010: Empowering Professionals with International Tax with Janet Bower

By: R. Sam Price | September 16, 2025

In this episode of Probate Notes, explore this question with Janet Brewer, an experienced lawyer whose career took her from the Chicago suburbs to California’s tech scene. She shares her journey through early Silicon Valley, from Hewlett-Packard to Hills Brothers Coffee, and reflects on her path into law. Janet also offers insights into the tech industry’s evolution and her role in shaping legal frameworks during that era.

009: Navigating Real Estate Law: Insights on Probate, Property Disputes, and Estate Planning with Jennifer Felton

By: R. Sam Price | September 09, 2025

Join Sam for this episode of Probate Notes as he explores these complexities with Jennifer Felton, an accomplished attorney who turned escrow challenges into a thriving legal career. She shares her journey from escrow officer to real estate law firm owner, and how her firm supports both real estate businesses and consumers. Learn how transfer-on-death deeds in California offer a cost-effective way to transfer property without probate.

008: Unlocking Hidden Treasures: Navigating Probate Real Estate with Elizabeth Miffleton

By: R. Sam Price | September 02, 2025

On this episode of Probate Notes, Elizabeth Miffleton, a respected name in the California real estate market, reveals her remarkable journey from banking to becoming a sought-after agent specializing in probate and trust properties. Her story is an inspiring one, marked by her transition from a successful stint at Bank of America to founding a paralegal business, all guided by her bilingual prowess and commitment to building trust. Encouraged by her sister Veronica, Elizabeth found her calling in real estate, leveraging her skills to guide clients through the emotionally complex landscape of probate properties with empathy and expertise.

007: Effective Communication in Probate Process with Bud Garvin

By: R. Sam Price | August 26, 2025

006: Unlocking Real Estate Title Insurance: Navigating Probate and Property Challenges with Kevin Sayles

By: R. Sam Price | August 19, 2025

On today's episode of Probate Notes, Sam sits down with Kevin Sayles, Vice President and Probate Expert at Lawyers Title, to unravel the intricacies of real estate title insurance. Kevin shares his journey from banking and lending to becoming an industry leader in title insurance, where he emphasizes the critical role this insurance plays in protecting property rights. Despite its relatively minor expense, title insurance is a cornerstone in safeguarding against claims, such as easements or leasehold rights, that could have long-lasting impacts on property ownership.

005: Navigating Specialty Lending and Estate Settlements in California Probate with Tanis Kluever

By: R. Sam Price | August 12, 2025

Have you ever wondered why major banks avoid these loans? Tanis shares her journey from restaurant management to real estate lending, driven by a passion for helping others navigate probate. She explains how these loans rely on property collateral rather than personal credit, while she and Sam explore eligibility criteria, property types, and the 65% loan-to-value comfort zone.

004: Exploring New Frontiers in Real Estate with Justin Fautsch

By: R. Sam Price | August 05, 2025

From the University of Iowa to Los Angeles, Justin shares his passion for leadership and entrepreneurship. Alongside his partner, Mark MacFarlane, he explains the story behind Vimvi—its meaning of energy and direction—and the choice of a hummingbird logo. He also reflects on the challenges and rewards of pursuing financial stability and personal fulfillment across changing professional paths.

003: Selling Real Estate in Probate

By: R. Sam Price | July 18, 2025

On this episode of Probate Notes, Sam, a certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law, guides you through the complexities of probate real estate. He explains how property can trigger probate, outlines the process from appointing a personal representative to closing escrow, and discusses when probate is necessary—especially in cases involving joint tenancy or tenants in common. Whether you're an attorney, fiduciary, paralegal, or real estate agent, this episode offers practical insights for handling probate real estate in California.