California Real Estate Mediation
Mediation is a process by which a neutral third party facilitates communication among disputing parties. The parties can attempt mediation before filing a lawsuit or after filing a lawsuit. Most real estate contracts, e.g. California Association of Realtors Real Estate Purchase Agreement, include a mediation clause that requires the parties to attempt mediation in order to preserve their right to claim attorney fees and costs.
Why mediation works
Disputes between people usually arise because the parties experience a breakdown in communication and understanding. The successful mediator will understand the parties’ goals and needs, ensuring the parties feel heard and understood. Achieving this goal, the successful mediator will convey this understanding to the other party. This process is repeated several times until the parties feel heard and, thus, are ready to work on their resolution. When choosing a successful mediator, parties should search for one who effectively articulates the parties’ dispute and facilitates the parties’ position to each other.
An experienced California mediator
Jimmy has served as a successful mediator in many cases concerning, for example, breach of contract, injury, civil harassment, and real estate disputes. He received his training and certification through the Santa Clara County Office of Human Relations. He was highly effective in helping the parties resolve their disputes and moving on with their lives by following the process described above. Jimmy sits on the California Association of Realtors mediation panel statewide. Since most mediations today are conducted over Zoom, Jimmy is able to serve clients throughout Santa Clara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Mateo, Alameda, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco Counties without added travel time or cost.
For related matters, see our Real Estate Law and Earnest Money Disputes pages. For more on the mediation clause itself and what it requires before you file, read What to Do Before You Sue: Mediation Requirements in the CAR Purchase Agreement on our blog.
Need a mediator for your dispute? Jimmy mediates real estate cases such as breach of contract, failure to disclose defect, and earnest money deposit disputes throughout Santa Clara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Mateo, Alameda, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco Counties, and elsewhere in California. Email jimmy@lawjn.com to check availability and rates.
Request a mediation
If you and the other side have agreed to mediate — or your purchase agreement requires it — send the basics below and Jimmy will follow up about availability, fees, and next steps.
In a mediation Jimmy serves as a neutral. He does not represent either side, and sending this form does not make him your attorney. If you are looking for representation rather than a neutral, use the Real Estate Law page instead.