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A Guide To California DRE Processing Times In 2022
Those in real estate are likely very familiar with the California Department of Real Estate (known as either DRE or CalBRE). Established in 1917, the
5 Items HOAs need to stop (or, start) paying for in 2022
Now that the holidays are over, it’s time for us to get back to work—in our industry, that means budgets! Specifically, HOA budgets. If you’re
Why the Demand Continues for Gated Communities
Gated communities continue to gain in popularity in California and throughout the nation. This is due in large part to the fact that Buyers realize they
HOA Reserve Study Cost & Pricing Factors (2022)
A Reserve Study is an essential document for any Association-governed community that wishes to protect the integrity of their properties. A comprehensive Reserve Study assesses
How to Transition Your HOA from Developer to Owner
We recommend developers retain professional management early in the sales process, to ensure a smooth transition. For these who opt to self-manage, the time always
Your Ultimate Guide To A Subdivision Bond In 2021
The lure of subdividing lands into separate titles holds many benefits for developers and owners, from improved marketability to increased profit potential. But, if you’ve
Balcony Safety & Senate Bill 326: Is Your Balcony Safe?
On August 30, 2019, legislation was enacted that focuses on balcony safety, particularly balcony safety for common interest developments. Senate Bill 326 (SB 326) requires
Reserve Study: Professional or Do-It-Yourself?
Sound financial management is key to successfully managing property, whether it’s an HOA community or tenancy in common. In an HOA, the board of directors
HOA Reserve Funds: How Wise HOA Boards Avoid Surprises – 2021
We know that financial operations like reserve funds present a unique challenge to your Homeowners Association (HOA). Proper budgeting and allocation of HOA reserve funds
Assembly Bill 1401: Less Parking, More Homes
California Assemblymember Laura Friedman recently introduced Assembly Bill 1401 (AB 1401), which would remove the minimum parking requirement for new housing development projects in areas
You’ve closed the first sale… What’s next?
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
AB 1101: How It Protects HOA Funds
Last month, Assembly Bill 1101 (AB 1101) was proposed by California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) to establish much-needed protections for homeowners association funds. There
Parcel Maps & Parcel Map Waivers
When we think of “Subdivision” what comes to mind is a Subdivision Map or, as some counties refer to them as “Tract Map,” creating multiple
HOA Maintenance Or $20M Lawsuit?
In February 2018, a Nevada teenager successfully sued a homeowners association for $20 million after suffering a traumatic brain injury when a swing set’s metal
What Building 1,000 Homes Means to the U.S. Economy
According to NAHB’s National Impact of Home Building model, building 1,000 average single-family homes generates 2,975 jobs and $111.0 million in taxes and fees for
Budgeting for Variable Assessments
Not all lots or units are created equally in most subdivisions. Sometimes the range of differences is based on size, or square footage. Other times
AB 1482: Examining The Tenant Protection Act Of 2019
On October 8, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1482, known as the Tenant Protection Act of 2019. This legislation enacted statewide rent control
The Californian Drought and Real Estate Issues
Water crises in California are getting worse. The wet winter of 2016 did bring some hope for the Californians but their joy was only momentary
Structuring phased common area
We often work with our clients to create a successful phasing program, being careful to annex common areas at the right time, allowing us to
Phasing in a Market Downturn
There are two different ways subdivision developments can be phased. The first type of phasing is the mapping and on-site development. We refer to this
