Real estate
California Real Estate Attorneys
Purchase and sale contracts, FSBO deals, title and boundary disputes, easements, land use, and Prop 19 strategy. Serving the SF Bay Area, Sacramento, and statewide.
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Veteran-Founded & Led
Founded by Mark C. Smith, U.S. Army combat veteran.
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Berkeley Law-Trained
Educated at UC Berkeley School of Law.
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California Statewide
SF · Sacramento · Los Angeles · San Diego.
What's at stake
You worked too hard for what you own to leave it exposed.
California real estate is rarely just paperwork. It is years of saved income, decisions made across decades, land you intend to leave to the next generation. The legal work has to match the stakes.
Corcoran Smith Law's California real estate attorneys handle property transactions, title and boundary issues, commercial lease review, land use questions, and ownership disputes statewide, with one consistent purpose: protecting and enhancing what you own.
We do not handle landlord-tenant disputes, evictions, unlawful detainer actions, habitability claims, security deposit disputes, or tenant defense. Our real estate work is focused on transactions, ownership, title, access, and property-transfer strategy.
Best fit matters
Real estate work we are built to handle
We represent California buyers, sellers, property owners, trustees, executors, and families in matters involving contracts, title issues, ownership disputes, transfers, and related real estate concerns.
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Buying or selling California property
Contract review, contingencies, disclosures, escrow questions, seller financing, unusual deal terms, and attorney support through closing.
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FSBO or off-market deals
Purchase agreements, counteroffers, due diligence, title review, and closing coordination when a buyer or seller wants legal counsel instead of full broker representation.
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Trust, probate, or inherited real estate
Real estate sales involving trustees, executors, beneficiaries, inherited property, family buyouts, and estate-plan coordination.
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Boundary, title, or easement problems
Access disputes, encroachments, unclear title, recorded easements, neighbor conflicts, co-owner issues, and partition risk analysis.
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Commercial lease or owner-side lease review
Preventative drafting and review for property owners, operators, and businesses entering leases. We do not handle eviction or unlawful detainer matters.
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Prop 19 and property tax planning
Strategy for families transferring California real estate, evaluating reassessment risk, and coordinating real property with trusts and estate plans.
What we do
Real estate transactions, disputes, and land use across California.
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Purchase and Sale Contract Review
We draft, review, and negotiate California purchase agreements, counteroffers, addenda, disclosures, contingencies, and closing documents for residential and commercial transactions.
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For Sale By Owner Transactions
For buyers and sellers who do not need a traditional broker, we provide attorney-led transaction counsel from offer structure through escrow and closing.
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Title, Boundary, and Easement Issues
We help owners evaluate title defects, boundary conflicts, easements, access problems, neighbor disputes, and co-owner issues before they become expensive litigation.
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Land Use, Zoning, and Prop 19 Strategy
We advise property owners on land use questions, zoning and permitting concerns, short-term rental compliance, and Prop 19 planning for California real estate.
Risk review
Where California real estate deals go wrong
The legal value is often in preventing a preventable dispute. We review real estate documents with litigation consequences in mind.
- Disclosure problems
- California sellers face detailed disclosure obligations. We help identify risk before a buyer claims a defect, omission, or misrepresentation after closing.
- Contingency and escrow deadlines
- Financing, inspection, appraisal, title, and sale-of-property contingencies need clear deadlines and consequences. Vague terms create leverage for the wrong side.
- Title and deed issues
- A deed, easement, lien, vesting problem, or title exception can change what is being bought or sold. We review the documents before the problem becomes permanent.
- Co-owner and family property conflicts
- Inherited property, sibling co-ownership, buyouts, and partition risk require both transaction planning and litigation awareness.
Attorney-led
Real estate counsel backed by contract and litigation judgment
Real estate problems are document problems before they become court problems. Our attorneys review the paper trail, risk, leverage, and practical path forward.
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Mark C. Smith
Principal Attorney & Founder
Mark leads the firm’s civil disputes practice with big-firm litigation training and courtroom-focused judgment, with 20+ years of military service standing behind every case.
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Nicholas Jacobs
Attorney, Estate Planning
Nick combines investigative rigor, calm communication, and an unwavering client focus, built on 18+ years of public service before he picked up the law.
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Seth Steward
Litigation Attorney
GW Law-trained, Harvard-educated, and trial-tested. More than 30 jury trials and deep courtroom experience to navigate the most complex legal disputes: estate, business, and wrongful death.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about California real estate law
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Do I need a real estate attorney to sell my home in California?
California does not legally require a real estate attorney for residential sales, but for-sale-by-owner transactions, contested titles, multi-party deals, trust or probate sales, and unusual financing routinely benefit from one. A California real estate attorney drafts and reviews contracts, manages contingencies, addresses title and boundary issues, and represents your interests through closing as an alternative to traditional realtor representation.
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Why should I use an attorney for real estate transactions instead of a realtor?
An attorney provides legal expertise to ensure your transaction is legally sound and protects your interests. Attorneys handle contracts, title issues, and regulatory compliance, and can save you money in For Sale by Owner (FSBO) transactions by replacing the role traditionally filled by a commissioned realtor.
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What types of real estate contracts can an attorney help with?
Attorneys draft, review, and negotiate contracts for purchases and sales, residential and commercial leases, and property management agreements. They ensure contracts are enforceable, clear, and aligned with your goals.
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How can an attorney assist with lease and landlord-side compliance?
Our work for property owners and landlords is transactional and preventative, not dispute-driven. We assist with drafting legally compliant residential and commercial leases, vetting tenants under California law, short-term rental compliance, and structuring leases to minimize risk before a problem develops. We do not handle landlord-tenant disputes, evictions, or unlawful detainer matters. For those, we refer to counsel who focuses on that area.
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What's the attorney's role in real estate disputes?
Attorneys resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation, addressing issues like title or boundary disputes, easement and access conflicts, breach of contract in purchase, sale, or lease agreements, and co-owner and partition disputes. We focus on achieving resolutions that protect your interests. We do not handle landlord-tenant disputes or evictions.
Client reviews
What our clients say
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Nick Jacobs did an excellent job helping us with estate planning. He was thorough and always happy to explain in terms non-legal experts could understand! I couldn’t recommend him enough.
Quincy Mehta July 2025 · Google
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Cannot say enough about the incredible team at Corcoran Smith Law. When my family found ourselves in one of the most painful and complicated situations imaginable involving elder abuse, an inheritance dispute, and a serious breach of fiduciary duty. We didn't know where to turn. From the very first consultation, this firm made us feel heard, protected, and confident that we were in the right hands. The attorneys took the time to thoroughly explain every option available to us, the risks and benefits of each path, and ultimately helped us chart the best course of action for our specific circumstances. Their knowledge of elder law and fiduciary matters is truly exceptional, but what set them apart was their genuine compassion. They understood that this wasn't just a legal case, it was personal, it was emotional, and it involved protecting a vulnerable loved one. Throughout the entire process, communication was clear, timely, and reassuring. We never felt lost or left in the dark. They fought tirelessly on our behalf and achieved an outcome we are deeply grateful for. If you or your family are facing elder abuse or a complex estate and fiduciary dispute, do not hesitate, call Corcoran Smith Law. They are the advocates you need and the ones your family deserves.
Amanda Cichosz May 2026 · Google
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Corcoran Smith Law was extremely helpful in assisting me through my Father's trust while I was not only grieving my father, but having a difficult time trying to figure out how to navigate the process. I had met with a couple of other attorneys before we connected and had been left confused and frustrated. Nick made extra efforts to ensure that I understood what the options were and made great recommendations. Their pricing was very fair and didn't leave me feeling like I was being nickel and dimed through the process. This definitely helped me feel comfortable asking extra questions instead of guessing while navigating a completely foreign process. Thank you!
Jerald Scott November 2024 · Google
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ThankYou! Nick Jacobs for giving a priceless gift after 22 years. You are an amazing man and attorney I would recommend you to anyone. You showed that their are still Amazing people in this world I appreciate you
Sage Goddess August 2025 · Google
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Attorney Jacobs was diligent, patient, knowledgeable and detailed in assisting me. Thank you Nick for your help with my legal matters. I highly recommend Nick Jacobs to anyone seeking legal assistance.
Crocks Supreme October 2024 · Google
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Attorney Nicholas Jacobs has been amazing to us during this difficult battle involving my father’s home. He has been compassionate, attentive, and consistently took the time to explain everything clearly. During an emotionally exhausting situation, he made us feel supported, heard, and confident that our case truly mattered. We are deeply grateful for his professionalism and dedication. Thank you
Wendy Bracy January 2026 · Google
Across our practice
Related California legal services
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Inheritance Disputes
Trust and estate litigation for heirs and beneficiaries. Contested wills, fiduciary misconduct, and trustee accountings.
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Estate Planning
Wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and powers of attorney for California families.
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General Counsel
Subscription business counsel for California companies. Contracts, employment, formation, and ongoing strategic advice.
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Civil Litigation
Trust and estate litigation, commercial and contract disputes, business torts, and real-property litigation.
Ready to talk?
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Book a free consultation. We'll walk through your situation and lay out the strongest path forward, whether that is estate planning, resolving a dispute, or a flat-fee Initial Case Assessment.
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