Most of the California investors with substantial net worth that I know have owned properties for 15 to 30+ years. 

We have spoke to banks in the past and its challenging to find ones that will do a C/A on a first but the ones that would consider it would not do it on a 2nd.

Quote from @Abigail King: Hello everybody!

For example in California there is a 10 year structural warranty by law (and shorter warranties for different systems).

Why is it that so many General Contractors in the California Bay Area drive vehicles that don't display their contractor license number or business name?

I mean we used to sell notes in the day with a " With Recourse endorsement" in CA that meant you had to make good on the note.. but don't think those are done anymore with the scrutiny on the securities aspect..

I recently earned my real estate agent license in California, and I'm just one exam away from becoming a licensed architect here as well.

I bought from a primary homeowner in Indianapolis metro area who took really good care of this home (I did live in this house and rented it out when I moved back to California) and from a flipper in Indy more recently.As far as primary homeowners, they can range from taking really good care of the house to someone who has a lot of deferred maintenance - I renovated a local property that had a lot of issues.  

(typical California home). 

Looking to buy a house in Berkeley, CA. and have a quick question regarding the property title & assessor records.