Plain-English explainers on title, escrow, and the California market — written by the people who close the file.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…