Recent News

It is common for real estate to be encumbered by more than one mortgage or deed of trust.  Contexts vary greatly, from construction loans to borrowers just wanting to pull out equity using a home equity line of credit or traditional second mortgage.  In most situations, there is little question about which lender or lienholder… Read More

In the first part of the blog post, I explained what goes into a title policy.  This part of the blog post discusses how a title policy does and does not protect you. Coverage Generally Title insurance policies protect their insured against actual losses resulting from “covered risks,” which generally include:  (1) Someone else owns… Read More

Corporations, limited liability companies, and certain types of partnerships, formed in the state of Washington, are required to file annual reports and pay an annual license renewal fee to the Washington Secretary of State (the “Secretary”).  Each year, the Secretary sends notice to the entity that its annual report and fees are due by a… Read More

Elsewhere on our website, we have discussed the importance of reviewing title insurance policies and preliminary commitments.  While those topics are important for people involved in real estate transactions, this post is devoted to a more basic explanation of title insurance.  As explained in greater detail in this series of blog posts, title insurance generally… Read More

In Washington, one way a real estate owner can grant another real estate owner the right to use the first real owner’s real estate for a particular purpose is for the first owner to grant the second owner an easement.  Under Washington law, an easement is an interest in real estate.  It is a non-possessory… Read More

Adverse possession is a legal doctrine under which Person X can establish real estate ownership over a portion of land held in record title by Person Y through X’s consistent use (i.e. possession) of Y’s property. Here is an overview: beresfordlaw.com/adverse-possession-in-washington-state/. Adverse possession is codified under RCW 7.28 et seq. Generally, one cannot adversely possess against… Read More

Real estate disputes frequently involve disagreements over rights of ownership, possession, and use of property.  However, the rigors of the litigation process and the ability of courts to process cases typically means it will take a year or more before the case gets resolved through a trial on the merits.  What do the parties do… Read More

In 1967, Washington enacted the Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act, Revised Code of Washington (“RCW”) Chapter 24.03. After several years of review and study, Washington enacted a new Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act, RCW 24.03A. The new act became effective January 1, 2022. RCW Chapter 24.03 was repealed effective that date. The new act applies to all… Read More

February 3rd, 2022 Per Oscarsson and Eli Yim answer 3 common questions about easements. Read More