Representing the Buyer and the Seller: Can the Practice Continue in California?

DeLeon Insight - November 2016 By Sigrid Waggener, Esq.  Although the practice of “dual representation”—representing the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction—is completely legal and widely accepted in California, it seems impossible…

Overview of the Right to Repair Act

  SB 800 (California Civil Code section 895 et seq.), also known as the Right to Repair Act, applies to certain construction defect claims involving new residences that were or are originally sold on or after January 1, 2003. Among other things,…

Do You and Your Agent Know About FIRPTA?

One of the fortuitous things about running the listing side of the DeLeon Team is the exposure to the international real estate market. It is widely acknowledged that the DeLeon Team leads all Silicon Valley agents and teams in marketing to the international…

Proper Advice About Propositions 60 and 90 Can Save Buyers Thousands Annually

DeLeon Realty prides itself foremost on ensuring clients purchase the right property at the lowest possible price. However, watching out for the best interests of clients in all the numerous peripheral issues that are associated with property acquisition…

Capital Gains and 1031 Exchanges

By Michael Repka, LL.M. (Taxation) DeLeon CEO/General Counsel "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." - Benjamin Franklin Though cheating death is a fool’s game, strategically and legally avoiding taxes is a…

Disclosing What You Know: Disclosure Obligations for Sellers and Agents Under California Law

California law requires sellers of residential property to make various disclosures to a prospective buyer. Specifically, among other things, sellers must deliver a statutory Transfer Disclosure Statement (the “TDS”) to the buyer prior to executing…

Real Property Tax Breaks under the Williamson Act

DeLeon Insight - January 1, 2016 Michael Repka Esq., DeLeon Realty CEO, LLM (Taxation) For most California homeowners, their annual property tax is based on one percent of the amount they paid for the property, and increased by up to two percent…

Why People Set Up Revocable or “Family” Trusts

A quick perusal of county records reveals a large number of homes are owned in trusts. Typically these trusts are creatively named something like the “John and Jane Doe Family Trust.” Almost everyone who is even the slightest bit affluent, including…

Fence Disputes and Good Neighbor Fences

We have all heard the expression, “Good fences make good neighbors.” Nevertheless, there are countless bitter disputes between neighbors over the location, construction, and maintenance of fences. Fortunately, the original California Civil Code §841,…

Real Property Tax Breaks Under the Mills Act

Many homeowners and homebuyers are attracted to historic homes due to their charm, majesty, and/ or history. Some areas, such as Professorville in Palo Alto, are known for their high concentrations of historic homes. Although the buyers and owners of…