Editorial standards
How we write, source and correct what you read here.
Plain English first
Every lesson answers one question, starts with the short answer, and avoids jargon. When a technical term is unavoidable, it is defined in the glossary.
Sources are linked
Lessons link to the public agencies that set or publish the rules, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the California Department of Real Estate and the IRS. Where rules change often, we point to the agency instead of repeating a number that may go stale.
Education, not advice
Lessons explain how things generally work in California. They do not tell you what to do with your money, your loan or your contract. Examples use sample numbers and say so.
Who writes
Lessons are written by David Pham, a licensed California REALTOR®. Local guides draw on the Discovering the Bay project hosted by Kevin Castillo. Licenses are listed on the team page.
No paid placement
Nothing on this site is sponsored. Directory listings are free, and we do not pay or accept referral fees for them. A listing or a link is not an endorsement.
Corrections
If something is wrong, unclear or out of date, tell us. Include the page and, if you can, a source.