One of the regrets of my real estate buying life is that I never considered using a VA loan. I was a Navy LTJG during the Cold War, and I thought only Veterans who were in the military during a shooting war were eligible. Not too bright. Since becoming involved in Mortgage Loan Education, I’ve […]
All licensees should be familiar with this form. It will save time and avoid confusion. A copy is at the end of this email. First, in California, Real Estate licensees do not need to complete any continuing education courses if they are over 70 years of age and have had their license (sales or broker) in […]
Continuing Education courses for California Real Estate Licensees were first required in the 1970s. The number of hours required has never changed since the start, but many special topic courses are required each year. There are many possible questions about what you complete. In their Winter Bulletin, the DRE answered many of the confusing aspects. […]
Many years ago, I owned some properties in Milwaukee, WI. One of the tenants in a three unit building became seriously delinquent and defiant. We were arguing over many things, including her claim that the heating was insufficient. She complained to the local agencies, all the while bragging about not paying any rent. It was known by […]
Another outstanding article by Jonathan Lansner, an award-winning business columnist for the informative Southern California News Group. I read him in the Orange County Register. You can also read Jonathan in the LA Daily News (known to Boomers as the Green Sheet), Press-Enterprise, The Sun, Daily Breeze, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Press- Telegram, Pasadena Star-News, […]
Recent tax updates are reinforcing something successful agents have always known: real estate isn’t just a job — it’s a business. Many professionals are surprised to learn that most real estate agents are classified as independent contractors. That means agents often qualify for business deductions that traditional employees cannot access. Recent tax changes have reinforced […]
It’s probably of interest to boomers who want to reminisce about the past. These three little cubicles look so lonely. Years ago, they held pay phones, and when a speaker at a seminar announced break time, we raced to get one—like an Easter egg hunt in elementary school. You carried quarters in varied containers. Then, […]
It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true: Slow markets often create better real estate professionals. When the market is busy, people rush. When the market slows, people learn. This is when professionals have time to: Study contracts instead of memorizing scripts Understand disclosures instead of reacting to them Learn negotiation without constant pressure It’s also when […]
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 […]
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 […]
