22 Oct 2021

Keeping Your Property Safe for Visitors

Did you know that you are responsible for anyone who steps foot on your property, whether you invited them or not? If you’re like most homeowners, you may not be aware of your responsibility to keep children and others safe in your neighborhood. You may believe that the safety of neighborhood children, as well as other visitors to other properties, is the responsibility of their parents (or other property owners). However, according to state law,

By Christine Schneider | | In All About Santa Cruz County, How to | Read more1 Comment
16 Jul 2021

Understanding Legal Tools Prevents Trespassers from Taking Your Property

Most homeowners are unaware that their property could be legally taken from their possession by a trespasser. It sounds outlandish, but unfortunately, such a shocking transfer of ownership can happen, and property owners should be educated on their state’s laws regarding this process. Knowing the rules can help homeowners reduce the risk of losing their property unexpectedly or being taken advantage of.

By Christine Schneider | | In How to, Uncategorized | Read moreLeave a comment
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

By Christine Schneider | | In How to | 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 Christine Schneider | | 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 Christine Schneider | | In Home Renovation, Maintenance and Care, How to | Read moreLeave a comment
10 Mar 2020

Protecting Your Home from Wildfires: Three Lines of Defense

For California homeowners, wildfires can be the single greatest threat to the safety of your home and family. In 2019 alone, an estimated 7,860 of these fires devastated the Californian landscape. 259,823 acres of land were set ablaze, resulting in the destruction or damage of 732 structures. Worst of all, three lives were confirmed lost as a result of these fires. Given the terrifying suddenness with which these natural phenomena can break out and travel

By Christine Schneider | | In California Real Estate Trends, How to | Read moreLeave a comment
11 Feb 2020

Building a Home – The Loan Process

To finance a home on a vacant lot you will need to obtain a construction loan. These vary drastically when compared to residential loans since they are directly associated with building a house. Construction loans have different terms and bring different value to the borrower. Here are the steps simply outlined to build your dream home from the ground up. Getting the Land Before you can build a home, you will need to secure the

By Christine Schneider | | In Home Buying Tips and Advice, How to | Read moreLeave a comment