Consumer Advocacy
The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) encourages consumers to explore its tools and resources available to help them make sound and informed decisions about real estate matters, particularly the home-buying process or property management dealings.
The DRE provides consumers a variety of educational materials to help them through buying or selling a home, getting a home loan, renting a property, or looking to hire a property manager to help manage property.
Below are DRE resources for consumers to explore to help them make well-informed decisions during real estate transactions.
Consumer Resources:
- Verify a License: Buying or selling a home is big business transaction. Before selecting a real estate salesperson or broker to help through the process, consumers should always verify the license of a salesperson or broker by using DRE’s Verify a License tool online. Only people licensed by DRE may represent others in buying, selling, or leasing property. If obtaining a mortgage loan to buy a property or refinancing a home, consumers should always verify the license of your mortgage loan originator through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System. Reviewing the status of a license will inform a person about any prior discipline against that licensee.
- Consumer Publications: DRE offers many publications on topics that may be helpful to consumers planning to enter real estate transactions.
- Financial Sense to White Picket Fence
- Understanding Sources of Home Loans
- Preventing Real Estate Fraud: How to Protect Yourself and Your Home
- A Consumer Guide to Mortgage-Related Complaints
- Reverse Mortgages – Is One Right for You?
- A Homeowner’s Guide to Foreclosure in California
- Foreclosure Information for Homeowners
- Loan Modification Self-Help Guide
- Fraud Warning for California Homeowners in Financial Distress
- A Guide to Residential Tenants’ and Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilities
- Quick Guide for Tenants Renting a Home
- Quick Guide for Landlords Hiring a Property Manager
- Homebuyers / Borrowers: DRE provides in-depth resources specifically for those in the homebuying process, those borrowing for a home purchase, and mortgage loan professionals.
- First Home California Program: DRE provides several educational resources for first-time homebuyers, including step-by-step details around the homebuying process and DRE’s First Home California Podcast.
- DRE Consumer Recovery Account: DRE administers a victim’s fund that compensates persons who were defrauded by a real estate licensee in a transaction requiring a license for some or all of their financial loss.
Other Helpful Tips for Consumers During the Homebuying Process:
- Consumers should ensure they’re dealing with a licensed salesperson or broker.
- Consumers should read all documents fully before signing them.
- Do not sign documents with blank spaces; request that documents be completed fully with no questions or sections left unaddressed.
- If consumers have any questions regarding the property or any disclosures and documents that are received during the transaction, please make sure to ask clarifying questions, request additional inspections, and go to the city to review permits and documents.
- Once an offer has been accepted, you have the right to inspect the property.
Visit DRE’s Consumers webpage for a full list of Consumer resources and information. DRE’s Consumers webpage
