The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) recently released several critical updates that every REALTOR® should review to start the new year informed and protected. From annual performance data to urgent fraud warnings, here is what you need to know.
Fall 2025 bulletin highlights (Released December 19th)
The Fall 2025 Real Estate Bulletin provides a comprehensive look at the DRE's activities over the past fiscal year.
Notable statistics from the report include:
- Audit findings: The DRE closed 347 audits, uncovering trust fund shortages totaling more than $15 million. Property management activities accounted for 89% of these shortages.
+2 - Enforcement actions: The department received 5,542 complaints and referred 909 cases for legal action. During this period, the DRE revoked 206 licenses and suspended 78 others.
+2 - Licensing trends: The total license population now stands at 424,188, a slight 2% decrease from the previous year.
- Consumer recovery: The Consumer Recovery Account paid out $379,495 to victims of real estate fraud.
Urgent advisory: vacant land scams
On December 30, 2025, the DRE issued a serious warning regarding bad actors posing as owners of vacant land. These scammers target REALTORS® to help sell property they do not own, often using fake identification.
Red flags to watch for:
- Requests to list property significantly below market value.
- Requirements for "no sign" on the property. Strong preference for cash buyers and quick closings.
- Refusal to meet in person or via video call.
- Insistence on using a specific, outside notary.
- How to protect yourself and your members: Verify the owner's identity by requesting a recent tax or utility bill.
- Conduct independent online searches to find the owner's contact information and send listing documents to the address of record via certified mail.
2026 Real Estate Law update
The 2026 edition of the Real Estate Law is now live on the DRE website. This update incorporates all legislative changes effective as of January 1, 2026. We encourage all members to download the latest version to ensure full compliance with new regulations, including those involving buyer-broker agreements and digital image disclosures.
Stay vigilant and continue to provide the professional service our community expects from a REALTOR®.
See the updated Real Estate Law Information Here