Resources for California Real Estate Forms & Reference Materials

Last Updated: November 2023

I. Official California Government & Court Portals

Primary Sources

• California Courts – Self-Help Forms: https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm

• California Legislative Information: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/

• California Department of Real Estate (DRE): https://www.dre.ca.gov/

• California Secretary of State: https://www.sos.ca.gov/

II. Major Title Company Forms & Resources

National Title Insurers Operating in California

• First American Title Insurance Company

  • Forms & Resources: https://www.firstam.com/resources/forms

• Fidelity National Title / Fidelity National Financial

  • Forms & Publications: https://www.fntic.com/Home/Forms-Publications

  • Underwriting Manuals: https://www.fntic.com/Home/Underwriting-Manuals-Bulletins

• Old Republic Title Insurance Company

  • Forms & Manuals: https://www.oldrepublictitle.com/national-underwriting/forms-manuals/

  • Underwriting Bulletins: https://www.oldrepublictitle.com/national-underwriting/bulletins/

• Stewart Title Guaranty Company

  • Forms & Manuals: https://www.stewart.com/en/underwriting/forms-and-manuals.html

  • State Guidelines: https://www.stewart.com/en/underwriting/guidelines.html

• Chicago Title Insurance Company

  • Resource Center: https://www.chicagotitle.com/resource_center

III. Sacramento County Public Law Library Resources

Primary Access Points

• Main Website: https://www.saclaw.org/

• Library Catalog: https://saclaw.bibliocommons.com/

Specialized Databases & Collections

• CEB (Continuing Education of the Bar)

  • Access Page: https://www.saclaw.org/legal-research-databases/ceb/

  • CEB OnLaw: https://ceb.online/ (in-library access typically required)

• Westlaw & LexisNexis

  • Database Portal: https://www.saclaw.org/legal-research-databases/
    Note: These premium services require in-library use

Specific Form Collections

• Judicial Council Forms: https://www.saclaw.org/court-forms/judicial-council-forms/

• Tenant Resources: https://www.saclaw.org/tenant-resources/

• Self-Help Center: https://www.saclaw.org/self-help/

• Research Guides: https://www.saclaw.org/research-guides/

Primary Law Resources

• California Law: https://www.saclaw.org/primary-law/california-law/

• Court Rules: https://www.saclaw.org/primary-law/court-rules/

IV. Key Forms by Category

1. Purchase Agreements

• Primary Source: California Association of Realtors (https://www.car.org/) – members only

• Alternative: CEB OnLaw through law library access

2. Deeds

• Grant Deed: Available through county recorder offices and title companies

• Quitclaim Deed (Form MC-031): https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc031.pdf

3. Promissory Notes

• DRE Promissory Note: https://www.dre.ca.gov/Portals/0/REO%20Documents/promnote.pdf

• Judicial Council Installment Payments (MC-025): https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/mc025.pdf

4. Mortgages/Deeds of Trust

• Full Reconveyance (PMA 1003): https://title.nationwidelicensing.org/docs/default-source/forms/pma-1003-reconveyance.pdf

5. Leases

• DRE Lease Agreement: https://www.dre.ca.gov/Portals/0/REO%20Documents/leaseagrt.pdf

• California Courts Rental Forms: https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-eviction.htm

V. Essential Reference Materials

Legal References

• Black’s Law Dictionary: Available at law libraries and bookstores

• California Rules of Court: https://www.courts.ca.gov/rules.htm

• California Civil Code: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codesTOCSelected.xhtml?tocCode=CIV

Practical Guides

• California Tenants’ Guide: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/California-Tenants-Guide.pdf

VI. Important Considerations

Access Notes

1. Premium Databases: CEB, Westlaw, and LexisNexis typically require in-library access at law libraries

2. Professional Forms: Many real estate forms are proprietary and available only to members (CAR) or through licensed professionals

3. County Variations: Always check with local county recorder offices for specific formatting requirements

Recommended Research Strategy

1. Start with free resources (California Courts, DRE)

2. Use law library self-help guides for direction

3. Access premium databases in-person at law libraries

4. Consult with local title companies for current forms

5. Verify all forms with professionals before use

Disclaimer

This resource list is for informational purposes only. Legal forms have significant financial and legal consequences. Always consult with a qualified California real estate attorney to ensure documents are appropriate for your specific situation and comply with current laws.

Resource maintained based on California real estate practice requirements. Verify all links and form versions before use.