3 Valuable HOA Home Buying Tips You Need to Know
When buying a home, condo or townhouse, you wouldn’t want to buy next door to where dogs are always barking, couples are always fighting, or neighbors are throwing parties all night long. But even after you’ve vetted the street and community several times before making an offer, there may be other silent issues to consider about your community. In Orange County, there are many master-planned communities offering beautiful homes, wonderful aesthetics, and enjoyable amenities. Many of these communities belong to a Home Owners Association (HOA) that governs them. While they promise neighborhood upkeep, a community with an association may not …
Tips to Protect Yourself While Remodeling Your Home
Whether you’ve outgrown your home and need additional space, or you’ve decided you want to build up the value by adding square footage, you may be considering remodeling your home. The summer months are prime time for home construction as the weather is right, and taking a vacation in the middle of the work can lessen the inconvenience. But the work doesn’t always go as quickly and easily as those TV remodel shows portray. Make sure you protect your investment with these tips. Avoid The Unlicensed You wouldn’t want to hop into a taxi or Uber with someone unlicensed, even …
5 Important Questions To Ask When You Hire a Litigator
If you are facing a lawsuit or need to file one, the process can be very stressful. While many attorneys and law firms are well versed in many aspects of law, you need the best protection for yourself and your interests. Here are five areas to focus on when hiring a litigator. Are you Experienced? Your case is special to you. The outcome could determine how you live the rest of your life. Find a litigator that has specialized in cases that are similar to yours. You want to have confidence heading into a trial that your litigator is very …
How to Avoid Common Mistakes Startup Business Owners Make
Starting a business is very complex. You begin with passion and enthusiasm, but red tape and logistical hurdles can turn your dream into a nightmare. While pitfalls can foil the first-time entrepreneur, there are ways you can avoid them. The partners at Heritage Law LLC want to help you keep your business aspirations on track. Understanding the Marketplace Too many Orange County businesses jump into the fire without a solid business plan and research. No matter how good you think your product or service is, there must be a market for it. You need to ask yourself several questions to …
Why You Need Estate Planning to Protect Your Assets
There’s no doubt; you felt a shockwave when you heard that pop singer, Prince, had died. There is a myriad of thoughts that always runs through our heads when we hear about surprising high-profile celebrities dying – most of which lead back to the inevitability that we are mortal. And while we may have little in common with the pop-icon, one similarity is protecting our assets and ensuring that our final wishes are met. Regardless of how much wealth we accumulate, the adage, “you can’t take it with you,” still applies. After the initial days of celebrity and fan reaction …
The Important Documents You Need to Redraft After Getting Divorced
Divorce is an opportunity for unhappy people to start clean. Before turning to the next chapter in life, some important documents may require revision. The following is a list of some documents you must remember to revise in order to jot down your new joyous journey. Title Changes Beyond your last name, there are some important titles you should consider changing quickly. If you shared titled to the home you once shared with your former spouse then the deed should be revised to reflect the current owner. Any real property should also be refinanced in order to eliminate any obligation …
How to Successfully Start a Small Business
Eight out of ten entrepreneurs will have to turn off their business’ lights within the first 18 months of operation, according to Bloomberg. If you’re trying to beat the odds, you’ll need more than just a great idea and enthusiasm to see it through. These are three vital steps to successfully starting your small business. Define Your Goals Are you in this to make money, change the world, or both? Defining your goals and how you plan on achieving them are two vital components you need to establish immediately. If you create a road map, the path to success will …
Tips to Protect Yourself During a “For Sale by Owner”
Buying a home is one of the most important investments you will ever make but there are some risks that come with this reward. If you plan on buying a home that is a For Sale by Owner, you need to be prepared to handle some of the work a real estate agent would usually help you with. Use these three tips to protect yourself during this process. Do Your Research If you’re planning on living in this home for the foreseeable future, you want to make sure this investment is your dream home instead of a neighborhood nightmare. Compare …
How to File Taxes While Getting a Divorce
While your marriage is dissolving, filing taxes is probably the last thing on your mind, but ignoring these state and federal requirements may lead to a different kind of heartache down the road. This guide is not meant for married couples that are in love limbo; this is for pairs who are intent on parting ways. If your divorce is not finalized by December 31st, you need to decide how you want to file. Here are the three most common filings for still married and legally separated couples to find the best option for you. Joint Return Before the ink …
Special Needs Trusts: How to Take Care of Your Loved One After You’re Gone
You may dedicate your entire life to raising a special needs loved one but do you know how they’ll get by after you’re gone? Family members and friends with special needs require extra care and protection that you will no longer be able to provide when you pass away. Make sure your final wishes are clear by knowing which Special Needs Trust (SNT) is best for your beneficiary. First-Party Trusts Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be a tremendous help in affording basic needs but it may not be enough to provide your loved one with the lifestyle you envisioned. A …