9. April 2012 by Michael McFarlane.

 However you celebrate Easter, may you find it a time of renewal and comfort. My very best wishes to all my family, friends and associates.

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17. March 2012 by Michael McFarlane.

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21. January 2012 by Michael McFarlane.

Proposed changes in the Governor’s Budget call for “consolidating” some agencies.  One of those would be the DRE (Department of Real Estate).  It is all dressed up as a way to save money by eliminating duplicate expenses, thereby reducing the need for tax dollars.

We see it as a state level reiteration of the Social Security fiasco.  By “combining” agencies they are combining money pools.  Read that as taking money; money that is used strictly to regulate real estate practices and protect the general public.  While we don’t enjoy regulation any more than the next guy, there is an absolute need for protection from the unscrupulous.

Could this protection be accomplished or even improved by joining forces with other agencies?  Possibly; everything can be improved.  But that is not the object here.  This is a budget maneuver.  This is being touted as a cost savings.

How can you save when the cost is already $0?  You read the right; it’s not a typo.  The DRE is funded not by tax dollars, but by the fees we pay for licenses and services.  Part of the fines collected are also added to this pot.  Operating costs and enforcement are taken from this pot.

This is where the comparison to Social Security comes in.  The DRE has a positive account balance.  This is required to operate without using credit, as we do.  By “combining” DRE with tax supported agencies, our money gets added to their pool: you know, that pool that is not only dry but deeply in debt!

End result: Increased cost to tax payers AND less protection!  This is such a disgrace that the California Association of Realtors® is once again stepping in to support the DRE in their defense of the measure.  Once again government is asking you to pay more and accept less for it!  Time to say “NO”!

$ To read the notice from CAR click HERE.

For ALL your real estate related needs and/or questions call ((530 315-2808) or visit us8 on line at EncoreRES.com or any of the links below.

Please note: all visits to our sites are secure AND confidential. We do NOT track your activity!

         Subscribe to Listings Updates          Free Home Warranty

Search the MLS                 Over the Back Fence

          Home Rescue Group               Free Home Market Analysis

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2. January 2012 by Michael McFarlane.

However you celebrate it, have a happy and safe New Year, and as 2012 improves, so does my wish for your prosperity!

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27. December 2011 by Michael McFarlane.

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25. December 2010 by Michael McFarlane.

To all our friends, family, and clients.

 Please view your card at  ððððð

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26. November 2010 by Michael McFarlane.

We hope that each and every one of you has a great Thanksgiving!  Although this has been a year filled with great hardships for many, including us, there are MANY THINGS TO BE GREATFUL FOR!

Please join us in remembering those things today, a showing our appreciation when ever possible.

And THANK YOU for being a part of our circle.  Our clients, friends and family are what our business is all about, so thank you again.

Happy Thanksgiving to All

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20. November 2010 by Michael McFarlane.

We’d like to know what you think about the current trend of using social networks like facebook® and twitter® to assist you in real estate matters.  Some argue that it is a waste of time while others insist that social networking is MANDATORY for any business that wants to survive today.  We hear arguments from both camps.  At Encore Real Estate Services™ (aka EncoreRES™) we want to know how you find the information you actually use.  What are your resources?  YOU are what our business is all about so YOUR preferences are what are important to us.

Do you use facebook®?  If so, is it a source of information for you or do you only use it for keeping up with your friends?  How often do you use it?

Do you use twitter®?  And if so, again, what do you use it for?  How frequently do you tweet?

Are you a member of a professional social site like LinkedIn®?  Do you lean more toward recommendations made by your peers on these sites?

Our business is helping YOU.  We are looking for the best way to do that.  Responding to this article will help.  It will also get you entered into a drawing for a $125.00 surprise gift.  Of course we also want to hear about other things that we may be able to help you with.  News about something in your neighborhood?  Let us know, we’ll post such items here too.

For ALL your real estate related needs and/or questions call (530 315-2808) or visit us on line at EncoreRES.com or any of the links below.  Please note: all visits to our sites are secure AND confidential.  We do NOT track your activity!

Subscribe to Listings Updates           Free Home Warranty

                Search the MLS                                     Discussions & News 

Home Rescue Group               Free Home Market Analysis 

             Yuba-Sutter Real Estate Today

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12. November 2010 by Michael McFarlane.

To view card click HERE.

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6. October 2010 by Michael McFarlane.

The recent end of the 2009-10 legislative session has brought the end of short sale deficiency judgments for first loans, and other new laws affecting REALTORS® and their clients.  To view the full text of the following bills, go to www.leginfo.ca.gov.

No Short Sale Deficiencies: Starting January 1, 2011, a seller’s first trust deed lender cannot obtain a deficiency judgment against the seller after a short sale.   Read more.

Energy Audit in Home Inspection Report: Beginning January 1, 2011, a home inspection and inspection report may, upon a client’s request, include an audit of the energy efficiency of a home… continued.

Restriction on Adverse Possession Claim: Effective January 1, 2011, a claim for adverse possession requires, among other things, certified records of the county tax collector showing that all state, county, or municipal taxes have been timely paid for the five-year period the property has been occupied and claimed.  READ MORE

Enforcement of MLO Requirements: Effective January 1, 2011, anyone acting as a mortgage loan originator (MLO) without an MLO license endorsement will be guilty of a crime punishable by six months imprisonment, plus a $20,000 fine.  READ MORE

Post-Foreclosure Protection for Tenants: Commencing January 1, 2011, a notice to terminate a residential tenant who remains after a foreclosure sale must generally include a statutory notice of the tenant’s rights. CLICK FOR MORE

Tenant Protection for Domestic Violence Victims: Starting January 1, 2011, a residential landlord cannot terminate or fail to renew a tenancy based on domestic violence against the tenant or tenant’s household members … READ MORE

Protections Against Real Estate Fraud: Effective January 1, 2011, new laws protecting consumers from real estate fraud include, without limitation … MORE

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