There is no cool-down period now. Once a purchase contract is signed, the seller has to sell.
Katy Perry’s real estate history hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. The singer has been wrapped up in several legal battles with elderly homeowners in California, and the conflicts have even inspired a proposed law named the Katy PERRY Act—which not exactly a positive claim to fame. Ahead, take a look at everything we know about the potential law.
The Katy PERRY Act, also referred to as the PERRY Act, “addresses the risks of elder financial abuse, especially as it relates to property and real estate sales and transfers,” according to a website created by its supporters. “The Act establishes a 72-hour cool-down period during which either party involved in a contract for conveyance of a personal residence, in which one party is over the age of 75, can rescind the agreement without penalty.” The name is an obvious reference to the singer, but PERRY also stands for Protecting Elder Realty for Retirement Years Act.
While the PERRY Act has not gone through any legislative processes—and is an effort supported by Perry’s opponents in her current real estate court battle—the proposed act has bipartisan support. Among the signing legislators are state representatives, assemblymen, and senators with the majority from New Mexico and Texas. Others are from Arkansas, California, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Wyoming.
Katy Perry has been involved in several legal battles that the website dedicated to the act points to as examples of “predatory acquisition, unfair dealing, or elder financial fraud.” Her most recent high-profile case involves 84-year-old Carl Westcott, who filed a lawsuit to block the sale of his Santa Barbara, California, home to Perry and her fiancé Orlando Bloom. According to court documents, Westcott is alleging that he “lacked the mental capacity to understand the nature and probable consequences of the contract.”
Westcott—who was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease in 2015—purchased the home in May 2020 for $11.25 million with the intention to reside there for the rest of his life. Not long after, he was presented with a proposed contract to sell his home to Perry and Bloom. The contract is dated July 14, 2020, and the offer was for $15 million.
Before signing the contract, Westcott underwent a six-hour back surgery on July 10. When he entered the contract, the lawsuit claimed he was suffering from pain and post-surgical delirium from the surgery, “dementia and/or diminished mental cognitive functions” from Huntington’s, and he was under the influence of pain-killing opiates that his physicians instructed him to take. (If the name Westcott is familiar to you, it may be for one of two reasons: Carl is the founder of 1-800-FLOWERS and his daughter, Kameron Westcott, was a star of the now-cancelled Real Housewives of Dallas.)
We have plunging sales mostly due to plunging inventory!
The supply and demand has plunged at the same time, and there is no way to know that if the inventory were to grow, would there be enough buyers to soak it up? Today’s inventory is full of the leftovers that didn’t sell during summer (today’s average DOM among NSDCC active listings is 77 days), so we can’t really judge it correctly now. But if you see homes that look good and are priced attractively but aren’t selling, then you know the tide might be turning.
They wait until the week that the trial starts? She should have said ‘regularly defraud MORE clients’.
The National Association of Realtors laid out a doomsday scenario for the industry in the case home sellers prevail in two landmark antitrust cases.
The group warned that a ruling in the plaintiff’s favor could render buyer’s agents unaffordable, block equal access to listings and restrict buyer choice, NAR’s general counsel Lesley Muchow said. The trade group held the online webinar five days before Sitzer/Burnett, the first of the two closely watched suits, is slated to start trial in Kansas City.
“This would be bad news for consumers,” Muchow said. She added that if NAR isn’t allowed to continue with some of its practices, “we would be forced back into the 19th Century or what we see as the Wild West, where unscrupulous people could regularly defraud clients.”
Muchow argued that if the lawsuits’ results upset local MLS systems, buyers would have fewer homes to choose from and sellers would lose exposure to their properties.
“Buyers would have to visit every single broker in town in order to see all of the available inventory that is out there for them,” Muchow said.
This scenario would likely lead to outdated and inaccurate listing information, she said, and would cost brokers more money if they have to pay to feature their listings on third-party platforms.
Jury selection will begin on Friday.
Both of the landmark lawsuits center on NAR’s “participation rule,” which critics claim violates antitrust laws by inflating commissions charged to home sellers.
The rule’s interpretation was largely understood as requiring listing brokers to offer compensation to buyer’s agents, but a spokesperson for NAR said that it only “requires participants to communicate an offer of compensation to other MLS participants and that offer can be any amount, including $0.”
Here are the active and pending listings for each area.
We consider a ratio of 2:1 actives-to-pendings to be a healthy market, and five of the 12 areas are 2:1 or better, and seven of 12 are 3:1 or better. For everything we’ve been through, that’s pretty good!
Two areas (SE Carlsbad and Encinitas) are a little light on pendings compared to last year at this time, but price will fix that. It is remarkable how similar July and October were to last year, and the other months weren’t too far off either.
The incredible part about this sale is that it was listed with a Compass agent previously for $9,800,000.
The seller dumped $1,000,000 and listed with a new agent for $8,800,000 and then about a week later dumped again and sold for $6,900,000 cash. He dropped $2,900,000 in less than a month!
Deals are out there, but you have to earn them! Make offers!
Were you there at the US Festival when Bono climbed to the top of the lighting standard and we were all yelling for him to jump – he could have been memorialized right there! In the beginning he was a voice of freedom, and this video is a good reminder of those days. Laughter is the evidence of freedom!
The Housing and Urban Development has frequently asked questions and answers for those seeking clarification when a tenant presents a request for a support animal. They are not a pet – it is an animal that works, provides assistance, or performs tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, or that provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified effects of a person’s disability.
What Is an Assistance Animal?
An assistance animal is an animal that works, provides assistance, or performs tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, or that provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified effects of a person’s disability. An assistance animal is not a pet.
Obligations of Housing Providers
Individuals with a disability may request to keep an assistance animal as a reasonable accommodation to a housing provider’s pet restrictions.
Housing providers cannot refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when such accommodations may be necessary to afford a person with a disability the equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.
The Fair Housing Act requires a housing provider to allow a reasonable accommodation involving an assistance animal in situations that meet all the following conditions:
A request was made to the housing provider by or for a person with a disability
The request was supported by reliable disability-related information, if the disability and the disability-related need for the animal were not apparent and the housing provider requested such information, and
The housing provider has not demonstrated that:
Granting the request would impose an undue financial and administrative burden on the housing provider
The request would fundamentally alter the essential nature of the housing provider’s operations
The specific assistance animal in question would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others despite any other reasonable accommodations that could eliminate or reduce the threat
The request would not result in significant physical damage to the property of others despite any other reasonable accommodations that could eliminate or reduce the physical damage
Examples
A reasonable accommodation request for an assistance animal may include, for example:
A request to live with an assistance animal at a property where a housing provider has a no-pets policy or
A request to waive a pet deposit, fee, or other rule as to an assistance animal.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We sold a home with Jim and Donna and from beginning to end they were consummate professionals. Their initial walk through the property resulted in a list of items to be repaired or updated. They supplied a list of vendors and job quotes to do the repairs and updates. We originally wanted to sell ‘as is’ and just get it over with. They gave us a selling price for ‘as is’ and options for doing a few updates/repairs to doing it all with the selling price for each option. We agreed to do all they suggested and we sold for the exact price they predicted. For every dollar spent we got back more than $2 back in the selling price. And they got that price in a rising interest rate environment! Donna and Jim are extremely detailed and guide you through ever aspect of the sale. There were no surprises thanks to their guidance. We couldn’t be more pleased with their representation.
Thank you Donna and Jim,
Jerry and Mary
Heather Quejada
March 27, 2025
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have known Jim & Donna Klinge for over a dozen years, having met them in Carlsbad where our children went to the same school. As long time North County residents, it was a no- brainer for us to have the Klinges be our eyes and ears for San Diego real estate in general and North County in particular. As my military career caused our family to move all over the country and overseas to Asia, Europe and the Pacific, we trusted Jim and Donna to help keep our house in Carlsbad rented with reliable and respectful tenants for over 10 years.
Naturally, when the time came to sell our beloved Carlsbad home to pursue a rural lifestyle in retirement out of California, we could think of no better team to represent us than Jim and Donna. They immediately went to work to update our house built in 2004 to current-day standards and trends — in 2 short months they transformed it into a literal modern-day masterpiece. We trusted their judgement implicitly and followed 100% of their recommended changes. When our house finally came on the market, there was a blizzard of serious interest, we had multiple offers by the third day and it sold in just 5 days after a frenzied bidding war for 20% above our asking price! The investment we made in upgrades recommended by Jim and Donna yielded a 4-fold return, in the process setting a new high water mark for a house sold in our community.
In our view, there are no better real estate professionals in all of San Diego than Jim and Donna Klinge. Buying or selling, you must run and beg Jim and Donna Klinge to represent you! Our family will never forget Jim, Donna, and their whole team at Compass — we are forever grateful to them.
Lou F
March 27, 2025
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
WeI had the pleasure of working with Klinge Realty Group to sell our home in Carmel Valley, and I cannot recommend them highly enough!
Jim and Donna demonstrated exceptional professionalism, offering expert guidance on market conditions and pricing strategy, which resulted in a quick and successful sale.
Communication was prompt and we were well-informed throughout the entire process.
For anyone looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable real estate team, look no further!
---
William Sams
March 25, 2025
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Donna and Jim Klinge of Klinge Realty Group have our highest possible recommendation. From Donna and Jim’s first visit to our house through closing their advice and counsel was candid and honest in all dealings. They kept us fully informed throughout the process. The house sold less than three days after listing with a two-week closing. My wife and I have sold several houses during our lives. This was by far the best experience. Klinge Reality is a premium service realtor. You can’t make a better choice for someone to sell your home fast and for top dollar.
Emily Hernandez
December 29, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Donna and Jim provided exceptional support and professionalism throughout the entire process. We couldn't have been happier with their efforts. They made our house shine, and thanks to their expertise, it sold above the listing price in the very first weekend! Truly a fantastic experience from start to finish.
Jesus Adrian Sahagun
November 11, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This year has been difficult on our family, mainly due to having to sell our home. Thankfully we knew God had a plan for us and working with the Klinge team was a key part of it. It was an obvious decision to work with them again after such an amazing experience when purchasing the same home we needed to sell. The challenge was, how will we do this in so little time with so much going on? Jim and Donna held our hand every step of the way. Whenever an unexpected issue arose they found and provided a solution. Never once did we feel pressured to make a decision and the Klinges were always reassuring after providing the information that the decision was ours to make. Despite the curve balls, they never panicked and exemplified the “can do” attitude, making us feel optimistic and taken care of. Their expertise and professionalism was superb. But of all the reasons to work with the Klinges, the most impactful and valuable is their compassion and genuine care for their clients. We pray that we can one day purchase our forever home and you better believe that Jim and Donna will be representing us - as long as they will have us of course. Thank you again Klinge team! Your execution, experience, and care are unmatched.
SABIHA PASHA
July 23, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jim and Donna were fantastic! Jim understanding my needs, recommending potential places, pointing out the pros and cons of each property was invaluable. Then when the offer was accepted Donna’s organized guidance through the inspections, paperwork etc made the whole process seem effortless.
So grateful that I had them on my side!
Anu Koberg
July 13, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We first found Jim through his blog at bubbleinfo.com, which really showcased his knowledge of SoCal real estate. Since then we've done three transactions with Jim and Donna, and they are an incredible full service agency, with Jim's deep market insight and Donna's deft contract and project management. We trust them implicitly in their analysis and strategy, which is based on years of experience. They're always available and on top of things, and we strongly recommend them to anyone.
Bjorn Isachsen
July 10, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The Good
The Klinge Realty Group operates like a finely tuned machine, with a very personal touch. We contacted them on a Sunday and they were talking to us about our family and our needs on our living room couch the following day. They carefully listened to us and worked with us to identify the best and quickest path to listing within 2 weeks to take advantage of the low inventory conditions in our South Carlsbad neighborhood. They knew our tract specifically and had many previous sales there over the years - they came prepared with a thorough analysis of comparative sales and recommended a pricing strategy that they felt confident would yield offers the first weekend on the market.
The Great
Over the next two weeks Donna coordinated a range of vendors who she knew from experience could get the preparation to list work we needed done on time and with high quality. Our light tune-up involved excellent experiences with their stagers, landscapers, contractors, electricians, and plumbers. Throughout this period Donna's daily communication was clear, concise, and responsive. Any time we had questions Donna picked up the phone or texted immediately - but almost always, she answered our questions before we even knew we had them.
The Outstanding
We had a tricky situation with a shared fence that could have delayed our escrow. Donna used superb mediation skills to negotiate the terms of replacement and was personally on site with the fence contractor to make sure everything went smoothly. The fence looks great and escrow closed on time.
The Truly Exceptional
Our house came on the market on a Wednesday and between then and Monday morning Jim was personally at all three open houses. He was in constant communication explaining potential buyer reaction and strength. As he predicted offers began to come in on Saturday and each one was incrementally higher than the last. At the end we had 5 offers, 4 of which were over list, and the final accepted offer was $100,000 over list. In addition to being over list it included rent back terms that met our needs.
The Recommendation
For all of these reasons we would strongly recommend The Klinge Team to anyone wanting to sell in North County Coastal San Diego. I had been reading Jim's bubbleinfo.com blog for 15 years and knew when the time came to sell that he would be our first call. Jim Klinge is not your standard realtor. He is keenly aware of market conditions and sales strategies. And, works his tail off - though not as hard as Donna . At this point he's gone from realtor to friend and I plan to have him over to grill and chill at our new place to talk real estate, but also just about life and raising kids in San Diego. He's more interested in relationships than his sales numbers - and that's why his sales numbers are so high. We have already recommended the Klinge's to some close friends and another successful sale is on deck right around the corner...
Chris Shea
June 21, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We recently had the pleasure of working with Jim and Donna from Klinge Realty Group to sell our house, and we couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. From the initial meeting, they listened attentively to our needs and provided invaluable guidance on specific improvements to get our home market ready.
Their responsiveness throughout the entire process was truly impressive. Anytime we had questions or concerns, they were quick to address them, ensuring we felt comfortable and informed every step of the way. What stood out the most was their team and extensive network of tradespeople, which made addressing any necessary repairs or updates seamless and stress-free.
Thanks to their expertise and dedication, our house sold quickly and at a great price. We highly recommend Jim and Donna to anyone looking to buy or sell a home. They are a fantastic team who truly care about their clients and deliver exceptional results.
