Tustin Litigation & Appeals Law Blog

As you know, running a medical facility, such as a hospital or doctor's office, whether in California or elsewhere, has similarities to running other businesses. As such, it is subject to various state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While meeting the ADA's criteria requires an initial outlay of funds, it helps medical facilities provide accessibility to care for every member of the public and helps avoid legal issues in the future.

The ADA requires that all public and private medical facilities open to the public provide certain accommodations for people who have physical limitations, such as mobility issues or blindness, in order to ensure they are not excluded from obtaining access. These requirements not only extend to the physical structures, but also to websites and other means of communication with the medical facility.

There are many ways in which having student loan debt can impact a person's ability to buy a home. For instance, each time a student loan payment is made, the money going to a lender can't be used for a down payment. Furthermore, the debt itself will likely count toward a person's debt-to-income ratio. That ratio is one metric lenders look at when making a home loan decision.

If an individual misses a student loan payment, it could have negative consequences for that person's credit score. However, those with average credit may be able to increase their score by making timely payments. Those who are looking to buy a home may believe that they need a down payment of 20 percent. The good news for prospective home buyers is that this isn't always the case. Individuals who receive an FHA or VA loan could put down less than that to qualify.

In recent years, buyers in California markets have had to contend with bidding wars and other issues that arise during a seller's market. However, in some parts of the country, market conditions are beginning to change. For example, only 21 percent of homes listed for sale in November 2018 in Seattle saw multiple bidders. Real estate agents who are trying to attract clients and sell homes in a buyer's market will need to be creative to do so.

One way to attract clients is to be positive at all times. While agents can't control the market or their clients, they can control their own mindset, and remaining upbeat can be helpful for any professional. Once an agent has a client, it is important to stay in touch with that person. Ideally, an agent will talk to a client once or twice a month to stay informed about that person's needs.

Those who are looking to sell a home in California or elsewhere may find that it is beneficial to stage it first. Doing so may help a prospective buyer picture him or herself living in the property. It can also help a home come off as clean and neat. As the winter months tend to be slow in the real estate market, proper staging is vital during this time of year.

When staging a home, be sure to get rid of family pictures or other reminders that someone currently lives there. The goal is to present a blank slate that a buyer can place his or her own image on. During the winter, homeowners should create a warm environment both literally and figuratively. They should make sure that the home is at a comfortable temperature and that it is decorated to embrace the season.