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Real Estate/Development

May 8, 2026

Real property claims: Buyers beware

You thought you bought your dream home--until an unpermitted garage bay triggers a $75,000 surprise. In California, who pays for that mistake depends on the facts--and the law.

Robert J. Sunderland

neutral, litigator
Signature Resolution / Sunderland McCutchan LLP

16767 Bernardo Center Dr
San Diego , CA 92198

See more...

Real property claims: Buyers beware
Shutterstock

Imagine buying a house after extensively searching for just the right one. It has just about every feature and convenience you could ask for, but what tips the scales for you is the size of its garage. With grandiose plans to tinker with weekend projects in your larger garage, that extra bay resonates with you as you remove your inspection contingencies and proceed with the close of escrow.  

Alas, after the sale, you first discover that the fourth ...

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