Real Estate Transactions

Seller financing, also known as a seller “carry back,” is when a property seller extends credit to a buyer to assist with the purchase. This approach can simplify transactions but requires compliance with various state and federal regulations. Here’s an overview of crucial points and common questions regarding seller financing.

Key Questions to Consider in Seller Financing

1. Specific Disclosures:

   • California law mandates specific disclosures for certain seller financing transactions. For instance, the Seller Financing Addendum and Disclosure (C.A.R. form SFA) is necessary for 1-4 unit residential properties when an arranger of credit is involved.

2. Arranger of Credit:

   • Typically, the buyer’s real estate agent acts as the arranger of credit. This role can be played by anyone who is not a party to the sale and who is involved

In the real estate market, buyers may have more leverage, which increases their chances of getting an offer accepted with contractual contingencies remaining intact. But what exactly are contingencies, and how do they affect real estate transactions? This article will explore the standard contingencies in the California Residential Purchase Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions (C.A.R. Form RPA) and provide helpful tips for buyers and sellers.

Standard Contract Contingencies

The C.A.R. Form RPA includes at least five and as many as seven standard contingencies in the contract. These contingencies are:

• Loan
• Appraisal
• Investigation of Property
• Review of Seller Documents
• Preliminary (“Title”) Report
• Common Interest Disclosures – If applicable
• Review of Leased or Leaned Items – If applicable

It is important to note that the deadline for removal of each of these …

In a market where buyers have more leverage, sellers may be more willing to negotiate repairs than they typically are in a so-called “seller’s” market. Negotiating repairs can be a very important, yet very complicated, part of a sales transaction. Inspect early to allow time to negotiate

The standard time period in the Residential Purchase

Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions (C.A.R. Form RPA) for the buyer to inspect the property and exercise their investigation contingency is 17 Days. If the buyer wants to have the best opportunity to negotiate any potential repairs with the seller, they should have their inspections done early and not wait until just before the deadline.

How can Buyers request repairs?

The buyer should use the Request for Repair (C.A.R. Form RR) to propose that the …