A recent property assessment dispute has shed some light on the importance of careful decision-making and prudent legal counsel. In this case, a property owner challenged the assessed value of their property in an attempt to reduce their tax burden. However, their pursuit of an ambitious claim turned out to have costly implications serving as a […]
Read more...Category: Real Estate Law
A Powerful Tool for Due Diligence in Real Estate and Business Transactions | California Public Records Act
The California Public Records Act promotes transparency, accountability, and public access to government records. A public records request (PRR) can be a useful tool in undertaking due diligence in real estate and business transactions. With a PRR you can verify facts, find documents, and trace history. You can vet the parties with whom you want […]
Read more...Easing Into Easements: The Basics
Easements are non-possessory interests in real property known in the law as “servitudes.” In other words, an easement owner does not own the property itself. Easements allow one party to use the land of another party for a specific purpose. Also referred to as a “restricted right,” this is the right to use another’s property […]
Read more...Contract Formation – What to Consider and How to Get Started
In order to reduce the potential for conflict, contracts provide clear and binding terms. The enforcement of a written contract is far easier than an oral agreement, especially when it outlines the parties’ rights and responsibilities clearly. In contrast to law firms that only draft legal documents, Hamlin | Cody does more than that. Our […]
Read more...Good News for Homeowners
Effective January 1, 2021, the California Homestead Exemption was significantly increased to the greater of $300,000 or the countywide median sale price of a single-family home in the calendar year prior to the year in which the exemption is claimed, not to exceed $600,000. Moreover, the exemption amount, whether $300,000 or $600,000 is adjusted annually […]
Read more...Neighbor Disputes
Unfortunately, neighbor disputes are common. What two people think is appropriate neighborhood behavior may differ, and it can cause unwanted turmoil in a community. You may have neighbors who, despite your many polite notes or interactions, insist on treating part of your land as if it were theirs. Some neighbors may be disrespectful and it […]
Read more...Marnie Cody on Reviewing Your Lease Language for Relief During a Pandemic
By Marnie Christine Cody, Attorney, Hamlin | Cody The Billboard Insider recently published an article on Force Majeure about lease relief that may be available in certain cases. While it raised a number of good points, our partner Marnie Cody felt it was important to expand on it the concept. Richard Hamlin and I have […]
Read more...5 Tips for Becoming a Successful Commercial Lessor
Owning and leasing commercial property can be profitable and rewarding, or a mental and financial drain. Lessors and real estate investors know that, when done correctly, a commercial rental property can offer significant opportunities for cash flow and long-term appreciation. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a first-time lessor of a commercial property, it […]
Read more...Real Estate Matter/Object Lessons
A friend’s son came to see us for help in dealing with his commercial landlord. Our client had spent over six figures renovating hotel rooms and raising the revenue from zero to a substantial sum. After he completed his renovations and brought the hotel to profitability, the landlord gave him a thirty-day notice to quit. […]
Read more...Why You Need a Commercial Real Estate Lawyer
Whether you are entering into your first commercial real estate transaction, or are an experienced real estate developer, it is important to consult with a qualified commercial real estate attorney for guidance prior to signing a contract. Most especially in California, what can initially seem like a fairly simple transaction can be filled with hidden […]
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