Judge: Elaine W. Mandel, Case: 24SMCP00310, Date: 2024-09-09 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 24SMCP00310    Hearing Date: September 9, 2024    Dept: P

Tentative Ruling  

Giuliani Construction and Restoration, Inc. v. Alfaro, Case No. 24SMCP00310 

Hearing Date: September 9, 2024 

Giuliani Construction and Restoration Inc.’s Application for an Order to Sell Real Property of Judgment Debtor - UNOPPOSED 

 

Giuliani Construction and Restoration Inc. ("GCR") sued defendant Alfaro for breach of contract arising out of a residential construction project. Alleging Alfaro made no payments, GCR moves for a sale of defendant’s property to satisfy the judgment. No opposition has been filed.  

 

A judgment creditor applying for sale of a dwelling must comply with Code Civ. Proc. §704.760. A judgment creditor’s application for sale of dwelling to satisfy a judgment must be made under oath and state whether the records of the county tax assessor indicate a homeowner’s exemption or disabled veteran’s exemption for the dwelling and the person or persons who claimed such exemption, a statement as to whether the dwelling is a homestead and the amount of the homestead exemption, a statement of any liens or encumbrances on the dwelling, and a statement that the judgment is or is not based on consumer debt and if it is based on consumer debt whether the debt was secured by the debtor’s principal place of residence. Code Civ. Proc. §704.760, subds. (a)-(d). When a judgment creditor files an application that complies, the court sets a hearing where the judgment debtor must show cause why an order for sale of the dwelling should not be made. Code Civ. Proc. §704.770.  

 

The amount of the homestead exemption is capped by Code Civ. Proc. §704.730. When an application is made, the court shall determine the amount of the homestead exemption and will order a sale of dwelling subject to the exemption unless the court determines the sale of the dwelling would not be likely to produce a bid sufficient to satisfy any part of the amount due on the judgment. Code Civ. Proc. §704.780.  

 

The motion describes the dwelling located at 3401 S Bentley Ave, #106, Los Angeles, California 90034, Lot 1, Tract No. 61044, as a condominium unit with common areas, a balcony, patio, deck, and parking. Mot. ¶4. No homeowner's exemptions have been recorded for the dwelling, and no homestead declaration has been filed. Id. ¶8. Based on GCR’s counsel’s information and belief, the property is free from liens and encumbrances except for two abstract judgments totaling $76,859.70. Id. ¶10. The judgment is not based on consumer debt. Id. ¶3.  

 

As there is no opposition, and plaintiff complies with all Code requirements, the motion is GRANTED.