Reader, the role of a broker's assistant and VA mortgage FAQs.
 
 
 
 

 Your first tuesday real estate news

Week of August 24, 2015

 
 
     
 
Practice

Brokerage Reminder: Unlicensed assistants – supervision required

Brokers licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate (CalBRE) may hire unlicensed assistants to perform administrative activities on their behalf and on behalf of their agents. However, all unlicensed personnel performing on the broker’s behalf need to do so with the broker’s permission and their activities continuously supervised. Find out what tasks can be delegated to an assistant, and how assistants benefit brokers. Read more

 
 
     
 
Finance

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-guaranteed mortgages, explained

Answers to your questions about VA-guaranteed mortgages for veterans.

 
 
     
 

Poll  Vote on it

What is the most important feature when selecting a continuing education course?

 
 
     
 
Legal Aspects

New continuing education requirement for brokers renewing their license

Read up on the new continuing education requirements for brokers.

 
 
     
 
Finance

Interest-only ARMs return with a promise of better lending practice

The return of interest-only ARMs may pose serious risks to homebuyers.

 
 
     
 
Form of the week

Occupancy misrepresentation – it’s a big deal

An analysis of the form used to confirm owner occupancy for mortgage originations.

 
 
     
 
Economics

Generation Y’s homeownership aspirations are overly optimistic

Gen Y's high homeownership expectations likely won't become a reality.

 
 
     
 
Finance

Homebuyers FAIL to shop lenders and lose big time

Uncertain homebuyers need extra help shopping for a mortgage.

 
     
 
Ad New! Online Forum

The first tuesday California Real Estate Forum is an online community where real estate professionals can share opinions about the market, discuss the latest in real estate news, find answers to real estate questions and network with other California real estate agents. Visit the forum today and join the conversation!

 
 
     
 
Practice

Redfin adjusts to demand for more personal service

The online approach is still not a replacement for traditional brokerages.

 
     
 
Legal Aspects

Termination of tenancy requirements for domestic violence victims

New regulations reduce rent liability for victims of domestic violence.

 
 
     
 
Finance

California law and the MFDRA extension: Who escapes taxable income?

Short sale tax relief proposals may benefit some California homeowners.

 
 
 
 
Market Trends

California delinquencies diminish, recovery underway

90+ day delinquencies continued their slow decrease in Q2 2015.

 
 
     
 
Legal Aspects

Is a foreclosure sale void when the substitute trustee is not formally named as trustee until after they deliver the NOD?

Get the ruling here.

 
 
     
 
 
Market Trends

Using the yield spread to forecast recessions and recoveries

The yield spread dropped in July 2015.

 
 
     
 
Marketing

FARM: A sweet recipe

A template for sharing dessert recipes with clients.

 
 
 
 
Legal Aspects

May a buyer avoid penalties for delinquent property taxes they assume when the previous owner’s failure to pay was a result of the economic recession?

A California court of appeals weighs in.

 
 
 
 
Marketing

FARM: Treat yourself

Share recipes for Halloween treats with this festive template.

 
 
 
 
Poll  Video

The gold standard: not as reliable as you think