C.A.R. blog

Are we better off now than we were 100 years ago?

By now, we all know the story. In 1911, then-Governor Hiram Johnson grew weary of the powerful influence that wealthy railroad companies and other special interests were able to exert over the California Legislature. To give the power back to the people and reform the system, he introduced the initiative, referendum and recall, which allowed voters to bypass the legislature when it proved inept at solving the problems of the day. The reforms launched what came to be known as California's progressive movement.

I know what you're thinking.

Another progressive movement is exactly what we need! (more...)

Tags: California, government affairs, local government

Imagine a world with sensible politicians. I know, I know. Hard times can really stretch the imagination.

Believe it or not, there are some elected leaders out there who are capable of doing better than disappointing the fair-minded citizens who elect them. Sadly, they don’t reside in California.

Public frustration has been especially strong these days in the areas concerning energy and conservation. Many at the local level are still reeling from the setback to the popular program known as PACE, which is short for Property Assessed Clean Energy. (more...)

Tags: clients, energy, housing finance, mortgage, PACE, real estate finance, REALTOR, resources

We're excited to announce the roll out of our very first Facebook App, “Stories of Home,” in conjunction with the 2011 consumer ad campaign! Stories of Home is a video contest on Facebook where California home buyers and sellers can record a video to sing the praises of YOU, their REALTOR® and how you made a difference in their home buying or selling experience. It's easy for your clients to participate - all they need to do is:

1. “Like” the C.A.R. Facebook page.
2. Go to the “Stories of Home” tab.
3. Start recording a video.

The contest runs through Nov. 30^th and four winners will be selected to win a $500 Lowe’s gift card! (more...)

Tags: California Association of REALTORS, clients, home buyer, home seller, REALTOR

There are two questions on everyone’s minds surrounding the new HARP or HARP Phase II:

1. Will it work this time?
2. Do I qualify???

To the first question, it's widely known the original Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) rolled out in 2009 to help struggling homeowners refinance their home wasn’t a huge success. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) estimates it helped 894,000 homeowners refinance in the almost three years since its inception.

However, the game changers for HARP Phase II are the elimination of the 125 percent LTV cap requirement in the original HARP and FHFA waiving some stringent requirements (a.k.a. warranties and representations) (more...)

Tags: avoid foreclosure, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, GSE, HARP, home affordable refinance program, housing market, LTV, mortgage, mortgage rates, refinance

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has released a tool which will help real estate professionals assess the value of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems placed on new and existing homes.  The Solar Advantage Value Estimator (SAVE) tool calculates the value of a solar PV system using the homeowners’ unique information such as; address, zip code, the size of the solar system, climate zone data and local utility rates. (more...)

Tags: California Energy Commission, energy, resources, SAVE, solar