Your first tuesday real estate news

Week of September 14, 2015

Why fixed mortgage rates won’t rise (yet), despite Fed action

The Federal Reserve (the Fed) has made clear its intention to start raising interest rates by the end of 2015. The short-term interest rate (called the Federal Funds rate) has hovered in the 0%-0.25% range since 2009. By keeping the short-term rate near zero, the Fed indirectly keeps mortgage rates low, encouraging homeownership and borrowing by households and businesses. How long will FRM rates stay low? Read more

ATTENTION: The California Bureau of Real Estate's (CalBRE's) online renewal processing program, eLicensing, will be unavailable from Friday, September 18, 2015 at 6:00 PM (PST) until Monday, September 21, 2015 at 8:00 AM (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.

The votes are in: buyers are ditching the 20% down payment

Our readers say smaller down payments are taking over - here's why.

How often do you use social media for your real estate business?

Legislative Gossip: September 2015

Proposed changes to CalBRE's name and other pending legislation.

Explaining CalBRE’s renewal grace period

We answer your questions about the renewal grace period.

Home sales volume and price peaks

Home sales volume fell in July but remained higher than the prior year.

FARM: Your New Homeowner To-Do List

Help your clients move into their new home with this simple check list.

The source of home price movement: buyer purchasing power

The buyer purchasing power index (BPPI) remained positive in Q4 2014.

Brokers, looking for a partner in educating your sales agents? Join first tuesday's broker appreciation program, CalPaces, and let us do the heavy lifting! For more information, call 951.781.7300 to speak to our CalPaces representative.

FARM: Pre-autumn home fixes

Help your clients prep their homes for cooler weather.

Is a purchaser of a mortgage liable for the conduct of the lender who sold but continues to service the mortgage?

Get the ruling here.

Current market rates

FRM rates remained low last week.

FARM: Earthquake safety tips

A quick safety guide to preparing for an earthquake.

FARM: Making your home pet-friendly

Tips for keeping your home clean and comfy for pets.

To buy in 2015? Homebuyer sentiment wavers

Consumer sentiment in California fell in Q3 2015.

Discuss your opinions and ask questions about all things related to California real estate. Join the conversation with other agents on our online forum here!

FARM: Do good this Veterans Day

Simple ways to show your appreciation this Veterans Day.

On the highway to a real estate recovery

Auto sales continued an upward trend in August 2015.

FARM: Picnic planning

Give your clients some ideas for a fun picnic.

FARM: Happy Birthday

A template for your favorite birthday cake recipes.

FARM: Happy Thanksgiving

Share your best Thanksgiving recipes with your clients.

Economists speculate on the Fed’s rate delay