, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Weekly Jolt – 120925

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 9, 2025

Unlock the Full Power of Your CCAR Membership!

Whether you’re just getting started in real estate or already a seasoned pro, your CCAR membership gives you the tools, resources, and support to take your business to the next level. From MLS innovations and legal guidance to education, advocacy, and everyday business perks, CCAR is here to help you save time, reduce risk, and strengthen your success.

Your membership also connects you to a powerful network of professionals and ensures your voice is heard at the local, state, and national levels—protecting both your business and the clients you serve.

To help you make the most of your membership, check out our Member Benefits Directory—your go-to guide for exclusive tools, services, and money-saving opportunities from CCAR, C.A.R., and NAR. Explore it today to discover even more ways to grow your business, boost your productivity, and thrive in every market!

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.

Weekly Jolt – 120225

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2, 2025

Start your financial wellness journey now at www.FinancialWellness.realtor!

LEARN MORE >>

You’re Invited! 2026 Inaugural – Sat., Jan. 31st Tickets on Sale Now!

Join us for a very special evening at our annual Inaugural Dinner and Award Celebration on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo.

We’ll recognize this year’s distinguished award recipients, install 2026 President John Fondnazio and our Board of Directors, and enjoy a night that brings our community together over great food and good company.

Come dressed to impress as we look back on a year of accomplishments and get ready for the exciting possibilities to come. Together, we’ll honor the people and partnerships that continue to strengthen our real estate community.

We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful evening of recognition, connection, and celebration.

PURCHASE TICKETS >>

Read More >>

Title Fraud on the Rise: What You Need to Know

A new survey from the National Association of REALTORS® reveals growing concern over title fraud and deed theft, especially in urban and suburban markets.

63% of REALTOR® association advocates reported awareness of scams in the past year—most involving vacant land, not owner-occupied homes.

Efforts to combat fraud are active in 76% of areas, with strong support (83%) for electronic alerts to notify property owners of title changes.

Stay vigilant—learn how prevention efforts are evolving across the country.

DATA SECURITY & PRIVACY TOOLKIT >>
INTERNET SECURITY BEST PRACTICES >>
REALTOR® SAFETY NETWORK >>
REALTOR® SAFETY ARTICLES >>
COMBAT REAL ESTATE CYBERTHREATS >>
PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS >>

Read More >>

Have You Tried CubiCasa?

CubiCasa is a powerful, easy-to-use mobile app that creates beautiful, detailed floor plans in minutes – all from a quick smartphone scan. According to NAR’s annual Homebuyers and Sellers Survey, floor plans are one of the most in-demand features for listings, right after photos and property data. They help buyers instantly understand layout and flow – making your listings stand out.
As a CCAR member, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks with CubiCasa: get free floor plans for properties up to 5,000 sq ft, plus 25% off all Plus packages and optional add-ons, including GLA floor plans, 3D products, rush orders, and more. You’ll also gain access to a network of CubiCasa-certified photographers—or you can bring your own! Whether you’re an agent, appraiser, or photographer, CubiCasa is the listing tool you didn’t know you needed.
Read More >>

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 ended on Oct. 14, 2025.
• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 – $850.36 >>
• LG Gram 17 – Ai Ready – $1,845.36 >>

New Law: AB 723 – Disclosure Required for Digitally Altered Property Images

Effective January 1, 2026, California Assembly Bill 723 introduces new disclosure rules for real estate professionals who use digitally altered images in advertising, marketing, or online listings. The new law requires that a clear disclosure be present on or near the image stating that it has been digitally altered. It is also required to provide access to the original, unaltered version of the image when made publicly accessible.
Why This Matters
AB 723 adds Section 10140.8 to the California Business & Professions Code. It applies to licensed real estate brokers and salespersons and those acting on their behalf.
What Counts as a “Digitally Altered Image”?
According to the recently revised C.A.R. Model MLS Rules:
“Digitally altered image” means an image, created by or at the direction of the real estate broker or salesperson, or person acting on their behalf, that has been altered through the use of photo editing software or artificial intelligence to add, remove, or change elements in the image, including, but not limited to, fixtures, furniture, appliances, flooring, walls, paint color, hardscape, landscape, façade, floor plans, and elements outside of, or visible from, the property, including, but not limited to, streetlights, utility poles, views through windows, and neighboring properties. “Digitally altered image” does not include an image where only lighting, sharpening, white balance, color correction, angle, straightening, cropping, exposure, or other common photo editing adjustments are made that do not change the representation of the real property.
READ MORE >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

How CCAR Keeps the Professional Standards Process Fair and Impartial

When someone files a disciplinary complaint, everyone involved is owed a process that is fair, neutral, and handled with care. We take neutrality seriously. Between strict confidentiality, clear rules about who can serve, opportunities to challenge potential panelists, and built-in safeguards against bias, we work hard to make sure every complaint is heard by a fair, balanced, and impartial panel.

Here’s how we make sure of that:

✔️ Everything is Confidential
All details—allegations, findings, recommendations, and decisions—stay strictly confidential. Only what must be shared with C.A.R. per the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual (Section 39) is reported.
✔️ Carefully Selected, Qualified Panel Members
Detailed thought goes into who reviews or hears each case. For example:
Only one person from the same company can sit on a panel.
No one can sit on more than one panel for the same matter.
Anyone connected to the case—whether personally, through family, or through business—is automatically disqualified.
Before participating, panelists sign a statement confirming they can be completely impartial.
✔️ Fair Panel Selection From the Start
Both parties receive a list of potential panel members and can request the removal of anyone who may not be fully neutral—based on valid reasons like personal or business ties. Challenges must be based on valid reasons (not protected characteristics like race or gender), and the goal is simple: no surprises, no bias, and full confidence in a fair process.

✔️ Panelists Can Remove Themselves Too
Even if no one challenges them, panelists are expected to step down if they see anything that might create bias or the appearance of bias.
✔️ Balanced Panels
Panels always have an odd number of members to avoid tie votes. And if a salesperson is involved, at least one salesperson must be on the panel—ensuring representation by “a peer,” similar to a jury system.
✔️ No Off-the-Record Contact
To keep things fair, parties (and their representatives) cannot contact panel members outside the hearing or try to influence them in any way except through evidence and arguments during the official proceeding.
✔️ Extra Safeguards During Reviews
If a decision is reviewed by our Board of Directors, the review panel has at least three Directors who must meet the same impartiality standards—and directors are not allowed to serve on the Grievance or Professional Standards committees to avoid conflicts.

New Law: AB 723 – Disclosure Required for Digitally Altered Property Images

Effective January 1, 2026, California Assembly Bill 723 introduces new disclosure rules for real estate professionals who use digitally altered images in advertising, marketing, or online listings. The new law requires that a clear disclosure be present on or near the image stating that it has been digitally altered. It is also required to provide access to the original, unaltered version of the image when made publicly accessible.

Why This Matters
AB 723 adds Section 10140.8 to the California Business & Professions Code. It applies to licensed real estate brokers and salespersons and those acting on their behalf.
What Counts as a “Digitally Altered Image”?
According to the recently revised California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Model MLS Rules:

“Digitally altered image” means an image, created by or at the direction of the real estate broker or salesperson, or person acting on their behalf, that has been altered through the use of photo editing software or artificial intelligence to add, remove, or change elements in the image, including, but not limited to, fixtures, furniture, appliances, flooring, walls, paint color, hardscape, landscape, façade, floor plans, and elements outside of, or visible from, the property, including, but not limited to, streetlights, utility poles, views through windows, and neighboring properties. “Digitally altered image” does not include an image where only lighting, sharpening, white balance, color correction, angle, straightening, cropping, exposure, or other common photo editing adjustments are made that do not change the representation of the real property.

How Does this Affect Photograph Requirements in the MLS?
CCAR has been actively reviewing AB 723 and the different ways the MLS can accommodate this new statewide requirement. Our focus is to align MLS workflows and rules with the law while keeping listing input as clear and practical as possible for Participants and Subscribers.
In the coming weeks, the C.A.R. Model MLS Rules that address AB 723 will be reviewed during CCAR’s joint-MLS group meeting with our neighboring East Bay MLSs. This collaborative review will help ensure a consistent regional approach to compliance and member support.
More details will be shared soon, including how to disclose “digitally altered images” within the MLS and the specific MLS Rules that correlate with this requirement. Please watch for additional guidance as we finalize implementation steps ahead of the law’s effective date.

Weekly Jolt – 112525

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | November 25, 2025

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Top News

• You Are the Heart of Every Good Deed
• Submit Your CCAR Award Nominations Today!
• Unlock the Full Power of Your CCAR Membership
• Financing the Dream of Homeownership
• Save the Dates – 2025 Holiday Events
• WCR Board Installation – Jan. 9, 2026
• CCAR Inaugural Dinner & Awards – Jan. 31, 2026

Ethics Corner

• How CCAR Keeps the Professional Standards Process Fair &
Impartial

MLS Updates

• New Law: AB 723 – Disclosure Required For Digitally Altered Property Images

Upcoming Education

Transact: Create a Transaction
Wed., Nov. 26 | 7:00am – 7:45am
Intro to Cloud CMA (with CCAR)
Wed., Nov. 26 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Transact: Create a Transaction
Mon., Dec. 1 | 7:00am 8:00am
MLS: How to Add & Maintain a Listing in Paragon MLS
Mon., Dec. 1 | 2:00pm 4:00pm
Real Reports 101
Tue., Dec. 2 | 10:00am 11:00am
Welcome to RPR! Tools, Tips & Skills Every Agent Needs
Tue., Dec. 2 | 11:00am 12:00pm
Transact: Navigation
Wed., Dec. 3 | 7:00am – 8:00am

Steps to Financing the Dream of Homeownership
Wed., Dec. 3 | 10:00am – 12:45pm

Future Forward: Top Marketing & Tech Trends for 2026
Wed., Dec. 3 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Shelter to Stability: Housing’s Role in Ending Homelessness
Thu., Dec. 4 | 10:00am – 11:15am

Intro to zipForm with CCAR
Thu., Dec. 4 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Transact: Agent Templates
Fri., Dec. 5 | 7:00am – 8:00am

C.A.R. Townhall for Brokers/Managers
Fri., Dec. 5 | 11:00am – 12:30pm

CA Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA)
Tue., Dec. 9 | 9:00am – 1:00pm

New & Revised Forms
Tue., Dec. 9 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Transact: e-Signatures
Wed., Dec. 10 | 7:00am – 8:00am

2026 Tech Holiday Shopping Guide
Wed., Dec. 10 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

C.A.R. New & Revised Forms – Update for December 2025
Thu., Dec. 11 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Transact: Create a Transaction
Fri., Dec. 12 | 7:00am – 8:00am
DRE License Renewal Crash Course (virtual)
Fri., Dec. 12 | 9:30am – 12:00pm
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.

PAY 2026 MEMBER DUES

Thank you for making CCAR your primary membership resource. Your success is our priority, and we are committed to providing you with the resources you need to achieve the highest levels of professionalism.
2026 CCAR, C.A.R., and NAR membership dues are now payable and must be submitted by 5pm on Jan. 6, 2026.
Your membership dues give you access to thousands of dollars in benefits and services, along with the political backing and collective buying power of one of the most influential professional trade associations in the United States.
Learn More About Your Member Benefits >>
Pay Membership Dues >>

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

Steps to Financing the Dream of Homeownership

Thu., Dec. 3 | 9:45am – 1:00pm | Via Zoom
Featuring CCAR’s own Rolanda Wilson, Senior Housing Counselor, NID HUD Counseling Agency
Learn the essential tools to help your clients achieve affordable, sustainable homeownership. This streamlined STEPS Toward Homeownership program delivers practical, easy-to-follow guidance for educating renters, first-time buyers, those recovering from foreclosure or short sale, and Baby Boomers looking to support the next generation.
Register Here >>

Save the Dates – 2025 Holiday Events

18th Annual Coats & Cocktails
Fri., Dec. 5 | 5:00pm – 10:00pm
View the Flyer

CCRIM: Channel the Flannel Holiday Breakfast
Tue., Dec. 9 | 8:00am – 10:00am
View the Flyer | Purchase Tickets

RMA: Mingle & Jingle Holiday Breakfast
Thu., Dec. 11 | 8:00am – 11:00am
View the Flyer | Purchase Tickets

WCMM: Spirits & Sparkles Holiday Breakfast
Thu., Dec. 18 | 8:45am – 10:00am
View the Flyer

WCR Board Installation – January 9, 2026

Join WCR to celebrate elegance, empowerment, and leadership on Jan. 9 at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center as they honor their members, recognize outstanding leaders, and celebrate the installation of incoming President QuyNitta McDade and the 2026 Governing Board.

Purchase Tickets >>

CCAR Inaugural Dinner & Award Celebration –
January 31, 2026

Join us on Sat., Jan. 31, 2026, at Round Hill Country Club, Alamo for the 2026 CCAR Inaugural Dinner & Award Celebration. This annual event honors our incoming leadership team, celebrates excellence within our membership, and brings our REALTOR® community together for an unforgettable evening.
Purchase Tickets >>
Sponsor Information >>

You Are the Heart of Every Good Deed

Your generosity, service, and leadership fuel every meal donated, every student supported, and every community we uplift together. Thank you for making Giving Season—and every season—extraordinary.
It’s Giving Season at CCAR — and we’re celebrating YOU! Thanks to the dedication of our volunteer leaders, members, and Affiliates, CCAR continues to make a meaningful impact throughout our community.
This year, the Helping Hands Committee, led by Jennifer Newton (Chair) and Victoria Haket (Vice Chair), helped turn CCAR events into more than 15,000 meals for local families.
Our YPN Committee, guided by Gilda Whitehead (Chair) and Cherry Wade (Vice Chair), filled classrooms with confidence and essential supplies through its annual School Supply and Shoe Drive.
The Affiliates & Events Committee, chaired by Jessica Evans with Cameron Chatterton (Vice Chair), powered the fundraising efforts that support both the Helping Hands Fund and the CCAR Scholarship Foundation.
And for over 50 years, the CCAR Scholarship Foundation, led by Angela Muetterties (President) and Marianne Bordogna (Vice President), has opened doors for local students—awarding $740,000 to 265 scholars in the last 12 years alone.
Thank you for giving, serving, and strengthening
our community every day.
LEARN MORE >>

Recognize Excellence:
CCAR Award Nominations Due Dec. 1

Every year CCAR honors distinguished members with awards for their outstanding service to the industry, association and community. Recipients are nominated by fellow members and executives, then confirmed by the Board of Directors. Awards will be presented at CCAR’s annual inaugural event on January 31, 2026.

2024 Recipients:
REALTOR® of the Year:
Ron Mintz
Affiliate of the Year:
Martha Echols
President’s Community Service Award:
Jamie Gaines
Emeritus Member:
Mary Beall-Neighbor

REALTOR® of the Year Form >>
Affiliate of the Year Form >>
Community Service Award Form >>

Read More >>

Unlock the Full Power of Your CCAR Membership!

Whether you’re just getting started in real estate or already a seasoned pro, your CCAR membership gives you the tools, resources, and support to take your business to the next level. From MLS innovations and legal guidance to education, advocacy, and everyday business perks, CCAR is here to help you save time, reduce risk, and strengthen your success.

Your membership also connects you to a powerful network of professionals and ensures your voice is heard at the local, state, and national levels—protecting both your business and the clients you serve.

To help you make the most of your membership, check out our Member Benefits Directory—your go-to guide for exclusive tools, services, and money-saving opportunities from CCAR, C.A.R., and NAR. Explore it today to discover even more ways to grow your business, boost your productivity, and thrive in every market!

Read More >>

ETHICS CORNER:

How CCAR Keeps the Professional Standards Process Fair and Impartial

When someone files a disciplinary complaint, everyone involved is owed a process that is fair, neutral, and handled with care. Here’s how we make sure of that:
✔️ Everything is Confidential
All details—allegations, findings, recommendations, and decisions—stay strictly confidential. Only what must be shared with C.A.R. per the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual (Section 39) is reported.
✔️ Carefully Selected, Qualified Panel Members
Detailed thought goes into who reviews or hears each case. For example:
Only one person from the same company can sit on a panel.
No one can sit on more than one panel for the same matter.
Anyone connected to the case—whether personally, through family, or through business—is automatically disqualified.
Before participating, panelists sign a statement confirming they can be completely impartial.
✔️ Fair Panel Selection From the Start
Both parties receive a list of potential panel members and can request the removal of anyone who may not be fully neutral—based on valid reasons like personal or business ties. Challenges must be based on valid reasons (not protected characteristics like race or gender), and the goal is simple: no surprises, no bias, and full confidence in a fair process.
✔️ Panelists Can Remove Themselves Too
Even if no one challenges them, panelists are expected to step down if they see anything that might create bias or the appearance of bias.
✔️ Balanced Panels
Panels always have an odd number of members to avoid tie votes. And if a salesperson is involved, at least one salesperson must be on the panel—ensuring representation by “a peer,” similar to a jury system.
Read More >>

New Law: AB 723 – Disclosure Required for Digitally Altered Property Images

Effective January 1, 2026, California Assembly Bill 723 introduces new disclosure rules for real estate professionals who use digitally altered images in advertising, marketing, or online listings. The new law requires that a clear disclosure be present on or near the image stating that it has been digitally altered. It is also required to provide access to the original, unaltered version of the image when made publicly accessible.
Why This Matters
AB 723 adds Section 10140.8 to the California Business & Professions Code. It applies to licensed real estate brokers and salespersons and those acting on their behalf.
What Counts as a “Digitally Altered Image”?
According to the recently revised C.A.R. Model MLS Rules:
“Digitally altered image” means an image, created by or at the direction of the real estate broker or salesperson, or person acting on their behalf, that has been altered through the use of photo editing software or artificial intelligence to add, remove, or change elements in the image, including, but not limited to, fixtures, furniture, appliances, flooring, walls, paint color, hardscape, landscape, façade, floor plans, and elements outside of, or visible from, the property, including, but not limited to, streetlights, utility poles, views through windows, and neighboring properties. “Digitally altered image” does not include an image where only lighting, sharpening, white balance, color correction, angle, straightening, cropping, exposure, or other common photo editing adjustments are made that do not change the representation of the real property.
READ MORE >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 120925

Unlock the Full Power of Your CCAR Membership!

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

Weekly Jolt – 120225

Start your financial wellness journey now at www.FinancialWellness.realtor!

You’re Invited! 2026 Inaugural – Sat., Jan. 31st Tickets on Sale Now!

Title Fraud on the Rise: What You Need to Know

How CCAR Keeps the Professional Standards Process Fair and Impartial

New Law: AB 723 – Disclosure Required for Digitally Altered Property Images

Weekly Jolt – 112525

Thank you for giving, serving, and strengthening
our community every day.

Recognize Excellence:
CCAR Award Nominations Due Dec. 1

Unlock the Full Power of Your CCAR Membership!

SERVING YOU AT:

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Start your financial wellness journey now at www.FinancialWellness.realtor!

Thank you for giving, serving, and strengthening our community every day.

SERVING YOU AT:

Search

Thank you for giving, serving, and strengthening
our community every day.