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

Defaulted HOA Dues- Liens and Foreclosures: What Every Homeowner Should Know

If you fall behind on homeowners’ association (HOA) dues or assessments, understanding HOA lien laws is crucial because they directly affect your property rights and risk losing your home. Laws in various states differ. The primary difference is between states with super-priority lien status and those without.

Defaulted HOA Dues in California under the Davis-Stirling Act: An Overview of the Foreclosure Procedure

California regulates HOA foreclosures under the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code §§ 5650–5730). HOAs have the authority to record liens and foreclose, but strict conditions and procedures apply.

AB-36 California: Strengthening Pro-Housing Designations for Local Jurisdictions- Quick Read

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC): Do they insure Trust Accounts?

Trust accounts are a common way to manage and distribute assets, but many account holders wonder: Are trust accounts insured by the FDIC? The answer is yes—under specific rules that were recently updated.

Introduction to Income Property Lender Practices and Underwriting: Chapter I, Section II

Poof! My Deal Just Went Up in Smoke: Why Real Estate Transactions Collapse and How to Salvage Them

In real estate, few things are more gut-wrenching than watching a deal unravel after weeks of effort. One moment, you’re celebrating a signed purchase agreement; the next, you’re explaining to your client why the closing won’t happen. Deals fall apart for many reasons—some preventable, others unavoidable. Understanding these pitfalls and remedies can save time, money, and relationships.

Title of Real Property Is Held in a Trust: The Trustor/Trustee Passes Away: Quick Read

The Trustor/Trustee Passes Away (dies): Title of Real Property Is Held by the Trustee of the Trust- Technical Read

Property Transfers of Related Parties to Related Parties:

California Statutory Exclusions From Property Tax Reassessment Under the Revenue and Taxation Code and Related Rules:

Introduction to Income Property Lender Practices and Underwriting Chapter I, Section I

Book published by Dan Harkey

Fix-and-Flip Loan Submission Checklist

Here’s a tailored Fix-and-Flip Loan Submission Checklist for mortgage brokers preparing a package for lenders.

Hard Money Loan Submission Checklist

Here’s a Hard Money Loan Submission Checklist specifically designed for mortgage brokers working with private or non-institutional lenders. These lenders typically prioritize asset-based lending, speed, and clear risk mitigation.

Loan Submission Package From a Mortgage Broker to a Lender

An effective loan submission package from a mortgage broker to a lender should be clear, complete, and compelling, enabling the lender to quickly assess the loan’s risk and viability.

Fractional Trust Deed Investing: Unlock High-Yield Opportunities

Looking for strong returns with a hands-off approach? Fractional trust deed investing offers private investors a secure, flexible way to participate in real estate lending—without the headaches of property management.

Executive Loan Summary: Setting Up a Professional One for Prospective Lenders

Procedures for the Initial Loan Inquiry: Earn Origination Fees

Best Practices for Procuring Brokers

Fractional Trust Deed Investors: Ownership as Tenants-in-Common

Locating Private Money Loans:

Building a Network for Referrals and Identifying Opportunities

California Real Property Secured Transactions: Legal Framework and Industry Practices

✅ Compliance Checklist for Private Lending: California Real Estate Properties