When people typically think of an improvement bond they think it is solely in place for the purpose of getting the bonded scope of work completed to the satisfaction of whichever agency is the holder of the bond (also known as the “obligee”).  This is certainly true, but there are…

The process of acquiring property requires significant research (Due Diligence) and is typically an expensive endeavor. An important Due Diligence tool is procuring an ALTA Survey. This is not a legal requirement; however, it is required if the desire is to have ALTA title insurance coverage for Survey Risks (aka…

All agencies have different demands when it comes to their public bidding requirements. Certain agencies have a very lengthy review process and some only require a courtesy copy. Knowing what to expect when it comes to Public Bidding is extremely important to ensure your project is a success from the…

Whether you are a developer, builder, equity firm, or investor, a third-party consultant cost to complete is imperative to have for any land deal. You will typically see one all-in cost or a per dwelling unit cost for the project they are proposing to develop or buy. When we go…

Did you know…. Murow DC provides Budget Document Management and Processing to support your team’s Department of Real Estate (DRE) requirements.  Here’s a quick overview of the process: The DRE’s main role is to protect the homebuyer from misrepresentations and fraud as well as ensure that Developers are properly disclosing…

Changes in work can spark at any time for many reasons on any development. From design changes to unforeseen conditions, you really need to stay on your game! It is important to know how to navigate through these many scenarios, especially if you are involved in a project involving a…

When a developer is posting performance bonds before the construction of a new community, the agency whose jurisdiction the developer is building in will decide which improvements the developer should bond for.  Most bonded improvements are public, meaning they tie into an agency’s existing infrastructure system and will be maintained…

Real estate development can be a risky proposition, especially if a proposed project is “unentitled” for the proposed end-use. The entitlement and permitting processes (i.e., securing the approvals to develop a property for the desired end-use), especially in California, are widely considered the main risk to a project’s success or…

Balancing earthwork on a site can make or break a deal in land development. While there are multiple scenarios that make grading more difficult, such as groundwater, rock, fault zones, hazardous materials, and stabilizing slopes; there are ways to design and balance the site to make your project cost efficient.…

All agencies have their own separate requirements that builders / developers must fulfill before their bonds on a project can be released.  For instance, depending on the location of a project within the County of Riverside, the County of Riverside Transportation Department could require an acceptance letter from the Eastern…