Question 1

How do I secure a real-estate contract in Contra Costa?

Accepted Answer

Record a memorandum of contract in the Contra Costa real-property records. It puts the public on notice of your equitable interest so the seller can’t cleanly sell to someone else. Notarized online, recorded with the county, and returned to you.

Question 2

Does Contra Costa allow electronic recording of a memorandum?

Accepted Answer

Contra Costa supports electronic recording (via Simplifile), so a compliant memorandum can be on record quickly.

Question 3

What does it cost to record a memorandum in Contra Costa?

Accepted Answer

One flat price that includes the county fee ($14.00 (plus $75 SB2/Building Homes and Jobs Act fee per transaction per parcel unless exempt) first / $3.00 per additional page (see current fee schedule PDF) add'l (+Additional fees for non-conforming pages, additional titles/references; see Regular Recording fee schedule page)), your online notary session, and tracking to a recording number.

Memorandum filing isn't available in California yet