Sandicor’s reminds you of services you should take advantage of. Realist Tax Data: Now covers the entire state of California. Walk Score: If your clients are looking for a home in a neighborhood where schools, restaurants, groceries, public transit and fun things are located within walking distance, click on the Walk Score icon on the Quick Links Button Bar of each active listing. Tech Support: Live Chat with Tech Support is now available. Look for the icon with Live Support ONLINE. In addition, if you feel intimidated making changes on your computer, you can now allow Tech Support to remotely connect to your computer to help solve your technical issues. Searchable Knowledge Base: Utilize Sandicor’s Knowledge Base for tech support issues, rules or Training questions. For more information, click here.

Sandicor has contracted with iKenex to provide two new mobile MLS applications for its subscribers.   The first application is a powerful and easy-to-use mobile MLS solution that runs natively on the iPhone, Android, and Blackberry platforms. The second iKenex application is a mobile IDX application that agents can provide to their clients via the agent’s website. For more information, click here.

As a reminder, when having open houses it is imperative that agents do not place directional signs in the public right-of-way. This includes sidewalks, bike lanes, and other areas of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Real estate signs are an essential part of your business. By ensuring that REALTORS® everywhere comply with sign regulations you can help minimize the potential for the laws to become more restrictive and thereby decreasing your ability to drive traffic to your open houses. A list of jurisdictional sign regulations is available by clicking here. If you have additional questions about regulations in a particular jurisdiction, please call the number listed

The State Senate is expected to vote on SB 1178 (Corbett) the week of May 24, extending anti-deficiency protections to homeowners who have refinanced “purchase moneyâ€� loans and are now facing foreclosure. For more information and to watch the video from the California Association of REALTORS®, click here.

Recently a REALTOR® in Coronado found squatters living at a property which recently closed and was undergoing renovations. A suspicious man had also been sighted at several open houses, perhaps scouting out vacant properties for such a scenario. Police were notified and the squatters have since left. REALTORS® are reminded to keep a close eye on vacant properties, especially during evenings and weekends, and to be on alert at open houses for suspicious individuals. Read More

REALTORS® asked Congress to strengthen the Federal Housing Administration, extend the FHA’s high-cost loan limits, and get flood and disaster insurance reforms passed as part of their push on Capitol Hill during the association’s annual legislative conference in May. READ MORE

The California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) recently released its 2010 Annual Historical Data Summary.  The publication includes historical data generated by C.A.R.’s Research and Economics Department and other statistical information about the California housing market compiled from 1968-2009. READ MORE

Take advantage of the opportunity to save money and help the environment when you buy new household appliances. In addition to rebates offered by SDG&E, you may be eligible to receive rebates through California’s “Cash for Appliances� Rebates. Read More.

Recently two individuals entered a Coronado real estate brokerage requesting to see high-end real estate in excess of $12 million. When asked to provide proof of funds, the individuals produced two bank statements identifying three accounts with an approximate value of $12,647,397.00. When asked to provide identification, both individuals claimed that their driver’s licenses had been stolen. One individual did produce an out-of-state Criminal Offender Identification card.

The REALTOR® advised the potential clients that appointments would have to be made and verification of funds prior to any showings for the requested properties. The potential clients left the REALTOR®â€™s office without incident. The REALTOR® proceeded to the bank to verify the funds. Unfortunately, the bank statements were fraudulent, and although the account numbers did exist, they were not registered to the potential new clients nor did the accounts have the funds as represented.

SDAR would like to remind all agents to exercise caution when meeting with potential clients. If you suspect any criminal activity, contact the local authorities. If you suspect real estate fraud, contact SDAR so we may share this important information with the real estate community.

Telephone solicitations are a mainstay of a REALTOR®’s business. However, whether it’s calling an individual who was referred to you or soliciting a list of homeowners by cold calling, REALTORS® must be mindful of any applicable do-not-call rules. For a detailed Q&A visit C.A.R.’s Legal Section at www.car.org.