state · 8 min read
Selling a house in California: laws, timelines, and quirks
California-specific rules on TDS disclosure, prop-13 reassessment, and judicial foreclosure that affect cash sales.
TDS disclosure is mandatory
California's Transfer Disclosure Statement is required on nearly all residential sales — including as-is. Cash buyers usually provide the form; you fill in known issues honestly.
Foreclosure is non-judicial (faster than judicial states)
Most California mortgages are deeds of trust with a non-judicial foreclosure process. Typical timeline from NOD to auction is ~111 days. Pre-foreclosure cash sales can usually finish if started early.
Prop 13 reassessment
A sale triggers reassessment to current market value (raising future property tax for the buyer). Some intra-family transfers preserve the prior basis under Prop 19; cash sales do not.
Earthquake / wildfire disclosure
California requires natural-hazard disclosure: flood, fire, earthquake zones. Cash buyers handle the form but you affirm what you know.
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