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

Real Estate Loan Underwriting Demystified

What Really Happens Before Loan Approval

Mastering the Loan Submission Process: With Examples Submissions

A Broker’s Guide to Building Lender-Ready Packages

Mastering the Loan Submission Process:

A Broker’s Guide to Building Lender-Ready Packages

Mastering the Initial Inquiry:

How Brokers Set the Stage for Loan Success

When Family Money Causes Contempt: Why Family Trusts Breed Conflict

Two brothers. One family trust. Zero agreement. When successor co-trustees can’t stand each other, personal agendas collide with fiduciary duty—and lenders get caught in the crossfire.

Some Borrowers Intentionally Withhold Material Facts- Quick Read

A case study in due diligence, lender risk control, and why saying “no” is sometimes the most brilliant move.

“Agency Law Uncovered: Myths, Risks, and Compliance for Real Estate Professionals.”

Agency Law isn’t “just paperwork.” Misunderstanding disclosures, fiduciary duties, and broker responsibilities can undermine your confidence, lead to costly mistakes, and threaten your reputation.

Private Lending Is Subject To Real Estate And Securities Laws

Private lending in California is not “just real estate.” It is governed by both Real Estate and Securities Laws, and compliance is essential to protect capital and avoid penalties, helping lenders feel secure in their operations.

Unlocking Private Money Lending: Why Financial Service Networks Matter

Financial service professionals hold the keys to untapping lending opportunities. Accountants, planners, brokers, and attorneys aren’t just advisors—they’re powerful referral engines. Understanding loan types and private money lending can transform those relationships into revenue, making it essential to grasp this space for network growth.

“Cost of Taking a Hard Money Loan vs. Consequences of Losing the Opportunity To Make a Lot More Money”

Mini Example (Points/Rate vs. Deposit Loss)

✅ When to Use Private Money (Checklist + Case Studies + Successful Exits)

Lightning-Speed Closings with Private/Hard Money Loans: The Pivot When Urgency Hits

When a deal is about to collapse, speed becomes more valuable than rate. Highlighting private money’s quick turnaround can help you feel assured in saving urgent transactions, especially when facing a hard deadline—a deposit at risk, a seller threatening to cancel, or a bank adding “one more condition.”

Hard Money, Fast Closings: The Bridge Loan That Rescues a Deal

When a deal is about to collapse, speed becomes more valuable than rate. If you’re staring at a hard deadline—earnest money at risk, a seller ready to walk, or a bank suddenly “discovering” one more condition—private money can be the difference between closing and losing.

Loans To Complete Construction:

Most of the construction is complete, But The Owner Needs Additional Cash.

Clear and Present Danger:

The Soon-To-Be Ex-Husband Tried to Sneak Behind His Soon-To-Be Ex-Wife and Encumber The Jointly Owned Home For A Real Estate Loan.

How Real Estate Loans Actually Close: Planning, Execution, and Regulatory Discipline

Success in lending is never accidental; It requires a strategic endeavor.

Initial Borrower Loan inquiry: Best Practices for Speedy Closings

Written Reciprocal Access/Parking Agreement between Property Owners

Reciprocal Parking and Reciprocal Access Agreements

A field guide for inspectors, lenders, and anyone underwriting real estate risk

California Regulation 260.204.1 and Broker Due Diligence in Hard Money Lending