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How can I prevent contract disputes?

When entering into a contract in Santa Cruz, there is always a risk of issues occurring. While you can’t always prevent disputes, there are steps you can take to lower that chance that a signee finds fault with some portion of the contract, or even potentially side-step issues related to

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How can I create a solid rental agreement?

The first element to a successful landlord/tenant relationship is the rental agreement. In order for your tenants in Santa Cruz to explicitly understand their responsibilities they must be clearly stated within the lease, whether they pertain to rent amounts or conduct within a home. Realtor.com offers the following tips on

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3 common real estate scams

While you would assume that the people you’re dealing with in the real estate market are on the up and up, this sadly is not always the case. In fact, there are numerous frauds that homeowners, buyers, and even renters must avoid, from wasting money trying to modify their loans

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How can I choose the right home inspector?

Inspections are an essential part of the real estate process, whether you’re selling or buying a home.  Unfortunately, home inspection fraud is a very real thing. That’s why it’s important for people in Santa Cruz to make sure they understand exactly what their home inspectors are communicating about necessary repairs

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Warning signs: Protect yourself from real estate fraud

When looking for a California dream house, it pays seekers to be careful about whom they do business with. Scammers love to take advantage of homeowners, and real estate fraud is just one way they like to do that. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, in 2018, law enforcement

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Does a seller have to disclose lead paint?

You know that lead paint is a safety issue, but you may also be aware that in California and across the country, paint has been lead-free for decades. However, in older homes, the lead-based paint may still be present. Because you just bought an older house, learning about the possibility

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Can house flipping flip a scam on you?

House flipping is a perfectly legal way to buy and sell homes, and many people in California do so with no problems. But like other forms of real estate fraud, some sellers who flip houses can flip a scam onto you that bleeds your bank account and leaves you in

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Beware of rental fraud

There are many in Santa Cruz whose personal situations make it more advantageous to rent their homes than buy them. One of the factors that might sway one towards renting is not having the time to deal with the complexities that come with home ownership. Indeed, rental or lease agreements

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What is real estate fraud?

Home ownership is the American dream, and it is shared by many right here in Santa Cruz. But there is no lack of people who would take that dream away from you through a variety of schemes. To safeguard yourself from real estate fraud, you need to know what to

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