Mountain Broker Podcast
Mountain Broker delivers straight-from-the-mountains real estate insight with longtime Lake Arrowhead resident and 35-year broker Steve Keefe, owner of Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty. Each episode breaks down hyper-local market trends, mountain-specific issues, and practical strategies for buyers, sellers, and homeowners in the San Bernardino Mountain communities. From lake rights and private roads to insurance challenges, snow-season logistics, and market shifts, Steve brings unmatched local knowledge and real-world experience to help you navigate mountain real estate with confidence.
Mountain Broker Podcast
The "Side Deal" Trap: Navigating Lender Limits on Seller Credits
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This podcast analyzes a specific real estate scenario where a lender allows only $10,000 of an agreed-upon $15,000 seller credit, leaving a $5,000 gap. Based on Paragraph 5E of the California Residential Purchase Agreement, listeners will learn why this difference is typically forfeited rather than automatically adjusted. The discussion highlights why attempting to bridge this gap with a "side deal" like a gift card is a major violation of disclosure requirements. Finally, the overview outlines the contractually approved solution: executing a separate written agreement to lower the purchase price