Legal Updates for Real Estate

New California Real Estate Law 2021: Homes in High-Fire Hazard Areas Must Have Ember Resistant Zone

January 1, 2021 New law requires California homeowners to use more intense fuel-reduction measures between five and 30 feet around their structure, and to create an ember-resistant zone within five feet of it.

National Association of Realtors Coronavirus Guidelines for Agents Will Affect Home Sellers

March 26, 2020 In light of the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, which raised unique issues for the real estate industry, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) issued detailed guidance to its members, along with a preparedness plan.

California Homeowners in Fire Hazard Areas Must Comply With New Property and Disclosure Laws in 2020

January 1, 2020 New laws passed in 2019 and taking effect in subsequent years will affect Californians who live in areas prone to wildfires.

Owners of California Properties Governed by HOA May No Longer Be Prohibited From Building Accessory or Junior Unit

January 1, 2020 With the new year comes a new potential opportunity for California owners of properties within the governance of a homeowners' association (HOA), allowing them to add "granny" or other accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to their land.

New California Laws Help Protect Homeowners Affected by Fires and Natural Disasters

January 1, 2019. Californians benefit from new consumer protection laws related to insurance after a fire or other natural disaster.

Property Owners Affected by Local Government Takings Can Sue in Federal Court

June 21, 2019. In Knick v. Township of Scott, Pennsylvania (2019), the U.S. Supreme Court changed an important doctrine within American property law, addressing a violation of the Constitution's Takings Clause.

Zillow Begins Buying Houses

April 1, 2019. Need to sell your home fast? Zillow plans to expand its home buying program, Zillow Offers, to as many as 14 cities by the end of 2019.

Most Homeowners Think House Is Worth More Than Appraisers Do, Says Survey

January 11, 2019 The market might move faster than homeowners' expectations of it, leading to overconfidence when setting a selling price.

New Tax Law Caps Limit on Home Mortgage Debt Deduction at $750,000

January 1, 2018. How much benefit remains to taxpayers when it comes to deducting mortgage interest?

Deduction for Moving Expenses No Longer Allowed Under New Tax Law

January 1, 2018. Hoping to deduct moving expenses from your taxes? This deduction goes away in 2018.