Welcome to the resource library for Brewer Offord & Pedersen LLP! We hope you find these materials useful. Use the search bar to search for terms, or use the filters on the right side of the page to sort by content type, by author, or by practice area.

California Lease Termination Best Practices — American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA)

by Adam Pedersen, Esq.
by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

In a perfect world, tenants would fulfill their obligations under their leases, and landlords would seamlessly transition from one tenant to the next without disruption or Read More > ...

Read More

Holding Title to California Real Estate Part 2: Real Estate Community Property

by Lorena Roel, Esq.

Add to Calendar In a community property state like California, a married couple can hold title to real estate as community property, joint tenancy or as Read More > ...

Read More

Holding Title to California Property Part 1: Joint Tenants & Tenants in Common

by Lorena Roel, Esq.

In California, real property can be owned by multiple individuals or entities. Ownership is reflected by “holding” title to the property. The way in which title Read More > ...

Read More

August 2019 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Simon Offord, Esq.

‘Under all is the land’, begins the Code of Ethics adhered to by real estate professionals nationwide. This phrase stands as an important reminder to professionals Read More > ...

Read More

How to Build a Strong California Lease – American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA)

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.
by Adam Pedersen, Esq.

California courts are historically tenant friendly and landlords and property managers must be mindful of that in their drafting of their leases. Not only is the Read More > ...

Read More

Summer 2019 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

Summer is here, and with it comes the excitement of a bustling real estate market in the Bay Area. The months of June, July, and August Read More > ...

Read More

Spring 2019 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Lorena Roel, Esq.

Spring is a season often associated with rebirth and revival. As flowers begin to bloom and sunny weather brings warmer temperatures, religious and cultural observations during Read More > ...

Read More

Deposit Disputes – Earnest Money Deposits in California

by Lorena Roel, Esq.

When a property is listed for sale, the seller will receive many different offers from a host of interested parties. Some of the offers will be Read More > ...

Read More
Load More

California Lease Termination Best Practices — American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA)

by Adam Pedersen, Esq.
by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

In a perfect world, tenants would fulfill their obligations under their leases, and landlords would seamlessly transition from one tenant to the next without disruption or Read More > ...

Read More

Holding Title to California Real Estate Part 2: Real Estate Community Property

by Lorena Roel, Esq.

Add to Calendar In a community property state like California, a married couple can hold title to real estate as community property, joint tenancy or as Read More > ...

Read More

Holding Title to California Property Part 1: Joint Tenants & Tenants in Common

by Lorena Roel, Esq.

In California, real property can be owned by multiple individuals or entities. Ownership is reflected by “holding” title to the property. The way in which title Read More > ...

Read More

August 2019 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Simon Offord, Esq.

‘Under all is the land’, begins the Code of Ethics adhered to by real estate professionals nationwide. This phrase stands as an important reminder to professionals Read More > ...

Read More

How to Build a Strong California Lease – American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA)

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.
by Adam Pedersen, Esq.

California courts are historically tenant friendly and landlords and property managers must be mindful of that in their drafting of their leases. Not only is the Read More > ...

Read More

Summer 2019 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

Summer is here, and with it comes the excitement of a bustling real estate market in the Bay Area. The months of June, July, and August Read More > ...

Read More

Spring 2019 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Lorena Roel, Esq.

Spring is a season often associated with rebirth and revival. As flowers begin to bloom and sunny weather brings warmer temperatures, religious and cultural observations during Read More > ...

Read More

Deposit Disputes – Earnest Money Deposits in California

by Lorena Roel, Esq.

When a property is listed for sale, the seller will receive many different offers from a host of interested parties. Some of the offers will be Read More > ...

Read More

New Marijuana Laws & Rentals in California – American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA)

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.
by Adam Pedersen, Esq.

The legalized use of recreational marijuana in California came into effect on January 1st, 2018, as a result of the passage of Proposition 64 in the Read More > ...

Read More

Winter 2019 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

The New Year is upon us! Both 2019 & the Year of the Pig is now underway, and we hope that you have enjoyed a great, Read More > ...

Read More

New & Revised Forms from the California Association of REALTORS® – December 2018

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

In December 2018, California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) released several new forms that brokers and real estate agents can use to simplify their operations. In addition, Read More > ...

Read More

December 2018 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.
by Adam Pedersen, Esq.

2018 has been a whirlwind of a year! Over the past twelve months, our firm has seen a lot of exciting new developments: we redesigned our Read More > ...

Read More

Marijuana & Real Estate Law Television Show

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.
by Adam Pedersen, Esq.

Marijuana & Real Estate in California | Televised Panel Discussion from Brewer Offord & Pedersen LLP on Vimeo. The legalized use of recreational marijuana in California Read More > ...

Read More

Save the Deal Webinar

by Adam Pedersen, Esq.
by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

Real estate transactions in California often move at a rapid pace. New listings hardly spend any time on the MLS before offers come rolling in and Read More > ...

Read More

Selling a Property From Trust

by Lorena Roel, Esq.

One effective vehicle for transferring property from one generation to another is a trust. Many married couples and families will put their property in a trust, Read More > ...

Read More

Avoiding Legal Pitfalls in California – American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA)

by Adam Pedersen, Esq.
by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

Unfortunately, evictions – or unlawful detainer actions – are a form of recourse that apartment owners occasionally have to perform. California has some of the most Read More > ...

Read More

August 2018 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.
by Adam Pedersen, Esq.

Welcome to the redesigned Brewer Firm Monthly Newsletter! We are excited to bring you the August 2018 edition, redesigned to be consistent with our firm’s recent Read More > ...

Read More
March 2018 California Real Estate Law Newsletter - Brewer Offord & Pedersen LLP

March 2018 Real Estate Newsletter

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

  It feels as if the year has barely started; blink once, and March is already over! So far, 2018 has been a year of excitement Read More > ...

Read More

2018 New California Real Estate Laws E-Book

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.
by Adam Pedersen, Esq.
by Simon Offord, Esq.

The State of California faces a long list of challenges, with the highest priority being housing affordability. In response to these challenges, the State Legislature has Read More > ...

Read More

Winter 2017 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Another year has come and gone far too quickly. Over the past 12 months, our firm, our region, our state, and our country has seen a Read More > ...

Read More

Basics of Partition Actions in California

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

When real estate is inherited from family members, the property is often placed in the hands of multiple owners. Additionally, it is increasingly more common in Read More > ...

Read More

October 2017 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Farming and agriculture have played a significant role in the advancement of civilizations throughout history. Many cultures and religions around the world have festivals to celebrate Read More > ...

Read More

Do I Disclose? Disclosure Requirements & Disputes in California

by Adam Pedersen, Esq.

When real estate is sold, it is essential that the buyer know exactly what they are purchasing. As a result, the seller must disclose everything they Read More > ...

Read More

August/September 2017 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Every ending is a beginning. The end of summer begins a new school year, with new challenges and opportunities. When escrow closes, one family’s adventure comes Read More > ...

Read More

Land Use & Zoning in California

by Charles S. Bronitsky, Esq.

Have you ever wondered how cities and municipalities in the San Francisco Bay Area regulate economic development in an era of limited housing but increasing demand? Read More > ...

Read More

July 2017 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Heading in the Right Direction It is very easy to be pulled in several different directions during the busy real estate season. When making important decisions, Read More > ...

Read More

Commercial Evictions- Not Necessarily Business as Usual

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

  As seen in our most recent Fundamentals of Evictions webinar, California law affords heavy protections to residential tenants in unlawful detainer actions.  Not all of Read More > ...

Read More

Landlords & Service Animals

Do you know the difference between a “Service Animal” and an “Emotional Support Animal”? Many landlords have a “no pets” policy. However, under the Fair Housing Read More > ...

Read More

May 2017 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Slowly, but surely, the temperature is beginning to rise. The days are getting a little bit longer, and the sun is getting a little bit brighter. Read More > ...

Read More
California Lending Law - Predatory Lending Defense Spotlight

Case Study: Successfully Defending Lenders From Predatory Lending Claims

by Henry Chuang, Esq.

Attorney Henry Chuang of Brewer Offord & Pedersen LLP prevailed in a 2015 bench trial in Alameda Superior Court. During the trial, attorney Chuang successfully defended Read More > ...

Read More
Real Estate Law April Newsletter

April 2017 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

  All In at All Levels The real estate market in the San Francisco Bay Area is experiencing a pricing squeeze — limited supply of inventory Read More > ...

Read More

Attorneys Score Unanimous Jury Trial Decision Defending Real Estate Agent

by Charles S. Bronitsky, Esq.
by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

Last month, Charlie Bronitsky and associate attorney Ashlee D. Adkins defended a real estate agent in San Mateo Superior Court against claims of misrepresentation, negligence and Read More > ...

View PDF

Pests, Mold, & Lease Termination Webinar

by Henry Chuang, Esq.
by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

California landlords have a duty to maintain a habitable space for tenants to occupy. The definition of what is habitable and what is not is somewhat Read More > ...

Read More

February 2017 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Real Estate Law From All Sides The State Bar of California certifies attorneys as “specialists” in many different legal practice areas. Lawyers can be certified as Read More > ...

Read More
commercial lease types in california

Commercial Lease Types

by Simon Offord, Esq.

One of the first issues that comes up in negotiating a commercial lease is the rental structure, and how the landlord and tenant’s responsibilities for items Read More > ...

Read More

Co-Ownership of Real Property – The Partition Action

PARTITION BY SALE – THE FIRST BATTLE In a partition action, there are two parties generally. One party who wishes to sell the the co-owned property, Read More > ...

Read More

2017 New Real Estate and Lending Laws in California

by Simon Offord, Esq.

The California legislature was quite busy in 2016, passing 807 bills into law. Along with the 18 statewide ballot initiatives that were decided on November 8th, Read More > ...

Read More

December 2016 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Joyful and Triumphant The end of another year is upon us, and 2016 will surely be remembered for many years to come. May we all take Read More > ...

Read More

November 2016 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

  Get Moving On Your Next Success Many new things are just on the horizon — a new year, a slate of new laws, and even Read More > ...

Read More

California Supreme Court Confirms Expansive Application of Fiduciary Duties for Dual Agents

by Simon Offord, Esq.

  In a highly anticipated ruling, the California Supreme has upheld an appellate decision ruling that a listing agent owed a fiduciary duty to a buyer Read More > ...

Read More

California Landlord Basics Webinar

by Henry Chuang, Esq.
by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

Owning residential rental properties in the San Francisco Bay Area has become a lucrative way of earning additional income. Because of the impact that Silicon Valley Read More > ...

Read More

Autumn 2016 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

  A Season of Fellowship Throughout history, autumn has been associated with transition. Many beginnings and endings occur during the autumn season. As the weather begins Read More > ...

Read More

September 2016 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

  Strive to Stay Ahead of the Curve The San Francisco Bay Area is the global epicenter of innovation. The entrepreneurial ecosystem allows for novel ideas Read More > ...

Read More

California Tree Care & Urban Responsibility

by Simon Offord, Esq.

Webinar presented in conjunction with: California boasts a diverse and rich landscape of trees and forests, with over 33 million acres of forested land and more Read More > ...

Read More

August 2016 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

  The Nature of Success The world is composed of naturally-occurring elements that make up the essence of life — from the water we drink to Read More > ...

Read More

July 2016 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

  Extend Your Reach to New Horizons The San Francisco Bay Area is home to some of the most innovative people and companies in the world. Read More > ...

Read More

June 2016 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Timing & Preparation Creates Opportunities During the summer months, the Bay Area real estate market is brimming with opportunity. Agents are working fervently to take advantage Read More > ...

Read More

Partition Actions & Co-Ownership Disputes in California

by Julia M. Wei, Esq.

Co-ownership is a common way that siblings, families, and investors hold title to property in the Bay Area. However, disagreements can arise between the co-owners about Read More > ...

Read More

April 2016 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

The Law Is Not Always Clear Cut Spring means that the flowers are in bloom and the grass is green once again. The Bay Area has Read More > ...

Read More

Easements & Boundary Law in California

by Simon Offord, Esq.

In California, the real estate boom has led to the construction of many new housing and commercial developments. To accommodate the growing population and demand for Read More > ...

Read More

March 2016 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

AVOID FOOLISH MISTAKES Ok..ok…you caught us. It’s not actually March anymore. Hopefully this is the tamest of the April Fool’s Day shenanigans through which you must Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

PRDS vs. CAR Purchase Contract Comparison Tool

by Simon Offord, Esq.

  TOP INTRO DISCLOSURES CONTINGENCIES DEPOSITS website software for mac 2016 PRDS VS. CAR PURCHASE AGREEMENTS The two documents used most frequently for purchasing and selling Read More > ...

Read More

February 2016 Real Estate Law Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP Happy Leap Day! 2016 is a leap year, where we add an extra day to the calendar every four years to compensate Read More > ...

Read More

January 2016 Real Estate Newsletter

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Up to the Challenge 2015 is over, but the newness of 2016 fuels the creation of resolutions, goals, projections, and plans. Blank calendars to be filled. Read More > ...

Read More

2016 New Real Estate and Lending Laws in California

by Simon Offord, Esq.

In 2015, the California legislature sought to address a number of pressing issues facing California, the biggest of which was the devastating drought. From the hundreds Read More > ...

Read More

Commercial Listing Agreements

by Simon Offord, Esq.

Listing or selling commercial property involves a series of contracts and negotiations, beyond the lease or purchase contract itself.  These negotiations start before you even list Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

2015 Annual Review

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

In 2015, we at Brewer Offord & Pedersen LLP celebrated our 20th anniversary of being in business. Since starting out as a solo practice in 1995, Read More > ...

Read More

Real Estate Law in the Sharing Economy

by Simon Offord, Esq.

In the summer of 2015, over 17 million people stayed with an Airbnb host, where only 47,000 people were using the platform just 5 years ago. Read More > ...

Read More

Legal Guide to Home Remodels

by Charles S. Bronitsky, Esq.

May is National Home Remodeling Month, but before you or your clients ramp up home improvement projects for the summer, there are a number of important Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Repair & Deduct Remedy

by Ashlee D. Gonzales, Esq.

Being a tenant in California comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when the rental property falls into disrepair. Under the implied warranty of habitability, Read More > ...

Read More

Build-Out Provisions in Commercial Leases

by Simon Offord, Esq.

When commercial landlords are in negotiations with prospective tenants, one of the most important items that needs to be discussed is the issue of modifying the Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Liquidated Damages Clauses in Real Estate Purchase & Sale Transactions

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Liquidated Damages Clauses Palo Alto, California and the San Francisco Bay Area are home to some of the most expensive residential property in California. Most real Read More > ...

Read More
Commercial Property Law Brochure

Commercial Property Law in California

by Simon Offord, Esq.

Brewer Offord & Pedersen LLP has a robust commercial property law practice. Our attorneys handle real estate matters for commercial owners and tenants, in order to Read More > ...

Read More

Team Names for California Realtors®

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Under a new California law passed in 2014 (AB 2018), licensed real estate salepersons can now represent themselves to the public as a “team” without having Read More > ...

Read More

Creditor Victory in Collection Against California Guarantor

...

View PDF

BANKRUPTCY: Fighting a Cramdown

by Henry Chuang, Esq.

...

View PDF
Default Resources Thumbnail

Taking Back A Property With a Nuisance – Now What?

You recently foreclosed, and now you have taken possession of the property. Then you notice a foul odor from the property. After more research, you learn Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Help With a Loan Modification – Go to Jail

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Why Lawyers Are Legally Prohibited From Helping You With Your Loan Mod For several years immediately following the crash of the real estate and financial markets Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

In State Court with a Federal Savings Association? Sometimes you can say “adios” to HOLA

by Simon Offord, Esq.

Federally chartered savings associations, such as Wachovia, are regulated by HOLA (Home Owners Loan Act). HOLA authorizes the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) to issue regulations Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Bankruptcy Courts Enforce “Produce the Note” Defenses by Borrowers

by Henry Chuang, Esq.

On May 20, 2010, the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California followed several other courts in striking claims by lenders who are unable to Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Short Sales: Buyer’s Bonanza or Boondoggle?

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Short sales are commanding a lot of attention these days, but from the Buyer’s perspective are they a bargain, or a bust?  This article discusses a Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Can A Lis Penden Be Recorded On A Dominant Tenement In An Easement Dispute?

by Simon Offord, Esq.

In the recently-decided case of Park 100 Investment Group II v. Ryan, two attorneys were sued for wrongfully recording a lis pendens in a prior action. Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Lost Your Promissory Note?

As foreclosure rates rise and the legislative bodies nationwide rush to address this, plaintiffs lawyers are also cashing in with “Foreclosure Defense” lawsuits. Borrowers pay a Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Lien Priorities and Subordination Agreements

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Subordination Agreement that Omits Intervening Deed of Trust Is Subject to Partial Subordination A fresh new case gives us the opportunity to study lien priorities and Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

If I Lose My Home In Foreclosure Am I Still Liable For The Debt?

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Regrettably, many homeowners these days are finding that their homes are under water, meaning they are worth less than the amount owed on them. Naturally, they Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

How Much Wood Would A Woodchuck Chuck If A Woodchuck Repeatedly Filed For Bankruptcy Protection: The Automatic Stay In Repeat Bankruptcy Filings (Part One)

With the threat of foreclosures on the rise, filing for bankruptcy is becoming more attractive to many homeowners since filing imposes an automatic stay, or legal Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

The Distressed Property Owners Have Filed for Bankruptcy – What Does That Mean To the Pre-Foreclosure Investor?

In California the requirements to conduct a trustee’s sale are very strict. Between the recording of the Notice of Default and the actual foreclosure sale, often Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Past Litigation is a Material Fact that Sellers are Obligated to Disclose

In California, sellers have a legal obligation to disclose any material facts affecting the desirability of the property. This duty is not only rooted in the Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

The Property Has a Judgment Lien – What Does That Mean To the Pre-Foreclosure Investor?

A cautious investor will always check the public records to see what liens the investment property has against it, prior to acquisition. In some cases, investors Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Commission Splits, Kickbacks, and Referral Fees

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Nancy Neighbor refers a plum listing to Andy Agent. Andy is considering sending a “gratuity” to Nancy. Andy knows Nancy fancies champagne, and Andy has found Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Is A Personal Guarantee Enforceable for a Deficiency After A Trustee’s Sale?

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

When a lender forecloses on a defaulted debt and the foreclosed security does not net enough money at the foreclosure sale to fully repay the debt, Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Seller Carryback Financing and Anti-deficiency Laws

For many investors, the sooner they can sell a property to recognize their profit and re-invest their capital, the better. These days, both conventional and private Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Lis Pendens – What Is It and How Does It Affect Title?

In California, court documents are filed with the courts, and documents affecting real property are recorded with the Recorder’s Office of the county where the property Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Commercial Leasing Issues – When a Tenant Files Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Commencement The Petition Most common filings The Automatic Stay on Creditor Action The Scope and Duration of the Stay Assets and The Bankruptcy Estate Property Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Who’s On First? – Lien Priority in California

The law in California regarding lien priority is generally, “first in time, first in right.” There are exceptions however, as some liens have “skipping” power. In Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

If a seller successfully defends a lawsuit without first seeking mediation, is the seller eligible to recover attorney fees?

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

This question has now been considered in two significant appellate decisions. In the more recent of the two cases, the defendant sellers filed a cross-complaint. Did Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Even After Refinancing a Loan, A Borrower Can Rescind That Loan for TILA Violations

On April 27, 2006, the California Court of Appeal ruled that a borrower’s right to rescind the transaction for a Truth In Lending Act violation survives Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Relief from Stay Can Be Made Retroactive, Thus Validating Acts Done In Violation of the Stay – But May Still Subject You to Liability to the Debtor for Damages Arising Out of the Violation

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

In an April 2005 appeal to the U.S. Bankruptcy Appellate Panel, the Appellate Court retroactively annulled the debtor’s automatic stay, thus validating a foreclosure that had Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Yield Spread Premiums – Will They Be Considered A Part Of The Total Points and Fees Payable At Closing?

Will They Be Considered A Part Of The Total Points and Fees Payable At Closing? On December 2, 2004, the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Lender Whacked For $33M In Punitives

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

GMAC Commercial Mortgage Corporation, finding that GMAC breached its Security Agreement with its borrower, 1601 McCarthy Boulevard, LLC. The jury found GMAC guilty of breach of Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Mortgage Elimination Scams Sweeping The Nation

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

If a seller successfully defends a lawsuit without first seeking mediation, is the seller eligible to recover attorney fees? This question has now been considered in Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

The Broker Arranged Loan Exemption From Usury Comes Under Attack

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

A Broker Who Prepared The Loan Documents, Ordered Title Insurance and Dispersed the Funds, Did Not “Arrange” the Loan for Purposes of Exemption from Usury A Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

“Operation Of Law” Postponements Under C.C. § 2924g

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Or When Is A Non-Judicial Foreclosure Sale Stayed By An Appeal Recently the California Court of Appeal (Second Dist.- Los Angeles) made a determination of whether Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

The Newest Insurance Crisis – Will You Be The Next Victim

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

The Newest Insurance Crisis – Will You Be The Next Victim? The Problem: Will your next home purchase or sale fall through because of little fellas Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Fence and Boundary Line Disputes – The Legal Sausage

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

The Legal Sausage You just discovered that the fence between your house and your neighbor’s, which has been there for years, is displaced from the true Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Competing Ownership Interests – Distressed Properties

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

What Happens When You Buy A House That Is About To Be Foreclosed Upon? Recently the California Appellate Courts contemplated a situation where it appeared that Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Landlord-Tenant Law: Legislation Affecting Real Estate as of 2003

Legislation Affecting California Real Estate as of 2003 Many of us have been renters at some point in our lives. As tenants, we worried about the Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Home Buyers Are Now Required To Be Tax Police under Revenue & Taxation Code Section 18662

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

California Franchise Tax Board Puts Burden on Buyer to Withhold Seller’s Tax Liability The Change to the California Tax Law Affecting Real Estate: A change in Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

Defective foreclosure sales in California – What Are Your Rights?

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

What Are Your Rights? Your property was in foreclosure but you had a plan to rescue it. You contacted the lender and reached an agreement to Read More > ...

Read More
Default Resources Thumbnail

If your household worker or contractor is injured, will you be liable?

by Peter N. Brewer, Esq.

Do The OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) Rules Apply to You? Does Your Homeowner’s Insurance Protect You? THE PROBLEM: If your housecleaner, gardener, or handyman Read More > ...

Read More