Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

California Economy

"Onerous Laws & Regulations” and “Unintended Consequences” are the State’s Most Reliable Output.

A reality-based look at housing, lending, regulations, and the consequences nobody expected, nor budgeted for.

California isn’t just an economy—it’s a live experiment in what happens when ambition meets regulation, and regulation meets… more regulation. I break down what’s really driving outcomes in housing, insurance, construction, and credit—tracking the intended and unintended consequences all the way to NOI, DSCR, and deal viability. Humor included, because if you don’t laugh at policy irrational logic, you’ll end up crying into your escrow impound account.

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Non-Profits and Churches: A Real Estate Lender’s Guide

In California, the Attorney General’s office plays a critical oversight role for nonprofit and religious organizations, particularly those classified as charitable entities.

Loaning On Land Parcels Containing Manufactured Homes That Are Classified As Real Property Today

A Cautionary Tale: Real Property vs Personal Property. One month after the manufactured home is installed on its permanent foundation, it is considered personal property. Three months later, it is classified as real property because the owner has completed the 433a certification process. The reality is that a manufactured home can still be uprooted from its foundation and hauled away with a big rig and specialized equipment.

Frequently, the Mortgage Broker Must Help Clean Up The Borrower’s Mess To Close The loan.

A good mortgage broker is worth their professional designation as a real pro, and to earn a handsome fee when they handle technical problems to achieve an adequate solution to get the loan approved

AB-1893, California: Builder Remedy

Here’s a comprehensive summary of California Assembly Bill (AB) 1893, which significantly reforms the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) and its Builder’s Remedy provisions, effective January 1, 2025:

Streamlined approval process to accelerate housing development (California).

In California housing legislation, a streamlined approval process—often referred to as a streamlined ministerial approval process—is designed to accelerate housing development by removing discretionary barriers and simplifying local review procedures.

AB-2243, California: Housing on Commercially Zoned Land

Here’s a detailed summary of California Assembly Bill (AB) 2243, which significantly expands the scope and impact of AB 2011 and SB 6 to promote housing development on commercially zoned land:

Why Should the State of California Require All Above-Ground Electrical Lines to Be Replaced with Underground Lines?

Having electrical lines underground offers several key benefits, especially in terms of reliability, safety, and aesthetics. Here’s a breakdown of the main advantages:

AB-2243: Streamlined Housing Approvals for Residential Developments on Commercially Zoned Property.

Assembly Bill (“AB”) 2243 expands the existing streamlining process for residential developments on commercially zoned properties. The law took effect January 1, 2025.

SB-1123, California: Tiny Lots- Allows Ministerial approval for 10 or Fewer Parcels on Lots of 5 Acres or Less

Here’s a comprehensive summary of California Senate Bill 1123 (SB 1123), which builds upon and expands the provisions of SB 684 (2023) to streamline housing development further:

California Senate Bill 35 (SB-35) Tiny Home Subdivisions

SB-35 was enacted in 2017 and is a key piece of legislation aimed at addressing the state’s housing crisis by streamlining the approval process for certain residential developments.

Peter Drucker: The Father of Modern Management

Peter Ferdinand Drucker (1909–2005) is widely regarded as the father of modern management. His pioneering work laid the foundation for contemporary management theory and practice. This essay examines Drucker’s biography, key contributions, influence on both the business and nonprofit sectors, and his enduring legacy.

The Disintegration of Societal Foundations: A Critical Examination

UCC-1 Financing Statement? What is it and how does it work?

A UCC-1 (Uniform Commercial Code-1) financing statement is a legal form that a lender files to publicly declare their interest in a borrower’s personal property as collateral for a loan. It’s part of the Uniform Commercial Code, which governs commercial transactions in the United States. This filing process is a crucial step in the loan process, ensuring that all parties are informed and knowledgeable about the legal aspects of the transaction.

Mechanics’ Lien Laws: California

California’s Mechanics Lien Law provides a legal remedy for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, laborers, and certain design professionals to secure payment for work or materials provided on construction projects. Here’s a comprehensive overview based on the latest 2025 guidance:

Trust-Owned Property: A Strategic Lending Opportunity for Real Estate Professionals

Please note that, as a matter of law, the trustee of the family trust owns the property on behalf of the trust. The trust is not a standalone entity and cannot act without a trustee.

The History of Social Engineering

The U.S. government is deeply intertwined with broader global trends in governance, psychology, and public relations. The term “social engineering” may conjure images of manipulation or control. Still, its application in the U.S. has a rich history, ranging from public health campaigns to education and economic policy. It’s similar to obedience training.

Owner-Occupied Commercial Buildings- Ownership of Two Different Entities of the Same Principal- The Business and The Real Estate

Financing owner-occupied commercial buildings presents unique challenges and opportunities, especially when the ownership and operating structures involve entities like S-Corporations and a trustee of a revocable family trust

The Federal Supremacy Clause is found in Article VI, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution.

It establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties made under its authority are the supreme law of the land, overriding any conflicting state laws.

How Many Different Ideologies in America Rise to The Level of a Political Force of Dominance?

In the United States, many political ideologies have become dominant or influential forces in shaping policy, public discourse, and electoral outcomes. While the two-party system (Democratic and Republican) tends to obscure the diversity of thought, many more ideologies are widely recognized as having significant political influence:

Strategic Investment Opportunities

How Private Money Lenders Enable Success Where Banks Hesitate