Where to Place Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Almost all residential property sales require a smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to be installed by the close of escrow. However, there seems to be some ambiguity where they are supposed to be installed. Here is where smoke alarms…

Does the Name of Your 100% Commission Real Estate Brokerage Matter?

Real Estate agents spend a lot of time comparing commission models, office amenities, and company policy when they consider joining a brokerage. Equally important is the name of the brokerage. Consumers have access to nearly all the data, so…

A Review of the TOOR Lockbox

Is a monthly brokerage fee worth it?

In some real estate offices agents have to pay a monthly brokerage fee. Not every realty brokerage charges a monthly fee to its agents. For example, Balboa Real Estate does not charge its agents a monthly fee. Now, even though we don't charge…

Is Errors and Ommission Insurance (E&O) Insurance Required?

Many agents ask if Errors and Ommission Insurance (E&O) insurance is required by law. A real estate broker, once licensed by the Department of Real Estate, can broker real estate sales without E&O insurance. They aren't required by…

What is a non-independent broker escrow company?

Have you heard of a non-independent broker escrow company, also known as a broker-controlled escrow? These are different from other escrow companies, and I'll explain the difference. To conduct escrow business in the state of California, you…

Are Agents Required to do an Agent Visual Inspection Disclosure (AVID)?

There is a lot of confusion around filling out the cumbersome Agent Visual Inspection Disclosure (AVID) form. California Civil Code 2079 requires that an agent must conduct a reasonable competent and diligent visual inspection of real property…

Do Real Estate Agents Need an Office?

The question arises from agents, "do you have an office?" This is an important question because a big difference between many tradiitonal brokerages and 100% commission brokerages is access to an office. In order to answer, it's only fair that…