Stay connected with the latest news from the California Department of Real Estate. http://www.dre.ca.gov en-us Fri, 17 May 2013 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/About/InvitationPublicComment.html The Department is proposing regulations to implement, interpret, and clarify Business and Professions Code Section 10080.9, which established the Citation and Fine level of discipline for both licensees and unlicensed persons. Public comment relating to this proposal will be accepted through July 1, 2013. (5/17/2013) Fri, 17 May 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/lfoAg http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The April 2013 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (5/14/2013) Tue, 14 May 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/l1klQ http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/AdvisoryAssemblyBill1904.pdf New advisory regarding Assembly Bill 1904 has been posted. (5/8/2013) Wed, 8 May 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/kQqKU http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The March 2013 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (4/16/2013) Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/k7b2Z http://www.dfi.ca.gov/Press/press_releases/2013/pr1302.html Press release posted regarding the importance of Financial Literacy Month. (4/3/2013) Wed, 3 Apr 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/jITny https://secure.dre.ca.gov/bars/ The Mortgage Loan Business Activity Report is available online using the link above. It must be submitted by brokers who arrange, make or service mortgage loans secured by residential property of 1 to 4 units. It will be due within 90 days of the broker's fiscal year ending date in 2013. (4/2/2013) Tue, 2 Apr 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/jAb2O http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The February 2013 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (3/14/2013) Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/iVLCq http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/AppointmentWayneBellCommissioner.pdf Governor Jerry Brown announces the appointment of Wayne Bell as Real Estate Commissioner for the Department of Real Estate. (2/20/2013) Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/hTUMp http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The January 2013 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (2/14/2013) Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/hIH12 http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/ca/2013/ConsumerAlert_LatestTimeshareFraud_Feb2013.pdf The Department of Real Estate has issued an important warning concerning the latest fraud scheme being perpetrated against timeshare owners. (2/13/2013) Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/hGrOQ http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/DRE_BRE.pdf The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) will become the Bureau of Real Estate under the Department of Consumer Affairs effective July 1, 2013. (2/12/2013) Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/hEsM3 http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/forms/re890_preview.pdf The Escrow Activity Report can be previewed by brokers who want to begin to gather the required information. (Note that this preview version cannot be completed or printed.) Please continue to check the Department of Real Estate's Web site and publications for the date brokers can begin to complete and submit the report. (1/15/2013) Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/gPBLY http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The December 2012 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (1/14/2013) Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/gNzGM http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/re4.pdf Provides information about how to obtain and maintain a California Real Estate License, a Prepaid Rental Listing Service License, and a Mortgage Loan Originator License Endorsement. (1/11/2013) Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/gKgKP http://www.dre.ca.gov/RSS.html Effective today, January 10, 2013, Feed My Inbox will no longer be providing DRE with RSS-to-email service. If you would like to continue receiving DRE news via email, please visit www.dre.ca.gov/RSS.html ]]> and submit your email address in the first box under the "SUBSCRIBE" section. You should then receive an email from our new service provider (Blogtrottr) asking you to confirm your subscription. To help in this transition, a new set of RSS Email Sign-Up Instructions has been posted to the link reference earlier. Thank you. (1/10/2013) Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:30:00 PST http://ow.ly/gKdYP http://www.dre.ca.gov/RSS.html To all who have subscribed to the DRE's RSS to Email service, you may have read at the top of recent emails a notice regarding the shutdown of our current service provider (Feed My Inbox) as of January 10, 2013. If you would like to continue receiving DRE news via email, please visit www.dre.ca.gov/RSS.html ]]> and submit your email address in the first box under the "SUBSCRIBE" section. You should then receive an email from our new service provider (Blogtrottr) asking you to confirm your subscription. To help in this transition, a new set of RSS Email Sign-Up Instructions will be posted to the link reference earlier. We do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. (1/4/2013) Fri, 4 Jan 2013 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Publications/RealEstateBulletin.html The Winter 2012 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (12/21/2012) Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The November 2012 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (12/14/2012) Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/ca/2012/ConsumerAlert_PRLS.pdf DRE issues an important consumer alert and fraud warning concerning pre-paid rental listing services (PRLS). (11/30/2012) Fri, 30 Nov 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The October 2012 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (11/15/2012) Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.ftc.gov/refunds To help Spanish-speaking consumers recover money lost to a scam that promised to stop foreclosure or obtain mortgage loan modifications ]]>, the Federal Trade Commission mailed claim forms this week, that must be submitted no later than January 14, 2013. Consumers who paid defendants Dinamica Financiera LLC, Soluciones Dinamicas Inc., Valentin Benitez, or Jose Mario Esquer for loan modification or foreclosure rescue services, and have not received a claim form, should get one from the refund administrator, Gilardi & Co., LLC 1-877-281-5622 or www.FTC.gov/refunds ]]>. To learn more, read the press release issued by the Federal Trade Commission in its entirety at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/dinamica.shtm ]]>. (11/15/2012) Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:30:00 PST http://keepyourhomecalifornia.wordpress.com/2012/11/02/real-estate-agents-lead-the-way-to-keep-your-home-california/ Real estate agents can protect their clients and communities by telling financially strapped homeowners about Keep Your Home California, a state-run mortgage assistance program. Keep Your Home California offers four programs, from helping out-of-work homeowners to providing as much as $100,000 in principal reduction. It's a much-needed big boost for families, their neighborhoods and the housing market. (11/13/2012) Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:30:00 PST http://keepyourhomecalifornia.wordpress.com/2011/08/29/where-do-the-dollars-for-keep-your-home-california-come-from-2/ Thank you, Uncle Sam! Keep Your Home California has about $2 billion to help financially strapped homeowners save their homes - and every penny comes from the federal government. California manages the program, which is part of the Hardest Hit Fund by the U.S. Treasury. (11/2/2012) Fri, 2 Nov 2012 14:30:00 PST http://keepyourhomecalifornia.wordpress.com/2011/09/20/mortgage-services-hold-the-key-to-keep-your-home-california/ Mortgage servicers, basically the companies the collect the monthly payments, hold the key to Keep Your Home California, paving the way for homeowners to seek mortgage assistance from the state-run program. More than 90 mortgage servicers, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo Bank, participate in the program. (10/23/2012) Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The September 2012 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (10/16/2012) Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.corp.ca.gov/Consumer/pdf/AG_Mortgage_Foreclosure_Alert.pdf The DRE, in conjunction with the Department of Corporations, has issued a Consumer Alert warning homeowners of mortgage loan modification and home refinancing scams, including a reminder that offers that try to collect fees in advance are illegal. (10/16/2012) Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:30:00 PST http://keepyourhomecalifornia.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/homeowners-detail-how-the-program-has-helped-save-their-homes/ Hard-hit homeowners - some who have been without work for several months discuss how Keep Your Home California has helped them as the economy continues to struggle and job growth remains sluggish. (10/9/2012) Tue, 9 Oct 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/ca/2012/ConsumerAlert_UnderfundedHOAs.pdf DRE Issues Consumer Warning Regarding Underfunded Homeowners Associations (HOAs). (9/27/2012) Thu, 27 Sep 2012 14:30:00 PST http://keepyourhomecalifornia.org/ The federally funded, state-run program has already helped 25,000 homeowners, so learn how it can assist you by reading Keep Your Home California's weekly blog ]]>. (9/25/2012) Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Publications/RealEstateBulletin.html The Fall 2012 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (9/25/2012) Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The August 2012 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (9/17/2012) Mon, 17 Sep 2012 14:30:00 PST http://keepyourhomecalifornia.org/ The state-managed mortgage assistance program will begin 'recasting' mortgages within the next several weeks after U.S. Treasury officials approved the plan in mid-July. A little-know, seldom used tool in the mortgage world, recast mortgages could be just the right answer to attracting more big-name servicers to the Principal Reduction Program and helping more homeowners. Get more information about the Principal Reduction Program at http://www.keepyourhomecalifornia.org/prp.htm ]]>. (9/12/2012) Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Examinees/AB1718.html Assembly Bill 1718, which becomes effective January 1, 2013, will change the qualifying educational requirements for broker examination applicants. (9/11/2012) Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/FraudFair2012.pdf Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Join the DRE on October 10, 2012 from 10am-3pm at City Hall - Galleria, 1110 West Capitol Avenue, West Sacramento. (9/5/2012) Wed, 5 Sep 2012 14:30:00 PST http://keepyourhomecalifornia.org/ Keep Your Home California has added 14 housing counseling agencies, giving distressed homeowners a face-to-face connection to learn more about or even apply for the state-run mortgage assistance program. The counseling agencies, which have undergone extensive training, join more than 25 other nonprofits already providing services to homeowners. You can find the complete list of counseling agencies at http://www.keepyourhomecalifornia.org/counseling.htm ]]>. If you would like more information about Keep Your Home California, check http://keepyourhomecalifornia.org/ ]]> (or http://conservatucasacalifornia.org/ ]]> in Spanish) or call 888-954-5337. (9/4/2012) Tue, 4 Sep 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/re13.pdf Explains requirements for proper handling of trust funds by real estate brokers and salespersons. (8/20/2012) Mon, 20 Aug 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The July 2012 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (8/14/2012) Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/faqs/FAQ_OnlineLicenseCertificates.pdf Frequently Asked Questions regarding the DRE's new online license certificate printing process are now available. (8/8/2012) Wed, 8 Aug 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/pr/2012/DRENewsRelease_DREIssuesRecordLicenseRevocations_080612.pdf DRE revokes record number of real estate licenses and emphasizes education as the key to preventing consumers from falling victim to scams. (8/6/2012) Mon, 6 Aug 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/ca/2012/ConsumerAlert_FraudWarningSpanishSpeakers.pdf DRE issues a special warning to non-English speaking Hispanic California homeowners of ongoing fraud in various Hispanic communities in California and tips to avoid becoming a target of such scams. (8/1/2012) Wed, 1 Aug 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/LicenseeAdvisory_SelfReportingRequirement.pdf DRE issues advisory to licensees on the new legal requirement for the self-reporting of felony charges, convictions of any felony or misdemeanor, and any disciplinary actions taken by another licensing authority. (7/17/2012) Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The June 2012 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (7/16/2012) Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/faqs/FAQ_EscrowActivityReport.pdf See Frequently Asked Questions and watch for the report form that will soon be available on this web site. (7/11/2012) Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/forms/re881_preview.pdf The Mortgage Loan Business Activity Report can be previewed by brokers who want to begin to gather the required information. Note that the form cannot be completed or submitted until January 1, 2013 when it will be submitted online. (7/10/2012) Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/Within_this_State_Advisory.pdf New advisory on licensed activity has been posted. (7/10/2012) Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov The Department of Real Estate is excited to announce the release of its new and improved website. (6/29/2012) Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov Watch for the launch of the Department of Real Estate's new and improved website on Friday, June 29, 2012 (close of business). (6/27/2012) Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/LicenseeAdvisory_SB510_OfficeManagers.pdf New advisory to licensees has been posted. (6/22/2012) Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Publications/RealEstateBulletin.html The Summer 2012 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (6/20/2012) Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/pr/2012/DRENewsRelease_ShortSaleConviction_061812.pdf Press release on short sale conviction has been posted. (6/18/2012) Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The May 2012 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (6/14/2012) Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The April 2012 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (5/14/2012) Mon, 14 May 2012 14:30:00 PST http://search.dre.ca.gov/cons_brokers.asp View the license status record and business address of real estate brokers who provide private money loan services. (4/25/2012) Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/pr/2012/DRENewsRelease_FinancialLiteracyCourse_042312.pdf Press release on first financial literacy course graduates posted. (4/24/2012) Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The March 2012 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (4/16/2012) Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:30:00 PST http://dfi.ca.gov/pressmedia/press/2012/pr1203.asp Press release on the importance of financial literacy posted. (4/3/2012) Tue, 3 Apr 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov A petition application fee will be required on all petition applications received or postmarked on or after May 1, 2012. Pursuant to Senate Bill 706 and Business and Professions Code Section 10186 (e), all restricted or revoked licensees who submit a petition application for reinstatement, or who petition for removal of restrictions on their real estate license, will be required to submit a fee of $800 with the Petition Application (RE 506). (NOTE: When petitioning for the reinstatement or removal of restrictions for both an officer license and a related corporate license, only one petition fee is required.) (3/28/2012) Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/pr/2012/DRENewsRelease_ForgedFraudulentDeeds_032612.pdf Press release on forged and fraudulent property deeds has been posted. (3/27/2012) Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Publications/RealEstateBulletin.html The Spring 2012 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (3/23/2012) Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/ca/2012/ConsumerAlert_ForgedFraudulentDeeds.pdf Consumer alert on fraud warning has been posted. (3/23/2012) Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/ca/2012/ConsumerAlert_FraudWarningTimeshareResaleFraud.pdf Consumer alert on fraud warning has been posted. (3/15/2012) Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The February 2012 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (3/14/2012) Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:30:00 PST http://oag.ca.gov/news/press_release?id=2643 Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced the arrests of the owners and managing attorney of a law firm that took thousands of dollars in up-front loan modification fees for services that were never performed for homeowners, many of whom ended up losing their homes. (3/9/2012) Fri, 9 Mar 2012 14:30:00 PST http://oag.ca.gov/news/press_release?id=2642 Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, warned California homeowners to beware of phone solicitations from scam artists claiming to provide assistance related to the recent national mortgage settlement. (3/7/2012) Wed, 7 Mar 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/Jan2012-LegislativePresentation.pdf Describes 3 of the most significant pieces of legislation from the 2011/2012 legislative session. (3/6/2012) Tue, 6 Mar 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/re52.pdf Explains the pros and cons of reverse mortgages, a loan product geared towards senior citizens. (2/24/2012) Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/Eichenberger_and_Nguyen_charges.pdf Press release posted on real estate investment fraud sceme. (2/23/2012) Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/BranchOffice.html Notice on the designation of branch office managers, effective July 1, 2012. (2/16/2012) Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The January 2012 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (2/14/2012) Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.nationalmortgagesettlement.com The California Attorney General has reached a loan-servicing and foreclosure settlement with five major banks. If you are a homeowner struggling to pay your mortgage or facing foreclosure, or if you have already lost your home to foreclosure, it is possible that this settlement could help you. Not every homeowner will qualify for relief under this settlement. Those who do qualify may receive various forms of relief depending on their individual circumstances.
]]>For information about the National Mortgage Settlement, please see the California Attorney General's press release ]]> and FAQ ]]> document. The federal government also has a National Mortgage Settlement ]]> web site with additional details. (2/9/2012) Thu, 9 Feb 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.occ.gov/news-issuances/news-releases/2011/nr-occ-2011-133.html Office of the Comptroller of the Currency announced today that the independent foreclosure review required under the agency's enforcement actions taken in April 2011 have begun. (2/1/2012) Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/re4.pdf Provides information about how to obtain and maintain a California Real Estate License, a Prepaid Rental Listing Service License, and a Mortgage Loan Originator License Endorsement. (2/1/2012) Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:30:00 PST http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/EnforcementActions.html The December 2011 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (1/17/2012) Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:30:00 PST