, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Weekly Jolt – 050526

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | MAY 6, 2026

West County Marketing Meeting This Thu, May 7 – Hear From the CCAR BOD Candidates

The CCAR Board of Directors election is right around the corner, and this is your opportunity to meet the candidates before casting your vote.

Join us at the West County Marketing Meeting in Hercules this Thursday from 8:45 to 10:00am to hear directly from the candidates, learn more about their vision for CCAR, and take part in shaping the future of our organization.

Enjoy free breakfast bagels, fresh fruit, and beverages while connecting with fellow members and learning more about the leaders who hope to represent you.

You will also hear from Kelly Vetter, a representative of Chattelton Place, who will introduce attendees to a new community of upscale three-story single-family homes.

Don’t miss this important opportunity to be informed, engaged, and ready to vote on June 15.

CCAR 2025 Annual Report Now Available

CCAR’s 2025 Annual Report is now available, highlighting a year of progress, partnership and continued commitment to member success. This year’s report, Powered by Partnership: Together, We Lead. Together, We Succeed, reflects the Association’s work to strengthen advocacy, financial stewardship, leadership, innovation and community outreach.

Inside, members can read updates from CCAR leadership, review key accomplishments from the past year, learn more about CCAR’s strategic priorities and see membership, awards, REALTOR® Action Fund and financial highlights. The report also recognizes the dedication of CCAR’s volunteer leaders, committee members, Affiliates and REALTORS® whose service continues to strengthen the Association and the communities we serve.

Members are encouraged to take a few minutes to review the report and celebrate the collective impact made possible through collaboration, leadership and member engagement.

Get Help with REALTOR^® Ethics Questions and Disputes

Ombudsman Assistance
C.A.R. Ombudsmen receive and respond to questions and complaints about members; can contact members to inform them that a client or another member has raised a question or issue; and can provide an informed response to the person complaining.
Visit Now >>

Peer-to-Peer Ethics Infoline
A free referral service to connect with a Code of Ethics specialist volunteer to answer non-legal ethics questions. Members can ask about their own actions or whether the actions of another REALTOR® member might violate the Code of Ethics.
Visit Now >>

Monetary Disputes
Members who have a dispute with another REALTOR® who is a member of a different local association may seek resolution of their dispute using C.A.R.’s Interboard Arbitration. Interboard Arbitration is only available when the parties’ brokers do not share membership in any local associations in California.
Visit Now >>

For more information contact CCAR Professional Standards Administrator, Gail Hargis at [email protected] or 925.295.9220.

WCR Member Appreciation – May 13

More Info >>

Realtor.com+™ is now available to CCAR members

Realtor.com+™ is now available as a free member benefit with the Starter plan! This new platform gives CCAR members a simpler, more connected way to work with clients by bringing home search, listings, messaging, tours, and collaboration together in one shared space.

Designed specifically for agent-client collaboration, Realtor.com+ helps you stay at the center of the client experience with:

A shared, branded workspace for you and your clients
MLS-powered listing data and advanced search tools
Real-time insight into client activity and preferences
In-platform messaging to reduce missed communication
Tour management and collaboration tools to keep everyone aligned

With Realtor.com+, you can spend less time juggling tools and chasing updates — and more time guiding your clients from search to close.

LEARN MORE >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 042826

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | APRIL 28, 2026

Cinco de Mayo Affiliate Faire Next Wed – May 6

CCAR REALTOR® Members: meet Affiliates, explore their booths, and discover new products and services that can help support your business. With raffle prizes, cold beer, wine, and festive bites, it’s the perfect midweek excuse to get out, enjoy the celebration, and support two great causes: the CCAR Scholarship Foundation and CCAR Helping Hands.

CCAR Affiliates: The Cinco de Mayo Affiliate Faire is the perfect way to put your business in front of CCAR REALTORS® in an atmosphere that feels more like a fiesta than a traditional expo. It’s a chance to show off what you do and be part of an event that mixes networking, community, and a little Cinco de Mayo fun!

FREE REALTOR® TICKETS >>

Nominate by Petition for the 2027 CCAR Board of Directors

As part of the nation’s largest trade association, CCAR has a proud legacy built by members who step up to lead, serve, and inspire. Now, it’s your chance to be part of that legacy.

Voting for the 2027 CCAR Board of Directors begins June 15, 2026, and we want YOU to help shape the future of our Association.

There’s still time to get on the ballot. Under CCAR Bylaws, Article X, Section 7(b), additional candidates may be nominated by petition signed by at least 50 eligible CCAR REALTOR® members.

Petitions must be submitted by 5 pm on May 5, 2026. To request a Nomination by Petition form, contact [email protected].

Upcoming Women’s Council of REALTORS^® Events:

Mon, May 4 | 11am – 1pm Wed, May 13 | 5pm – 8pm
More Info >> More Info >>

Security Alert: DRE Warns of Scammers Impersonating Real Estate Agents

The California Department of Real Estate is warning consumers and licensees about scammers using the names, license numbers, photos, and other information of legitimate real estate professionals to create fake social media accounts, websites, email addresses, and online listings. These impersonators may attempt to conduct illegal real estate activity, including home buying or property management scams. DRE encourages consumers to verify an agent’s license and contact information through official sources, and reminds everyone that requests for advance fees, cash payments, or wire transfers can be warning signs of fraud.
Read More >>

Realtor.com+™ is now available to CCAR members

Designed specifically for agent-client collaboration, Realtor.com+ helps you stay at the center of the client experience with:

A shared, branded workspace for you and your clients
MLS-powered listing data and advanced search tools
Real-time insight into client activity and preferences
In-platform messaging to reduce missed communication
Tour management and collaboration tools to keep everyone aligned

With Realtor.com+, you can spend less time juggling tools and chasing updates — and more time guiding your clients from search to close.

VIEW THE REALTOR.COM+ Q&A >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

West County Marketing Meeting This Thu, May 7 – Hear From the CCAR BOD Candidates

ELECTION HEADQUARTERS

FOR THE 2027 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICIAL NOTICES

April 29, 2026

We’re excited to invite all voting-eligible CCAR members to our upcoming Meet the Candidates Forum on Wednesday, June 3, from 1:00 to 2:15pm, live on Zoom.

This virtual event is your opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running for the 2027 CCAR Board of Directors, ask questions, and learn more about their goals for the organization.

We look forward to a great conversation and hope to see you there!

Other in-person opportunities to hear from the candidates include:

May 7: West County Marketing Meeting
May 12: Rossmoor Marketing Meeting
May 21: RMA Marketing Meeting
May 26: CCRIM Marketing Meeting

April 28, 2026

In accordance with Article XI of the Corporation Bylaws, this will serve as notice that the election for the 2027 Board of Directors shall be held beginning on June 15, 2026 at 9:00am and ending June 22, 2026 at 9:00am.

This year, members will vote to fill the following positions and consider the proposed amendment to Article X, Section 7(a):

One President-Elect
One Treasurer
Four Directors-At-Large

In order for this election to be valid, the number of votes cast must equal or exceed the quorum requirement of 15% of the total CCAR REALTOR® Membership, as determined by the record date established on May 15, 2026, by the end of the election cycle at 9:00am on June 22, 2026.

PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENT

ARTICLE X – OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Section 7. Election of Officers and Directors

(a) Nomination by the Election Committee. Annually the President shall appoint an Election Committee consisting of at least nine (9) REALTOR® members, and, whenever possible, include ~~including~~ one from each of the districts; and the Past President, who shall serve as Chairman of the Election Committee. The annual election of Officers and Directors shall be conducted by the Election Committee in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors.

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

The following statements are published as submitted and have not been edited by the Association.
Each candidate statement is limited to 200 words.

PRESIDENT-ELECT

(1 Open Position)

LESLIE MANZONE

Thank you for your consideration. I would be honored to serve as President-Elect in 2027 and contribute to the continued growth of our Association, particularly by expanding membership and mentoring directors to become strong, effective leaders within both our organization and the broader real estate industry.

With over 33 years of volunteer service, I bring extensive experience at the local, state, and national levels, including my role as Past President of WCCAR and years of service with CCAR, CAR, and NAR. Throughout my career, I have served in nearly every capacity at the local association level, participated in numerous task forces, housing initiatives, and advocacy efforts, and remained deeply committed to advancing our profession.

I am a dedicated political advocate and have consistently supported RAF, RPAC, HAF, and other organizations that strengthen our communities, support our members, and protect consumers. I am especially passionate about preserving private property rights and ensuring access to homeownership. I am proud to be an RPAC Major Donor and Hall of Fame member.

Due to space limitations, I have included a summary of my service across CCAR, CAR, and NAR: here.

It would be a privilege to continue giving back to this industry.

Leslie Manzone

TREASURER

(1 Open Position)

MICHELE MANZONE

I am seeking the position of Treasurer for the Contra Costa Association of Realtors. Over the past two years, I have been actively involved as a subject matter expert on budget and finance, contributing to the financial oversight and strategic direction of the association.

My leadership experience includes serving as a two-time Past President, as well as Treasurer for two terms. These roles have given me a deep understanding of our organization’s financial responsibilities and the importance of sound fiscal management.

I believe our association is at a critical moment, and I am ready to step up once again to serve the best interests of our membership. My goal is to help guide the association forward with transparency, accountability, and a strong financial foundation—both at the local and state levels.

Currently, I serve as a California Realtors Director, Vice Chair of the IMPAC Trustees, and I am honored to represent our industry nationally as a member of the NAR Federal Taxation Committee. I am also a proud Major Donor to the REALTOR® Political Action Fund, having exceeded the $25,000 commitment.

As a full-time Realtor, I am deeply committed to our profession and passionate about giving back to the industry.

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

(4 Open Positions)

JUDY MYERS

Advocacy at the local, state and national level has fired my passion for participation at all levels since I joined my first committee in 1976. I grew up in rental housing until my family purchased a home in Concord in 1971. When I started a career in real estate in 1973, I began to learn about the intricacies of the opportunity I wanted to share with anyone who wanted to enter the path of homeownership. The obstacles have charged with more regulation, disclosure, litigation and much more paperwork. And homeownership has become much less affordable. Individually we can do little but working through our associations we have a strong voice for our industry and our clients. In my previous years of service to CCAR as a committee member, chair, Director, Vice President, President-Elect, President and most recently as Treasurer my focus has been on member value and accountability. With your help I can continue that role and work with new Directors to provide the continuity required to keep our local organization strong and member focused.

Please vote in the upcoming election and please include me as one of your choices for Director-at-Large.

MATT RUBENSTEIN

Since becoming licensed in 2010, I’ve been engaged in our local real estate community – participating in CCRIM and RMA and regularly attending industry events to stay current and connected. I served as Director on the CCAR Board of Directors in 2023, 2024 and 2025, have been an active member of the MLS & Technology Committee continuously since 2017, and have served on the Local Government Relations Committee since 2024.

I’m passionate about harnessing new and emerging technologies and unlocking the full potential of our MLS data to deliver measurable value for members and clients. My experience as a high-producing, community-focused agent over the past 15+ years has allowed me to build hundreds of strong, positive relationships across our local markets – relationships I will leverage to foster collaboration, innovation, and practical solutions.

I am asking for your support to serve again as Director at Large. If elected, I will continue to dedicate my time, experience and energy to advancing smart technology adoption, strengthening MLS utility, and advocating effectively with local government on issues important to our members. I’m committed to giving back to the industry that has given me so much and to helping our association and members thrive.

CHERRY WADE

I am honored to be seeking a second term as a CCAR Director-at-Large. Serving our association has been incredibly meaningful, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue giving back to a community that has supported my growth.

My decision to run again stems from a genuine desire to stay engaged and to strengthen the connection between our members and our leadership. I believe strong organizations are built on collaboration, thoughtful communication, and a shared commitment to one another.

Through my involvement with CCAR, especially with the Young Professionals Network (YPN), I have worked to encourage participation, support emerging leaders, and help create a more connected and collaborative community.

I lead with intention, communicate thoughtfully, and approach challenges with a collaborative mindset. I believe in elevating others, building meaningful relationships, and contributing in ways that create a positive and lasting impact.

It would be an honor to continue serving and building on this momentum in support of our members and our profession.

GILDA WHITEHEAD

It has been a true privilege to serve on the YPN Committee over the past four years. I joined with the goal of giving back to the real estate community that has given so much to me and I found exactly that. This experience has allowed me to build meaningful relationships and deepen my commitment to serving our community.

A highlight of my involvement has been our partnership with Moving Forward, supporting under served youth in West Contra Costa County. Attending scholarship and backpack distributions has been both humbling and inspiring. Seeing students pursue higher education—and their desire to give back continues to motivate my own service. I have also grown professionally, first as a mentee, and now as a CAR Director for the past two years. These roles have expanded my knowledge and strengthened the value I bring to my colleagues and clients.

I believe real estate is a calling rooted in service, integrity, and education. It would be an honor to continue serving as a CCAR Board member.

Weekly Jolt – 042126

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | APRIL 21, 2026

Nominate by Petition for the 2027 CCAR Board of Directors

Cinco de Mayo Affiliate Faire Next Wed – May 6

Security Alert: Fake Zoom Links Used in Phishing Scam Targeting Agents

CCAR Member Services is receiving reports of a phishing scam targeting agents. Scammers pose as interested buyers, then send fake Zoom links that can give criminals access to a computer if clicked.

Microsoft recently warned that similar campaigns have used spoofed Zoom and other workplace app downloads to install remote access malware. Use caution with unexpected links or download prompts, and verify suspicious requests before clicking. Follow the below link for more details about the scam from Microsoft.
Read More >>

Change to HomeLight Listing Management (formerly Disclosures.io)

Beginning in May, HomeLight Listing Management will no longer be offered through CCAR.

Here’s what this means for you:

You can continue using the platform by creating an account directly with HomeLight.
You will still be able to add disclosure package links to your Paragon MLS listings using the Disclosures Link field during listing input.

We remain focused on offering tools and services that bring the most value to your business, and we’ll continue exploring solutions that support your day-to-day workflow. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Launching April 28: Realtor.com+
A Smarter Way to Work with Clients

CCAR is excited to introduce Realtor.com+, launching April 28 as a FREE member benefit with the Starter plan. Built with Realtor.com®, this new platform gives members a better way to work with clients by bringing search, communication, and collaboration into one place.

What makes it different?
• Built for agent-client collaboration, not just browsing
• Keeps you at the center—no competing leads
• Powered by MLS data and advanced search
• Shows real-time client activity and preferences

With Realtor.com+, you can collaborate in real time, message clients, manage tours, and stay fully aligned throughout the transaction.

JOIN AN UPCOMING TRAINING WEBINAR | APRIL 28 @2PM >>
VIEW THE REALTOR.COM+ Q&A >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

CCAR Realtor.com FAQs

FAQ’s

Realtor.com® and CCAR have launched a new strategic partnership, driven by a shared vision: elevating the role of the professional by equipping you with powerful, cutting-edge tools.

The first product delivered from this powerful collaboration is Realtor.com+: a collaborative home search for professionals and clients that helps them stay in sync from click to close.

What are the Benefits of Realtor.com+?

Realtor.com+ offers a best in class collaboration experience for practitioners and their clients from search-to-close. For your clients, this means accessing the Realtor.com experience they know and love (a modern platform with nationwide search) with the addition of premium features, like shared listing feeds so they can easily collaborate with you and any co-buyers.

For you, this means access to an entire suite of premium features to that elevates your role as the professional, keeping you as the hero of the transaction, including, but not limited to features such as:

Protected and branded environment
Create saved searches for you AND your clients using MLS-level search filters
Collaborative agent-client search with co-buyers & co-agents
Visibility into your clients’ search behaviors (saves, property views, sessions, likes/dislikes, etc)
In-App Chat with Agent Reminders
Touring Solution
Agent & Client Mobile Apps
Real-Time Client and Market Insights

So this is an app?

Realtor.com+ is a platform available via both desktop and mobile app (for iPhone or Android). Whatever you do on Realtor.com+ syncs across all platforms.

For example, if you save a search while on your computer, you can get notified on your phone from the mobile app when new listings match it! This allows you to do your work wherever you are, whether you’re at your desk or waiting on a front stoop for your buyer to arrive for a showing.

How do I get the app?

You can download the app by searching for Realtor.com+ on the App or Google Play Store. Just look for the Realtor.com+ logo to be sure you’re downloading the correct app.

Download Realtor.com+ on Apple:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/realtor-com-plus/id6749579971

Download Realtor.com+ on Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.move.realtorplus.android&utm_source=na_Med

Once you’ve downloaded the app, follow the steps on the app screen to sign into your account.

Where do I manage my Realtor.com+ plan?

You can manage your Realtor.com+ plan inside of your Account Page, under the section called “My Subscription.” Once in the “My Subscription” section of your account, you can upgrade or downgrade your plan, manage your credit card on file, and see a full list of features available to you in each plan.

Will I have the ability to gain more benefits through Realtor.com+ if I’m a paid Realtor.com customer?

At this time, there are no paid add-ons for Realtor.com+. While we wholeheartedly believe agents significantly increase their opportunity for success by becoming a Realtor.com customer, it’s not necessary to successfully take advantage of Realtor.com+ and all the tools and insights it has available.

How do I describe Realtor.com+ to my clients?

Shortly before or after you invite a client to Realtor.com+ we recommend giving the client a quick 1-2 minute elevator pitch to remind them of the value of joining you. To name a few of those benefits, you can call attention to:

Advanced collaboration features unlocked within your existing Realtor.com experience.
Cross-compatible web and mobile experience within their existing Realtor.com app.
In-app chat messenger to collaborate, share feedback, and stay connected with me, and if applicable, your co-buyer.
Request tours with me directly, and see past and upcoming showings.
No ads in-app, so you can focus on what matters most – finding your dream home.
And much, much more!

Below is some inspiration to help you get started:

What MLS data will I see on Realtor.com+?

Realtor.com+ is a platform available via both desktop and mobile app (for iPhone or Android). Whatever you do on Realtor.com+ syncs across all platforms.

How do I sign up?

More details to come soon!

Do I have to pay a subscription fee?

Realtor.com+ offers two different plans and pricing options so that you can choose which is best for you and your clients:

Realtor.com+ Starter – Free for Contra Costa REALTORS® members!
Realtor.com+ Unlimited – $39/month

What’s included in each plan?

The only difference between Realtor.com+ Starter and Realtor.com+ Unlimited is the number of active client groups that you can be connected with at any given time.

How is this different from Realtor.com?

Realtor.com+ takes you and your clients beyond a simple search with enhanced collaboration tools built to simplify the way you and your clients work together. In addition to a protected environment, you and your clients will have access to collaboration tools that include direct chat messages, behavior alerts, tour management, market insights, and more!

I received an email about Realtor.com Pro, Connections Plus what’s the difference?

The Realtor.com leads businesses (Connections Plus, MVIP) will continue to exist and will continue to offer leads to professionals who rely on them to grow and power their businesses. Realtor.com+ is a post-lead experience. It is for clients and agents who have already chosen to work together – for the serious buyers in the transaction phase of the journey.

Subject: Heads up! How we’ll search together to find your dream home.

Body:
Hi [Client Name],

As you get ready to start your home search, I want to introduce you to Realtor.com®+™ a smart home search platform designed specifically for my valued clients to find their way home.

Why You’ll Love Realtor.com+:

My Expert Guidance: Always On. You’ll connect with me in a premium search environment where you’ll be able to view my recommended homes for you, invite your co-buyer, share individual listings, see your upcoming tours, and chat with me all in one space, so you never miss a critical update.
Seamless Collaborative Search & Communication. Once you’re connected with me on Realtor.com+, you’ll receive real-time listing updates for our saved searches and you’ll have a direct line to me to chat and request tours instantly, so we can move quickly together.
Available on Web and Mobile. Realtor.com+ is available to use on your computer or on the go via the Realtor.com mobile app, so you can search and communicate with me from anywhere.

Next Steps:

We will be using Realtor.com+ as our primary search and collaboration hub throughout your home search. Realtor.com+ is an exclusive, invite only platform so…

Please keep an eye on your inbox!

I will be sending your invitation to join Realtor.com+ shortly. Look for an email from Realtor.com+ with the invitation link. Once you receive it, please click the link to join me right away so we can jump in and get started!

How do my clients access Realtor.com+?

Easy! Once your clients connect with you on Realtor.com+ by accepting your invitation, if they get logged out of the Realtor.com+ experience, they’ll simply sign back into their account at www.realtor.com or on the Realtor.com app.

Once they’ve signed in, their traditional Realtor.com experience will be automatically upgraded to the premium Realtor.com+ experience they receive by working with you. There is no additional app or separate website they’ll need to go to work with you!

How do get support?

We’re always happy to help. You can get in touch with our support team at any time by selecting the Support button in your Realtor.com+ account.

You’ll also have access to your knowledge center, which provides a variety of helpful product walkthroughs and how-to guides to help you get started. You can access the knowledge center using the link, here.

How will I learn how to use Realtor.com+?

Learn how to use your Realtor.com+ account by joining an upcoming live or virtual training session. Dates and times are actively being scheduled and will be communicated broadly once established.

I received an email about Realtor.com Pro, Connections Plus what’s the difference?

Yes! You can use the co-agent feature to add another agent or team member to one of your client feeds, as long as the agent has a Realtor.com+ account. Your partner agent will be able to see the saved searches and listings on the client feed and add their own saved searches as well.

Learn more about working with your team here.

SERVING YOU AT:

Search