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Orange County Real Estate
When Are Sellers Exempt From Certain Disclosures in California Real Estate?
California law requires real estate sellers to disclose known material facts about their property, even when certain exemptions apply. While some sellers—like trustees, fiduciaries, or those involved in court-ordered sales—may be exempt from completing forms such as the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS), they are still obligated to disclose any defects that could impact the property’s value. Learn how exemptions work, when they apply, and why tools like the Exempt Seller Disclosure Form are essential for compliance. For trustees, explore our detailed guide to their specific disclosure requirements. Whether you’re selling in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, or other coastal Orange County communities, Lucas Real Estate ensures your transaction is smooth, compliant, and stress-free.
How Remote Work Has Changed the Real Estate Landscape
Five years after the shift to remote work, homebuyers across Newport Beach, Eastside Costa Mesa, and surrounding coastal communities are rethinking what it means to live—and work—at home. From multifunctional floor plans and tech-integrated upgrades to outdoor office retreats, today’s luxury buyers are prioritizing properties that support a seamless work-life balance. Discover how remote work is shaping real estate trends and what features are now must-haves in the Southern California market.
Forming an LLC to Hold Real Estate in California
Thinking about forming an LLC to hold real estate in California? Discover why LLCs are a powerful tool for privacy, asset protection, estate planning, and tax flexibility—especially for high-value properties in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Corona del Mar, and other Orange County coastal communities. This comprehensive guide from Lucas Real Estate Group covers everything from liability and tax benefits to Prop 19 strategies and long-term maintenance considerations.
The Ultimate Home Seller Checklist: Newport-Mesa Edition
Thinking of selling your home in Newport Beach or Costa Mesa?
From pricing and preparation to marketing and negotiation, our Ultimate Home Seller Checklist walks you through every step of the process—backed by the local expertise of Lucas Real Estate Group. Whether you’re handling a trust sale, family transfer, or traditional listing, we help you maximize value while minimizing stress.
Think Your Property Tax Bill is High? Check Out Orange County’s Biggest Bills!
Think Your Property Tax Bill is High? These OC Landowners Pay Millions!
Before you complain about your tax bill, consider this—Irvine Company alone pays $192 million in property taxes this year. Disney? $81.5 million.
The Top 20 taxpayers contribute nearly $500 million, funding schools, roads, and public safety. Yet, Orange County only gets 5 cents of every tax dollar, far less than LA (21 cents) and San Diego (12 cents).
“Without these contributions, many local agencies wouldn’t have the funds for public services,” says OC Treasurer Shari Freidenrich.
Want to see the biggest tax bills in OC? Read on.
Navigating Fair Market Rent Calculations During California’s Price Gouging Protections
Under California Penal Code Section 396, rental price increases during a declared state of emergency are limited to 10%, with the base rent determined by prior rental history or fair market rent (FMR) as defined by HUD. If a property hasn’t been rented in the past year, the allowable base rent defaults to 160% of the HUD fair market rent. The choice between county-wide FMRs and Small Area FMRs (SAFMRs) depends on local market conditions, with SAFMRs providing more granular, ZIP code-specific data.
Tips for Buying a Vacation Property: Destination Relaxation
Thinking about buying a vacation home in Newport Beach? From budgeting and location to long-term considerations, there’s a lot to think about before diving in. Our latest blog covers key tips to help you make a smart investment in your ideal getaway. Discover how to find the perfect vacation property and start planning your dream retreat!
Top 5 Home Renovations with the Best Return on Investment
The top five home improvements likely to supercharge your property’s resale value.
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Trend Report 2024
The Trend Report, published by the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program, curates high-net-worth consumer insights generated from a Censuswide survey, along with supporting data from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, Wealth-X, and other top experts to uncover the latest luxury home trends driving the market now and in the future. View the full report … Continue Reading
