By DAYS ON THE MARKET BY JODI SUMMERS
Kudos to the “Governator’s” choice for real estate commissioner. Jeff Davi is a pillar in his home county of Monterey.
The real estate commissioner’s role is to administer and enforce real estate law, as well as subdivided lands law. He also is empowered to issue guidelines, rules and regulations.
Davi brings a wealth of experience to the position. Plug the name Jeff Davi into Google and, among many other things, you’ll see that Davi: ■ Is a third-generation resident of Monterey County. ■ Has 15 years experience in real estate sales, leasing, management and financing. ■ Possesses broad-based experience in real estate, trade associations, and related public and private sector for-profit and not-for-profit entities. ■ Is a member of the state Association of Realtors Board of Directors. ■ Is a licensed California broker since 1994. He is currently managing broker and co-owner of a family owned and operated real estate and property management firm, as well as a licensed broker in Arizona since 2000. ■ Is a proven leader and task force organizer within the Republican party, as co-founder of organizations like Monterey Peninsula Water Coalition; the Affordable Housing Steering Council of Monterey County, etc. ■ Is a volunteer auctioneer, having raised more than $1 million for non-profit boards, schools and foundations throughout Monterey County. ■ Has directed key developments in the California Real Estate community as current chairman of RE InfoLink MLS and current president of Monterey County Association of Realtors.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger released a statement declaring Davi’s knowledge and experience would provide the Department of Real Estate “the leadership required to remain a nationwide leader in real estate licensing and regulation.”
Pundits consider it an asset that Davi comes from one of the least affordable regions in California, and speculate that he will bring more attention to the state’s lack of affordable housing.
“He brings a great perspective,” said Alfred Diaz-Infante, executive director of Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association (CHISPA). “The issue of affordability is getting out there to the state level.”
According to the Monterey County Herald, Davi and Diaz-Infante have collaborated on revising Monterey County’s draft general plan, primarily in chapters that deal with low-cost housing. They also worked together to start the Monterey County Housing Alliance, a nonprofit agency that educates residents on how to buy their first home.
Davi, a Republican, twice ran for Monterey County supervisor. Opponents in that race characterized him as “pro-growth and the Sierra Club,” according to the Monterey County Herald.
As commissioner, Davi will be paid $123,255 a year to appoint and oversee a 10-person commission, which meets four times a year. According to the state’s Web site, Davi will be empowered by law to issue what is known as the “Regulations of the Real Estate Commissioner,” that have the “force and effect of law.”
Davi will have no direct control over growth and development issues.
Davi’s boss, Democrat Sunne Wright McPeak, secretary of the Business Transportation and Housing Agency, is an opponent of “dumb growth.” She is part of the Governator’s highly acclaimed non-partisan troupe of individuals tackling the state’s monumental housing issues.
The board of the California Housing Finance Agency — all non-paying positions requiring Senate confirmation — features John Courson, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Central Pacific Mortgage Company in Folsom (politically unstated); Peter Carey, Democrat and president and CEO of Self- Help Enterprises, a non-profit housing and community development organization; and Republican John Morris, president of John Gilbert Morris, Inc., a firm that invests in commercial real estate, venture capital, leveraged acquisitions, public global equities and public global fixed income.
The California Association of Realtors supported Davi’s appointment. They have stated, “CAR is confident that realtors will find a receptive commissioner on the housing policy issues that matter most to Californians. We look forward to working together to develop solutions to our state’s housing affordability crisis. With his extensive background in the real estate industry, Mr. Davi will bring a unique slate of experience to his role as DRE Commissioner.”
Davi said he was honored by the appointment. He succeeds Paula Reddish Zinnemann, who left the post in October 2003, when California voters recalled Gov. Gray Davis. (For your real estate needs, , or call (310) 309-4219).
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 13, 2004. Read the original PDF.