Orange County Real Estate Law Attorney
Protecting your property rights in modern transactions, disputes, and developments across Orange County.
Published by Kurt D. Elkins, Attorney at Law · Last updated August 2026
Navigate Orange County's Complex Property Market with Confidence
Whether you are buying your first home in Irvine, expanding through ADU development in Anaheim, or transferring family property in Newport Beach, the legal complexities are more significant than ever. With recent shifts in California law—from broker commissions and rent control to property tax reassessments—The Law Office of Kurt D. Elkins provides up-to-date, experienced legal guidance to protect your investment and resolve conflicts efficiently.
Meet Kurt D. Elkins
With two decades in practice and a focus on California real estate law, I am committed to providing personalized and effective legal solutions. My goal is to protect your rights, keep you ahead of rapid legislative changes, and help you achieve your property goals with clarity and confidence.
How We Can Help
- Modern Property Transactions: Complete contract review and drafting of purchase agreements, ensuring compliance with post-NAR settlement rules on buyer-broker agreements and commission negotiations.
- ADU & Land Use Law: Assisting property owners in navigating local zoning laws, including taking advantage of AB 1033 to develop and legally sell Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as separate condominiums.
- Easement and Boundary Disputes: Resolving conflicts with neighbors over property lines, access rights, and shared resources.
- Homeowners Association (HOA) & Neighbor Disputes: Advocating for homeowners in disputes with their HOA over CC&Rs, fees, and regulations.
- Commercial Real Estate: Legal support for commercial leases, acquisitions, and financing.
- Deeds & Prop 19 Planning: Grant, quitclaim, interspousal, and trust transfer deeds, drafted with strict attention to mitigating Proposition 19 property tax reassessments on family transfers. When a deed is part of a larger family plan, our Orange County estate planning practice handles the trust behind it.
- Landlord/Tenant (AB 12 Compliance): Residential and light commercial lease review. We ensure your leases comply with the AB 12 cap of one month's rent for security deposits and standard Just Cause eviction rules.
- Escrow & Title Problems: Contingencies, cancellations, earnest money disputes, and curative title work.
- Purchase & Sale Reviews: Custom purchase agreements, addenda, and specific escrow instructions.
- Due Diligence: Statutory disclosures, inspection objections, and negotiation of repairs or credits.
Real Estate Services
Residential Transactions
Complete legal support for buying and selling homes, including new buyer-broker agreement navigation.
Commercial Real Estate
Experienced guidance for office buildings, retail spaces, and investment properties throughout OC.
Property Disputes
Aggressive representation for boundary disputes, agent commission litigation, and title issues.
Family Transfers & Prop 19
Strategic deed transfers and tax planning to help beneficiaries mitigate massive property tax reassessments.
Our Straightforward Process
Free Initial Consultation
We start with a free call to discuss your situation, understand your goals, and determine how we can help.
Strategy & Planning
We develop a clear legal strategy tailored to your specific needs, outlining the steps, timeline, and costs involved.
Resolution & Support
We execute the plan, keeping you informed every step of the way as we work towards an efficient and successful resolution.
Providing Real Estate Legal Services Throughout Orange County
Located in Orange · Serving All of Orange County
- North Orange County
- Orange
- Anaheim
- Fullerton
- Placentia
- Yorba Linda
- Central Orange County
- Santa Ana
- Tustin
- Garden Grove
- Irvine
- Costa Mesa
- Coastal & South Orange County
- Fountain Valley
- Westminster
- Huntington Beach
- Mission Viejo
Local Resources for Orange County Property Owners
Staying informed is key to protecting your property rights. Here are some valuable local resources:
For property tax information, values, and records.
Portal for building permits, encroachment applications, and zoning.
Resources for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals.
Client Success Story
"Let's face it it's always a little intimidating meeting with an attorney, but Kurt made us feel extremely comfortable. He was very confident, very personal, and he spent time listening to our concerns. He not only gave us his professional viewpoints, but also his personal opinions on many things that we needed help with. His professional fees are extremely reasonable. We get the feeling that he is more concerned with taking care of your concerns, then putting a dollar value on everything I would highly recommend Kurt for any of your concerns with real estate law."
- Mark T., CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you help transfer my property to my children without triggering a tax hike?
Because of Proposition 19, transferring real estate to children requires careful planning. They must move into the property as their primary residence within one year to avoid reassessment, and even then, exclusions are capped. We can help you navigate this process to mitigate property tax spikes.
Can you help cancel a real estate deal and recover my deposit?
Often, yes, if your contract and timelines support it. We review contingencies, disclosures, and notices to position you legally for the release of your earnest money deposit. Not sure where you stand? Call Kurt for a free 15-minute consultation — he'll give you a straight answer before your deadlines pass.
What is the legal limit for a security deposit in California?
Under AB 12, effective July 1, 2024, most landlords may charge no more than one month's rent for a security deposit, whether the property is furnished or unfurnished. A narrow exception allows certain small landlords to collect up to two months. We assist landlords in updating leases to ensure strict compliance.
Can I build and sell an ADU on my property in Orange County?
Yes. Under recent state laws like AB 1033, participating cities allow property owners to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and sell it as a separate condominium. We help navigate the local zoning and land use requirements to make this happen.
Do I have to sign a contract with a real estate agent before touring a home?
Yes. Following the nationwide NAR settlement, buyers are now required to sign a written buyer-broker representation agreement before touring properties. We can review these contracts to ensure you aren't locked into unfavorable commission terms.
What should I do if my neighbor builds a fence on my property?
You should address boundary encroachments immediately to prevent neighbors from claiming a "prescriptive easement" over time. We help resolve these disputes through boundary line agreements, negotiation, or quiet title litigation if necessary.
A Free 15-Minute Consultation — and an Honest Answer About Whether You Need a Lawyer at All
When you call, you talk to Kurt — not an intake service. He'll tell you plainly whether your situation needs an attorney, and if it isn't work he handles, he'll point you toward someone who does. If we do work together, you'll know your exact cost before we begin. No billing surprises.
“Although he was unable to handle my matter, he took time out of his day to educate me on the law and refer me to another attorney.”
“After contacting other attorneys charging very expensive rates, he offered to review the trust and answer my questions for no charge.”
Ready to move this off your plate?
Book your free 15-minute consult. Bring documents; we’ll triage and give you a plan.
Call (714) 202-5552 Now