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CAN YOU COLLECT ADVANCE FEES?

ANSWER: YES. DRE Regulation 2970 says that you can. FACTS ABOUT ADVANCE FEES FOR BROKER EXPENSES (From the DRE Bulletin, Spring 2026, not AI)   1. Before you can collect fees, you must send a copy of the agreement you will use, your accounting format, and any promotional materials to the California Department of Real Estate.    2. If […]

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AI Said What? 5 Responses That Were Wrong

Alerts are constantly appearing, stating the same thing: Check anything created by AI. It can be wrong. And I have found AI to be wrong in 5 different responses. #1 — Taking the NMLS SAFE Test: AI SAID: “Before you can take the NMLS SAFE test, you must complete a 20-hour course.” NMLS SAYS: No, […]

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Real Estate Advice

A BRIEF POST ABOUT SERVING AN UNLAWFUL DETAINER ACTION

Last week, I wrote a short post about serving an unlawful detainer to a professional tenant. I forgot to mention that the rules of service of this summons and complaint are different from the rules of serving the famous Three Notice to Pay Rent or Quit. #1 The Landlord (Housing Provider on CAR Forms) or anyone with […]

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REILLY EXPLAINS RESPA AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSUMERS AND REAL ESTATERS

John Reilly used to pontificate at the annual CAR and NAR Conventions. I never missed a session. He could take complex regulations and make them simple. His books are benchmarks for the industry, especially The Language of Real Estate (8th Edition). I got mine 35 years ago.  His education is impeccable. Ossining NY High School, […]

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California’s Housing Market in 2025: Slowing Growth, Persistent Challenges

The housing market in California is showing signs of change. While home prices remain near record highs, growth is moderating, inventory remains constrained, and affordability continues to bite. Below are key take-aways and what they mean for professionals in the field. Key trends to watch: Home sales and new listings are still sluggish in many […]

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U.S. Median Home Prices: Insights from Forbes Advisor

The following is a recent article from Forbes Advisor about median home prices across the United States. Surprising to me how expensive Washington D.C. according to the list. Also unusual is the fact that condos are more expensive than homes in West Virginia and Iowa. Kiah Treece, the author, is from the East Coast. She […]

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TRIGGER LEADS BILL PASSES CONGRESS An Alert for All Real Estate Professionals, Including Agents

Jim Eszlinger of First California Lending is a most valued instructor for DGE. He has been teaching MLO CE courses since the beginning in 2010. Our students love him, and so does our staff. When he speaks, I listen. Jim recently sent me an alert about an important new congressional Bill, HR 2808. His email […]

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Lawyers as Brokers

Today, we are presenting another outstanding offering by an industry leader, Wayne Bell. In the article, Wayne discusses the California laws concerning lawyers brokering properties. Interestingly, I have had the privilege of doing DRE license preparation classes for lawyers across the state. Yes, many of them read too much into every question, but they are […]

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