, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Weekly Jolt – 121625

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 16, 2025

Happy Holidays! CCAR Offices Closed:
• Wed. – Fri., Dec. 24 – 26
• Wed. – Fri., Dec. 31 – Jan. 2

C.A.R. Podcast: Home Sales Hit 8-Month High but Will the Momentum Last?

The Housing Matters Podcast is your go-to source for market analysis, economic trends, and housing news from C.A.R. Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify to hear expert insights on the week’s top real estate stories – and what they mean for you.

This week’s episode: Home Sales Hit 8-Month High but Will the Momentum Last? (Episode 138) discusses how California home sales have reached their highest level since February, driven largely by low interest rates. As the market transitions into the holiday season, housing demand is expected to ease, with statewide sales projected to close 2025 with a modest increase over 2024. Ultimately, the trajectory of market momentum will depend on underlying macroeconomic fundamentals.

Get Quick Answers to Your Questions with C.A.R. Peer-to-Peer Ethics Infoline

Non-legal ethics questions answered in a snap!

C.A.R.’s Peer-to-Peer Ethics Infoline is a free service facilitated by neutral REALTOR® volunteers trained in the Code of Ethics. They can answer questions from other REALTOR® members regarding the proper interpretation of the Code.

If you have questions about whether certain actions—yours or those of another REALTOR® —might violate the Code of Ethics, the volunteers can assist with non-legal ethics matters. The Infoline is confidential, and no information will be shared with third parties. Please note that answers or opinions are provided orally and will not be given in writing.

CONTACT THE INFOLINE >>

Don’t Miss the 2025 REALTOR® Store Winter Sale!

Now through Dec. 31, save up to 25% on select products to help you finish the year strong. From best-selling publications to revenue-boosting webinars, your REALTOR® Store has everything you need—at exclusive member pricing. Don’t wait, shop now!
Shop the Sale >>

REALTOR® Member Health Insurance
Open Enrollment

There’s still time to secure your 2026 health insurance, and RealCare is here to make the process simple and stress-free. Navigating the health insurance marketplace can feel overwhelming, but with RealCare’s expert guidance, you’ll have the support you need every step of the way. Open Enrollment runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 for most coverage plans, and RealCare continues to offer access to two great options: Individual Plans and Covered CA.

Don’t wait—visit RealCare online or call 800.939.8088 (Option 2) to find the perfect plan for you today!

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 >>

FHA Loan Limit Increases to $1.25 Million in 2026

The Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA) said it will raise the maximum claim amount for its Single-Family Forward and Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) mortgage insurance programs to $1,249,125 in 2026, up from $1,209,750 this year.

FHA updates its loan limits every year based on rules in the National Housing Act. These limits are calculated using home-sale data from each county or metropolitan area. The law sets three cost tiers, and FHA adjusts the limits according to local home prices.

The law also caps the loan limit in high-cost areas at 150% of the national conforming loan limit, which is set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The new limit is a 3.3 percent increase of $39,375, marking the 10th straight year of increases.

Loan limits for most of the country will increase due to the continued appreciation of home prices over the past year.

READ MORE >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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.

Have You Created Your 20-second CMA? Now’s
the Time

Whether you’re at home making dinner, on the go, or standing next to a potential client, EasyCMA® delivers a fast and easy analysis of what a property is worth. This quick CMA does the work for you, while giving you control of what you want, when you need it. Watch the above video for more information.

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

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 – 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 – 121625

C.A.R. Podcast: Home Sales Hit 8-Month High but Will the Momentum Last?

Get Quick Answers to Your Questions with C.A.R. Peer-to-Peer Ethics Infoline

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

SERVING YOU AT:

Search