Your first tuesday real estate news

Week of August 31, 2015

7 key factors for choosing the right broker

As a newly licensed California Bureau of Real Estate (CalBRE) sales agent, the first step in using your license in sales, property management or mortgage originations is to find a suitable employing broker. To find the right broker, keep in mind these seven key factors. Read more

ATTENTION: The California Bureau of Real Estate's (CalBRE's) online renewal processing program, eLicensing, will be unavailable from Friday, September 4, 2015 at 6:00 PM (PST) until Monday, September 7, 2015 at 8:00 PM (PST) due to maintenance. 

Licensees will NOT be able to submit online renewals during this time. If you need to submit your renewal, send all renewal paperwork by mail and ensure it is postmarked by your expiration date. Renewal forms and instructions may be found here for sales agents and here for brokers.

Course provider compliance for CalBRE continuing education

Know CalBRE requirements to help you select a reputable course provider.

How do you find and select your CalBRE continuing education provider?

Real estate disaster scenario Part I: Drought

Part I in our article series on how natural disasters affect CA home sales.

Scheduling: The foundation of a successful practice

Improve your real estate practice with this guide to creating a schedule.

The agent’s employment agreement – essential for an employing broker

An analysis of the agent employment agreement form.

Homebuyers, sellers and builders see green in lawn-free houses

Californians are ready to replace green lawns with drought-friendly landscapes.

Brokerage Reminder: Deposits in escrow – disbursement of funds upon cancellation

A review of rules controlling the disbursement of escrow funds.

New licenses explode while renewals fizzle

Current trends for real estate licenses and home sales.

Fannie-Freddie elimination still a pipe dream for reformers

Fannie and Freddie endure as mortgage-backed bonds diminish.

No fines for brown lawns in state-declared drought emergency

New regulations regarding fines for unwatered lawns.

Looking for a broker? Use first tuesday's FREE online recruiting database to find a broker seeking real estate agents in your area. Brokers, you can also register your company to advertise job openings and locate qualified agents. Access the online broker search tool here.

California tiered home pricing

California home prices continued to rise in June 2015.

Methamphetamine labs create headaches for landlords

An increase in California meth labs is a reminder to stay on top of landlord duties.

Regulations for fictitious business names and team names under a broker

Updated rules for fictitious business and team names.

The rise and fall of real estate brokers and agents

The number of active brokers fell in July 2015 while agent numbers rose.

Does service of a Notice of Default trigger the running of the statute of limitations for filing a quiet title action?

Get the ruling here.

FARM: Home viewing tips

Help your clients prepare for their home search.

Regional forecasts

The latest housing trends in California's largest regions.

FARM: Pool safety tips for homeowners

Help your clients keep their swimming pools safe.

FARM: Time to BBQ

A template for sharing your favorite barbecue recipes.