Blog by Robert MacLean

As we dive into the summer of 2025, Orange County, California, continues to be one of the most dynamic and sought-after real estate markets in the nation. Let’s break down the latest trends, opportunities, and insights for buyers and sellers in this vibrant Southern California hub.

Strategic improvements can boost your home’s appeal, attract more offers, and maximize your return on investment (ROI). Here’s a guide to the most common and high-ROI upgrades to make your home shine in 2025.

Orange County remains one of the most sought-after real estate markets in the U.S. As we move through 2025, the market is showing signs of both resilience and evolution. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or investor, here’s what you need to know about the current trends, opportunities, and challenges.

A 1031 Exchange allows you to reinvest the proceeds from a property sale into a like-kind property while deferring federal and state taxes. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process step-by-step, with a focus on California’s unique regulations.

If you’ve been named the personal representative of an estate in California, you’re tasked with a big job: managing the deceased’s assets through the probate process. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what’s involved in safeguarding and managing estate property in California probate.

In California, the probate process for transferring real property can be complex and costly. However, a new law, Assembly Bill 2016, effective April 1, 2025, offers a streamlined solution for transferring a primary residence valued under $750,000 without full probate.

The step-up basis can significantly reduce your tax burden when you sell assets. In this blog post, I will break down what the step-up basis is, how it works in California, and key considerations for heirs, including the impact of Proposition 19.

What happens if an asset, like a house or bank account, was accidentally left out of the trust? In California, a Heggstad petition can be a lifesaver, helping families avoid the lengthy and expensive probate process. In this blog post, we’ll break down what a Heggstad petition is and how it works.

Many Californians rely on Medi-Cal for healthcare, but they worry about the state recovering costs from their estate. Can Medi-Cal recover money from a trust? The answer depends on the type of trust. Let's break it down.

Evicting a tenant in California is a legal process that requires landlords to follow strict rules outlined in state and local laws. This blog post breaks down the key steps of the eviction process in California, highlights important considerations, and offers practical insights.