Corporate price gouging and inflation: Kamala Harris gets it
About a dozen times I’ve written about price gouging being one of the biggest drivers of inflation, along lamenting about […]
Housing
Solar energy financing lenders use predatory methods in all states, report shows
And, again, history repeats itself. The nation’s leading residential solar energy financing lenders are using predatory methods including undisclosed profit arrangements with their preferred installers and expensive financing with hidden fees as a standard practice to target consumers for financial exploitation, according to a new report.
What to look for in the new home buyer contracts
The National Association of Realtors settlement of a class action lawsuit, scheduled to be carried out by August 17, requires realtors to obtain buyer signatures on home buyer contracts. The $418 million settlement did away with the traditional agent’s commission of 5-6 percent, which should lead to more negotiation, more competition, and lower costs.
New consumer laws on hidden fees, right to repair, and a security deposit cap to take effect in California July 1
California often has among the most beneficial laws for consumers. On July 1, these four bills will become law in the state: Capping security deposits — Until now, landlords have been allowed to require a security deposit equal to as much as three months’ rent. Instead of landlords being allowed to require a security deposit equal to as much as three months’ rent.
For eighth year, auto-related issues are the top complaint in consumer group’s survey
Not surprisingly, auto sales and repair issues continue to perplex consumers. The Consumer Federation of America released its annual report surveying consumer complaints made to 33 state and local government agencies across the country.
Happy April Fools’ Day
A friend on Facebook tricked me with with a tale of a move across the country, a new line of work, and a rural lifestyle. I thought, wow, that’s an interesting thing to do. Then, it dawned on me, April fools. I don’t know how I feel about being tricked on social media. I usually write about a few of my favorite April Fools’ Day jokes on April 1.
Best wishes on Easter Sunday
Planning ahead, I decided to try to see what I could find that was new for an Easter lunch that with fit in my new, low-fat Dean Ornish meal plan. I found Chicken-less Mandarin Orange Morsels, mashed potatoes, and green beans at Trader Joe’s. At Safeway at the end of a long shopping trip, I found some hot cross buns.
Realtors’ group agrees to pay $418 million to settle lawsuits on high commissions
Homeowners could pay less to sell their homes after a realtors’ group agreed to cut commissions to settle lawsuits filed against it. On Friday, the National Association of Realtors agreed to pay $418 million in damages and to eliminate its rules on commissions. The $418 million agreement will make it easier for home buyers to negotiate fees with their own agents.
After winter storms, watch out scams
Winter is far from over with heavy rains causing extensive damage in California and Nevada this week. At least three people died from fallen tree incidents in northern California on Sunday and more than 200,000 households remained without power Monday night. Dealing with the aftermath of flooding, wind damage, or other storm destruction isn’t easy.