19 May 2021

What to Do When Your Neighbor Breaks Boundary Lines?

Most homeowners in California assume that the boundary lines of their property are located where noticeable structures separate the two parcels of land – for example, where a fence stands. However, the perceived location of a boundary line is not always accurate, and homeowners can occasionally run into problems as a result. Understanding boundary lines can be helpful for any homeowner who wants to avoid future litigation, and in this article, we draw on the

By Talia Chopra | | In Home Renovation, Maintenance and Care | Read moreLeave a comment
19 May 2021

Vacation Rentals Permitted for Summer 2021 (Santa Cruz County): An Update on the COVID Restrictions

As we enter the summer of 2021, many COVID-19 restrictions are easing up, vaccines are widely available, and Americans are breathing a sigh of relief. It's nearly vacation season, and Santa Cruz County is becoming a hot spot for prospective travelers. This year, the season brings especially good tidings for homeowners: according to the county guidelines, travel restrictions and the moratorium on new vacation rentals have been lifted! As a result, property owners in Santa

By Talia Chopra | | In All About Santa Cruz County, California Legislation and Your Real Estate, California Real Estate Trends, Santa Cruz Legislation and Your Real Estate, Vacation Rental Santa Cruz | Read moreLeave a comment
19 May 2021

CDC Eviction Ban Ruled Unlawful: What Does This Mean for Californians?

When the pandemic hit, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) foresaw widespread financial hardship for Americans and established a moratorium on evictions. For the past seven months, that order has fueled a battle between the Alabama Association of Realtors and the United States Department of Health and Human Services. According to the Alabama Association of Realtors, the CDC overstepped when it extended renter protections to include non-federally-funded rental housing. The moratorium order prohibits

By Talia Chopra | | In California Legislation and Your Real Estate, California Real Estate Trends, New Legislation and Your Real Estate, Santa Cruz Legislation and Your Real Estate, US Legislation and Your Real Estate | Read moreLeave a comment
12 Apr 2021

Branches, Limbs, and Roots: How to Deal with Your Neighbor’s “Tree” Problem

Last month, we explored how to deal with a neighbor who injures or destroys your landscape, specifically a tree on your property. This month, we are reviewing how to deal with a neighbor's problematic tree. In this section, we pull from the book Neighborhood Law by attorneys Emily Doskow and Line Guillen by sharing what you as a homeowner can do about encroaching branches and roots and unsound limbs and trees. Concerns with Trees If

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12 Apr 2021

CDC: National Eviction Moratorium EXTENDED Until June 30

With the noble intention of containing the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced an extension of the order banning residential evictions. The original order, titled Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent Further Spread of COVID-19, was set to expire on March 31, 2021, as outlined in President Trump's $900 billion relief package, but will now be in effect until at least June 30, 2021. What does the

By Talia Chopra | | In California Real Estate Trends, Politics and Real Estate | Read moreLeave a comment
12 Apr 2021

American Home Values Hit an ALL-TIME High

This past year has seen a surging real estate market – home prices have continued to climb as Americans navigate the ever-changing dynamics of the pandemic. A recent report released by Realtor.com shows that, on a national level, median home listing prices in March 2021 were $370,000 – 15.6% higher compared to the year prior (March 2020). Prices in the largest U.S. metro areas “grew by an average of 12.1% year-over-year with some markets seeing

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19 Mar 2021

Proposed New Rules Could Create Restrictions on Housing Development in Santa Cruz County

The State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection recently proposed new regulations that could drastically affect landowners in Santa Cruz County, more specifically, those impacted by the CZU Lightning Complex fires that burned in Northern California starting August 2020.

By Talia Chopra | | In All About Santa Cruz County, California Real Estate Trends, New Legislation and Your Real Estate | Read moreLeave a comment
16 Mar 2021

The Climate Crisis Could Pose Hikes to Homeowners Flood Insurance Costs

Flood risk is not often top of mind for potential home buyers, real estate agents, insurance companies, and creditors. That may change thanks to a new study that examines the potential financial impact to homes due to flood risk, a topic that has garnered more and more attention due to global warming. In recent years, we have faced ongoing challenges related to the climate crisis. Climate change has caused weather patterns to shift across the

By Talia Chopra | | In California Real Estate Trends, Climate Change and Real Estate | Read moreLeave a comment
11 Mar 2021

When Your California Neighbor Injures or Destroys Your Tree

When Your California Neighbor Injures or Destroys Your Tree Maintaining your home involves caring not only for the structure but also for the land around the house. Many people take pride in the workmanship they express through landscaping their property. Unfortunately, neighbors do not always respect these efforts. On occasion, neighbors may overstep their boundaries and take action on a neighbor's landscape that the homeowner did not permit. For those who have faced this situation,

By Talia Chopra | | In Home Renovation, Maintenance and Care | Read moreLeave a comment
24 Feb 2021

FHFA Extends Protection for Homeowners Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Homeowners impacted by the coronavirus pandemic can continue to breathe more easily, at least through the spring, thanks to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The agency announced February 9 that it would extend foreclose and real estate owned (REO) eviction moratoriums, as well as the COVID-19 forbearance period. The current moratorium, which was set to expire on February 28, 2021, has now been extended to March 31. FHFA Director Mark Calabria stated: “To keep families in

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18 Feb 2021

How to Handle Neighborhood Noise

Noisy neighbors are one of the biggest problems affecting California communities. As individuals participate in the hustle and bustle of daily activities, most want to return home for a peaceful night of rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, neighborhood activities can interfere with these plans, causing resentment and anger among neighbors. Some activities are permitted, while others are deemed unacceptable and could result in a cause for action against an individual. This article takes a closer look

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16 Feb 2021

Check These Areas That Often Fail a Home Inspection

By Maddi Arcurio - Marketing Coordinator, Communications at HomeLight If you're planning on taking advantage of the seller's market by listing your home this year, a little preparation will help you sell your home fast. While the market is hot, you don't want to give prospective buyers any reason to pass on your house. So, as you prepare your home, keep an eye out for some of the areas that commonly fail home inspections. Let's

By Talia Chopra | | In Home Buying Tips and Advice, Home Selling Tips and Advice | Read moreLeave a comment
1 Feb 2021

California Lawmakers Extend Relief to Vulnerable Tenants Until June 2021

California's most vulnerable tenants may continue to stay afloat during the pandemic, thanks to recent actions taken by the state legislature. On Thursday, January 28, 2021, California lawmakers approved the use of $2.6 billion in federal stimulus money to pay off up to 80% of income-qualified tenants' unpaid rent. Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the legislation into law. The solution directly responds to the challenges many renters still face today, nearly one year

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28 Jan 2021

Understanding Feedback Loops

“Climate change is the defining crisis of our time, and it is happening even more quickly than we feared. But we are far from powerless in the face of this global threat.” – United Nations  Schneider Estates, Inc. is committed to educating ourselves and our clients about the climate crisis. Climate change is one of the leading challenges facing humanity today—and we strive to be part of the solution, not the problem. To do this,

By Talia Chopra | | In Climate Change and Real Estate | Read moreLeave a comment
28 Jan 2021

Tackling a Neighborhood Problem

Being a homeowner comes with immense benefits: it's an excellent long-term investment, it helps you build equity, and it provides you with federal tax benefits. However, homeownership can quickly become a hassle, especially when you encounter problems with one of your neighbors. Although no one wants to deal with such incidents, all homeowners are likely to face them one day. Before jumping on the phone to call the police or hastily confronting your neighbor, you

By Talia Chopra | | In California Legislation and Your Real Estate, How to | Read moreLeave a comment
14 Dec 2020

Understanding and Executing Neighborhood Law: The Beginning of A Series

Welcome to the first of many installations in our newest series: Understanding and Executing Neighborhood Law. As a homeowner, you have been graced with the whole range of experiences that come with having neighbors! Although they can bring great joy through friendships, community events, and even play-dates, neighbors can also bring their own challenges, which are inevitable among individuals sharing such close quarters. Having been inspired by a book released by attorneys Emily Doskow and

By Talia Chopra | | In Home Renovation, Maintenance and Care, How to | Read moreLeave a comment
9 Dec 2020

Why It’s Better to be a CLIENT, Not a Customer

Working with a real estate agent brings its many perks. As professionals in the industry, they are educated on market trends and can provide buyers and sellers with opportunities they may have missed on their own. For example, buyers may be privy to off-market opportunities when working with a real estate agent. However, what many buyers and sellers do not understand is that there are two different types of relationships they can have with their

By Talia Chopra | | In Home Buying Tips and Advice, Home Selling Tips and Advice | Read moreLeave a comment
20 Nov 2020

Prop 19 Just Passed in California: What Does This Mean for Homeowners?

California Proposition 19, the Property Tax Transfers, Exemptions, and Revenue of Wildfire Agencies and Counties Amendment, was recently approved by a 51.1% majority vote. Now, many homeowners are wondering how they will be impacted as we move into 2021. Let’s take a closer look! A YES on Prop 19: The Impact on Homeowners Proposition 19 was on the ballot in California as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment directed at changing specific property tax rules. Here

By Talia Chopra | | In California Real Estate Trends, New Legislation and Your Real Estate | Read moreLeave a comment
20 Nov 2020

Looking Deeper: Will the tide soon turn in our booming real estate market?

Since 2011, the residential real estate market has been steadily climbing. Housing prices have increased year-over-year in most major markets, with the housing medium rising 55% over the last decade (June 2010 to June 2020). This bullish market has proven beneficial to investors and homeowners across the country. However, as a result of the 2020 market, some analysts predict that 2021 may experience a significant shift. We may be transitioning to a bear market as

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12 Nov 2020

What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know About Un-permitted Work

Un-permitted work on a home can prove to be damaging to a home sale. It can be both timely and costly.   So, for those looking to buy or sell a home, be sure to stay updated on the critical aspects of permits and understand what to do if there is un-permitted work on a home. What Home Projects Need A Permit? The first question I often get is What projects actually need permits? Overall, any

By Talia Chopra | | In Home Buying Tips and Advice, Home Renovation, Maintenance and Care, Home Selling Tips and Advice | Read moreLeave a comment
13 Oct 2020

Hempcrete: The Future of Home Construction

Historically speaking, construction materials have predominately consisted of concrete, steel, wood, and brick. However, when the Hemp Farming Act of 2018 was passed on December 20, 2018, builders worldwide began to familiarize themselves with a new material deemed the eco-friendly material of the future: Hempcrete. What is Hempcrete? Hempcrete is a unique bio-composite material comprised of the hemp hurds, a mineral binder (lime), and water. When blended, "a chemical reaction occurs between the lime binder

By Talia Chopra | | In California Real Estate Trends, Climate Change and Real Estate | Read moreLeave a comment
9 Oct 2020

Fall 2020: California is Still a Seller’s Market

Annual market trends can be somewhat predictable; transaction velocity spiking in Spring and Summer and slowing through Fall and Winter results from children returning to school and adults returning to their routines.  However, this year has witnessed a change; due to the global pandemic, we have experienced a year like no other. As a result, recent reports by the National Association of Realtors and Realtor.com concluded that this Fall and its subsequent months would remain

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8 Oct 2020

How to Reduce the Spread of Wildfires: A New Study Identifies Cattle Grazing as the Newest Solution

California has had one of its most devastating years in terms of wildfires, with rampant fires spreading across the state for weeks. In 2020 alone, there have been an estimated 8,320 wildfires, 31 fatalities, 8,687 structures damaged, and over 4 million acres burned. Politicians, researchers, environmentalists, and public safety experts have been brainstorming on how to change the course that California has been witnessing over the last few years – They are trying to identify

By Talia Chopra | | In California Real Estate Trends, Climate Change and Real Estate | Read moreLeave a comment
14 Sep 2020

Safeguarding Your Home’s Equity: Steps to Take to Prepare for a Home Inspection

Your house is on the market, and you have a serious buyer interested or you are preparing your home to go to market. This is always the best news but also not the time to become complacent. In most cases when you are selling your home, the buyer will request a home inspection during escrow. Not only is it sometimes required by lenders, but most buyers will want to assess the condition of the home

By Talia Chopra | | In Home Selling Tips and Advice, Uncategorized | Read moreLeave a comment
8 Sep 2020

Transaction Velocity Continues to Rise, Especially with Larger Homes

Recent analysis has revealed that even in the midst of the pandemic, the housing market is thriving. According to the National Association of Realtors, total existing-home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose by 24.7 percent from June to July, and sales as a whole rose 8.7 percent year-over year. In fact, their analysis concluded that it was the sharpest monthly sales gain recorded since 1968 (the year NAR began collecting housing data). Lawrence

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8 Sep 2020

9 Ways to Improve your Offer on a Home

Earlier this year we started to witness an increase in transaction velocity for homes across the county. This was a direct result of the Fed cutting rates, which ultimately provided Americans a chance to purchase a home at a historically low interest rate.  When the pandemic swept the globe a short time later, analysis predicted that velocity would slow down as a result of two factors: 1) People fearing the impact of the virus, and

By Talia Chopra | | In California Real Estate Trends, Home Buying Tips and Advice | Read moreLeave a comment
19 Aug 2020

Common Disclosures: Seller’s Duty and Obligation to Disclose in California

In order to protect buyers, selling a home in the United States requires that specific details be disclosed to potential homebuyers; however, exactly what information has to be disclosed can vary by state. In California, the specifics are outlined in the Department of Real Estate’s “Disclosures in Real Property Transactions,” document, which includes disclosures required by both state and federal law and regulations. It is imperative to note that there is a legal obligation to

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19 Aug 2020

Game Changers in the Real Estate Market – Pending Evictions

COVID-19 has taken the United States by storm, impacting every aspect of the American people’s lives: Businesses have been forced to close their doors; millions of individuals have lost their jobs; and over 100,000 Americans have lost their lives to the virus. Government aid, in the form of federal unemployment and moratoriums on eviction, has been a much-needed lifeline to many who have been hit the hardest. However, it is now August 2020, and as

By Talia Chopra | | In California Legislation and Your Real Estate, California Real Estate Trends, Politics and Real Estate, Santa Cruz Legislation and Your Real Estate, Santa Cruz Real Estate Trends | Read moreLeave a comment
19 Aug 2020

Adjusted Basis 101

When selling your home you may be responsible for paying capital gains taxes, which are defined as taxes paid on the positive difference between the sale price of your home and the original purchase price. To understand how much you will owe you will need to know what the adjusted basis on your home is. However, unless you have been involved in multiple real estate transactions, you may be unaware of what this means. Therefore,

By Talia Chopra | | In Home Selling Tips and Advice | Read moreLeave a comment
14 Jul 2020

Demand for High-End Homes Remains Prominent Amidst Pandemic

The last six months has been a whirlwind of events, all impacting the real estate market in different ways. Earlier this year, the Fed cut rates to nearly zero, driving millions of Americans to pursue new home acquisitions or refinance opportunities. However, shortly after, as the pandemic spread across the globe and stay at home orders were established, the transaction velocity of properties came to a halt. Fast forward two months and the trends are

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