Mezzanine Debt

Mezzanine debt sounds a bit fancy, but it really is a less secure form of debt. Mezzanine debt is a form of financing that sits between senior mortgage debt and the property owner’s equity in the capital structure of a real estate investment. It is generally used when...

Mortgage in Disguise

A mortgage in disguise definitely doesn’t sound like something you want to apply for; it sounds more like a mortgage that finds you, and not in a good way. Unfortunately, this isn’t too far off from the actual definition. A mortgage in disguise is a...

One-Time Capital Improvement Contribution

What is a one-time capital improvement contribution? Thanks for asking! This “contribution” is a fee that a buyer pays when purchasing a unit in a condominium, homeowners association (HOA), or planned community. This fee is not always part of a purchase...

Kick-Out Clause

Though a Kick-Out Clause sounds a bit violent, it is a provision in a real estate purchase contract that allows a seller to continue marketing a property even after accepting a contingent offer. It may not technically be violent or aggressive, but it can feel that way...

Mello-Roos

Mello-Roos is a special tax assessment levied on property owners within designated community facilities districts (CFDs) in California. Established under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982, the tax was created to help local governments finance public...

Noise Easement

A noise easement is a legal agreement that grants permission for noise generated by a nearby activity, facility, or transportation source to affect a property. In real estate, noise easements are most commonly associated with airports, highways, railroads, military...