From California Association of REALTORS® The stakes have never been higher for REALTORS® and before you know it, the Nov. 6 election will be here. On the ballot, we will be faced with an initiative that could dramatically improve housing opportunities for millions of Californians (Prop 5) and another that could destroy housing affordability (Prop […]
What AI Is Doing to Real Estate
As reported in a recent CVAR At A Glance, C.A.R.’s Center for California Real Estate (CCRE) convened a panel of real estate heavy hitters to discuss how the industry can adopt and embrace artificial intelligence. Moderated by C.A.R. CEO Joel Singer, the panelists explored the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with regard to AI. […]
California’s Controversial Proposition
Thanks to Proposition 13, homeowners who bought back in the late ’70s-’90s are often sitting on impressive equity gains, and have their tax basis capped at no more than a 2% increase over the initial purchase price (plus any improvements). This is the tax structure that enabled situations such as Newport Beach’s Lido Isle, where […]
EPA Lead Paint Enforcement Actions
The Environmental Protection Agency is serious about cleaning up lead paint, so it’s a good idea for REALTORS® to know about the rules and disclosures required. In March it announced six settlements, totaling $287,000 and completed over the last year, regarding lead paint enforcement actions. Five of the settlements concerned the Renovation, Repair, and […]
C.A.R. Creates Alexa Skill for REALTORS®
Last week attendees at the Real Estate REvive Conference & Expo saw an amazing live demonstration of Amazon Alexa and the capabilities of voice-activated technology as a useful tool for our industry. Did you know that C.A.R. has an Alexa Skill for Amazon Echo products as well? Like adding a new app to your phone, […]
Can Your Clients Afford to Buy?
More Californians could afford to purchase a home in the fourth quarter of 2017, up a percentage point to 29% from the third quarter, a positive report from the California Association of REALTORS® this month in its Traditional Housing Affordability Index. This means a minimum annual income of $111,260 was needed to qualify for the […]
Feb. 12 CVAR At A Glance
Featured Classes and Events Take a peek at what goes on at Real Estate REvive! Feb. 12 | CRMLS Training – CVAR East Feb. 13 | Broker/Salesperson Cram & Exam Feb. 14 | New Member Orientation Feb. 15 | Tax Portability with Ziggy Zicarelli – Tax Portability Live Stream to CVAR East (Rancho […]
Renters Are Doubling Up
Zillow: Share of Adults Living with Roommates Higher than Ever Before Nearly one in three adults live with a roommate or parent, the greatest share ever reported, according to an analysis by Zillow. As rental affordability deteriorates, more U.S. adults may be choosing to double up to cut costs. A doubled-up household is where two […]
REALTOR® Lobby Successes in the Tax Bill
There’s never been a better example of how your contribution to the REALTOR® Action Fund helps support the real estate industry. NAR and C.A.R. members helped reach members of Congress to get changes in the Republican Administration’s Tax Bill. NAR helped educate members of the House-Senate conference committee, and after the vote, NAR President Elizabeth […]
C.A.R. Comment on Tax Bill Being Voted on This Week
“We’re still reviewing the exact details of the 500-page bill,” says C.A.R. President Steven White, but what is known is that the limit for the mortgage interest deduction (MID) will be reduced from the current $1 million to $750,000 on mortgages for a first or second home, and the deduction of state and local tax […]