, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

CCAR Member Suspension Imminent

CCAR directors voted to extend the suspension date for members who have not yet completed the mandatory New Member Orientation to October 23, 2025. This will be the final extension — no further extensions will be granted.

CCAR is committed to giving all members every opportunity to meet their membership requirements as outlined in the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Bylaws and the CCAR Membership Application:

“Applicants for REALTOR® membership must attend an orientation program within the first six (6) months of membership. In the event the new member fails to comply, they may be subject to suspension or disciplinary action upon such a determination by the Board of Directors.”

If you have received a text message or email reminder and have not yet completed the required orientation and training, please act now to avoid suspension.

Important: No Further Extensions

If your orientation requirements are not completed by October 23, 2025, your CCAR membership will be suspended immediately and will remain suspended until all requirements are fulfilled.

How to Complete Your Requirements:

Read the NAR Code of Ethics here.
Review the Ethics Study Guide here.
Complete the Ethics Test here.
Submit your completed test to [email protected] by October 23, 2025.

If you believe you have already completed orientation with another Association, please email [email protected] with documentation that includes your completion date.

This is your final opportunity to protect your REALTOR® membership status – don’t delay!

CCAR Benefit Booklet

Governor Newsom Signs Law Expanding Mortgage Relief for Fire Survivors

California homeowners recovering from recent wildfires will now have stronger, guaranteed protections thanks to a new law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

The legislation, Assembly Bill 238, requires mortgage lenders to provide up to 12 months of forbearance to homeowners affected by declared disasters — ensuring they won’t lose their homes while they rebuild.

Under the new law, borrowers who qualify:

Will not face credit score damage for requesting forbearance.
Will not be charged late fees or penalties during the relief period.
Will not be required to repay missed payments in a lump sum once forbearance ends.
Must receive a clear written explanation if their request is denied, along with a chance to correct any issues.

This legislation builds on earlier voluntary agreements between the state and major lenders — but now makes these relief options a legal requirement, offering long-term stability and transparency for fire survivors across California.

Weekly Jolt – 100725

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 07, 2025

Top News

• The BIG Event Membership Meeting – Oct. 15
• Governor Newsom Signs Law Expanding Mortgage Relief for
Fire Survivors
• Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire – Oct. 22
• In Memoriam: Juanita Whitney-Harding
• Elected Officials Reception – Oct. 23
• WCR Upcoming Events

MLS Updates

• Goodbye ZipForm^® – Hello Transact
• Windows 10 Support Ends – Oct. 14
• REALTOR® Optimized Laptops For Sale

Upcoming Education

Rentals Are the Key: Unlock New Opportunities in Today’s Market
Wed., Oct. 8 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Local Government & Community: Partnering for Success (Session 2)
Wed., Oct. 8 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm

Social Media in Real Estate
Thu., Oct. 9 | 10:00am – 11:00am

MLS: Intro to Paragon MLS w/ CCAR
Thu., Oct. 9 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

DRE License Renewal Crash Course (Online)
Fri., Oct. 10 | 9:30am – 12:00pm

C.A.R. Townhall for Brokers/Managers
Fri., Oct. 10 | 11:00am – 12:30pm

OnlineEd Offers CA Salespersons
A Fast Track to Becoming Brokers

California Salespersons now have a new path to becoming Brokers with OnlineEd’s fully interactive, online courses. These textbook-free courses are designed to be mobile-friendly and comprehensive, offering a convenient way to advance to a Broker Licensee.
REGISTER NOW >>

Visit the CCAR Calendar to view/register for additional online training opportunities.

REALTOR^® ACTION FUND (RAF)

The RAF supports political activities at the local, state, and national levels. It gives REALTORS^® the financial resources needed to advocate for policies which protect property rights and REALTORS^® ability to effectively conduct their business.

Contribute Today >>

+ CCAR CALENDAR

In Memoriam: Juanita Whitney-Harding

CCAR is saddened to announce the passing of longtime member Juanita Whitney-Harding. Juanita joined CCAR in 1970 and served the Association and her colleagues with dedication for more than five decades.

She contributed to the organization through her service on the Board of Directors, the Budget and Finance Committee, and as a C.A.R. Director. Her leadership and commitment to the REALTOR® community left a lasting impact on all who worked with her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 222 W. El Pintado, Danville, CA.

Elected Officials Reception – Oct. 23

Join us on Thursday, October 23, from 5–7 pm at the Pleasant Hill Community Center for an evening of hosted cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and conversation with local elected officials and community leaders.

This is your chance to thank our representatives for their support of homeownership and discuss the issues that matter most—all in a relaxed, friendly setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, network, and engage with those shaping the future of our communities!
Register here >>

Women’s Council of REALTORS^® Upcoming Events

The Big Event Annual Membership Meeting
is Next Wednesday! – Oct. 15

CCAR Members, join us at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek next Wed., Oct. 15, from 8:30am to 12:30pm for our Annual General Membership Meeting. This members-only event is your opportunity to stay informed about the rapid changes in the real estate market and gain valuable legal insights to help you navigate today’s challenges with confidence.

We are excited to welcome Jordan Levine, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at C.A.R., who will share his outlook on the 2026 housing market and discuss supply conditions shaping the future. You’ll also hear from Gov Hutchinson, Assistant General Counsel at C.A.R., who will provide important legal updates every REALTOR® needs to know.

Please plan to arrive early to allow time for parking and to enjoy light refreshments in the lobby before the program begins. As a reminder, no food or drink is allowed inside the theater.

Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from two of the industry’s most respected voices and connect with fellow CCAR members at one of our most important events of the year.

Register Now >>

Governor Newsom Signs Law Expanding Mortgage Relief for Fire Survivors

Governor Gavin Newsom has recently signed Assembly Bill 238, strengthening mortgage protections for Californians recovering from wildfires. The new law requires lenders to offer up to 12 months of mortgage forbearance to affected homeowners, protecting their credit scores and prohibiting late fees or lump-sum repayments once relief ends.

Lenders who deny assistance must now provide clear written reasons and allow borrowers to correct issues. This measure turns previous voluntary agreements into enforceable protections, ensuring that fire survivors have the time and financial stability they need to rebuild.

Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire – Oct. 22

CCAR REALTOR® Members: Join us for an evening of appetizers, drinks, raffles, and fun at Lafayette Library’s Don Tatzin Community Hall on Oct. 22, from 5pm – 7pm! Discover the wide range of services offered by local industry partners while supporting two amazing causes—the CCAR Scholarship Foundation and CCAR Helping Hands.

CCAR Affiliates: The Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business to CCAR REALTORS®. Think of it as a trade show, but more fun– and it’s all for a great cause!

Here’s How:
Purchase a vender table for $35 by contacting Jason Catalano at 925.295.9202 or [email protected].

FREE REALTOR® TICKETS >>

Windows 10 Support Ends – Oct. 14

Microsoft will soon stop providing security updates, technical assistance, and feature updates, making computers running Windows 10 more vulnerable to viruses and malware. As a result, CCAR will be unable to support members with computer issues using Windows 10.

We recommend contacting your IT department or CCAR to check if your computer is eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11. CCAR can also assist with a new laptop transition.

For details, contact CCAR Member Services at 925.295.1270 or [email protected].

REALTOR® Optimized Laptops For Sale

All laptops purchased from CCAR come with a 2-year warranty, data transfer, and RE setup included. Reminder: Support for Windows 10 ends on Oct. 14, 2025.
• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 – $850.36 >>
• LG Gram 17 – Ai Ready – $1,845.36 >>

Goodbye zipForm® — Hello Transact

C.A.R. members now have access to Transact, a new transaction management platform that will eventually replace zipForm®. For now, both zipForm® and Transact will run side-by-side, giving you time to explore and transition at your own pace.

Transact is designed to simplify transactions, streamline workflows, and ensure compliance. Be sure to check the CCAR calendar for upcoming Transact training sessions to get comfortable with the new system before it becomes the default.

Transact: Navigating the System
Mon., Oct. 13 | 7:00am – 8:00am

Transact: Navigating the System
Mon., Oct. 27 | 7:00am – 8:00am

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 093025

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

Top News

• The BIG Event Membership Meeting – Oct. 15
• Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire – Oct. 22
• C.A.R. Ombudsman On Call To Answer Non-Legal Questions
• Transact – New Transaction Management Platform to
Replace zipForm®
• Save the Date: Elected Officials Reception – Oct. 23
• WCR Upcoming Events

MLS Updates

• Help Your Clients Protect Their Privacy & Safety
• REALTOR® Optimized Laptops For Sale
• Windows 10 Support Ends – Oct. 14

Upcoming Education

Get to Know Transact: The Future of Transaction Management
Wed., Oct. 1 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Top 5 ways to Use AI in Your Everyday Life
Wed., Oct. 1 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Local Government & Community: Partnering for Success (Session 1)
Wed., Oct. 1 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm

Successfully Meet Clients Needs w/ RPR’s Search & Map Tools
Thu., Oct. 2 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

MLS: How to Add & Maintain a Listing in Paragon with CCAR
Thu., Oct. 2 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

eKey & SupraWEB Q&A Essentials
Fri., Oct. 3 | 8:00am – 9:00am

dotloop: Basic Training
Mon., Oct. 6 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Paragon Connect: Dashboard Navigation
Mon., Oct. 6 | 11:00am – 11:30am

New Construction: Builders Update
Tue., Oct. 7 | 10:00am – 11:00am

RealReports: Aiden ‘Research Mode’ Primer
Tue., Oct. 7 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Rentals Are the Key: Unlock New Opportunities in Today’s Market
Wed., Oct. 8 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Local Government & Community: Partnering for Success (Session 2)
Wed., Oct. 8 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm

Social Media in Real Estate
Thu., Oct. 9 | 10:00am – 11:00am

MLS: Intro to Paragon MLS w/ CCAR
Thu., Oct. 9 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

DRE License Renewal Crash Course (Online)
Fri., Oct. 10 | 9:30am – 12:00pm

C.A.R. Townhall for Brokers/Managers
Fri., Oct. 10 | 11:00am – 12:30pm

OnlineEd Offers CA Salespersons
A Fast Track to Becoming Brokers

Visit the CCAR Calendar to view/register for additional online training opportunities.

REALTOR^® ACTION FUND (RAF)

Contribute Today >>

+ CCAR CALENDAR

Goodbye zipForm® — Hello Transact

Starting Oct. 1, C.A.R. members will have access to Transact, a new transaction management platform that will eventually replace zipForm®. For now, both zipForm® and Transact will run side-by-side, giving you time to explore and transition at your own pace.

Get to Know Transact – The Future of Transaction Management
Wed., Oct. 1 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Transact: Navigating the System
Mon., Oct. 13 | 7:00am – 8:00am

Transact: Navigating the System
Mon., Oct. 27 | 7:00am – 8:00am

Save the Date: Elected Officials Reception – Oct. 23

Women’s Council of REALTORS^® Upcoming Events

You’re Invited: CCAR’s Annual General Membership Meeting, The BIG Event! – October 15

CCAR Members, join us at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek on Wed., Oct. 15, from 8:30am to 12:30pm for our Annual General Membership Meeting. This members-only event is your opportunity to stay informed about the rapid changes in the real estate market and gain valuable legal insights to help you navigate today’s challenges with confidence.

Please plan to arrive early to allow time for parking and to enjoy light refreshments in the lobby before the program begins. As a reminder, no food or drink is allowed inside the theater.

Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from two of the industry’s most respected voices and connect with fellow CCAR members at one of our most important events of the year.

Register Now >>

Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire – Oct. 22

C.A.R. Ombudsman Volunteers On Call to Answer Non-Legal Questions

If you’re a member looking to resolve a minor dispute or communication issue with another REALTOR®, a C.A.R. Ombudsman can help! C.A.R. Ombudsmen are REALTORS® who volunteer their time to answer non-legal questions and resolve non-legal disputes.

C.A.R. Ombudsman aim to enhance communication among REALTORS® and can propose resolutions for minor issues raised by clients or other members, avoiding escalation. Some common grievances include claims of possible ethics violations and communication issues, such as misrepresentation and lying, as well as complaints surrounding cancellation of a contract, listing, or escrow.

Please Note: Ombudsmen are not attorneys, and do not provide legal advice or answer legal questions.

REALTOR® Optimized Laptops For Sale

Windows 10 Support Ends – Oct. 14

We recommend contacting your IT department or CCAR to check if your computer is eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11. CCAR can also assist with a new laptop transition.

For details, contact CCAR Member Services at 925.295.1270 or [email protected].

Help Your Clients Protect Their Privacy & Safety

When clients prepare their homes for sale, they often focus on curb appeal and staging — but privacy and safety are just as critical. With photography, video, and frequent visitors now standard in the selling process, REALTORS® play an essential role in helping clients safeguard their personal information and belongings.

NAR is providing members with a new Consumer Guide: Home Selling Tips for Privacy and Safety, designed to help you educate clients on best practices. The guide covers everything from stowing personal items and securing valuables to discouraging unauthorized photography and using electronic lockboxes to monitor access.

As REALTORS®, you are uniquely positioned — and ethically obligated — to protect our clients’ best interests. This resource makes it easier to start the conversation and provide practical advice.

Consumer Guide >>
More Information >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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