Right Column
News Flash 
- National Mortgage Settlement
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) - Independent Foreclosure Review Underway
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) - Instructions to License Applicants

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) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of December 2011
The December 2011 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (1/17/2012) - Winter 2011 Real Estate Bulletin
The Winter 2011 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (12/23/2011) - Enforcement Agencies Continue To Fight Loan Modification, Mortgage Relief, and Foreclosure Rescue Scams

Press release on loan mod fight has been posted. (12/21/2011) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of November 2011
The November 2011 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (12/14/2011) - eLicensing Online System Brochure

Provides information for real estate examinees and licensees on the services available via DRE's interactive online eLicensing system. (12/2/2011) - How to Obtain a Mortgage Loan Originator License Endorsement

This brochure sets forth the general requirements for obtaining a MLO License Endorsement. (11/30/2011) - Attorney General Kamala Harris Announces 5 Year Sentence for Perpetrator of Foreclosure Scam
Press release from the Attorney General has been posted. (11/23/2011) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of October 2011
The October 2011 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (11/14/2011) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of September 2011
The September 2011 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (10/14/2011) - California Department of Real Estate Opens New Electronic Real Estate Exam Center in La Palma

Press release on new electronic real estate exam center has been posted. (10/13/2011) - Financial Literacy Course Launches at Sacramento Charter High School

Press release on financial literacy course has been posted. (10/11/2011) - Financial Sense to White Picket Fence (En Espaņol)

Spanish version of this brochure has been posted. (10/6/2011) - Questions Regarding Renewing a MLO License Endorsement

New FAQ posted including questions regarding renewing a MLO license endorsement. (10/5/2011) - MLO Renewal and Continuing Education Requirement
Updated information posted regarding renewal and continuing education requirement. (10/5/2011) - Sources of Home Loans (En Espaņol)

Spanish version of this brochure has been posted. (10/4/2011) - Preventing Real Estate Fraud: How to Protect Yourself and Your Home (En Espaņol)

Spanish version of this brochure has been posted. (10/4/2011) - Surviving the Real Estate "Escrow" Process in California (En Espaņol)

Spanish version of this brochure has been posted. (10/4/2011) - A Consumer Guide to Filing Real Estate Complaints (En Espaņol)

Spanish version of this brochure has been posted. (10/4/2011) - Finding the Right Real Estate Agent: What You Should Do (En Espaņol)

Spanish version of this brochure has been posted. (10/4/2011) - Fall 2011 Real Estate Bulletin
The Fall 2011 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (9/23/2011) - Mortgage Loan Broker Compliance Evaluation Manual

Revised version of the 'Mortgage Loan Broker Compliance Evaluation Manual' has been posted. (9/21/2011) - Department of Real Estate Revokes Broker's License for Fraudulent Mortgage Scam

Press release on the revocation of Bic D. Pho's broker license has been posted. (9/15/2011) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of August 2011
The August 2011 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (9/14/2011) - Using the Services of a Mortgage Broker (#RE 35A)

Revised version of the 'Using the Services of a Mortgage Broker' booklet has been posted. (8/12/2011) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of July 2011
The July 2011 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (8/8/2011) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of June 2011
The June 2011 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (7/28/2011) - Loan Modification Self-Help Guide (#RE 21)

A step by step guide to doing your own loan modification. (7/15/2011) - Financial Sense to White Picket Fence (#RE 18)

This brochure provides helpful hints and tips relating to real estate financial literacy. (7/15/2011) - Finding the Right Real Estate Agent: What You Should Do

Provides a checklist for hiring a real estate agent. (7/7/2011) - Preventing Real Estate Fraud: How to Protect Yourself and Your Home

Offers information on real estate fraud protection. (7/7/2011) - Surviving the Real Estate Escrow Process in California

Brochure version containing information about the real estate escrow process, including tips and mistakes to avoid. (7/7/2011) - 4th Annual Fraud Awareness Fair

Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Join the DRE on July 13, 2011 from 10am-3pm at City Hall - Galleria, 1110 West Capitol Avenue, West Sacramento. (6/30/2011) - Summer 2011 Real Estate Bulletin
The Summer 2011 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (6/24/2011) - A Consumer Guide to Mortgage-Related Complaints

Provides basic information about loan servicers, lenders, mortgage brokers, complaints, and contacts. (6/22/2011) - A Consumer Guide to Filing Real Estate Complaints

Updated copy has been posted. (6/22/2011) - Sources of Home Loans

Updated copy has been posted. (6/22/2011) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of May 2011
The May 2011 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (6/10/2011) - Subdivision Public Report Application Guide Updated

Updated version of the Subdivision Public Report Application Guide has been posted. (6/3/2011) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of April 2011
The April 2011 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (5/11/2011) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of March 2011
The March 2011 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (5/6/2011) - Commissioner Davi leaves post at Department of Real Estate
Commissioner Jeff Davi leaves his post on April 29, 2011. He would like to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve as DRE Commissioner. (4/26/2011) - Department of Real Estate Financial Literacy Targets Californians

Press release on financial literacy has been posted. (4/13/2011) - Spring 2011 Real Estate Bulletin
The Spring 2011 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (3/29/2011) - Department of Real Estate Issues new Consumer ALERT to Help Consumers Avoid Loan Modification and Mortgage Relief Scams

Press release on avoiding loan modification and mortgage relief scams has been posted. (3/22/2011) - FRAUD WARNING REGARDING LAWSUIT MARKETERS REQUESTING UPFRONT FEES FOR SO-CALLED "MASS JOINDER" OR CLASS LITIGATION PROMISING EXTRAORDINARY HOME MORTGAGE RELIEF

Consumer alert on fraud warning has been posted. (3/14/2011) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of February 2011
The February 2011 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (3/7/2011) - Senate Business & Professions Committee Hearing
The California State Legislature, specifically the Senate Business & Professions Committee, is holding a hearing on Monday March 7, 2011 in order to make recommendations to the Department of Real Estate on how consumer protections may be enhanced. The background papers and information on the hearing are now posted on the Committee's website. Interested parties are welcome to attend. (3/4/2011) - California Department of Real Estate Continues to Fight Loan Modification and Mortgage Relief Scams

Press release on loan modification and mortgage relief scams has been posted. (2/24/2011) - Consumer Alert: What You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Getting Ripped Off in Real Estate and Home Loan Relief Scams

Consumer alert on protecting yourself from real estate and home loan relief scams has been posted. (2/22/2011) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of January 2011
The January 2011 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (2/11/2011) - New Federal Rule Outlaws Advance Fees and False Claims, and Requires Clear Disclosures, Regarding Mortgage Assistance Relief (including Loan Modification, Short Sale, and Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure) Services

Consumer alert on new federal rule has been posted. (2/10/2011) - Director of the California Office of Real Estate Appraisers to address California Real Estate Educators' Conference

Press release on upcoming San Diego Real Estate Educators' Conference has been posted. (2/9/2011) - California Department of Real Estate Implements New Licensing Law for Mortgage Loan Originators

Press release on new licensing law for Mortgage Loan Originators has been posted. (1/20/2011) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of December 2010

The December 2010 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (1/19/2011) - Disciplinary Actions for the Month of November 2010

The November 2010 Disciplinary Actions report is now available. (1/19/2011) - Winter 2010 Real Estate Bulletin
The Winter 2010 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (1/7/2011) - Financial Statements
Financial statements will not be required by DRE at this time. If you have received an email from the NMLS system regarding a license item set for financial statements for CA-DRE, please disregard this email. DRE will clear this license item on your NMLS record. (1/6/2011) - 2011 Real Estate Law Book
The 2011 Real Estate Law Book is now available online! The printed version will be available soon. Please continue to check our Web site for updates. (12/30/2010) - Reference Book - Printed Version Update
The Reference Book - A Real Estate Guide will be available for purchase after January 5, 2011. (12/15/2010) - State Department of Real Estate is Looking into the Activities and Operations of Blanca Maciel Sanchez Arrested Yesterday

Press release warning consumers to check out licensees has been posted. (12/9/2010) - DRE Composite Report of Mortgage Loan/Trust Deed Annual Reports

The 2009 DRE Composite Report has been posted. (12/7/2010) - Scheduled Maintenance
On Sunday, December 12, 2010, beginning at 8:00 p.m. through 12:00 a.m., the DRE will be performing system upgrades. The IVR phone system and DRE eLicensing will be unavailable during this time. (12/7/2010) - Reference Book - A Real Estate Guide (rev. 2010)
The Reference Book - A Real Estate Guide has been updated. Please note, the printed version will be available for purchase from the Department of Real Estate next month. (11/18/2010) - Printing Functionality added for MLO License Endorsement Certificates
DRE licensees who have been approved for their MLO license endorsement may now print their endorsement certificate from the DRE web site. The printing functionality will normally be available one business day after the approval has been granted, unless an interruption occurs with the daily NMLS data download process. All approved licensees are sent a confirmation email from NMLS. From main page, click on the MLO tab and choose the link titled Print MLO License Endorsement Certificate. (11/16/2010) - Consumer Alert - Beware of Imposter Landlords

Consumer alert on imposter landlords has been posted. (11/9/2010) - California Department of Real Estate Issues Informational Pamphlet on the Residential Real Estate Escrow Process in California

Press release on the residential real estate escrow process has been posted. (11/9/2010) - For Real Estate Matters, California Department of Real Estate Web Site is a Must See for Consumers

Press release on DRE website features has been posted. (11/5/2010) - Surviving the Real Estate Escrow Process in California

Information about the real estate escrow process, including tips and mistakes to avoid. (11/4/2010) - California Department of Real Estate Joins California Community Colleges to Offer Free Financial Literacy Workshop in San Jose

Press release on upcoming financial literacy workshop has been posted. (10/28/2010) - Department of Real Estate and Chinese Government Officials confer on Economic Recovery

Press release on economic recovery has been posted. (10/28/2010) - Sign up now for the next Financial Sense to White Picket Fence Seminar
Mark your calendar! Saturday, 11/6/2010, at 9am for Financial Sense to White Picket Fence Seminar - San Jose City College, San Jose, CA. See you there! (10/26/2010) - Fall 2010 Real Estate Bulletin
The Fall 2010 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (10/25/2010) - Update to DRE Consumer Alert Regarding Forensic Loan Audits

Update to DRE Consumer Alert Regarding Forensic Loan Audits - New State Legislation Requires Auditor Registration with the California Department of Justice and Maintenance of a Bond; Violation is a Crime (10/19/2010) - Sign up now for the next Financial Sense to White Picket Fence Seminar
Mark your calendar! This Saturday, 10/16/2010, at 9am for Financial Sense to White Picket Fence Seminar - El Camino College, Torrance, CA. See you there! (10/13/2010) - DRE Launches New "History of the DRE" Website
This new website provides access to historical information dating back to the establishment of the DRE. Browse through photos, real estate bulletins, and more. (10/7/2010) - Broker Compliance Evaluation Manual

Revised version of the Broker Compliance Evaluation Manual has been posted. (10/1/2010) - Consumer and Industry Warning: False and Misleading Designations and Claims of Special Expertise, Certifications and/or Credentials

Consumer alert regarding false and misleading designations has been posted. (10/1/2010) - California Department of Real Estate Issues Consumer Alert-Short Sale Fraud Cases Rising

Press release on consumer alert regarding short sale fraud has been posted. (10/1/2010) - Bankruptcy Disclosure Questions on MU Forms
DRE has been receiving a large number of documents pertaining to bankruptcy filings in relation to the responses to the bankruptcy disclosure questions. Please note, if the answer is yes to any questions on the MU Forms concerning bankruptcy, please submit the following along with the requirements checklist provided on the DRE State Licensing Requirements page on the NMLS website:- Regarding any bankruptcy, include bankruptcy type, District Court location, date of filing, and date of discharge (if applicable).
- Provide a copy of the schedules listing the creditors, an explanation identifying all creditors and claims, a brief explanation of the circumstances surrounding the bankruptcy filing, and a copy of the discharge order (if applicable). Please do not submit a copy of the entire bankruptcy filing. (10/1/2010)
- Important information concerning Broker-Associates and Designated Broker Officers
Broker-associates who intend to perform MLO activities employed by a broker or corporation under a broker-salesperson agreement must be separately authorized to conduct those activities through the NMLS by filing Form MU4. After the MU4 is submitted, the broker will need to create a company relationship and request a sponsorship from the employing broker corporation.
All licensed broker officers of a licensed corporation who intend to perform MLO activities on behalf of the corporation, will need to create a company relationship and request a sponsorship from the corporation. (10/1/2010) - "Cash for Keys" - Information for Consumers and DRE Licensees

New consumer alert regarding "Cash for Keys" programs has been posted. (9/16/2010) - Department of Real Estate Helping Consumers Navigate Through Tough Real Estate Market

Press release on upcoming Financial Literacy workshop has been posted. (9/16/2010) - Update to DRE Issued Consumer and Industry Alert(s)

Update to DRE Issued Consumer and Industry Alert(s) Regarding Short Sales Fraud, and Related Issues. (9/16/2010) - Updated - Reserve Study Guidelines for Homeowner Association Budgets

Explains how to determine sufficient reserve funds. (9/2/2010) - Sign up now for the next Financial Sense to White Picket Fence Seminar
Stay tuned for the next Financial Sense to White Picket Fence Seminar - Sept. 25, 2010 in Riverside, CA. (9/2/2010) - Sign up now for the Financial Sense to White Picket Fence Webinar
Reoccurring webinar program Thursday, August 26 from 12:00 pm (noon) to 1:00 pm. For more information please visit: www.californiafinancialliteracy.org and www.dre.ca.gov. (8/11/2010) - Sign up now for the Financial Sense to White Picket Fence Webinar
Reoccurring webinar program Thursdays, August 5, 12, 19, & 26 from 12:00 pm (noon) to 1:00 pm. For more information please visit: www.californiafinancialliteracy.org and www.dre.ca.gov. (8/11/2010) - Understanding the S.A.F.E. Act
Join the California Department of Real Estate, California Association of Mortgage Professionals and the California Association of Realtors for an update and information on the requirements and deadlines of the S.A.F.E. Act. on Thursday, August 19, 2010 from 10-11:00 AM PDT. (8/11/2010) - Sign up now for the Financial Sense to White Picket Fence Webinar
Reoccurring webinar program Thursdays, August 5, 12, 19, & 26 from 12:00 pm (noon) to 1:00 pm. For more information please visit: www.californiafinancialliteracy.org and www.dre.ca.gov. (8/11/2010) - Scheduled Maintenance
On Friday, August 20, 2010, beginning at 6:00 p.m. through 8:00 p.m., the DRE will be performing system upgrades. The IVR phone system and DRE eLicensing will be unavailable during this time. (8/5/2010) - Sign up now for the Financial Sense to White Picket Fence Webinar
Reoccurring webinar program Thursdays, August 5, 12, 19, & 26 from 12:00 pm (noon) to 1:00 pm. For more information please visit: www.californiafinancialliteracy.org and www.dre.ca.gov. (8/3/2010) - Scheduled Office Closures
DRE to close offices three Fridays of each month. (8/2/2010) - California Department of Real Estate Revokes Record Number of Real Estate Licenses

DRE issues press release on latest enforcement actions. (7/30/2010) - Sign up now for the Financial Sense to White Picket Fence Webinar
Reoccurring webinar program Thursdays, August 5, 12, 19, & 26 from 12:00 pm (noon) to 1:00 pm. For more information please visit: www.californiafinancialliteracy.org and www.dre.ca.gov. (7/22/2010) - A Homeowner's Guide to Foreclosure in California

Useful information for homeowners in financial distress who live in their homes. (7/20/2010) - Summer 2010 Real Estate Bulletin
The Summer 2010 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (7/9/2010) - State Furlough Update
Until further notice, DRE offices are open for business on Fridays, pending further budget updates. (7/1/2010) - Civil Code Section 1675 Information
New page on Civil Code Section 1675 has been posted. (6/30/2010) - The California Department of Real Estate Launches Financial Literacy Outreach Program

DRE issues press release on financial literacy outreach program. (6/15/2010) - Financial Literacy Seminar: "Financial Sense to White Picket Fence"
Save-the-Date for the DRE Seminar "Financial Sense to White Picket Fence" on Saturday, June 19th. Please register today at www.californiafinancialliteracy.org to reserve your spot. (6/10/2010) - Financial Literacy Seminar: "Financial Sense to White Pickett Fence"
The Department of Real Estate in partnership with the California Community Colleges launches its first Financial Literacy Seminar "Financial Sense to White Picket Fence" at San Joaquin Delta College on Saturday, June 19th at 9am. For more information, please visit: www.californiafinancialliteracy.org and http://www.dre.ca.gov/cons_cflm.html. (6/3/2010) - Scheduled Maintenance
On Sunday, May 23, 2010, beginning at 8:00 p.m. through 12:00 a.m., the DRE will be performing system upgrades. The IVR phone system and DRE eLicensing will be unavailable during this time. (5/10/2010) - California Real Estate Commissioner Issues Short Sale Consumer Alert

DRE issues press release on residential short sale fraud. (5/5/2010) - 2010 Tax Credit for New Home/First-Time Buyer
The 2010 New Home Credit and First-Time Buyer Credit begins May 1, 2010. (4/20/2010) - Scheduled Maintenance
On Friday, April 16, 2010, beginning at 7:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m., the DRE will be performing system upgrades. The IVR phone system and DRE eLicensing will be unavailable during this time. (4/15/2010) - Spring 2010 Real Estate Bulletin
The Spring 2010 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (4/12/2010) - Consumer Alert - Warning Regarding Residential "Short" Sales

New consumer alert regarding residential short sales has been posted. (4/6/2010) - DRE Launches Financial Literacy Outreach Program
New page on the DRE's Financial Literacy Outreach Program has been posted. (3/30/2010) - Loan Modification Firm Surrenders License to California Department of Real Estate

Press release on loan modification firm surrendering their license been posted. (3/25/2010) - Short Sale Fraud Warning

An Overview and Warning to Real Estate Licensees Re: Fraud, and Legal and Ethical Minefields. (3/23/2010) - DRE Launches News Flash RSS Subscription Service
The DRE has launched an RSS subscription service to help the public stay informed of new items posted on the website. (3/15/2010) - Brown Warns Homeowners to Avoid Forensic Loan Audits

Press release on forensic loan audits has been posted. (2/23/2010) - Fraud Warning Regarding Forensic Loan Audits

New fraud warning regarding forensic loan audits has been posted. (2/23/2010) - Winter 2009 Mortgage Loan Bulletin
The Winter 2009 Mortgage Loan Bulletin is now available. (2/4/2010) - Notices of Intention to Issue Bar Orders and Bar Orders
New list of persons and entities that have been issued a bar order by the Department of Real Estate is now available. (2/4/2010) - Winter 2009 Real Estate Bulletin
The Winter 2009 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (1/11/2010) - Request a Speaker from the Department
Information on requesting a speaker from the department has been posted. (1/5/2010) - Loan Modification Disclosure Requirements
Information regarding Loan Modification Disclosure Requirements has been posted. (1/5/2010) - Important Mortgage Loan Activity Licensing Requirements - Senate Bill 36/SAFE ACT
Effective January 1, 2010, there are new licensing requirements for licensees who conduct residential or commercial mortgage loan activities. (12/31/2009) - 2010 Real Estate Law
The 2010 Real Estate Law page has been updated. (12/31/2009) - New Good Faith Estimate Form Required by HUD
Information on the new good faith estimate form required by HUD has been posted. (12/31/2009) - California Department of Real Estate Launches Electronic Exams in Fresno

Press release on the launch of electronic exams in Fresno has been posted. (12/15/2009) - Former Real Estate Agent Barred from Working in Real Estate

Press release on this order has been posted. (11/23/2009) - Foreclosure Information for Homeowners

A brochure that explains the foreclosure process and possible alternatives to foreclosure has been posted. (11/17/2009) - Fraud Warnings for California Homeowners in Financial Distress

A brochure that provides an overview of home loan modifications and where to find free foreclosure avoidance counseling has been posted. (11/17/2009) - Fall 2009 Real Estate Bulletin
The Fall 2009 Real Estate Bulletin is now available. (9/28/2009) - Time-share FAQ's
New FAQ's on Time-shares have been posted. (8/26/2009) - Electronic Examinations Launched
DRE is now conducting salesperson and broker examinations in the Oakland District Office using an electronic examination system. (8/3/2009) - 2009-10 Strategic Plan

The Department of Real Estate's 2009-10 Strategic Plan is now available. (7/9/2009)
Archives
If you are looking for items posted prior to the dates above, please see the following archives:



