Publications - DRE
About DRE
Newsroom
Forms
Publications
Consumers
Verify a License
Find a real estate agent or broker
Consumer Guides & Publications
Helpful consumer related publications
Filing a Complaint
The complaint process, DRE's jurisdiction,
and how to file a complaint
Homebuyers/Borrowers
Helpful information for home buyers
and borrowers
First Home California
Information and tips specifically
for the first-time homebuyers
Consumer Alerts
Review Real Estate Consumer Alerts
Complaint Resolution Program
Request dispute resolution/assistance
Consumer Recovery Account
View Information about the Consumer
Recovery Account
County Recorder Alerts
Be notified of recorded activity on
your property
Licensees
Verify a License
Find a real estate agent or broker
Disciplinary Actions
View disciplinary actions taken against
licensees and individuals for violations
of the Real Estate Law
eLicensing
Self-schedule / reschedule an examination
date, print a license certificate, renew
a license, change of address
Current Processing Times
For Applications, Renewals, and License Changes
Prepaid Rental Listing Services
Apply for PRLS License, Description of Business,
Contract Approvals, List of Licensees
Licensee Alerts and Advisories
Get urgent news and warnings, directly from DRE
Real Estate Business Resources
Advisories, Alerts, Compliance Manuals,
Reference Materials
SAFE Act/MLO
Get an MLO license endorsement, fees, FAQs
Cite & Fine
Procedures, notices, disclosures, fine payment
Examinees
Advice for Examinees
Information every examinee needs to know before
applying for the real estate exam
Out-of-State Applicants
Guidance for Out-of-State Examinees and
License Applicants
Current Processing Times
For Applications, Renewals, and
License Changes
eLicensing
Self-schedule or reschedule your examination
date, print a license certificate, renew a
license, change of address
How & Where Exams are Scheduled
Exam scheduling and availability criteria,
locations, exam format by location
Taking the Exam
Duration, Format, Method, Required Identification,
Security, Exam Results, Re-Taking an exam
Education Course Availability
Find statutory/pre-license course
offerings & locations
License Options for Military Members
DRE Assistance for Military Servicemembers
& Their Spouse/Domestic Partner
Developers
Public Reports
What You Need to Know about Marketing your
Subdivision in California: The Public
Report Process
New Subdivision Filing List
Monthly List of New Applications for
Public Reports
Time-shares
Guidance for Marketing or Selling Timeshare
Interests in California
Homeowners Associations
Operating Cost Manual for HOAs, budgets,
FAQs, CID resources
Master Geographic Letter Lists
List reflecting subdivider compliance with
locally administered laws and ordinances
Complete List of Publications
The DRE offers many publications on topics of current interest to the consumer and licensees, such as the Real Estate Law
book and CD, which contains the current Real Estate Law, the Commissioner's Regulations, and pertinent excerpts from
other California codes.
Ordering Information
All DRE publications are available online by clicking on the links below. To order publications by mail, submit an
Publications Request (RE 350)
to:
Department of Real Estate
Book Orders
651 Bannon Street, Suite 501
Sacramento, CA 95811
Fax (916) 263-8911
REPRODUCTION TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The publication can be reproduced in total, including the title pages and cover. No changes may be made to the text
or cover, with the following exception. You may list your name, address and phone number as the distributor of the
brochure. For example, "This copy given to you compliments of XYZ Mortgage Home Loans."
The complete text or excerpts of the publication shall not be incorporated within any other printed matter of any
kind without express permission.
The publication shall be distributed at no cost whatsoever to the recipient.
The publication shall not be used as a DRE endorsement of your business.
The content, intent or voluntary distribution of this publication shall not be misrepresented in anyway.
DRE retains all rights to this brochure and reserves the right to withdraw approval to reproduce and distribute DRE
publications at any time without prior notice.
The publication must be reproduced on paper of comparable quality.
e-reader Devices
PDFs are viewable by e-reader devices. Please check with your e-reader device manufacturer for instructions on how
to download and view the PDF documents on the DRE web site.
Consumer Publications
California Tenants - A Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities
(New 2026)
En Español
Know Your Housing Rights Fact Sheet
En Español
In Chinese
In Korean
In Tagalog
In Vietnamese
Quick Guide for Landlords Hiring a
Property Manager
Landlord Brochure 14-264
Quick Guide for Tenants Renting a Home
Tenant Brochure 14-264
En Español
The DRE releases two new brochures to help Landlords and Tenants avoid fraud. The quick guides help consumers
ask the right questions to avoid falling victim to rental and property management fraud.
A Consumer Guide to Filing Real Estate Complaints
#RE 51 (Rev. 3/14)
Explains the Department's complaint process.
En Español
In Chinese
A Consumer Guide to Mortgage-Related Complaints
#RE 20 (Rev. 3/14)
Provides basic information about loan servicers, lenders, mortgage brokers, complaints, and contacts.
En Español
In Chinese
A Guide for Residents Purchasing Their Mobilehome Park
#RE 34 (Rev. 11/01)
Answers questions about rental park conversions to resident ownership.
A Homeowner's Guide to Foreclosure in
California
#RE 15 (New 11/20)
Useful information for homeowners in financial distress who live in their homes.
En Español
In Chinese
Department of Real Estate Brochure
#RE 10
Provides an overview of the Department of Real Estate, including history, department objectives, program areas
and office locations.
En Español
In Chinese
Financial Sense to White Picket Fence
#RE 18
This brochure provides helpful hints and tips relating to real estate financial literacy.
En Español
In Chinese
Finding the Right Real Estate Agent: What You Should Do
#RE 16 (Rev 2/16)
Provides a checklist for hiring a real estate agent.
En Español
In Chinese
Foreclosure Information for Homeowners
#RE 14
Explains the foreclosure process and possible alternatives to foreclosure.
En Español
In Chinese
Fraud Warning for California Homeowners in
Financial Distress
#RE 12
(Rev. 6/20)
Provides an overview of home loan modifications and where to find free foreclosure avoidance counseling.
En Español
In Chinese
Most Common Enforcement Violations - Consumer Edition
Living in a California Common Interest Development
#RE 39 (Rev. 8/16)
Overview of rights, duties and responsibilities of homeowner associations and homeowners.
Explains CC&Rs.
En Español
Loan Modification Self-Help Guide
#RE 21 (Rev. 6/20)
A step by step guide to doing your own loan modification.
En Español
In Chinese
Preventing Real Estate Fraud: How to Protect Yourself
and Your Home
#RE 17
Offers information on real estate fraud protection.
En Español
In Chinese
Real Estate Consumer Recovery Account
#RE 3 (Rev. 7/18)
Provides an overview of the Real Estate Consumer Recovery Account and explains how to apply for payment.
En Español
In Chinese
Reverse Mortgages - Is One Right for You?
#RE 52
Explains the pros and cons of reverse mortgages, a loan product geared toward senior citizens.
En Español
In Chinese
Sources of Home Loans
#RE 22
Provides information about sources of home loans and homebuyer assistance programs
as well as questions to ask when applying for a home loan and tips for borrowers.
En Español
In Chinese
Surviving the Real Estate Escrow Process
in California
#RE 23 (Rev. 3/14)
Information about the real estate escrow process, including tips and mistakes to avoid.
En Español
Brochure version
#RE 23
En Español
In Chinese
Trust Deed Investments - What You Should Know!!
#RE 35 (Rev. 3/14)
Explains the basic steps and factors involved in trust deed investments.
Using the Services of a Mortgage Broker
#RE 35A (Rev. 3/16)
Explains the basic steps and factors involved in a mortgage transaction handled by a broker.
En Español
In Chinese
The Real Estate Brokerage
as Fiduciary
Client Interests Must Come First:
A real estate licensee's duty of care to a client is higher than the average duty. Among other things, it
requires the subordination of the licensee's own personal gain or advantage in favor of the client's interests.
Please read the article on "The Real Estate Brokerage as Fiduciary: A Summary Review of What it Means and
Why it Matters", which we have re-issued today.
Some Ideas to Help Close the Knowledge and
Skill "Competency Gap"
Re-Examining (via Social Media) Some Ideas to Help Close the Knowledge and Skill "Competency Gap" Among
California Real Estate Licensees
Licensee/Examinee Publications
Steps to Becoming a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
En Español
Steps to Becoming a Licensed Real Estate Broker
En Español
Real Estate Law Book
#RE 2 (Rev. 1/2024)
Contains the Real Estate Law and Subdivided Lands Law, the Regulations of the Real Estate Commissioner, the
Administrative Procedure Act and pertinent excerpts from other California Codes related to the practice of
real estate.
Broker Compliance Evaluation Manual
#RE 5 (Rev. 7/19)
Covers the important points of office procedure and trust fund handling by real estate brokers.
Most Common Enforcement Violations - Licensee Edition
Disclosures in Real Property Transactions
#RE 6 (Rev. 2005)
Describes disclosures required of sellers and real estate salespersons.
How to Obtain a Mortgage Loan Originator License Endorsement
#RE 19
This brochure sets forth the general requirements for obtaining a MLO License Endorsement.
Mortgage Loan Broker Compliance Manual
#RE 7 (Rev. 5/19)
Assists the real estate broker who engages in mortgage loan activities with assessing compliance with DRE
requirements. Includes a checklist.
Obtaining a California Real Estate Broker
License
Explains how to qualify for a California Real Estate Broker License.
Obtaining a California Real Estate
Salesperson License
Explains how to qualify for a California Real Estate Salesperson License.
Real Estate Advertising Guidelines
#RE 27 (New 8/2020)
These guidelines are intended to assist California real estate licensees in understanding the many
advertising requirements they are expected to know and follow.
Trust Funds (A Guide for Real Estate Brokers and Salesperson)
#RE 13 (Rev. 1/14)
Explains requirements for proper handling of trust funds by real estate brokers and salespersons.
Subdivision Publications
Operating Cost Manual for Homeowners Associations
#RE 8 (1/16)
Contains guidelines and worksheets for budget preparation and calculation of reserves and assessments.
Operating Cost Manual Addendum
(5/23)
Reserve Study Guidelines for Homeowner Association Budgets
#RE 25 (Rev. 8/10)
Explains how to determine sufficient reserve funds.
Subdivision Public Report Application Guide
#RE 9 (Rev. 6/11)
Provides instructions and explains what is required to apply for a subdivision public report.
SOPRAS Guide
#RE 9A (Rev. 5/18)
Subdivisions Online Public Report Application System (SOPRAS) Guide.
Timeshare Manual
Guidelines for Processing Time-Share Plan Applications for Public Report
A Guide to Understanding Residential
Subdivisions in California
Resource for everyone who has an interest in California subdivisions
Residential Subdivision Buyer's
Guide
Guide for consumers who are considering purchasing a home in a new subdivision in California
This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only as DRE is unable to guarantee the
accuracy of this translation. Please consult a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation
or are using this site for official business.
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