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Builder-to-Builder Exemptions
A “subdivision” is defined as “improved or unimproved land” divided into five or more lots or parcels for the purpose of sale, lease, or financing…
Electronically Filing Your Public Report
The time has finally come! E-filing is available at the DRE. All it requires is a quick registration with the Subdivision Online Public Reporting System,
Creating Multiple Street Lots
Selling homes in phases? Consider structuring your next subdivision map to include multiple road lots. Asphalt streets are definitely one of the most expensive items
Deferment of Assessments
When an HOA is created, the dues start in any phase when the first lot or unit is sold. For planning purposes, it’s important to
HOA Financing
Does your HOA common area need to be rejuvenated, but your bank account doesn’t allow for much more than a new paint job? Well, the
DRE Due-Diligence Matters
We often get calls from clients considering a purchase of a “broken” project, who are in the due diligence period on a project. In this
E-FILING becomes a reality in 2018
E-FILING becomes a reality in 2018 Electronic filings have been discussed for the past five years, and some thought it might never happen. Alas, it
Processing Delays at DRE on the Horizon
It’s official – the Department of Real Estate is back! The former Bureau of Real Estate has regained independence and is back to operating as an
The Benefits to Living in A Common Interest Development
A well-run Homeowners Association (HOA) can lead to an increase in property value and heightened satisfaction from owners and can considerably enhance your home ownership
Why It’s Good To Be A Home Builder In California
It’s a great time to be a homebuilder in California. Not only is our state a gorgeous place to live, but it’s a state very
The Californian Drought and Real Estate Issues
One of the first questions we get asked when meeting someone is, “Which Projects have you worked on?” Most recently, the second question is almost
How Much Is Your Marketing Plan Costing You?
Here’s the scenario: you’re creating a 50-lot gated community where the monthly dues will be $100 per lot. Here’s the problem: Once you begin selling
California Introduces More Bills to End the Housing Crisis
The Bills Are Coming The state has been working on several bills to overcome the housing crisis, and one of the most discussed and disputed
Hostages To The HOA Board
Building dream homes in a planned development is a smooth and uninterrupted process for most of our clients. It’s a fairly simple process despite a
California Measure May Help Seniors Sell Their Homes
California passed the famous Proposition 13 more than forty years ago to rein in exorbitant property taxes. From the taxation perspective, the initiative also made
Balcony Inspections for Multi-Family Buildings
The balcony collapse at U. C., Berkeley in 2015, killing six people, was caused by a series of preventable failures. The balcony was poorly designed,
You WANT a Public Report
Although the State of California Business and Professions Code 11010.4 releases developers from the Public Report requirements if all criteria are met, a Public Report
Rent Control vs Public Report
A vote in November could provide a major change for the current California rent control laws and the housing crisis. Although the specifics aren’t completely
635A Application
When you need to get somewhere fast… use the Hennessy Venom F5. When you need to amend a public report fast… use the 635A. Public
Cost Centers
When a common-interest subdivision includes common facilities or services that are provided to a limited number of lots or units as a special benefit available
Reserve Studies Are Important For New Developments
When a new development is being marketed at startup, the initial HOA operating budget is created based on estimates and projections – the improvements are
Subsidy Agreement vs. Maintenance Agreement
In large developments, phasing the sale outs is inevitable, to avoid exposure to HOA assessments. Most likely, the first few phases will have the majority
How Much are Your Phases Costing You?
Planning and implementing your marketing budget is crucial to the success of your business. Defining your financial projections, determining expected capital expenditures, and understanding current
BRE is going back to DRE!
When the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) became the California Bureau of Real Estate (BRE) in 2013, it was a whopper of a
Passing Through the State Without Stopping
Many of our clients are wary about turning over control of the project entry to the HOA too early in the project’s sale-out phase. Once an improvement is owned by the HOA, it is their responsibility to maintain it, and the Subdivider often prefers to maintain it at a higher level than the HOA would.
Controlling the “Front Door” in a CID
Many of our clients are wary about turning over control of the project entry to the HOA too early in the project’s sale-out phase. Once an improvement is owned by the HOA, it is their responsibility to maintain it, and the Subdivider often prefers to maintain it at a higher level than the HOA would.
Selling Exempt Subdivisions
Everyone knows that subdivisions located in the city limits, with no homeowners associations or common areas, where the developer is selling only completed homes, are exempt from the public report process. The important thing to note, is that they are NOT entirely exempt from Bureau of Real Estate (BRE) jurisdiction. What exactly does the BRE have jurisdiction over in this type of development?
BRE Still Pursuing Water Letters
With measurable rain in California, it may be surprising for some to learn that the DRE is continuing to pursue water letters affirming “ample, potable”
Considerations for Mixed-Use Projects
Recent court cases have brought the structure of mixed-use projects to the forefront for DRE management. Historically there have been cases where, if the commercial
Industry News: AB 1448 Becomes Law
AB 1448, “The Clothesline Bill” became law in November, 2015. The bill allows HOAs to adopt ‘reasonable’ restrictions against clothes drying on balconies, railings, awnings,
