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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Is title insurance needed for new construction in California? Yes. New construction properties still carry potential title risks, and title insurance protects you from legal and financial issues that can surface even after a brand new home is built. Buying or building a new home in Southern California feels exciting, but you still need protection.…
How does a 1031 exchange interact with Title in California? A 1031 exchange affects how property title is held because the same taxpayer must sell and acquire real estate under consistent ownership. Title insurance protects you during the process and ensures a clean, insurable transfer. When you complete a 1031 exchange, you are swapping one…
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…
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…