By Don Dunning | October 20, 2010
I have received a number of inquires from clients and those who read my newspaper column about a “3.8% ‘sales tax’ on homes sold after 2012.” There are a lot of rumors and much incorrect information going around, especially online. Here is a statement from the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.): “Misinformation has been spreading […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | September 16, 2010
Last May, Senate Bill 183 (Lownethal) was signed into law. It mandates carbon monoxide detectors in all homes that have a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage, one and two-family units and townhouses, and other “dwelling units” such as “factory-built homes, condominiums, motels, hotels, dormitories” and apartment houses. On January 1, 2011, sellers will need […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | August 10, 2010
Two recent news bits reinforced my observation that people behave in ways that often can be considered irrational. Item 1: An online story I read last week about a real estate survey that indicated, in today’s market, buyers have a significantly higher opinion of the agent who represents them than sellers have of their agent. […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | July 30, 2010
The next time you pick up a flyer at an open house, you might see an odd design stamped in a corner. Called a “QR Code” (Quick Response), its purpose is similar to the bar codes used in stores. It provides an electronic link to further information. Using your smart phone to photograph the QR […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | June 10, 2010
I am back in Sacramento for the mid-year meeting of the California Association of Realtors. Yesterday was “Leg (short for Legislative) Day. ” That afternoon, over 1000 Realtors went to call on their local legislators. The “Hot Issues” were the need for legislation to: 1) Address the many problems relating to appraisals and the “Home […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | April 15, 2010
Last December, I wrote about a product that is making my real estate life much easier ( “Heard of DocuSign?”). On April 8th, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced it is now accepting electronic signatures “on third-party documents originated and signed outside of the lender’s control, including real estate contracts,” per the California Association of […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | April 11, 2010
More than 22,000 homeowners who bought in the past nine years answered a recent survey. Done for builders to help them understand current buyer preferences, the key finding was that these owners plan to be “more practical” in their next purchase. For this group, big kitchens that include an island are still a must-have, but […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | March 28, 2010
On April 22nd, a new federal regulation to protect children from lead poisoning is scheduled to be implemented. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandate will require “contractors who work in older homes…to become certified by a government-approved trainer and follow certain precautions, such as covering floors with plastic sheeting and dressing workers in protective clothing,” […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | February 4, 2010
Yesterday was a beautiful, sunny day here in Indian Wells. Directors of the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) had a number of important things on the agenda, including the first major revision to the purchase contract in many years. I thought that was going to be the hot topic until I heard about the proposal […]
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | December 17, 2009
Now, more than ever, each of us needs to have good credit scores to get car loans, credit cards and home mortgages. Determining your exact score is not easy because of the varying systems for making the calculation. There are a number of free Web sites that offer credit scores, but they may not match […]
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