Escheat

Briefly stated, the law of escheat mandates the reversion of an individual's property to the state in the event the individual dies without heirs or when the property is abandoned by the individual. The law of escheat applies to real property, as well as personal property.

Mortgages -- Mortgages and Deeds of Trust Distinguished

In connection with real estate financing, sometimes the terms "mortgage" and "deed of trust" are used interchangeably. The two are not the same. In fact, important differences exist.

Bridge Loans

A bridge loan is a short-term loan designed to assist a borrower in Alex's situation. When a borrower has sufficient equity in an existing home, the borrower can borrow against the equity in the existing home in order to finance the down payment on a new home.

Disclosures in Residential Real Estate Transactions

One of the biggest decisions in a person's life is the decision to buy real estate. The excitement often associated with the purchase of a new home can be overshadowed by disappointment once the newness wears off and defects become apparent.

Legal Research on Real Estate Law

Today, more so than ever before, non-lawyers have occasion to conduct legal research. A question involving real estate law may provide such an opportunity. The process can be quite daunting.