In this article, we explore how local laws, especially Costa Mesa’s new rent control ordinance, interact with state protections and what you need to know to stay compliant.

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Understanding Heggstad Petitions: Securing Real Property for Your Trust

  • August 18, 2024
  • devinlucas

In Newport Beach and Coastal Orange County, it’s not uncommon for property owners to overlook transferring real estate into a trust before passing. A Heggstad petition can resolve this issue by allowing the property to be added to the trust without going through probate. Discover how Lucas Real Estate can assist you in securing your real property efficiently and effectively.

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Addendums vs. Amendments in Real Estate Contracts: What’s the Difference?

  • August 18, 2024
  • devinlucas

Understanding the difference between addendums and amendments in real estate contracts is crucial for successful transactions, especially in competitive markets like Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. This blog explains when to use each form, ensuring smooth modifications to your agreements. Whether adding terms to an initial offer or making adjustments to an existing contract, knowing how to navigate these documents can make all the difference in securing a successful sale. Learn more about how Lucas Real Estate can guide you through these complexities with expertise and precision.

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How Offering Buyer’s Agent Compensation Can Benefit Sellers

  • August 12, 2024
  • devinlucas

Discover why offering buyer’s agent compensation can benefit sellers in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and coastal Orange County. Learn how this strategy attracts more buyers, ensures smoother transactions, and maximizes your property’s value. Stay ahead of real estate changes with Lucas Real Estate’s expert guidance. Read more to find out how to leverage these benefits in your next sale.

blueprints on a table.

Use of Floor Plans in Real Estate Listings – An Architectural Copyright Infringement???

  • July 9, 2024
  • devinlucas

Federal Court Rules on Real Estate Floor Plans: A recent federal court decision declares that using floor plans in real estate marketing is “fair use” and not copyright infringement. This ruling impacts real estate professionals in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and beyond. Learn how Lucas Real Estate navigates these legal complexities to protect your interests in the competitive luxury real estate market.

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Understanding Corrective Deeds: Crucial Insights for Real Estate

  • July 2, 2024
  • devinlucas

Corrective deeds are essential in maintaining accurate property records, especially in luxury real estate markets like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Learn when you need to file a new deed, how to correct errors, and why precise documentation is vital for coastal Orange County properties. Discover expert advice from Lucas Real Estate Group to ensure your property transactions are seamless and legally sound.

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New Landlord Restrictions Starting July 2024: Tenancy Security Deposits Capped at One Month’s Rent (with Exceptions)

  • May 21, 2024
  • devinlucas

Introducing Assembly Bill 12 (AB 12) – Effective July 1, 2024, this legislation will significantly impact the rental landscape in California. Under AB 12, landlords will be restricted in their ability to demand security deposits, with a new cap set at one month’s rent. Learn how these changes may affect Newport Beach and Costa Mesa real estate, and how Lucas Real Estate can help navigate these challenges.