Get the inside scoop on legislation, policy and politics, from the people who are closest to it, as C.A.R. staff blogs on a variety of topics related to real estate, housing, business and the business of making laws.  See the links below for their latest blogs:

Reflecting on the Centennial of the California Initiative
November 18, 2011
Rick Laezman
Are we better off now than we were 100 years ago?  By now, we all know the story. In 1911, then-Governor Hiram Johnson grew weary of the powerful influence that wealthy railroad companies and other special interests were able to exert over the California Legislature. To give the power back to the people and reform the system, he introduced the initiative, referendum and recall, which allowed voters to bypass the legislature when it proved inept at solving the problems of the day. The reforms launched what came to be known as California's progressive movement.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/11/reflecting-on-the-centennial-of-the-california-initiative/#more-1995

On-Bill Financing Launched in New York State
November 4, 2011
Rick Laezman
Imagine a world with sensible politicians. I know, I know. Hard times can really stretch the imagination.  Believe it or not, there are some elected leaders out there who are capable of doing better than disappointing the fair-minded citizens who elect them. Sadly, they don’t reside in California.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/11/on-bill-financing-launched-in-new-york-state/#more-1983

Are You Ready to Save?
October 05, 2011
Annly Roman
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has released a tool which will help real estate professionals assess the value of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems placed on new and existing homes.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/10/are-you-ready-to-s-a-v-e/

Stop That Bundling!
September 02, 2011
Annly Roman
C.A.R. sponsored AB 771 (Butler) specifically provides what transfer of ownership documents are required to be provided to a prospective HOA unit purchaser and prohibits the bundling of fees for the required documents with fees for other documents. The measure was signed into law by the Governor on September 1st! 
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/09/stop-that-bundling/

Once a Short Sale's Done, it is Done!!
July 22, 2011
Annly Roman
On Friday of last week the Governor signed C.A.R.-sponsored SB 458 (Corbett) into law! This measure, for any short sale transaction closing escrow after July 15, 2011, will prohibit deficiency judgments from being imposed after a short sale on sellers of one-to-four unit homes.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/07/once-a-short-sales-done-it-is-done/

The Higher Cost of Lower Loan Limits – Call Your Legislator Today!
July 15, 2011
Sara Sutachan
No matter which way you look at them, higher loan limits for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, and VA backed or insured loans have provided equitable access to affordable mortgages for California families at a time when the private capital market is unwilling and/or unable to do so.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/07/the-higher-cost-of-lower-loan-limits/

Right-to-Rent Protected
July 12, 2011
Annly Roman
In a previous post I discussed C.A.R.-sponsored SB 150 (Correa). Well, great news… On Friday July 8 Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 150, which protects the right of a CID owner to rent his or her unit, if that right existed at the time the owner purchased the unit, into law.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/07/right-to-rent-protected/

Financing For Energy Efficiency: Reason Prevails
July 06, 2011
Rick Laezman
I will be the last one to perpetuate a negative stereotype about policy-makers, but let’s face it, they don’t need any help from me. The truth is, there has never been a problem with a solution so simple, so clear-cut, so obvious and so straightforward, our brilliant-minded government bureaucrats couldn’t deliberately, needlessly and hopelessly circumvent.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/07/financing-for-energy-efficiency-reason-prevails/

It's mine and I can do what I Want! Or can I?
July 05, 2011
Annly Roman
Buying a home is exciting! You can do whatever you want; paint the walls, add a garden or decide to move and rent the house, earning income on your investment. Now imagine how you would feel if all of your neighbors or your city council could get together, vote, and decide that you CAN’T rent.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/07/its-mine-and-i-can-do-what-i-want-or-can-i/

Stopping the Rent Control Monster Before it Devours Development!
June 22, 2011
Annly Roman
In 1995 a law was passed which enacted the Costa Hawkins Rental Housing Act. This Act (among other things) allows for vacancy de-control/re-control, provides for a single-family property exemption from rent control and prohibits rent controls on new construction.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/06/stopping-the-rent-control-monster-before-it-devours-development/

Homebuyers Getting Help with Energy Retrofits
June 02, 2011
Rick Laezman
As winter wanes and the cool rains subside in California, talk of one issue is sure to heat up. Not that anyone needs an excuse. These days, everyone is concerned about global warming, regardless of the season. Anyone who is in a position to do something about it is trying to do their part.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/06/homebuyers-getting-help-with-energy-retrofits/

Global Warming and the Point of Sale
April 23, 2011
Rick Laezman
Local government is extraordinarily creative. This may sound ironic, if not downright counter-intuitive, but believe me, it is true. Notice, I am not suggesting that all local government types wear berets, hold paint brushes and color pallets, sing duets or recite poetry as they pirouette through City Hall.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/04/global-warming-and-the-point-of-sale/

Conservation Requirements – Updating the TDS
March 31, 2011
Annly Roman
We need drinking water to survive, but that is not all that we use it for. Swimming, showering, watering our lawns; water has a myriad of uses, and we in California use A LOT of it. And the more we use, the more we need.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/03/conservation-requirements-updating-the-tds/

Openness in the Digital Age
Mar 25, 2011
Rick Laezman
The late House Speaker Tip O’Neill once said, “All politics are local.” The Democrat from Massachusetts was perhaps best known for being a foil to President Ronald Reagan, but he also knew his stuff.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/03/openness-in-the-digital-age/

Perils of Refinancing – Protecting Against Deficiency Judgments
Mar 1, 2011
Annly Roman
January saw the beginning of a brand new legislative session with a new Governor and new sponsored legislation for C.A.R.’s Government Affairs team! One piece of legislation that C.A.R. will be sponsoring this year that is not new is C.A.R.’s anti-deficiency bill, a re-introduction of SB 1178 (Corbett) which was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger on the last day of the 2009-2010 legislative session.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/03/perils-of-refinancing-protecting-against-deficiency-judgments/

Budgeting in the Capitol: Snooze Material or Political Gem
Feb 20, 2011
Rick Laezman
Politics divide. Budgets confound.  Yes, it’s that time of year, the time when Presidents and Governors submit their budget proposals for the coming fiscal year. They are volumes upon reams upon pages spilling with numbers and mumbo jumbo that would cure all but the most incurable of the sleep deprived.
Read on:  http://blog.car.org/2011/02/budgeting-in-the-capitol/