Time for a deep dive into the legal instruments that secure real estate loans. This episode breaks down the intricate differences between promissory notes, mortgages, and California's unique Deeds of Trust. We'll also uncover powerful loan clauses and explain the nuances of the foreclosure process in the Golden State.

Works cited:

A Homeowner's Guide to Foreclosure in California. California Dept. of Real Estate, 2010.Archives - California Real Estate Lawyers Blog. Law Office of James J. Falcone, n.d.Bell, Wayne, and Mark Tutera. "Short Sales -- An Overview and Warning to Real Estate Licensees re: Fraud, and Legal and Ethical Minefields." California Dept. of Real Estate, n.d.CALIFORNIA HOMEOWNERS' BILL OF RIGHTS. WFG National Title Company, n.d.California Department of Real Estate. "10. Agency." n.d.California Department of Real Estate. Foreclosure Information for Homeowners. Aug. 2020.California Department of Real Estate. "Loan Modification/Foreclosure Prevention." n.d.Cobrief. "Indemnification by the borrower: Overview, definition, and example." 3 Apr. 2025.Cobrief. "Representations and warranties of the loan parties: Overview, definition, and example." 16 Apr. 2025.Cobrief. "Security interest in collateral: Overview, definition, and example." 16 Apr. 2025.Denburg, Natalie L., et al. "Enhancing older adult financial decision making through the use of self-evaluation worksheets." Frontiers in Psychology, 27 Sept. 2022, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.790088.Eanet, PC. "California Supreme Court Expands Lenders’ Deficiency Rights." By Brian Lauter. 9 Sept. 2020.FasterCapital. "Deed of Reconveyance." n.d.fynk. "Waiver of jury trial." n.d.Ghent, Andra. The Historical Origins of America's Mortgage Laws. Research Inst. for Housing America, 19 Oct. 2012.Hayes, Adam. "Event Of Default: Definition, Examples, Vs. Default." Investopedia, 1 Aug. 2022.Hayes, Adam. "What Is a Covenant? Definition, Meaning, Types, and Examples." Investopedia, 28 June 2023.JacobFights.com. "Judicial vs. Non-Judicial Foreclosure: What's the Difference in Los Angeles?" n.d.JG Wentworth. "What is the Statute of Limitations on Debt in California?" 27 Mar. 2025.Judicial Branch of California / California Courts. "Foreclosure and mortgage help." Self Help Guide, n.d.Kagan, Julia. "Acceleration Clause: Explanation and Examples." Investopedia, 29 Nov. 2020.Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs. "Foreclosure in California." n.d.Marsh, Melissa C. "California Law on Loans, Notes, Interest and Usury. Are You Charging An Illegal Interest Rate on a Loan or Promissory Note?" Your Legal Corner, Law Office of Melissa C. Marsh, Apr. 2017.Nolo. "Common Boilerplate Provisions in Contracts." By Richard Stim. 2025.PrepAgent. "Lien Theory vs Title Theory." YouTube, uploaded by PrepAgent, n.d.Rico, Robert. "What You Must Know About Lien, Title, and Intermediary Theory." US Realty Training, 30 Oct. 2024.Russell, Tonya. "Deed of Trust vs. Mortgage." LegalZoom, n.d.Sacramento County Public Law Library. "Deed of Trust and Promissory Note." n.d.Simpson, Richard. "The New Wave of Litigation." Wright, Finlay & Zak, LLP, Summer 2010.Sternberg Law Group. "Foreclosure Process Timeline in California: A Step-by-Step Guide." 19 Apr. 2024.UpCounsel. "California Promissory Notes: Secured and Unsecured Notes Explained." 18 Mar. 2025.Wikipedia contributors. "Mortgage law." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, n.d.World Population Review. "Lien Theory States 2025." 2025.Your House Academy. Modern Real Estate Practice in Illinois Tenth Edition. n.d.

References

Become a market savvy agent! This episode brings basic economic principles to life in the context of real estate. We'll explain how supply and demand drive prices, dissect real estate market cycles, and reveal how interest rates directly influence affordability and buyer behavior. Learn to read the market's heartbeat.

References

Aladangady, Aditya, et al. "Locked In: Mobility, Market Tightness, and House Prices." Finance and Economics Discussion Series (FEDS), Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Nov. 2024, revised May 2025, doi:10.17016/FEDS.2024.088r1.

Bentz, Alex. "California Housing Affordability Tracker (1st Quarter 2025)." EconTax Blog, Legislative Analyst's Office, 21 Apr. 2025.

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (US). "Bank Prime Loan Rate (DPRIME)." FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 13 June 2025, fred.stlouisfed.org/series/DPRIME.

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (US). "Federal Funds Effective Rate (FEDFUNDS)." FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 2 June 2025, fred.stlouisfed.org/series/FEDFUNDS.

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (US). "Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity, Quoted on an Investment Basis (DGS10)." FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 16 June 2025, fred.stlouisfed.org/series/DGS10.

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. "C.A.R. releases its 2025 California housing market forecast." 25 Sep. 2024.

Counselors of Real Estate. "A Brief Review of House Price Forecasting Methods." Real Estate Issues, vol. 48, no. 4, 7 Feb. 2024.

Crexi. Crexi National CRE Trends Report: Q1 2024. 2024.

Federal Open Market Committee. Summary of Economic Projections, March 19, 2025. Federal Reserve Board, 19 Mar. 2025.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York. "Effective Federal Funds Rate (EFFR)." FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, n.d., fred.stlouisfed.org/series/EFFR.

FRED Classroom Newsletter. "Teaching the Economics of Interest Rates | Bring FRED into the Classroom | August 2022." FRED Blog, 2 Aug. 2022.

Fernando, Jason. "Law of Supply and Demand in Economics: How It Works." Investopedia, 30 May 2025.

Gratton, Peter. "What Is the Relationship Between Inflation and Interest Rates?" Investopedia, 19 Mar. 2025.

Kagan, Julia. "Deflationary Spiral: Overview and Examples in Government Spending." Investopedia, 27 Aug. 2021.

Malloy, Liam. "Downloading Interest Rates from FRED." YouTube, n.d. Video.

Merrefield, Clark. "If you report on the US economy, get to know these 8 data sources." The Journalist's Resource, Harvard Kennedy School, 6 Jan. 2025, journalistsresource.org/economics/economic-data-sources/.

National Association of REALTORS®. The 2025 Real Estate Market Outlook. n.d.

Pettinger, Tejvan. "Deflationary Spiral." Economics Help, 16 Nov. 2017.

Rick, Steve. "Credit Union Trends Report May 2024, March 2024 Data." TruStage, May 2024, www.trustage.com/cu-trends.

The Investopedia Team. "Economic Cycle: Definition and 4 Stages." Investopedia, 11 May 2025.

Thomas, Sarah. "Introduction to Demand And Supply." Outlier Articles, Outlier, 30 Jan. 2023.

TruStage. "Credit Union Trends Report May 2024, March 2024 Data." May 2024, www.trustage.com/cu-trends.

U.S. Bank. "The impact of today’s changing interest rates on the housing market." 27 May 2025.

Umeschandra College. "Types, Causes and Effects 1. Meaning of Inflation." n.d.

Wikipedia contributors. "Business cycle." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 14 May 2024, en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Business_cycle&oldid=1293034920.

Wikipedia contributors. "Inflation." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 23 May 2024, en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Inflation&oldid=1295326445.

Ever wonder why buildings are where they are? This episode unveils the hidden forces of land use control. We'll explore zoning, general plans, building codes, and vital environmental regulations like CEQA. Understand how these controls shape California's landscape and impact every property transaction.

Works Cited

• Aronson, Jacob E. "Changes to the California Environmental Quality Act Enacted in 2023." 2024 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update, Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP, 23 May 2024.
• CAL FIRE - Office of the State Fire Marshal. "Fire Hazard Severity Zones." CA.gov, n.d.
• California Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission. "Expected Earthquake Performance of Buildings Designed to the California Building Code." n.d.
• California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. "California's Emergency Services Leader." n.d.
• ---. "Home Page - Cal MyHazards." Cal MyHazards, n.d., http://myhazards.caloes.ca.gov/.
• California Geological Survey. "Landslides." CONSERVATION.ca.gov, 2025.
• ---. "Map Sheet 54, Faulting in California." CONSERVATION.ca.gov, n.d.
• California Native Plant Society. "Types of CEQA Documents." CNPS Conservation Tools, n.d.
• "California Environmental Quality Act." Wikipedia, 24 May 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=California_Environmental_Quality_Act&oldid=1294582422.
• CalRecycle. "CEQA Environmental Documents." n.d.
• ---. "CEQA Projects and Roles of a Lead Agency and a Responsible Agency." n.d.
• ---. "Guidance for Enhancing Public Awareness and Participation within the CEQA Process." n.d.
• Chang, Yun‐chien. "An Empirical Study of Compensation Paid in Eminent Domain Settlements: New York City, 1990–2002." The Journal of Legal Studies, vol. 39, no. 1, Jan. 2010, doi:10.1086/605095.
• Cocoflo. "Local Government Planning Explained: How to Build Smarter Cities Using Digital Transformation." Cocoflo, 11 July 2024.
• Contra Costa County. General Plan. n.d.
• Epstein, Richard A. "The Fifth Amendment Takings Clause." The National Constitution Center, n.d.
• FEMA. "Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program and Policy Guide." FEMA.gov, 27 May 2025.
• ---. "Hazard Mitigation Planning for Local Communities." Fact Sheet, n.d.
• ---. "How to Read of Flood Map." n.d.
• Galva, Jorge E., et al. "Public Health Strategy and the Police Powers of the State." Public Health Reports, vol. 120, suppl. 1, 2005, pp. 20-27, doi:10.1177/00333549051200S106.
• Governor's Office of Planning and Research. "CEQA 101." n.d.
• "How to Read FEMA Flood Maps?" Reddit, r/Hydrology, n.d.
• Kenton, Will. "Eminent Domain: Meaning and Types." Investopedia, 21 May 2024.
• ---. "Public Purpose Bond: What It Is, How It Works." Investopedia, n.d.
• ---. "Zoning Ordinance: Definition, Types of Regulations, Pros and Cons." Investopedia, 9 Mar. 2022.
• ---. "Zoning: What It Is, How It Works, and Classification Examples." Investopedia, 23 Feb. 2025.
• mctlaw. "What Is a Regulatory Taking?" mctlaw, n.d.
• Millman National Land Services. "Everything About Zoning Variance and Change." n.d.
• Nashville-Davidson County Metropolitan Planning Commission. Subdivision Regulations. Nashville.gov, 27 June 2024.
• Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. "CEQA: The California Environmental Quality Act." n.d.
• "Planners, How Important Is Public Participation to the Overall Planning Process in Practice?" Reddit, r/urbanplanning, n.d.
• Southern California Association of Governments. "Categorical Exemptions." n.d.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. "Community Development Block Grant Program." HUD.gov, 6 Sep. 2024.
• Zoneomics. "Zoning Classifications, Maps, and Terms Explained: A Practical Guide." Zoneomics, n.d.

Beyond the legalities, a successful career is built on integrity. This episode explores the cornerstone of ethical conduct in real estate. We'll discuss avoiding conflicts of interest, upholding the NAR Code of Ethics, and how a commitment to honesty and transparency builds lasting client relationships and a sterling reputation.

References

"Balancing Acts: The Tightrope of Ethics and Conflicts of Interest in Consulting." N.p., n.d.

Bell, Wayne S. "Professional Responsibility: An Overview." California Department of Real Estate, 11 Feb. 2014.

"Building Trust Through Transparency: Communication Strategies in Client Relations." N.p., n.d.

California Department of Real Estate. "Course Guidelines - RE 329 (Rev 6/24)." California Department of Real Estate, State of California Department of Real Estate, June 2024.

California Department of Real Estate. "Disciplinary Actions." California Department of Real Estate, State of California, 2025.

California Department of Real Estate. "DRE First Time Home Buyers." California Department of Real Estate, State of California, 2025.

California Department of Real Estate. "DRE Newsroom." California Department of Real Estate, State of California, n.d.

California Department of Real Estate. "Most Common Enforcement Violations." California Department of Real Estate, n.d.

California Department of Real Estate. "Real Estate Laws and Regulations - Disciplinary Action Key." California Department of Real Estate, n.d.

California Department of Real Estate. "Ten Most Common Violations Found In DRE Audits." California Department of Real Estate, n.d.

"CODE OF ETHICS DISPUTE RESOLUTION." N.p., n.d.

"Duties to Clients and Customers." Greater Milwaukee REALTOR®'s Association, Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS®, 2025.

"The Difference Between Personal and Professional Ethics." PDH-PRO, PDH-PRO, 2025.

Kaplan Real Estate Education. "California 45 Hour First Renewal Online Video Package (Includes NAR Ethics and Fair Housing)." Kaplan Real Estate Education, Kaplan, Inc., 2025.

Lidsky, Ofer. "Why Integrity Is An Essential Virtue For Business Leaders And Entrepreneurs." Forbes, Forbes Media LLC, 2025.

Murphy, Rachel. "5-Minute Summary: The National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics." Berxi, Berxi, 24 July 2024.

National Association of REALTORS®. "2025 Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice." National Association of REALTORS®, 2025.

National Association of REALTORS®. "Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual." National Association of REALTORS®, 2025.

National Association of REALTORS®. "NAR Code of Ethics : Duties to REALTORS." National Association of REALTORS®, 2018.

National Association of REALTORS®. "Summary of Key Professional Standards Changes for 2025." National Association of REALTORS®, 2025.

Pierce-Brown, Regina. "11.2: Part II- Ethics and the REALTOR® Code of Ethics." Workforce LibreTexts, LibreTexts, 3 Aug. 2024, workforce.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Real_Estate/Real_Estate_Career_Introduction/11%3A_Ethics_Law_and_Professionalism/11.02%3A_Part_II-_Ethics_and_the_REALTOR_Code_of_Ethics.

Smith, Benjamin J. "It's time for CAR to stop hiding ethics violators behind a paywall." firsttuesday Journal, 4 Apr. 2021.

Smith, Luke. "Ethics in Sales: 8 Best Practices to Sell with Integrity." Sales & Marketing Management, Mach 1 Business Media, LLC, 3 Oct. 2023.

Sobel, Andrew. "If it's Legal Is it Right? The Five Pillars of Integrity in Business." Andrew Sobel, n.d.

Texas REALTORS. "BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE NAR CODE OF ETHICS." Texas REALTORS, n.d.

Ughulu, John. "Ethical Leadership in Modern Organizations: Navigating Complexity and Promoting Integrity." International Journal of Economics, Business and Management Research, vol. 8, no. 5, 9 May 2024, doi.org/10.51505/IJEBMR.2024.8505.

"Understand Your Fiduciary Duties — And How to Protect Yourself." USI Insurance Services, USI Insurance Services, 2025.

"What types of ethical dilemmas might be faced in consulting?" Reddit, n.d.

California has its own unique real estate rhythm! This episode dives deep into the Golden State's specific laws and regulations. We'll explore the vital role of the DRE, key sections of the Business and Professions Code, and how California's distinct rules protect consumers and shape the industry. Become a true California expert!

References

"9 Best Thesauruses For Writers." Authority Self-Publishing, n.d., authorityselfpublishing.com/best-thesaurus-for-writers/. Accessed 18 May 2024."2025 Real Estate Law - Real Estate Law, Subdivided Lands Law, and Vacation Ownership and Time-Share Act of 2004." California Department of Real Estate, 2025."A Consumers Guide to Filing Real Estate Complaints." California Department of Real Estate, n.d."CA Real Estate Broker Exam." Reddit, 2022, reddit.com/r/RealEstateExam/. Accessed 18 May 2024."California Business and Professions Code § 10130 (2024)." Justia Law, 2024, law.justia.com/codes/california/2024/bpc/section-10130/. Accessed 18 May 2024.California Department of Real Estate. California Department of Real Estate, n.d., dre.ca.gov/. Accessed 18 May 2024.Doss Law, LLP. "DRE Implements Petition Process for Removing Discipline Information from Website." 29 Mar. 2019.Doss Law, LLP. "Ten Most Common DRE Violations." n.d."How to Obtain a Mortgage Loan Originator License Endorsement." California Department of Real Estate, n.d."Instructions to License Applicants." Rev. June 2020. California Department of Real Estate, 2020.Keating, Lucy. "SEL8500: library resources and services." SlideShare, n.d.LPB Engineering Reference Manual. LPB, A Forte Company, 2024."List of Online Encyclopedias." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, n.d., en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_online_encyclopedias. Accessed 18 May 2024.Meir-Huber, Mario, and Stefan Papp. "Data Driven Enterprises." The Handbook of Data Science and AI, edited by Stefan Papp, Carl Hanser Verlag, 2022, p. 411.Papp, Stefan. "Infrastructure." The Handbook of Data Science and AI, edited by Stefan Papp, Carl Hanser Verlag, 2022, p. 29."RE 5 - Broker Compliance Evaluation Manual." California Department of Real Estate, n.d."Real Estate Advertising Guidelines." California Department of Real Estate, Aug. 2020.Reference Book: Information Relating to Real Estate Practice, Licensing and Examinations. California Department of Real Estate, 2010."Regulations of the Real Estate Commissioner." California Department of Real Estate, n.d.

Don't fear the numbers! This episode equips you with the essential math skills for your real estate career. Learn to confidently calculate commissions, prorate expenses like property taxes, and estimate areas and loan payments. Mastering real estate math boosts your confidence and earns your clients' trust.

Works CitedAbrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP. Closing Costs Guide. n.d., www.agmblaw.com.Belasco, Michael. "A.CRE 101: How To Use The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Method To Value Income Producing Property (Updated Aug 2024)." A.CRE, 23 Aug. 2024."Calculating an Amortization Schedule." n.d."A Complete Guide to Real Estate Math." Loan Ranger Capital, 2024.CFI Team. "Prorated: Adjusted for a Specific Time Period." Corporate Finance Institute, n.d.Chen, James. "Capitalization Rate: Cap Rate Defined With Formula and Examples." Investopedia, 29 Oct. 2024.Daniels, Jesse. "Why And How A Minimum Viable Product Is Important For A Startup's Future." Forbes, 29 Apr. 2024.Eldan, Lior. "App Store Optimization (ASO) – The Complete Guide for 2025 [+ Free Checklist]." Moburst, 29 Dec. 2024."Flat Rate Commissions." Spiff, n.d.Gupta, Dileep. "11 Post Launch App Mistakes to Avoid at All Cost." Appinventiv, 3 Mar. 2025.Hayes, Adam. "Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: What It Is, How to Calculate, Example." Investopedia, 26 Sep. 2024.---. "Understanding Depreciation of Rental Property: A Comprehensive Guide." Investopedia, 7 May 2025.Kenton, Will. "Calculating Net Operating Income (NOI) for Real Estate." Investopedia, 9 Apr. 2025.Luna, Anthony A. "Understand Prorated Rent and It's Importance." Coastline Equity, 21 Nov. 2024.Martin, Allison. "7 Personal Loan Mistakes That Could Cost You Money." Bankrate, 20 Mar. 2025, www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/personal-loan-mistakes/."Mobile Application Monetization: Strategies for Sustainable Revenue." Analytics Insight, 4 Mar. 2025, www.analyticsinsight.net."National Real Estate Exam Math Practice Questions and More." YouTube, uploaded by Just Call Maggie, n.d.Parvadiya, Gaurav. "How to Prepare Your App for App Store Review: The Ultimate Checklist." Twinr.dev, 12 June 2025.Real Estate Math Study Package. Kaplan, Inc., n.d."Rental Property Expenses (Prorate vs Direct Amount)." TurboTax Community, 12 Feb. 2024."Rule of 78s." Wikipedia, n.d."Software Development Process." Wikipedia, n.d."Tiered Commission Calculator." Commission Calculator, n.d.Thompson, Geoffrey, and Rich Linkemer. Fearless Math: A Guide For Real Estate Agents. Appallaso Publishing, 2022.tugcanonbas. "Critique App - My Second Project on App Store! : r/SwiftUI." Reddit, n.d.VanEd. "Real Estate Math Formulas, Practice Questions, & Examples." VanEd, 28 Dec. 2023.Wren, Hannah. "What is Product-Market Fit? Examples and Strategies to Find It." Zendesk, 22 Aug. 2023.

The exciting moment of ownership transfer! This episode guides you through the legal methods of passing property in California, from understanding different types of deeds to the vital role of title insurance. We'll also break down the escrow process, ensuring a smooth and secure transition of ownership every time.

Works Cited

"About - What We Do." California Escrow Association, 2024, californiaescrowassociation.org/about/what-we-do.

"Adding or Changing Names on Property (Completing and Recording Deeds)." SacLaw Library, Sacramento County Public Law Library, 2025

"A Primer on the 'After Acquired Title Doctrine' (Civ. Code § 1106)." California Lawyers Association, 2025

"Avoid These 5 Common 1031 Exchange Pitfalls." IPX1031

Bell, Wayne S., and Summer B. Bakotich. Surviving the Real Estate "Escrow" Process in California: Important Things and Tips You Should Know, and Mistakes to Avoid. California Dept. of Real Estate, Oct. 2010.

Cass, Ember. "The Steps of Escrow in California." Ember Cass, 19 Aug. 2021

"Common Ways to Hold Title - California." California Land Title Association, clta.org.

"Guide To Closing Costs." Old Republic Title Holding Company

"How Long Does the Escrow Process Take in California? A Detailed Timeline." Citrus Heritage Escrow, 24 Jan. 2025

"How Much Is Title Insurance Going to Cost You in California in 2024?"

Internal Revenue Service. 2024 Publication 523: Selling Your Home. IRS, 2024, IRS.gov.

---. 2024 Publication 544: Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets. IRS, 2024, IRS.gov.

---. "Like-Kind Exchanges - Real Estate Tax Tips." IRS.gov, 1 May 2025

---. "Like-Kind Exchanges Under IRC Section 1031." IRS.gov.

---. Publication 551: Basis of Assets. IRS, Dec. 2024, IRS.gov.

---. "Topic no. 409, Capital Gains and Losses." IRS.gov.

Lara, Ricardo. "Unlawful Title and Escrow Inducement Activities." California Department of Insurance, 27 July 2022. Bulletin 2022-8.

"Laws and Regulations." California Department of Insurance.

Liberto, Daniel. "How To Prevent a Tax Hit When Selling a Rental Property." Investopedia.

"Membership." Orange County Escrow Association, ocea.org/membership.

"Overcoming Common Hurdles in the Escrow Process: Tips from a California Escrow Company." Neighborhood Escrow Blog, 14 May 2025.

"Protect Your Rights: Avoid Disclosure Issues in Real Estate." Bay Legal PC, 2025.

Schorr Law. "What is a Deed?" Schorr Law, A Professional Corporation, 1 Apr. 2020.

"The Book | Miller & Starr California Real Estate 4th." Miller Starr Regalia, 2025.

"The Role of an Escrow Officer." California Escrow Association, 2024.

Title Insurance Rates and Rules Manual for California (All Counties). Title Resources Guaranty Company, 3 June 2024.

"Title Insurance." California Department of Insurance.

"Title Insurance in California." University of California Office of the President.

"Title Insurance in Real Estate Litigation." California Lawyers Association, 4 Jan. 2024, calawyers.org/real-property-law/title-insurance-in-real-estate-litigation.

"Title Company to Pay $1 Million Penalty after Department of Insurance Alleges Employee Broke Law Protecting Real Estate Consumers." California Department of Insurance, 5 Aug. 2021, insurance.ca.gov/0200-news/0100-press-releases/2021/release099-2021.cfm.

"What is Depreciation Recapture?" Tangible Wealth Solutions, tangiblewealthsolutions.com/what-is-depreciation-recapture.

"What is Escrow in California?" The Bienstock Group, 5 Dec. 2023, thebienstockgroup.com/what-is-escrow-in-california.

"What is the Difference Between a Grant Deed and a Quitclaim Deed? (Civil Code § 1113)." Underwood Law Firm, P.C., 5 Aug. 2022, underwoodlawfirm.com/california-real-estate-blog/what-is-the-difference-between-a-grant-deed-and-a-quitclaim-deed-civil-code-1113.

Wood, Robert W. "What Is a 1031 Exchange? Know the Rules." Investopedia, 16 Dec. 2024, investopedia.com/1031-exchange-rules-4581451.

Financing can feel like a maze, but we've got your map! This episode demystifies real estate loans in California, explaining promissory notes, the crucial difference between mortgages and Deeds of Trust, and the most common loan types. Plus, we'll cover key consumer protection laws like TILA and RESPA to empower your clients.

References

A&D Mortgage. "FHA Loans in 2025: Requirements, Loan Limits, Mortgage Insurance, and How to Qualify." A&D Mortgage, 16 June 2025.

Allred, Christian. "What Is an Amortization Schedule? How to Calculate With Formula." Investopedia, 6 Mar. 2025.

ALTA. "TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) Resource Center." ALTA, 16 June 2025.

Birk, Chris. "2025 VA Loan Eligibility Requirements." Veterans United, Mortgage Research Center, LLC, 1 June 2025.

---. "FHA vs VA Loan: Key Differences and Which is Better." Veterans United, Mortgage Research Center, LLC, 3 Apr. 2025.

BPM. "Demystifying TILA: A Guide for Bank Compliance." BPM, 25 Sept. 2024.

Bundrick, Hal M. "FHA vs. Conventional Loans: Pros, Cons and Differences." NerdWallet, 16 June 2025.

California Housing Finance Agency. "CalHFA: California Housing Finance Agency." CalHFA, State of California, 16 June 2025.

---. "Multifamily Programs." CalHFA, State of California, 16 June 2025.

---. "MyHome Assistance Program." CalHFA, State of California, 16 June 2025.

California State Government. "Pursuing Efficiencies in California's Housing Policy Administration — A Brief History of State Reorganization and Coordination Efforts." Jan. 2025.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "12 CFR Part 1026 - Truth in Lending (Regulation Z)." Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Government, 16 June 2025.

---. "CFPB Examination Procedures TILA." Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Government, 16 June 2025.

---. "CFPB Laws and Regulations TILA." Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Government, 16 June 2025.

---. "Enforcement Actions." Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Government, 16 June 2025.

---. "Interagency Consumer Laws and Regulations RESPA - Regulation X Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act." Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Government, 16 June 2025.

---. "Know Before You Owe: Mortgages." Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Government, 16 June 2025.

---. "Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)." Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Government, 16 June 2025.

---. "Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act FAQs." Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Government, 15 Mar. 2024.

First American. "A Brief History of the TILA/RESPA (TRID) Regulations from the CFPB." YouTube, 16 June 2025.

Goff, Kacie. "Deed Of Trust Vs. Mortgage." Bankrate, Bankrate.com, 28 Jan. 2025, https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/deed-of-trust/.

Investopedia. "Balloon Payment: What It Is, How It Works, Examples, Pros and Cons." Investopedia, 16 June 2025.

---. "Fixed vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: What's the Difference?" Investopedia, 16 June 2025.

Kagan, Julia. "How Does Mortgage Interest Work?" Investopedia, 16 June 2025.

---. "What Is a Loan, How Does It Work, Types, and Tips on Getting One." Investopedia, 20 May 2025.

---. "What Is a Mortgage? Types, How They Work, and Examples." Investopedia, 19 July 2024.

Metzger, Phil. "California First-Time Home Buyer Programs of 2025." NerdWallet, 16 June 2025.

Quicken Loans. "The History of Mortgages in the American Housing Market." Quicken Loans, 16 June 2025.

Rocket Mortgage. "FHA Myths Debunked: What Every Homebuyer Should Know About These Popular Mortgages." 16 June 2025.

Veterans United. "5 Most Common VA Loan Myths Busted." Veterans United, Mortgage Research Center, LLC, 2025.

Webber, Matt Ryan. "Deed of Trust: Meaning, How it Works, Benefits." Investopedia, 4 Aug. 2024.

What's a property really worth? This episode reveals the secrets to property valuation. We'll break down the three appraisal approaches—sales comparison, cost, and income—and show you how basic financial analysis can give you a true understanding of a property's value. Turn guesswork into expert estimates!

Works Cited

• "10 Real Estate Appraisal Myths, Debunked." KW Appraisal Group, n.d.
• "2020-2021 Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice Standards 1 to 4 - Miller Samuel." The Appraisal Foundation, 2020.
• "7 Important Factors That Affect Property Value." SoFi, 15 Apr. 2025.
• "A.CRE 101: How To Use The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Method To Value Income Producing Property (Updated Aug 2024)." Adventures in CRE, 23 Aug. 2024.
• "Basic Appraisal Principles." Appraisal Institute, n.d.
• "Cap Rates, Explained." JPMorgan Chase, 9 Jan. 2025.
• "Capitalization Rate Information." Advantage Software, LLC, n.d.
• Chen, James. "Capitalization Rate: Cap Rate Defined With Formula and Examples." Investopedia, 29 Oct. 2024.
• "Chapter 3: Property valuation and financial analysis." California Real Estate License Exam Prep: Unlocking the DRE Salesperson and Broker Exam, n.d.
• "Common Mistakes in Real Estate Valuation and How to Avoid Them." Concreit, 13 Dec. 2024.
• "Cost Approach Appraisal | Formula + Calculator." Wall Street Prep, 20 Feb. 2024.
• "Cost approach." Wikipedia, 28 May 2024.
• "Defining Standards of Value." Appraisers.org, June 1989.
• "Fair Value, Market Value, Fair Market Value." Appraisal Institute, n.d.
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Step into the day-to-day world of a California real estate agent! We cover essential practices like handling client trust funds, understanding the DRE's jurisdiction, and the crucial disclosures—like the TDS and NHD—that ensure transparency. Learn to navigate the ethical landscape and protect all parties in every transaction.

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