Can a Holdover Commercial Tenant Hold On to a Right of First Refusal?
In California, a holdover tenant (a tenant who remains in possession after the expiration of the written lease) has fewer rights than a tenant operating under…
When a Tenant Exercises an Option to Purchase, When Does the Obligation to Pay Rent End?
Some commercial leases provide the tenant with an option to purchase the real property. When the tenant exercises such an option, does the tenant’s obligation to…
Money and Dirt: Reviewing 2017
Here is a look back at some of the top real estate and secured lending developments from 2017 covered here at Money and Dirt: The 2016…
Valuation Of “Different” Property In Condemnation — Does a Developed Market Exist?
When real property interests are acquired by the power of eminent domain, the owner is entitled to receive “just compensation” in the form of fair market…
Tax Sales and Bankruptcy Stays
It is well understood that under section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, a bankruptcy filing triggers an “automatic stay” preventing creditors from taking any act to…
Even a “Bona Fide Purchaser” Can’t Rely on a Void Judgment
Under California law, “bona fide purchasers” who buy property with no notice (actual, constructive, or otherwise) of a competing claim to the property are generally protected. …
“Broker Beware” — Get Commission Agreements In Writing
All California real estate brokers should be well aware of the statute of frauds governing their work found in Civil Code section 1624(a)(4). Here is what…
Notable Eminent Domain and Inverse Condemnation Cases from 2016
Here is a list of California’s appellate cases from 2016 in the eminent domain and inverse condemnation arenas that caught our attention: Property Reserve, Inc. v.…
The Evolution of Real Estate Crowdfunding — Some Links
Real estate crowdfunding remains one of “fin-tech’s” hottest stories in 2016. While crowdfunding remains a tiny percentage of overall real estate debt or equity deals, the…
California Supreme Court Weighs In On “Associate Licensee” Duties In Dual Agencies
Dual agencies — where a broker represents both the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction — raise plenty of thorny questions regarding the duties…