Robert Bruss, the nationally syndicated real estate columnist, author and investing expert read by thousands of consumers, passed away Wednesday at his Northern California home.
Bruss was an Inman News columnist and dear friend of the real estate publishing company. He wrote seven real estate columns every week that were published in hundreds of newspapers across the country.
For 23 years, Bruss wrote the weekly syndicated “Real Estate Mailbag” question-and-answer real estate column, the “Real Estate Notebook” feature on real estate trends, “Real Estate Law and You” about recent court decisions affecting real estate, and “Real Estate Book Review” features.
“This incredible man will be deeply missed,” said Inman News founder Bradley Inman. “Bob was a believer in things like home ownership; abiding by the rule of law in real estate; ethics by Realtors and mortgage brokers; and using everything in your power as a consumer to get the service you paid for.”
Sometimes called the “Dear Abby of Real Estate,” Bruss published two monthly newsletters on real estate law and investing issues. He authored several books, including: “The Smart Investor’s Guide to Real Estate,” “The California Foreclosure Book – How to Earn Big Profits From California Foreclosure and Distressed Properties,” and co-authored with Dr. William Pivar the college textbook, “California Real Estate Law.”
Bruss received his juris doctorate degree from the University of California’s Hastings College of Law in San Francisco.
He was a California real estate attorney and real estate broker as well as a former director of the National Association of Real Estate Editors. Bruss won the 1997 Norman Woest Outstanding California Real Estate Educator Award.
“Bob had a loyal following of readers who turned to him every week for sound real estate advice,” said Jessica Swesey, editorial and content director of Inman News. “Over the years, he helped so many people sort out their various buying and selling questions and was an amazing resource of independent information. He was the most prolific writer I’ve ever known, and the entire Inman News team will miss him dearly.”
A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, October 3 at 6 p.m. at Crosby N. Gray & Co. in Burlingame, Calif. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruss’ memory may be sent to: Edina Educational Fund, 5701 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55424.
