Title Insurance Covers That Foreclosure Problem, Right?
In the minds of many buyers of distressed properties at foreclosure sales, the existence of ANY title insurance policy relating to the property — even if…
When a Lender Forecloses on a Leasehold Interest….
Loans are often secured by the fee title to real property owned by the borrower. But loans can also be secured by the borrower’s leasehold interest…
A Void Default Judgment Is No Way To Establish Title
In a post from March of this year — Even a “Bona Fide Purchaser” Can’t Rely on a Void Judgment — we reviewed the recent decision…
Recording a Trustee’s Deed is Privileged Under CA Civil Code Section 47
California law is pretty clear that the recordation of a notice of default and notice of sale — two key documents that are a prerequisite to…
CA Supreme Court: Entity Ownership Change Can Trigger Documentary Transfer Tax
Many entities are formed for the sole purpose of buying and holding real estate. In this setup, legal title is held by the entity itself (not…
When the Same Lender Has Both a Senior and Junior Deed of Trust….
If the same lender has both a senior and junior deed of trust on the same security property, can that lender foreclose on the senior lien…
California Supreme Court Settles Split of Authority re Implied Dedication of Private Property to the Public
In a 2015 post on Money and Dirt, we reviewed a then-recent Court of Appeal decision, Scher v. Burke, and discussed the split of authority among…
California Enacts New Regulatory Framework for Medical and Recreational Cannabis
This blog usually explores the relationship between real estate and one green substance — money. But cannabis is the greenery getting a lot of recent attention…
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…
Equitable Easement Without Preexisting Use?
When a landowner whose parcel is landlocked needs to gain legal access to the property, an “equitable easement” is often the remedy of choice. An equitable…