Everyone who purchases real estate decides how to hold title to the property. The manner in which title is held could mean huge differences to an owner's estate or right of survivorship. It is important to know the differences between the various ways in which someone can hold title.

While it is important for any buyer to consult a tax attorney regarding this issue, it does not excuse us in the real estate profession from being knowledgeable on the subject. If a client called you today about the differences between joint tenancy and tenants in common, could you answer her concisely? Here's a refresher for us all on how title is vested:

Ways to hold title in California