What does it mean for West Hills and Woodland Hills homeowners that private insurance is returning to California? State Farm and Allstate filed plans in September 2026 to resume writing new residential policies in California—but only for homes with an IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home designation. For sel

Selling a Home with a Reverse Mortgage in California: What Homeowners and Heirs Need to Know

Can You Sell a Home That Has a Reverse Mortgage in California? Yes — selling a California home with a reverse mortgage works like any other sale. The HECM loan pays off at closing from the sale proceeds, and any equity above the payoff balance goes to you (or your heirs). The non-recourse protection

Selling a Second Home in California: The Capital Gains Tax Bill Most Sellers Don't See Coming

What capital gains taxes apply when selling a second home in California? Selling a second home or vacation property in California triggers capital gains tax at both the federal and state level — with no access to the $250,000 or $500,000 Section 121 exclusion available to primary-residence sellers.

Gift of Equity in California: How to Sell Your Home to a Family Member

Gift of Equity in California: How to Sell Your Home to a Family Member What Is a Gift of Equity — and How Does It Work in California? A gift of equity is when you sell your home to a family member at a price below its appraised fair market value. The difference between what the home appraises for an