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California Property Taxes Are Due Now — What Homeowners and Realtors Need to Know Before December 10th


Understanding California’s Property Tax Cycle
As we roll through November, it’s officially property tax season in California — and if you own real estate, your first installment is due now. Property taxes become delinquent after December 10th, which means any unpaid balance after that date will start accruing penalties and interest.
According to the Fidelity National Title Property Tax Guide, tax bills are typically mailed out the last week of October, and the first installment covers the period from July 1st through December 31st. The second installment, due in the spring, covers January 1st through June 30th and becomes delinquent after April 10th.

How This Impacts Pending Escrows
If you’re a Realtor, lender, or homeowner in escrow right now, here’s a key reminder:
If your escrow is scheduled to close before the property tax payment shows as “paid” on the county website — even if you’ve already mailed or submitted the payment — the escrow company must treat those taxes as unpaid.
In that situation, your title and escrow team will either:
:white_tick: Require proof of payment, or
:moneybag: Hold funds upon request until the payment posts to the county records.
This protects both the buyer and seller from future liens or unexpected tax obligations — and ensures the title remains clear through closing.

Avoid the December Rush
It’s always better to pay early and verify payment has cleared before your closing date.
 Visit your county treasurer-tax collector’s website to confirm payment status or to pay online.

  • Due Date: November 1st
  • Delinquent After: December 10th
  • Penalty: 10% of the unpaid amount

Don’t let a small delay become a big headache!
Your Trusted Partner in Real Estate
At Fidelity National Title and Team Title Guy, we work hard to keep your transactions smooth, compliant, and on time — from title searches to prorations and tax verifications.
If you’d like a copy of our California Property Tax Guide, or want to learn how title and escrow teams can help prevent surprises at closing, contact us anytime.

Bonus Reminder — Operation Community Cares 
This Saturday, November 15th, we’re packing care boxes for our deployed service members through Operation Community Cares — “sending a bit of home for the holidays.”
 Join us or donate here: :point_right: OperationCommunityCares.org

🏠 Should You Be Concerned About Uninsured Deeds? Here’s What You Need to Know

At Team Title Guy, we believe education = power, and one of the biggest blind spots we see in real estate transactions involves something called an uninsured deed.

Sounds harmless, right? Not so fast.

An uninsured deed is any deed that has not been examined and insured by a title company—meaning it could come with hidden baggage like unpaid liens, ownership disputes, or even forged signatures. Translation? Major headaches during the sale of a property.

🔍 What’s the Risk?

Sometimes uninsured deeds are created to add or remove family members from a title, often using instruments like quitclaim deeds. While common, these transactions can create long-term problems if not handled properly.

Here are just a few questions that must be asked before an uninsured deed is accepted:

  • Can all signers’ signatures be verified?
  • Was the deed signed voluntarily (without stress or duress)?
  • Was this to avoid creditors or secure a loan?
  • Was it a gift? Was proper consideration given?

Without this level of vetting, a future buyer—or worse, you—could end up facing serious legal hurdles.

✅ Why Title Insurance Matters

At Fidelity National Title, our job is to ensure the deed is not only legally recorded, but also backed by a comprehensive background check to catch any red flags. This is where simple preparation pays off.

A few smart tips for homeowners:

  • Always work with a qualified title company (yes, like us 😉)
  • Confirm dates and signatures are accurate
  • Never DIY your deed work—always let a professional handle it

🙋‍♂️ So, Should You Be Concerned?

If you’ve added someone to a title, gifted property to a family member, or received a property via quitclaim deed, now is the time to ask questions. Don’t wait until you’re in escrow to find out there’s a problem.

📞 Call to Action: Let’s Clear the Air

Have questions? Not sure if your deed is properly insured?

Contact Ryan J. Orr at Fidelity National Title—your Inland Empire title expert and trusted guide at www.TeamTitleGuy.com. Let us review your situation and help you avoid any future surprises. Whether it’s a sale, refi, or trust transfer, we’ve got you covered.

Because when it comes to title, it’s Win-Win or No Deal.
And now—with a little more hair 😎

🏡 Simplified Probate in California: What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know About AB 2016

Big news for California homeowners, heirs, and real estate pros!
As of April 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 2016 (AB 2016) is now in effect—introducing a game-changing update to how primary residences are handled after a property owner passes away.

Gone are the days of complex, drawn-out probate proceedings for many families. This new law paves the way for a simplified and expedited path to transfer real property—especially critical for heirs and those involved in real estate transactions.

🔑 Key Highlights of AB 2016:

✅ Primary Residence Exemption
If the home is valued under $750,000 and was the decedent’s primary residence, it may be transferred without formal probate.

✅ Streamlined Succession Process
Properties can now qualify for a “Petition to Determine Succession to Real Property”, avoiding the full probate process. This is a huge win for families looking for quicker, lower-cost solutions to settle an estate.

✅ Asset Cap Raised
The streamlined process can be used if total estate assets are under $934,500, including up to $184,500 in cash.

✅ Escrow’s Role is Vital
From verifying date of death, property value, heir signatures, and proper court approvals—escrow professionals are the glue holding these transactions together.

✅ Faster Closings, Lower Costs
This can drastically reduce court fees, attorney involvement, and waiting periods—getting families access to inherited homes in weeks instead of months (or years).

💬 Why It Matters

For real estate agents, investors, and families dealing with inherited properties, this new probate exemption creates opportunities for smoother closings and faster listings.
It also adds another layer of value when working with a knowledgeable escrow and title team who knows how to navigate these nuances.

🎯 Action Step:
If you’re representing clients with inherited property or want to better understand how AB 2016 impacts your transactions, reach out today. Education is power, and Team Title Guy is here to help guide you through every step of this simplified probate process.

👉 Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/ryanjorr7/30min
📩 Or contact: Victoria.Rebello@fnf.com | TitleGuy@ryanjorr.com

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