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Exercising Care and Caution with Cash-Out Financing

In 2020, the United States witnessed a real estate phenomenon. Interest rates dropped, home prices rose, and U.S. homeowners pulled out nearly $185 billion from their homes' equity through cash-out refinancing, representing the highest amount of equity pulled out since 2007. However, analysts are now warning homeowners to be cautious when pursuing a cash-out refinance. Here's why.

California Moratorium on Evictions Extended Until September 30, 2021

We recently wrote about the numerous moratoriums implemented by varying levels of government, including both federal and state agencies. The situation has continued to evolve, and governments are responding. Mostly recently, on June 28, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation, AB 832, extending the state’s eviction moratorium through September 30, 2021 and providing debt relief for “Californians that have suffered economic hardship due to the pandemic.”

Understanding Legal Tools Prevents Trespassers from Taking Your Property

Most homeowners are unaware that their property could be legally taken from their possession by a trespasser. It sounds outlandish, but unfortunately, such a shocking transfer of ownership can happen, and property owners should be educated on their state’s laws regarding this process. Knowing the rules can help homeowners reduce the risk of losing their property unexpectedly or being taken advantage of.

Is your neighbor obstructing your view? Here’s What You Can Do

A property’s value is often related to the view it offers residents. A home facing an ocean or lake often sells at an exponentially higher rate than its neighbor across…

According to NASA, Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality! Here’s What Homeowners Need to Know

Typically, we think about air pollution as something that affects us most when we are outside — you probably imagine the kind of smoggy air you can see and smell, especially in cities with sizable manufacturing industries. It might surprise you to know that indoor pollution, which is less obvious, can be much more insidious and just as bad for your health — or even worse! These plants can help.

A Closer Look at The Housing Inventory Crisis in California

So what makes the crisis so bad in California, specifically, if the whole country is experiencing a housing shortage? One writer at the Cato Institute — Michael Tanner — points to “government regulations that drive up the costs of production” in California.

What to Do When Your Neighbor Breaks Boundary Lines?

Most homeowners in California assume that the boundary lines of their property are located where noticeable structures separate the two parcels of land – for example, where a fence stands.…

Vacation Rentals Permitted for Summer 2021 (Santa Cruz County): An Update on the COVID Restrictions

As we enter the summer of 2021, many COVID-19 restrictions are easing up, vaccines are widely available, and Americans are breathing a sigh of relief. It’s nearly vacation season, and…

CDC Eviction Ban Ruled Unlawful

CDC Eviction Ban Ruled Unlawful: What Does This Mean for Californians? When the pandemic hit, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) foresaw widespread financial hardship for Americans and…

Branches, Limbs, and Roots: How to Deal with Your Neighbor’s “Tree” Problem

Last month, we explored how to deal with a neighbor who injures or destroys your landscape, specifically a tree on your property. This month, we are reviewing how to deal…