Contracts: they're the blueprint of every real estate transaction. This episode decodes what makes an agreement legally binding in California, from the essentials of an offer to the nuances of different listing agreements and purchase contracts. Master these documents to protect your clients and seal successful deals.References

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Chen, James. "Contingency Clause: What it is, How it Works, Real Estate." Investopedia, 13 Sept. 2024, www.investopedia.com.

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"Essential Elements of a Legally Binding Contract." UpCounsel Team, 4 Nov. 2024, www.upcounsel.com.

"Five Contingency Clauses that Protect Buyers in California." Element Homes, 23 Jun. 2021, www.constructelements.com.

Frey, Seb. "Quick Guide to the California Residential Listing Agreement for Bay Area Homeowners." Seb Frey (Compass), 2023.

Greiner, David. "Mastering California Real Estate Contracts: What You Need to Know." Greiner Law Corp., 16 Nov. 2024, www.greinerlawcorp.com.

Meredith, David, and Gerard Hornby. "A Practical Guide to Drafting Construction Contracts: 50 State Survey of Anti-Indemnity Statutes." Eckert Seamans, 24 Aug. 2023, www.eckertseamans.com.

Meredith, David, and Gerard Hornby. "A Practical Guide to Drafting Construction Contracts: Essential Tips and Key Clauses." Eckert Seamans, 24 Aug. 2023, www.eckertseamans.com.

Morgan Law Group, P.A. "Business Liability in California: Legal Aspects of Protecting Your Company." Morgan Law Group, P.A., 2025, www.morganlawgroup.com.

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_swalrus. "I refuse to waive the inspection contingency fully. What else can make my offer competitive?" Reddit, r/RealEstate, n.d., www.reddit.com/r/RealEstate.

Real Estate Law Corporation™. "CAR Forms in Real Estate Law: Understanding Their Role in California Transactions." Real Estate Law Corporation™, 2025, www.realestatelawcorp.com.

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Who's truly working for whom in a real estate deal? We demystify the core of real estate relationships in California, exploring different types of agency and the unbreakable ethical duties you owe your clients. Learn how to navigate these relationships with integrity and transparency, building trust every step of the way.

Works Cited

• Bell, Wayne S. "The Real Estate Brokerage as Fiduciary: A Summary Review of What it Means and Why it Matters." California Department of Real Estate, n.d.
• California Association of REALTORS®. Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationship (C.A.R. Form AD, Revised 12/18). REAL ESTATE BUSINESS SERVICES, INC., Dec. 2018.
• California Department of Real Estate. Disclosures in Real Property Transactions. 6th ed., 2005.
• California Department of Real Estate. "Most Common Enforcement Violations." n.d.
• Campbell, Scot. "History of Agency in California Residential Real Estate Transactions." Scot Campbell, 12 May 2024.
• Levy, Sydne, Jessica Mullinix, and Joshua Rabinowitz. "California’s New Requirements for Buyer-Broker Representation Agreements." Brownstein Client Alert, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, 16 Jan. 2025.
• National Association of REALTORS®. 2025 Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice. 2025.
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• Realty Publications, Inc. California Real Estate License Exam Prep: Unlocking the DRE Salesperson and Broker Exam. 6th ed., n.d.

Ready to own the California dream? This episode breaks down the foundational building blocks of real estate: understanding what property truly is, the different ways you can own it, and the invisible claims—like liens and easements—that can impact a property. Master these basics, and you'll build a strong foundation for your real estate journey.

Works Cited

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• California Association of REALTORS®. CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS (C.A.R. FORM RPA, Revised 12/22). California Association of REALTORS®, Inc., Dec. 2022.
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