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What is a Life Estate?

December 22, 2023

Discover the benefits of life estates for property transfer, security, and inheritance planning. Learn how this unique legal arrangement can help you bypass probate, reduce taxes, and ensure a seamless transfer of property. Explore real-life examples and find out how it can fit into your estate plan

The Differences Between Real and Personal Property

December 22, 2023

Delve into the depths of real and personal property, and grasp their distinct characteristics and legal implications in property ownership. Explore the key differences between the two, including annexation and severance principles.

Principles of Value

January 6, 2021

In this article, we discuss how a property's value is determined, the purpose of appraisals, and the different types of depreciation. Learn more by reading this short and focused article on property appraisal.

Fair Housing

January 6, 2021

Since 1866, there have been several acts that protect certain classes and sects of US citizens. In this article we review what each of them did and who is protected under each act.

Approaches to Valuation

January 6, 2021

In this short article, we review the four main approaches for property valuation - Market Data, Cost, Income, and Appraisal. We've outlined these four different approaches in an easy-to-digest manner that will help you learn how properties are appraised and valued.

Changes in Contracts

November 9, 2020

In this article, we take a look at some of the changes that can be made in real estate contracts after or before a home sale. We explain what happens when there is a breach of real estate contract, when a party resends an agreement when there is novation, and we’ll cover addendums to contracts.

Classification of Contracts

November 9, 2020

Here, we cover the different types of contracts. We cover the difference between express and implied basis, and we take a look at unilateral and bilateral contracts and discuss the different uses of each.

Legal Effects of a Contract

November 9, 2020

We discuss the four different ways to classify contracts: valid and enforceable contracts, void contracts, voidable contracts, and unenforceable contracts.

Legal Principles of a Contract

November 9, 2020

Here, we discuss the seven legal principles needed to have a valid contract including the need for competent parties, an offer and acceptance, consideration, lawful purpose, offer in writing, signatures of parties, and description of the property.

Offer to Purchase Contracts

November 9, 2020

In this short post, we quickly cover sales contacts (offer to purchase contracts). We take a look at what is in them, what they cover, and how they are executed.

Ownership of Real Estate by Organizations

November 9, 2020

In this short article, we briefly discuss three different ways organizations may take ownership of a property through a corporation, partnership, or trust.

Property Descriptions

November 9, 2020

We take a look at the three different systems to legally describe a property including metes and bounds, rectangular survey system, and lot and block in this quick article.

Zoning and Planning

October 12, 2020

We take a look at zoning for residential purposes and briefly discuss the city planning that goes into that. We'll also talk about how subdivisions are regulated and what deed restrictions may apply to those kinds of properties.

Transfer of Property

October 12, 2020

In this detailed article, we take a look at some of the ways to transfer a property. Whether it be voluntary or involuntary alienation, or with a will, we detail what that looks like and the steps needed here.

Taxes and Assessments

October 12, 2020

We talk about the different kinds of taxes for a property such as general assessment tax and special assessment tax in this short article. Also learn about direct assessments and bonds and how they affect property tax.

Sellers Proof of Ownership

October 12, 2020

In this post, we discuss the different means of proving ownership for the sellers of a property. We take a look at how to do this with a property's abstract and through the seller's title insurance.

Requirements for a Valid Deed

October 12, 2020

We talk briefly in this article about what requirements are needed to validate a deed in real estate. We cover the importance of proper wording and signatures required on a deed.

Recording Documents

October 12, 2020

In this short post, we talk about what documents are recorded on public record and why. We also discuss when records become public and where they get filed.

Multiple Property Owners

October 12, 2020

In this short article, we take a look at two scenarios in which there could be more than one property owner for a piece of real estate. Learn more about these unique property types here.

Types of Encumbrances

September 25, 2020

In this educational article, we talk about the different types of encumbrances, burdens or limitations that can be put on a property. We walk through different kinds of liens, restrictions and easements in order to make them easier to understand.

The Definition of Real Estate

August 27, 2020

When you own real estate, what you actually have or possess is what is called a bundle of rights. All property can be classified as either personal property or real property. Read this article to find out more and understand how property can change.

Taking Title to an Estate

August 27, 2020

In this short post, we dive deep on the different holding types of an estate or property independently and jointly. We cover the share of each passing to the other or others in different circumstances.

Rights in Property

August 27, 2020

Learn the rights the government and estate holders have over a property in this short article. We break down what rights the government has over private property and the difference between estate ownership and lease.

Primary Versus Secondary Mortgage Market

June 30, 2020

In this article, we discuss the differences between the primary and secondary mortgage market. The primary market is where loans are created between a lender and borrower, and the secondary are made between the lender and larger organizations.

Financing Options: Discount Points and Contract for Deed

June 30, 2020

In this article, we quickly discuss two financing options in real estate. Discount Points and Contract for Deed are two ways a buyer could finance a home.

Financing Legislation

June 30, 2020

We describe the four main laws that deal with financing legislation. Usury laws, right of rescission, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, and closing disclosures are all covered in this short article.

Types of Notes and Loans

May 5, 2020

In this article, we discuss the different types of notes and loans, while looking at loan eligibility and PMI. You'll also learn how interest, payments and adjustable rates work in the different types of loans.

Types of Mortgages or Trust Deeds

May 5, 2020

We discuss the differences in trust deeds and mortgages in this article. We'll also explain the different provisions of security clauses while showing the difference between "subject to" and assumption of a loan.

5 Tips for PASSING the Real Estate Exam

February 25, 2020

We know how hard it is to pass the real estate exam. There’s no secret guide to pass the test, but there are good foundational rules, tips and tricks that can help you improve your score.

Types of Notes and Loans

January 6, 2020

We cover the basics of the types of real estate notes and loans and how they relate to mortgages and what an adjustable rate mortgage is in this short article.

Notes and Mortgages

January 6, 2020

Need to know what are the different types of deeds in real estate? We give a brief overview of the common deed types as they relate to mortgages in this article.

Types of Listing Contracts

December 9, 2019

When a seller goes, "under contract" there are several different types of listing contracts. In this article, we explore the different types of real estate listing contracts and how they work.

Tax Deductions for Home Ownership

December 9, 2019

In this quick post we discuss the hows and whats when it comes to income tax and deductions for homeowners. We cover when and what can be written off.

What is Capital Gain?

December 9, 2019

In this quick tip article, we look at capital gain tax, when it applies, exclusions, and what the tax code says for primary residence and investment properties.

Real Estate Settlement Procedures

September 18, 2019

In this article we give a quick overview of settlement procedures. We also cover what parties should be at closing, and we outline the closing statements that contain all fees.

Real Estate Leases

September 18, 2019

We go over lease types for commercial and residential properties, how and when lease transfers happen, and how to terminate a lease. We also cover general grounds for eviction.

Real Estate Brokerage Compensation

September 18, 2019

We cover when and how a licensee is paid their commission, how that commission is set, and the difference between brokerage and Multiple Listing Service commission rates.

Property Management

September 18, 2019

We give a quick overview of what a property manager or company should do in their duties as such. We cover broad definitions and what it is that property managers should do based on real estate law.

Law of Agency

September 18, 2019

In this post, we cover the lawful definition of an agent, client and power of attorney for real estate relationships. We'll explain what it means to be an attorney-in-fact, managing broker, and principal. Here you'll find all of your questions and answers for the Law of Agency.

Law of Agency Duties

September 18, 2019

In this article, we discuss the duty owed to the customer and to the client by the real estate agency. We also cover environmental issues such as asbestos, mold, lead-based paint and more.

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