Title and Deeds

Q: My spouse passed away last year and I sold our home….Why am I getting hit with WAY more capital gains tax than my neighbor did when he sold following his wife’s death?

A: It often comes down to how title was held. With joint tenancy, you only get a step-up in basis on your spouse’s half, while your half keeps its original basis, which can leave significant taxable gain when you sell. With community property with right of...

Q: My sister and I want to buy a Napa investment property together but she is unable to invest as much as me. Is it possible for us to own different percentages of the property?

A: Yes! In California, two individuals can take title to real property as tenants-in-common, and in whichever percentages the owners agree on. Your sister could own a 30% interest as a tenant-in-common while you own a 70% interest as a tenant-in-common, for instance.

Q: One of my 2024 goals is to purchase a California investment property with my sister, but she is able to invest more than I can. Can we own the property together in different percentages?

A: Yes, you can! In California, two individuals can take title to real property as tenants-in-common, and in whichever percentages the owners agree on. For example, your sister could own an 80% interest as a tenant-in-common while you own a 20% interest as a...