First Home - California

#114 - The Right Way to Handle Money in Real Estate Transactions

Friday, April 3, 2026 Tune in to this episode, The Right Way to Handle Money in Real Estate Transactions, to gain insight around what’s the right way for real estate agents to handle the money that’s moving around in a real estate transaction. You’ll hear best practices that real estate agents should be using and some red flags to be aware of to ensure money is handled responsibly. All helpful information for consumers going through a real estate transaction.  Topics covered include: * What does trust fund handling mean in the real estate industry? * Best practices around proper trust fund handling (handling of money) in a real estate transaction * Red flags that could signal improper trust fund handling Our guest for this episode: DRE Assistant Commissioner of Audits Mike Rivera

#113 – Behind Getting a Real Estate License

Wednesday, September 10, 2025   Tune in to learn all about how to become licensed as a real estate salesperson or broker in California. We dive into the steps to earning your license, the benefits of becoming an agent, the various career opportunities available if you have a real estate license, and more! In this episode we chat with the California Department of Real Estate’s Assistant Commissioner of Licensing and discuss everything you need to know to get started on joining the profession. If you’re a consumer looking to use the services of a real estate agent, listen in to learn all about the importance of licensure, how it contributes to consumer protection, and the overall process agents undergo to be equipped to best serve their clients.   Topics covered include: * Steps to earn a real estate salesperson or broker license. * What education is required to apply for a real estate license? * What does real estate exam day look like?  * Benefits to being a real estate agent * The importance of licensure for consumer protection   Our Guest for this episode: * Jeff Oboyski, Assistant Commissioner of Licensing, California Department of Real Estate - Sacramento, California

112 - Conózcalo. Protéjalo. Un Vistazo a Los Derechos de Vivienda Justa

Nos reunimos con el Departamento de Derechos Civiles de California (CRD, por sus siglas en inglés) durante el Mes Nacional de la Vivienda Justa para hablar sobre todo lo relacionado con la vivienda justa, en particular de lo importante que es que conozcas tus como consumidor de bienes inmuebles. Ya seas un posible comprador de vivienda o un inquilino que busca una propiedad para rentar, debes saber que tienes derecho a recibir un trato justo y equitativo. Y si consideras que se han violentado tus derechos civiles en materia de vivienda justa, infórmate sobre cómo puedes denunciar esta situación. Presta atención a los consejos y la importante labor que se está llevando a cabo en torno a la vivienda justa. Los temas tratados incluyen: * Las leyes de vivienda justa de California * Cómo puede manifestarse una conducta discriminatoria en materia de vivienda * Cómo denunciar conductas ilegales al Departamento de Derechos Civiles de California * Prácticas prohibidas de la Ley de Bienes Inmuebles de California en relación con la vivienda justa   Nuestra invitada para este episodio: * Erin Glenn, Directora de Alcance y Educación del Departamento de Derechos Civiles de California - Los Ángeles, California           Sitio web del Departamento de Derechos Civiles: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/ [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalcivilrights.ca.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7CAnna.Opalka%40dre.ca.gov%7C656cf3c980c544e4a90508dd88076a5b%7Cdca50ade17314853b7a089a7d3437ea0%7C1%7C0%7C638816287627113671%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ag%2FC8jXOqtY3QzvIYS11Y%2B0KBoloaGPrsWg6glbBK2I%3D&reserved=0]

112 - Know It. Protect It. A Look at Fair Housing Rights

In this episode, we sit down with California Civil Rights Department (CRD) during National Fair Housing Month to talk all things fair housing, in particular how important it is to know your rights as a consumer of real estate. Whether you’re a prospective homebuyer or tenant looking for a property to rent, know that you have the right to be treated fairly and just. And if you believe your fair housing civil rights have been violated, learn how you can report the activity. Listen in as we explore tips and important work happening around fair housing. Topics covered include: * California fair housing laws * What can discriminatory behavior in housing can look like * How to report prohibited behavior to the California Civil Rights Department * California Real Estate Law prohibited practices as it relates to fair housing Our Guest for this episode: * Christina Teixeira, California Civil Rights Department, Executive Programs Outreach and Education Attorney - Sacramento, California          Civil Rights Department website: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/ [https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/]

111 - Don't Panic: Audits Can be Helpful

Listen in to learn all about the California Department of Real Estate audits and how they protect consumers. In this episode, listeners will learn about the DRE audit process, when and why the Department conducts audits, and some of the more interesting and common findings uncovered. Also discussed are consumer protection tips around working with real estate salespersons and brokers. Topics covered include: * Overview of Department of Real Estate audits * DRE audits process * Common violations found in DRE audits * Consumer resources and tips when working with a real estate salesperson or broker Our Guest for this episode: * Mike Rivera, DRE Assistant Commissioner of Audits – Sacramento, California