Uncategorized

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has made a new proposed rule that would allow the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to purchase certain single-family closed-end second mortgages. The plan is the result of concerns regarding the impact of current, higher interest rates on existing homeowners, which provides limited options to access equity.…

Read More

Zoning compliance is crucial for businesses, especially those operating in agricultural areas. This month’s case, involving Old Creek Ranch Winery, highlights the consequences of failing to adhere to local zoning regulations. The trouble began when the Ventura County Board of Supervisors found that the winery had expanded its wine-tasting area and facilities without securing a…

Read More

The California Court of Appeal recently reversed a trial court’s decision to grant a summary judgment motion in a significant title insurance case. The plaintiffs had purchased a residential property in Danville for $1.25 million in 2016 and the title company issued an American Land Title Association (ALTA) Homeowner’s Policy of Title Insurance accordingly. Per…

Read More

California is facing a severe shortage of court reporters, creating a significant barrier to justice for litigants across the state. Court reporters play a vital role in ensuring accurate, verbatim records of court proceedings—records that are essential for appeals and protecting constitutional rights. This shortage has reached a critical point, particularly in family law, probate,…

Read More

As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, so too does the regulatory framework surrounding it. In a significant move, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has introduced a new form, the 1099-DA, specifically designed for digital assets. This addition aims to streamline the reporting process for crypto transactions, ensuring greater compliance and transparency. Here’s what crypto…

Read More

The U.S. government plays a crucial role in safeguarding consumers from financial fraud, working through agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to monitor, investigate, and prosecute deceptive practices. As financial markets and investment opportunities evolve, so do the schemes of fraudsters who prey on unsuspecting individuals. The government’s proactive stance in detecting and…

Read More

In a significant policy shift, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has revised its regulations to allow VA loan recipients to pay real estate agent commissions, a change expected to greatly benefit military buyers in the real estate market. This move eliminates a long-standing hurdle that often put veterans at a disadvantage when purchasing…

Read More

The question presented in this case relative to signature authentication has broad implications for contract validity and enforceability. The Plaintiff, an employee of the Defendant, filed a lawsuit against the company claiming labor violations. In response, Defendant attempted to compel arbitration based on an arbitration agreement they claimed Plaintiff had signed. The trial court denied…

Read More

California has been grappling with a severe crisis in fire insurance, with escalating costs and dwindling availability for homeowners and businesses in high-risk areas. This issue has become particularly acute in recent years due to the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires. As a result, California FAIR Plan, a state-mandated insurance pool that provides basic…

Read More

California’s Proposition 13 was enacted by popular vote in 1978 to stabilize property taxes and minimize reassessment absent the sale or substantial improvement of a real property. Under Proposition 13, property taxes are capped at 1% of the property’s assessed value and annual increases in assessed value are limited to 2%, unless the property is…

Read More