Complete List of Publications

The DRE offers many publications on topics of current interest to the consumer and licensees, such as the Real Estate Law book and CD, which contains the current Real Estate Law, the Commissioner's Regulations, and pertinent excerpts from other California codes.

Ordering Information

All DRE publications are available online by clicking on the links below. To order publications by mail, submit an Publications Request (RE 350) to:

Department of Real Estate
Book Orders
651 Bannon Street, Suite 501
Sacramento, CA 95811
Fax (916) 263-8911

REPRODUCTION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. The publication can be reproduced in total, including the title pages and cover. No changes may be made to the text or cover, with the following exception. You may list your name, address and phone number as the distributor of the brochure. For example, "This copy given to you compliments of XYZ Mortgage Home Loans."
2. The complete text or excerpts of the publication shall not be incorporated within any other printed matter of any kind without express permission.
3. The publication shall be distributed at no cost whatsoever to the recipient.
4. The publication shall not be used as a DRE endorsement of your business.
5. The content, intent or voluntary distribution of this publication shall not be misrepresented in anyway.
6. DRE retains all rights to this brochure and reserves the right to withdraw approval to reproduce and distribute DRE publications at any time without prior notice.
7. The publication must be reproduced on paper of comparable quality.

e-reader Devices

PDFs are viewable by e-reader devices. Please check with your e-reader device manufacturer for instructions on how to download and view the PDF documents on the DRE web site.

Consumer Publications

• California Tenants - A Guide To Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities #RE 26 (New 2024)
  • En Español    
• Know Your Housing Rights Fact Sheet
  • En Español     In Chinese     In Korean     In Tagalog     In Vietnamese    
• Quick Guide for Landlords Hiring a Property Manager Landlord Brochure 14-264
• Quick Guide for Tenants Renting a Home Tenant Brochure 14-264
  
  • En Español    
  
  The DRE releases two new brochures to help Landlords and Tenants avoid fraud. The quick guides help consumers ask the right questions to avoid falling victim to rental and property management fraud.
• A Consumer Guide to Filing Real Estate Complaints #RE 51 (Rev. 3/14)
  Explains the Department's complaint process.
  • En Español     In Chinese
• A Consumer Guide to Mortgage-Related Complaints #RE 20 (Rev. 3/14)
  Provides basic information about loan servicers, lenders, mortgage brokers, complaints, and contacts.
  • En Español     In Chinese
• A Guide for Residents Purchasing Their Mobilehome Park #RE 34 (Rev. 11/01)
  Answers questions about rental park conversions to resident ownership.
• A Homeowner's Guide to Foreclosure in California #RE 15 (New 11/20)
  Useful information for homeowners in financial distress who live in their homes.
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Department of Real Estate Brochure #RE 10
  Provides an overview of the Department of Real Estate, including history, department objectives, program areas and office locations.
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Financial Sense to White Picket Fence #RE 18
  This brochure provides helpful hints and tips relating to real estate financial literacy.
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Finding the Right Real Estate Agent: What You Should Do #RE 16 (Rev 2/16)
  Provides a checklist for hiring a real estate agent.
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Foreclosure Information for Homeowners #RE 14
  Explains the foreclosure process and possible alternatives to foreclosure.
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Fraud Warning for California Homeowners in Financial Distress #RE 12 (Rev. 6/20)
  Provides an overview of home loan modifications and where to find free foreclosure avoidance counseling.
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Living in a California Common Interest Development #RE 39 (Rev. 8/16)
  Overview of rights, duties and responsibilities of homeowner associations and homeowners.  Explains CC&Rs.    
  • En Español    
• Loan Modification Self-Help Guide #RE 21 (Rev. 6/20)
  A step by step guide to doing your own loan modification.
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Preventing Real Estate Fraud: How to Protect Yourself and Your Home #RE 17
  Offers information on real estate fraud protection.
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Real Estate Consumer Recovery Account #RE 3 (Rev. 7/18)
  Provides an overview of the Real Estate Consumer Recovery Account and explains how to apply for payment.
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Reverse Mortgages - Is One Right for You? #RE 52
  Explains the pros and cons of reverse mortgages, a loan product geared toward senior citizens.
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Sources of Home Loans #RE 22
  Provides information about sources of home loans and homebuyer assistance programs as well as questions to ask when applying for a home loan and tips for borrowers.
  • En Español     Chinese
• Surviving the Real Estate Escrow Process in California #RE 23 (Rev. 3/14)
  Information about the real estate escrow process, including tips and mistakes to avoid.
  • En Español
  • Brochure version #RE 23    En Español     Chinese
• Trust Deed Investments - What You Should Know!! #RE 35 (Rev. 3/14)
  Explains the basic steps and factors involved in trust deed investments.
• Using the Services of a Mortgage Broker #RE 35A (Rev. 3/16)
  Explains the basic steps and factors involved in a mortgage transaction handled by a broker.
  • En Español   In Chinese
• The Real Estate Brokerage as Fiduciary
  

  Client Interests Must Come First:

  A real estate licensee's duty of care to a client is higher than the average duty. Among other things, it requires the subordination of the licensee's own personal gain or advantage in favor of the client's interests.

  Please read the article on "The Real Estate Brokerage as Fiduciary: A Summary Review of What it Means and Why it Matters", which we have re-issued today.

• Some Ideas to Help Close the Knowledge and Skill "Competency Gap"
  

  Re-Examining (via Social Media) Some Ideas to Help Close the Knowledge and Skill "Competency Gap" Among California Real Estate Licensees

Licensee/Examinee Publications

• Real Estate Law Book #RE 2 (Rev. 1/2024)
  Contains the Real Estate Law and Subdivided Lands Law, the Regulations of the Real Estate Commissioner, the Administrative Procedure Act and pertinent excerpts from other California Codes related to the practice of real estate.
• Broker Compliance Evaluation Manual #RE 5 (Rev. 7/19)
  Covers the important points of office procedure and trust fund handling by real estate brokers.
• Disclosures in Real Property Transactions #RE 6 (Rev. 2005)
  Describes disclosures required of sellers and real estate salespersons.
• How to Obtain a Mortgage Loan Originator License Endorsement #RE 19
  This brochure sets forth the general requirements for obtaining a MLO License Endorsement.
• Mortgage Loan Broker Compliance Manual #RE 7 (Rev. 5/19)
  Assists the real estate broker who engages in mortgage loan activities with assessing compliance with DRE requirements. Includes a checklist.
• Obtaining a California Real Estate Broker License
  Explains how to qualify for a California Real Estate Broker License.
• Obtaining a California Real Estate Salesperson License
  Explains how to qualify for a California Real Estate Salesperson License.
• Real Estate Advertising Guidelines #RE 27 (New 8/2020)
  These guidelines are intended to assist California real estate licensees in understanding the many advertising requirements they are expected to know and follow.
• Trust Funds (A Guide for Real Estate Brokers and Salesperson) #RE 13 (Rev. 1/14)
  Explains requirements for proper handling of trust funds by real estate brokers and salespersons.

Subdivision Publications

• Operating Cost Manual for Homeowners Associations #RE 8 (1/16)
  Contains guidelines and worksheets for budget preparation and calculation of reserves and assessments.
• Operating Cost Manual Addendum (5/23)
  
• Reserve Study Guidelines for Homeowner Association Budgets #RE 25 (Rev. 8/10)
  Explains how to determine sufficient reserve funds.
• Subdivision Public Report Application Guide #RE 9 (Rev. 6/11)
  Provides instructions and explains what is required to apply for a subdivision public report.
• SOPRAS Guide #RE 9A (Rev. 5/18)
  Subdivisions Online Public Report Application System (SOPRAS) Guide.
• Timeshare Manual
  Guidelines for Processing Time-Share Plan Applications for Public Report
• A Guide to Understanding Residential Subdivisions in California
  Resource for everyone who has an interest in California subdivisions
• Residential Subdivision Buyer's Guide
  Guide for consumers who are considering purchasing a home in a new subdivision in California