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...
Continue Read
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...
Continue Read
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 ...
Continue Read
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...
Continue Read
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...
Continue Read
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...
Continue Read
By in DRE, Home Building, Regulations