Author: Hannah Ray

Selling a house in California is already a big decision—but selling when you still owe the bank? That can feel overwhelming, especially if the payments are tight, you’re behind, or the home needs repairs. The good news:Most California homeowners sell their house before the mortgage is paid off. It’s normal. And whether your goal is … Continued

Property taxes aren’t fun to think about — especially when money is tight — but ignoring them can lead to serious consequences in California. Many homeowners fall behind because of job loss, rising costs, medical bills, or simply not realizing how quickly penalties add up. This guide breaks down exactly what happens if you stop … Continued

Facing bankruptcy is overwhelming—especially when you also own a home and aren’t sure what to do with it. Many California homeowners wonder the same thing: “Is it smarter to sell my house before filing for bankruptcy… or after?” The truth is, both options can work, but the right choice depends on your equity, your income, … Continued

When a homeowner is struggling with mortgage payments, most people assume a short sale is the only escape before foreclosure. But the truth is: a short sale is just one option—often not the fastest, not the easiest, and not the most beneficial. California homeowners also have alternatives like loan modifications, forbearance, repayment plans, selling to … Continued

Selling a house that still has a mortgage is very common in California. In fact, according to the California Association of Realtors, fewer than 12% of homes statewide are owned free and clear — meaning nearly nine out of ten sales involve an existing mortgage. So the short answer is: yes, absolutely, you can sell … Continued

When a parent moves into a nursing home, families are often left facing a difficult decision — what to do with their house. Maintaining two properties is expensive, and paying for long-term care can quickly drain savings. In many cases, selling the home is the most practical way to fund care and simplify finances. But … Continued

Few things are more frustrating for a seller than reaching escrow — and then hearing that the buyer wants out. You’ve already made plans, packed boxes, maybe even put an offer on another home. So what happens next when a buyer backs out of escrow in California? This guide explains your rights, what to do … Continued

Owning a house that needs major repairs can feel overwhelming — especially in California, where construction costs are among the highest in the nation. Whether it’s a leaking roof, cracked foundation, or outdated electrical system, the question many homeowners face is simple: 👉 Should you fix it or sell it as-is? In many cases, investing … Continued

If you’re thinking about selling your California home as-is, you might assume it means zero costs — just hand over the keys and walk away. But even when you skip repairs, there are still a few expenses to plan for. The good news? Selling as-is dramatically reduces your financial burden compared to a traditional sale. … Continued

Inheriting a home can feel like both a blessing and a burden — especially when there’s still a mortgage attached.Many Californians assume inherited properties are paid off, but that’s not always the case. In reality, more than one in three inherited homes still has an outstanding loan. So what happens if you inherit a house … Continued

Dealing with a house fire is one of the most stressful experiences a homeowner can face. Beyond the emotional toll, there’s the question of what to do next: should you repair the damage before selling, or sell the house as-is? Both paths have pros and cons — and in California, where home values are high … Continued

Losing a loved one is never easy — and if you’ve inherited their home, figuring out how to sell it can be one of the most confusing parts of the process. Probate laws in California can be tricky, and even small mistakes can lead to months of delay, legal fees, and lost money from the … Continued

Divorce is one of the most stressful life events — and when a house is involved, things get even more complicated.For many couples, the biggest question becomes: “Can we sell the house before the divorce is finalized?” The short answer is yes, but with conditions.California has strict community property laws and court rules that determine … Continued

Selling a rental property is already a big decision — but selling with tenants still living in the home adds another layer of complexity. Whether you’re a tired landlord ready to move on, facing financial hardship, or selling an inherited property with renters in place, California law has strict rules about how to do it … Continued

When a loved one passes away in California, families are often shocked to learn that Medi-Cal may try to recover money spent on the person’s medical or long-term care. This is called estate recovery, and it can put a family home at risk if you don’t plan ahead. This guide explains how Medi-Cal estate recovery … Continued

Selling your home can already feel stressful — but few moments sting more than hearing the words, “The appraisal came in low.” In California’s competitive housing market, appraisals can make or break a deal. Whether you’re selling traditionally or selling your house as-is, understanding what happens when a property doesn’t appraise high enough can save … Continued

A vacant house in California might look like an opportunity — but for most homeowners, it’s a ticking clock. Empty homes rack up property taxes, insurance costs, utility bills, and maintenance expenses every month they sit unsold. Even worse, they’re magnets for vandals, squatters, and code violations. If you’ve got a property sitting empty and … Continued

When a loved one passes away, emotions are already high — and when it comes time to sell the family home, disagreements between heirs can make things even harder. In California, selling a house in probate requires following strict legal rules, and one of the most common challenges is when not all heirs are on … Continued

When most people think of selling a home, they imagine hiring an agent, listing on the MLS, and waiting for the right buyer to come along. But for many California homeowners — especially those with older or distressed homes — selling to an investor can be a faster, simpler alternative. Still, it’s not the right … Continued

Inheriting a house can be both a blessing and a challenge — especially when it comes time to sell. Along with emotions and family decisions, you might be wondering: “What taxes do I have to pay when selling an inherited house in California?” The good news? California offers several tax benefits that can help you … Continued