Posts by Vladimir Gutierrez
Foreclosure Paperwork Is Changing: New Certifications and Borrower Notices in California
Foreclosure Paperwork Is Changing: New Certifications and Borrower Notices in California What should you watch for when a California listing has a Notice of Default? In some subordinate mortgage foreclosures, you may see a new recorded certification and a new borrower notice served with the Notice of Default, which can change timelines and due diligence.…
Read MoreDoes title insurance cover boundary or easement disputes in California?
Does title insurance cover boundary or easement disputes in California? Sometimes, but only when the dispute stems from a covered title defect and your policy does not exclude survey or off-record issues. Many fence-line and unrecorded-easement conflicts fall outside standard coverage. Buying a home in Southern California feels exciting, until a neighbor points at a…
Read MoreWhat 2026 HOA and Disclosure Changes Mean for Sellers and Buyers
What 2026 HOA and Disclosure Changes Mean for Sellers and Buyers What do the new 2026 HOA and property disclosure laws mean for California real estate transactions? They increase transparency, modernize HOA reporting, and protect both buyers and sellers by requiring clearer documentation, faster responses, and standardized inspection sharing. Understanding the 2026 Legal Updates…
Read MoreWhat New Laws Affect Multifamily and Condo Transactions in 2026?
What New Laws Affect Multifamily and Condo Transactions in 2026? Starting in 2026, California updates condo safety disclosures, HOA reconstruction rights after disasters, foreclosure notice rules for restricted housing, and certain recording requirements. Because of this, you should request key HOA and compliance documents earlier. California’s 2025-26 session produced several title-industry laws that take effect…
Read MoreSelling After a Wildfire: New Protections, Common Scams, and How to Stay Safe
Selling After a Wildfire: New Protections, Common Scams, and How to Stay Safe What should you do first when a client wants to sell after a wildfire in Southern California? Start with safety and documentation, then verify the property’s title, liens, and any disaster related protections before you price, market, or accept offers. When wildfires…
Read MoreDeed Fraud 101: How Recording Works and What New Laws Are Doing to Protect Property Owners
Deed Fraud 101: How Recording Works and What New Laws Are Doing to Protect Property Owners California has introduced a new law to help protect homeowners from deed fraud. Starting January 1, 2027, every county must notify property owners whenever certain property documents, like deeds or mortgages, are officially recorded. This helps catch fraud early…
Read MoreHow long does title insurance last in California?
How long does title insurance last in California? In California, an owner’s title insurance policy usually lasts as long as you own your home, and in many cases it can protect your heirs too. Meanwhile, a lender’s title insurance policy lasts for the life of the loan it was issued for. If you are buying…
Read MoreWhat title red flags should sellers fix before listing in California?
What title red flags should sellers fix before listing in California? Sellers should correct issues like unpaid liens, boundary disputes, ownership discrepancies, and missing releases before listing. Fixing them early helps you avoid delays, protects your deal, and supports a smooth closing. When you prepare to sell a home in Southern California, understanding how title…
Read MoreDoes title insurance cover fraud or forgery in California?
Does title insurance cover fraud or forgery in California? Yes. Title insurance in California can cover certain cases of fraud or forgery that affect property ownership, but coverage depends on the specific policy and circumstances. When buying or refinancing a home in California, title insurance plays a key role in protecting your ownership rights. If…
Read MoreWhat is a preliminary title report (prelim) in California?
What is a preliminary title report (prelim) in California? A preliminary title report in California is a document prepared by a title company that shows the current ownership, liens, and recorded encumbrances on a property before a real estate transaction closes. It helps buyers, sellers, and lenders understand what issues must be cleared before the…
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