Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

Real Estate-Technical

Technical Real Estate Insight on the Issues that Move Value—Legally, Operationally, and Financially

Legal issues, valuation realities, operational pitfalls, and market shifts—explained in plain English.

Real estate isn’t just “location, location, location.” It’s contracts, compliance, conditions, valuation, and the little details that turn good deals into expensive lessons. My articles cover technical and legal issues, ownership and operations across residential and commercial property, and the market trends reshaping what works (and what doesn’t). If it affects risk, value, or performance, it belongs here.

Most deals don’t fail on the headline numbers—they fail in the details: condition, documentation, liability, tenant/legal exposure, and assumptions that don’t survive due diligence. I write about real estate the way it behaves, benefits, detriments, valuation methods, and the shifting landscape that changes your risk overnight.

Search Results

California-CEQA, Housing Accountability, and State Overrides Under AB-130 and SB-131

On 30 June 2025, Governor Newsom signed AB 130 and SB 131, two major budget trailer bills that together represent the most substantial CEQA reform in over 50 years.

Playing “Spin Doctor” In Real Estate

(what it means, how it shows up, and how to spot it)

Playing “Spin Doctor” in Real Estate Lending

(What it is, how it shows up, and how to counter

Federal Securities Law Exemptions

(Plain English for Private Lenders & Investors)

Accredited vs Non- Accredited Investors (Federal and California):

Accreditation is about People or entities that meet income, net worth, or professional sophistication requirements and demonstrate their ability to manage risk and financial loss.

Licensing Real Estate Loans in America:

The Hidden Patchwork Behind America’s Lending Laws

Private-Party Investors in Real Estate Lending: Technical Read

The Sophisticated Playbook for Trust Deeds, Mortgages, and Promissory Notes

Real Estate Lending: Understanding Private Party Investors In Trust Deeds - Quick Read

What Every Lender, Trust Deed Buyer, and Mortgage Investor Must Know

When the Lowest Rate Isn’t the Best Option:

A Borrower’s Guide to Bank Mortgages vs. Private Money

When Banks Say “No,” Private-Party Lending Can Say “Let’s Look Closer”

Visit Dan Harkey’s Website

www.danharkey.com Where economics meets real life.

Can a Church Corporation or a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) sue a municipality in California for discrimination for failure to abide by:

SB-4, SB-1037, AB-1893, AB-712, and SB-808 come into Play in the development approval process if the city, Such as San Diego, refuses to approve the project (ministerially), subject to state mandates.

Reverse Mortgages and Probate After the Death of the Borrower

If probate takes longer than 6 months, the reverse mortgage doesn’t automatically “go delinquent, “which should reassure homeowners and heirs that delays won’t cause immediate default.

Reverse Mortgages Are Due Upon The Death of The Borrower!

Disclaimer (general information, not legal advice): Questions about “fraud” turn on intent, what was communicated (or concealed), what documents were signed, and which program (HECM/FHA vs. proprietary) applies. If there’s a real situation behind your hypothetical, it’s worth speaking with an estate/probate attorney and (for HECMs) a HUD-approved reverse mortgage counselor promptly.

Reverse Mortgages: An Excellent Retirement Strategy for Some Homeowners

Turning Home Equity into Retirement Flexibility—Without Monthly Payments

SB-4: California Church Corporations and Nonprofit Low-Cost Housing Building Opportunities.

Are there legal remedies available to the church or nonprofit if a municipality refuses to cooperate and comply with state mandates?

Building Trades Vendors: Your Real Estate Deal Lives or Dies on Their Performance- Quick Read

The Hidden Infrastructure Behind Every Smooth Closing

Independent Foreclosure Trustees (Agents):

The Referee Who Executes the Real Property Foreclosure Procedure

Top 10 Real Property Inspection Triggers + Lender Responses (Private Lender Playbook)

“Every trigger gets a response: re-trade, reserve, repair-before-fund, or walk.” This approach helps lenders feel equipped and confident in handling property issues effectively.

Real Property Inspections & Condition Assessments:

Where Deals Get Delayed—and Liability Gets Real