Plans

As HOA Start-up Budgets are being created, a question we hear often is "can the dues be reduced?" More often than not, the HOA dues in the early phases are higher simply because of the way the development has been mapped. One big item that impacts the HOA dues in the early phases is quite simply that the common area lots are too large.  Unfortunately, this is something that should be addressed ...
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By in Budgeting, DRE, HOAs
Do's and don'ts

One question we are asked from time to time, is whether or not a client should record CC&Rs  (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) on their project.  The answer is often also a question:  Does the local agency require that CC&Rs be recorded?  Depending upon the type of community being created, it may be that no CC&Rs are required at all. The Department of Real Estate’s Glossary...
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By in Budgeting, DRE, HOAs
Stack of coins

Not all lots or units are created equal.  Sometimes the range of differences is based on square footage, location, or certain amenities like ADUs or outside patios.  Other times it may be simply that certain groups are designated as “affordable,” which requires a lower dues assessment level. If the difference is due to size, determining the variance is a function of calculating the unit sizes o...
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By in Budgeting, HOAs, Home Building
Available Sign

The Department of Real Estate oversees the marketing and sales of subdivided lands, which is generally defined as developments consisting of five (5) or more lots or units, for sale to members of the public.  With their mission to provide consumer protection to California homebuyers, the DRE review investigates subdivision offerings to prevent fraud and misrepresentation in subdivision sales. D...
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By in DRE, Home Building, Processing
Bulk photo

The success of the Costco chain of stores has proven that buying in bulk makes sense to a lot of us. From retail sales to real estate, the bulk purchase concept is logically sound. Builders who negotiate a purchase of all or a portion of a subdivision may find that the bulk sale is beneficial, allowing for a better purchase price, among other things. We see these types of transactions more and ...
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By in DRE, Home Building
scissors photo

When an HOA is created, the assessments are triggered when the first lot or unit is sold.  For planning purposes, it’s important to note that the DRE Regulations allow for HOA assessments to be waived for HOA-maintained improvements that are not complete. In a nutshell, Regulation 2792.16c stipulates that any assessments for costs or expenses for common area which has not been completed can be def...
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By in DRE, Regulations
What's Next icon

After the Final Public Report is issued, and the master documents are disbursed, the DRE file here at CBS is suspended, in case any issues or questions arise after the fact.  Many of the common questions are, “what happens after sales close?” When the first sale closes in a common interest development, the HOA springs to life. Assessments are due for collection on the first day of the followi...
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By in DRE, Home Building
balcony pic

In response to a balcony collapse in Berkley, California in 2015, SB 721 has been passed and signed into law. Effective January 2019, all multi-family buildings containing at least 3 units are required to have any load-bearing balconies and decks inspected by a licensed architect, civil or structural engineer, or building contractor. This inspection must be paid for by the property owners and prov...
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By in DRE, Home Building, Regulations
calculator photo

It is that time again. The time of year to hone in on short term goals and personal achievements for the coming year. And, if you are anything like the average American, your top goals for 2019 may include reducing stress, tighter monetary management, and a well-proportioned relationship between the work-life balance. Fortunately, CBS has created the gift that keeps on giving. The Phase Predict...
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By in DRE, Phasing Predictor
Sands through the hour glass

This is by far the most-frequent question we encounter in our day-to-day business.  And the good news is, that we can usually provide a fairly good estimate of the time period required for your particular project!  The Department of Real Estate is governed by specific timeframes in which they must respond to an application filing.  The regulatory timeframes, coupled with detailed information about...
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By in DRE, Home Building, Permitting, Processing, Timeline, Uncategorized