Escrow is a financial arrangement where a third party holds and regulates the exchange of funds and necessary documents for a transaction. The escrow process establishes a neutral intermediary to ensure that your home purchase is a smooth, secure transaction. You...
The old saying fences make great neighbors holds true for several reasons. That bit of separation between someone between properties can help reduce the risk of disputes. It is a clear marker of what is mine and what is theirs. But...
Forged signatures. Fake identities. An unscrupulous individual who uses this paperwork to transfer ownership of your property and then sell it or use other methods to steal your equity. Homeowners are wise to have some concern about the safety of their...
After the death of a family member, most families are grieving and going through a difficult time. Discussing business matters is probably not one of the top things on anyone’s mind. However, it is important to understand what happens to an...
A new law recently went into effect in Los Angeles that subjects all real estate sales of $5,000,000 or more to pay an additional transfer tax. Formally titled Measure United to House LA (ULA) and commonly known as the “ULA tax” or the...
As you age, thinking about planning for the future is critical if you have not already done so. Understanding the importance of being prepared for what could happen later in life and the unexpected that could happen even now is essential....
Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) commonly used to solve problems outside of court. It is like mediation in that it is an alternative to litigation, but unlike mediation, in that arbitration is binding, and the arbitrator has...
Estate planning is essential to protecting your assets and property and protecting your loved ones if you pass away or become incapacitated. Most people associate estate planning with wills and powers of attorney, but only some know of trusts and how...
Adverse possession happens when an individual, not the original property owner, takes possession of it continuously over a certain period of time. Each state has its adverse possession laws, but the concept applies to residential and commercial properties and is undoubtedly...
When a person dies and does not have an estate plan specifically designed to avoid probate, their will or assets must go through probate. Probate is the legal process in which the court administers the person’s assets, whether they left a...
