, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Social Security Benefits – May 13

Are you prepared to make informed decisions about your Social Security benefits?

Understanding the strategies available can help you potentially maximize the benefits you’ve earned through years of hard work.

Many individuals miss out on valuable opportunities simply because they aren’t aware of key factors that can impact their benefits.

Join us for an informative virtual Social Security Benefits workshop on May 13 at 2:00pm, where you’ll learn:

How to avoid the costly mistake of claiming Social Security retirement benefits too early
Strategies to help you plan ahead for widow’s Social Security survivor benefits
Important information about Social Security survivor benefits for divorced spouses
Key factors to consider when applying for benefits to help maximize your Social Security income

Don’t wait until the last minute to explore your options! A little preplanning can help you avoid common mistakes and potentially maximize your benefits.

Space is limited—reserve your spot today by logging in to ccartoday.com and registering on the calendar.

Presented by:
Kinley Wong, Financial Planner at Lincoln Financial Advisors

23+ years of experience
CRPC designation
Licensed: Series 7, 65, 63, and 6

I look forward to seeing you there!
— Kinley Wong

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic FA, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic FA is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of Osaic FA. CRN-7171391-100923

Weekly Jolt – 020425

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 04, 2025

Top News

• CCAR Welcomes 2025 Board of Directors
• Tony Robbins: Kick Off 2025 Strong! – Feb. 12
• Social Security Benefits Workshop – Mar. 3
• WCR: Mastering AI with Anthony Young – Feb. 21
• CCAR Scholarship Foundation Poker Tournament – Mar. 22

MLS Updates

• Save 20% on 2025 Code of Ethics Bundle + Free Bonus
• Important MLS Rules Update: Coming Soon Data in Broker Back-Office Feeds
• RE Optimized Laptops for Sale

Upcoming Education

Tom Ferry Live: Listing Edge
Wed., Feb. 5 | 8:00am – 5:00pm

SMART From the Start: Accounting & Tax Tips for New Agents
Wed., Feb. 5 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Cloud CMA: How to Create a CMA
Wed., Feb. 5 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

Mastering Your Real Estate Finances
Wed., Feb. 5 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

MLS: Intro to Paragon Professional
Thu., Feb. 6 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Social Media in Real Estate
Fri., Feb. 7 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Unlocking Real Estate Opportunities in Your Neighborhood
Mon., Feb. 10 | 10:00am – 11:00am

MLS: Paragon’s Collaboration Center (Your Client Concierge)
Mon., Feb. 10 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

All About Disclosures: Close Deals & Stay Out of Court
Tue., Feb. 11 | 9:00am – 12:00pm

Legal Live Webinar – “Real” Estate Cases, Redux (RCR)
Tue., Feb. 11 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm

eKEY®Basic Training
Wed., Feb. 12 | 8:00am – 9:00am

Keep More of Your Paycheck: Tax Strategies for Agents
Wed., Feb. 12 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Tony Robbins: Your NEXT LEVEL 2025 (CCAR Member Event)
Wed., Feb. 12 | 10:00am – 11:30am

Strategies to Leverage Market Value
Thu., Feb. 13 | 10:00am – 11:00am

zipForm: Explore Advanced Tools
Thu., Feb. 13 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

MLS: How to Add & Maintain Your Listing
Thu., Feb. 13 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

DRE License Renewal Crash Course
Fri., Feb. 14 | 9:30am – 12:00pm

C.A.R. Townhall for Brokers/Managers
Fri., Feb. 14 | 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.

YPN Spotlight

Stay tuned for CCAR YPN’s first event of 2025,
coming this March!

How to Get Organized for a Successful Year
By Heather Haase

Let’s be real: staying organized can feel like a never-ending obstacle course. But the good news? With a little strategy and a whole lot of grace, you can set yourself up for a year of success. This isn’t about becoming perfectly organized overnight; it’s about finding what works for YOU and leaning into tools and habits that play to your strengths. Let’s dive into how you can harness your creativity and quick thinking while taming the chaos—and growing your business in the process.

Read More to Learn the Strategies >>

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 >>

+ WILDFIRE DISASTER RESOURCES

+ CCAR CALENDAR

WCR’s The Future of Marketing: Mastering AI with Anthony Young – Feb. 21

Ready to elevate your marketing game? Join WCR for “Marketing Mastery with AI & Anthony Young” on Wed., Feb. 12, from 10:30am – 1pm at 1220 Concord Ave. in Concord.

This hands-on workshop, led by AI enthusiast Anthony Young, will show you how to leverage AI and data-driven strategies to market yourself effectively. Bring your laptop for interactive learning! Tickets are $25 for members and $40 for future members or at the door, brunch is included.
Reserve your spot now >>

CCAR Scholarship Foundation’s Puppies & Poker – A Night of Fun for a Great Cause! – Mar. 22

Join the CCAR Scholarship Foundation on Sat., Mar. 22 at Back Forty Texas BBQ in Pleasant Hill for a night of poker, great food, and fundraising! Doors open at 4:30pm, with a buffet dinner at 5:00pm and cards flying at 6:00pm.

$40 – Dinner Only | $100 – Dinner & Poker | $1000 – Table of 10
Limited seating – reserve early! No poker experience needed—just bring your game face! Sponsorships are also available.

Details & Tickets
Bill Erb: 925.698.4495 | [email protected]
Michael Moore: 925.289.8930 | [email protected]

CCAR Welcomes 2025 Board
and Celebrates Industry Achievements

CCAR kicked off 2025 at the Blackhawk Auto Museum on January 11, with over 220 members and guests attending the installation of the 2025 Board of Directors, led by President Zina Hall. The evening’s theme, “Radiating Real Estate Excellence,” captured the spirit of the event.

The program also introduced President-Elect John Fondnazio, Past President Tyra Wright, Treasurer Judy Meyers, Secretary/CEO Sheiren Diaz, and Directors Debi Mackey, Matt Rubenstein, Leslie Manzone, Valerie Crowell, Rolanda Wilson, Stephen Wondolowski, Donna Souza, Cherry Wade, and Affiliate Liaison Martha Echols.

Awards Included:
President’s Community Service Award: Jamie Gaines
Affiliate of the Year: Martha Echols
REALTOR^® of the Year: Ron Mintz
CCAR Emeritus Award: Mary Beall-Neighbor

The event was emceed by Mark Ibanez (formerly of KTVU Ch. 2), with NAR Region 13 Vice President Otto Catrina officiating. Featured guests included city and county officials and staff, such as Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, Assemblymember Anamarie Avila Faris, and County Supervisor John Gioia, along with CCAR past presidents, volunteers, affiliates, sponsors, and staff from associations across the Bay Area. The celebration highlighted CCAR’s commitment to leadership, service, and excellence in the year ahead.

View the Photo Album >>

CCAR x Tony Robbins:
Kickoff 2025 STRONG with
Stu Massengill! – Feb. 12

Achieve Extraordinary Results with Tony Robbins’ Top National Trainer, Stu Massengill! Join us live on Zoom next Wed., Feb. 12, from 10 – 11:30am, for an exclusive FREE session designed to help you create lasting change and reach new heights in your personal and professional life.

As a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and an expert in Peak Performance, leadership, and the psychology of achievement, Stu will guide you through a transformative three-step process to overcome obstacles and bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn powerful strategies, develop an unshakable mindset, and define clear goals for a more fulfilling life!

REGISTER NOW >>

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Social Security Benefits – May 13

Are you prepared to make informed decisions about your Social Security benefits? Understanding key strategies can help you maximize the benefits you’ve earned through years of hard work. Many people miss out simply because they’re unaware of important factors that impact their benefits.

Join us for a virtual Social Security Benefits workshop on May 13 at 2pm, where you’ll learn how to avoid the costly mistake of claiming benefits too early, plan for widow’s and divorced spousal survivor benefits, and identify key factors to help maximize your income.

Space is limited – reserve your spot today on the ccartoday.com calendar >>

Important MLS Rule Update:
Coming Soon Data in Broker Back-Office Feeds

We’d like to inform you of an important update to the MLS rules regarding Coming Soon listings in Broker back-office data feeds.

Previous Rule:
“Allow Coming Soon data to be in Broker back-office feeds (no front-facing data component) (Brokerages’ own data only).”

Updated Rule:
“Upon request, all Paragon MLS Coming Soon data can be included in Broker back-office data feeds. However, Coming Soon listings may not be displayed or integrated into any public-facing products or websites, except for listings belonging to the listing brokerage.”

REALTOR® Optimize Laptops For Sale

All Laptops purchased from CCAR receive a 2-year warranty, data transfer, and RE setup.
• HP 15.6″ Touchscreen – $833.40 >>
• Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga L13 – $718.41 >>
• LE Gram 16 Intel Evo Platform Touchscreen – $978.40 >>

Save 20% on the 2025 Code of Ethics Bundle + Free Bonus!

Get 20% off the 2025 Code of Ethics Bundle and receive a FREE download of the 2024 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. Use code MVPFEB25 at checkout.

This all-in-one bundle includes:

2025 Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice Pamphlet (100-pack)
2025 Professionalism in Real Estate Practice Booklet
2025 Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual
2025 MLS Handbook – Residential
2025 Code of Ethics Bookmarker (25-pack)

Stay informed, uphold the highest standards, and elevate your practice with these essential resources.

Don’t Miss This Exclusive Offer >>
(Remember use code MVPFEB25 at checkout.)

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 012825

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | JANUARY 28, 2025

Help California Wildfire Victims – Donate Now!

More than 100,000 Los Angeles residents have been displaced by one of the most devastating wildfires in California’s history. The need for immediate assistance is critical to help families recover and rebuild.

You can make a difference by supporting the REALTORS® Relief Foundation. Now through January 31, 2025, 100% of donations designated for California wildfire relief will go directly to helping victims and recovery efforts.

Give now:
  • “Read more” and scan the QR code
  • Text RRFCAStrong to 71777
  • Visit rrf.realtor

Every donation brings hope and relief. Please share and support today!

CCAR x Tony Robbins:
Kickoff 2025 STRONG with
Stu Massengill! – Feb. 12

New Quick Guide: Price Gouging Limits During State of Emergency

C.A.R. Legal has created an urgent Quick Guide on Price Gouging Law and Residential Rental Properties. Under the price gouging law, rental prices, like most goods and services, cannot be increased by more than 10% during a declared State of Emergency (DSOE). It is illegal for any individual, business, or entity to raise rental prices above this 10% threshold for both existing and prospective tenants. Violators of this law may face up to one year in jail and a $10,000 fine. Civil penalties can also apply, with fines up to $2,500 per violation and potential restitution.

Read More >>

Important Updates to MLS Rules and Regulations – Effective January 27

To maintain the highest standards of efficiency, fairness, and usability within our MLS platform, new changes to the MLS Rules and Regulations took effect on January 27. The updates are designed to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and better support the needs of our members.

The rules affected are:
10.1.1 Coming Soon Listings
11.5 Photographs on MLS

Click Here to Read Complete Changes >>

REALTOR® Optimize Laptops For Sale

New FCC Rule on Telemarketing and Texting

Attention real estate professionals: A new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule took effect on January 27, 2025, which impacts how telemarketing calls and texts can be used to promote your real estate services.

Under this rule, agents and brokers must obtain direct consent from consumers (known as “1-to-1 consent”) before using an automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS) or sending artificial or prerecorded voice messages.

Telemarketing and texting can remain an effective way to connect with potential clients, but it’s essential to comply with these updated regulations to avoid penalties.

Now is the time to review your current marketing practices, update your consent collection methods, and ensure your approach aligns with the new requirements.

Read More >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Help California Wildfire Victims – Donate Now!

You can make a difference by supporting the REALTORS® Relief Foundation. Now through January 31, 2025, 100% of donations designated for California wildfire relief will go directly to helping victims and recovery efforts.

Give now:
Scan the above QR code

Text RRFCAStrong to 71777

Visit rrf.realtor

Every donation brings hope and relief. Please share and support today!

Weekly Jolt – 012125

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | JANUARY 21, 2025

Top News

• CCAR Annual Crab Feed – Next Friday
• Help CA Wildfire Victims – Donate Now
• Tony Robbins: Kick Off 2025 Strong! – Feb. 12
• Fix it For Free at Walnut Creek’s Fix it Café
• REALTORS Donate 600,000 To Disaster Relief Funds
• The Bay Area’s Pacific Palisades

MLS Updates

• C.A.R. to Hold Wildfire Resources Member Townhalls
• New Fact Sheets Help Your Clients Stay Informed
About Insurance
• MLS Rules & Regulations Update Coming Jan. 27
• RE Optimized Laptops for Sale

Upcoming Education

Top Questions and Answers About Open Houses
ONLINE ANYTIME

NAR’s Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) Designation (50% OFF)
Wed., Jan. 22 | 9:00am – 4:00pm

The 2025 Real Estate Roadmap: Trends, Tools, and Tactics for Success
Wed., Jan. 22 | 9:00am – 10:00am

Cloud CMA: How to Create a CMA
Wed., Jan. 22 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

Tech: State of Smart Homes in 2025
Wed., Jan. 22 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

RPR: Intro to RPR – Searches, Stats, Reports & More!
Wed., Jan. 22 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

1031 Exchange: Problems & Pitfalls
Thu., Jan. 23 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Mobile MLS: My Content, Property Watches & Listing Carts
Thu., Jan. 23 | 11:00am – 11:30am

Webcast: Social Media for Agents – Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube
Fri. Jan. 24 | ON DEMAND

Webcast: Top Questions & Answers About Open Houses
Fri. Jan. 24 | ON DEMAND

Realtor.com: Agent Profile Basics
Mon., Jan. 27 | 9:00am – 9:30am

Mobile MLS: EasyCMA
Mon., Jan. 27 | 11:00am – 11:30am

CRM: Wise Agent Overview & Demo (CCAR Discount)
Tue., Jan. 28 | 9:00am – 10:00am

Mobile MLS: Collab Center for New Users (Auto-Email Drip System)
Tue., Jan. 28 | 11:00am – 11:30am

RPR Commercial – Advanced Class
Wed., Jan. 29 | 9:00am – 10:00am

Combatting & Preventing Real Estate Fraud
Wed., Jan. 29 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

WomanUP!® Live Show
Wed., Jan. 29 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

New Year, New Goals: Smart Real Estate Goals for 2025
Wed., Jan. 29 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Mobile MLS: Setting Up Buyers In Collab Center (Auto-Email Drip System)
Thu., Jan. 30 | 11:00am – 11:30am

MLS: How to Add & Maintain Your Listings
Thu., Jan. 30 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

License Renewal Crash Course
Fri., Jan. 31 | 9:30am – 12:00pm

C.A.R. Townhall for Brokers/Managers
Fri., Jan. 31 | 11:00am – 12:30pm

February 2025 Tax Summit: 4-part Series
Wed., Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

OnlineEd Offers CA Salespersons
A Fast Track to Becoming Brokers

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

YPN Spotlight

Stay tuned for CCAR YPN’s first event of 2025,
coming this March!

How to Take Ownership of Your Time
By Nicole Slaughter Graham

Do you tell your clients that you’re available 24/7? Do you answer the phone no matter what time it is or who you’re with? Do you struggle to take time off?

In a business that doesn’t have standardized hours, it’s hard to set boundaries around your time, but not doing so can lead to unintended consequences. Time management is the latest topic of conversation on the latest episode of the Drive with NAR podcast’s REALTOR® to REALTOR® series. Host Marki Lemons Rhyal speaks with real estate professionals Vanessa Franz Barnes, CIPS, SRES and Natalie Davis, ABR, CRS, to learn more about their best tips for time management.

Lemons Rhyal starts the conversation acknowledging the fact that many real estate professionals tell they’re clients that they are available round the clock. She asks Franz Barnes and Davis their take on the subject.

Franz Barnes, who is an associate-broker with Keller Williams Realty in Celebration, Fla., noted that she sees many agents in the business struggling with the “always on” mindset and that she’s struggled with it herself. Over time, however, she’s learned that excellent customer service does not equate to being available all the time.

“It’s really two separate things. We can still provide exceptional customer service and an experience for them and have boundaries and time with our families,” she says…

Read More >>

REALTOR^® ACTION FUND (RAF)

Contribute Today >>

+ WILDFIRE DISASTER RESOURCES

+ CCAR CALENDAR

Fix It for Free at Walnut Creek’s Repair Café!

Reduce waste and give your household items a second life! Join experienced volunteers at Walnut Creek’s upcoming Repair Café on January 25 at the Civic Park Community Center Assembly Hall, from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Get your items fixed for free and help promote sustainability!

REALTORS® donate $600,000 to two wildfire disaster relief funds

REALTORS^® in California and across the nation have launched a massive, industrywide fundraising effort to support those impacted by the Southern California wildfires. C.A.R. is contributing a combined $600,000 toward two REALTOR^®-sponsored charitable funds to help those who have incurred losses due to the wildfires and other disasters. C.A.R. is donating $300,000 to its Disaster Relief Fund, which provides grants to members of the REALTOR^® family — which includes more than 190,000 REALTORS^®, their staff and association staff. C.A.R. is currently providing grants of up to $10,000 to those who have suffered losses in the Southern California wildfires. Since the fund’s inception, C.A.R. has raised more than $2.7 million, thanks to the tremendous generosity of its REALTOR^® family and community members, and it has distributed $1.9 million in grants…
Read More >>

The Bay Area’s Pacific Palisades: Cities at High Risk of Urban Firestorms

When California lawmakers sought an estimate of how much a worst-case-scenario fire might cost, experts identified three communities where impacts would be devastating. One was Pacific Palisades. The others were in the Bay Area…
Read More at the SF Chronicle >>

Crab, Champagne, and Charity:
CCAR’s Annual Crab Feed Fundraiser is Next Friday!

Get ready for a night of fun and flavor next Friday, January 31st!
Join us at the Pleasant Hill Community Center from 6:00 to 10:00pm for CCAR’s
24th Annual Crab Feed Fundraiser
– A Crustacean Celebration You Won’t Want to Miss!

This crab-tastic feast supports two amazing causes: CCAR Helping Hands and the CCAR Scholarship Foundation, so every bite (and every bid) makes a difference!

Don’t wait—tickets must be purchased in advance!
No tickets will be sold at the door, so grab yours now to secure your spot.

Purchase Tickets Here >>
Sponsorship Opportunities >>

Help California Wildfire Victims – Donate Now!

CCAR x Tony Robbins:
Kickoff 2025 STRONG with
Stu Massengill! – Feb. 12

New Fact Sheets Help Your Clients Stay Informed About Insurance

With nearly 500,000 California homes worth a combined $268 billion under serious risk from wildfires, and the issue growing more acute with each passing year, insurance companies are ramping up prices or outright refusing to renew policies in fire-prone areas. Use these materials to help your customers stay informed about protecting their homes, maintaining insurance coverage, and finding new policies when needed.

Important Updates to MLS Rules and Regulations – Effective January 27

To maintain the highest standards of efficiency, fairness, and usability within our MLS platform, new changes to the MLS Rules and Regulations will take effect on January 27. The updates are designed to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and better support the needs of our members.

The rules affected are:
10.1.1 Coming Soon Listings
11.5 Photographs on MLS

Click Here to Read Complete Changes >>

REALTOR® Optimize Laptops For Sale

C.A.R. to Hold Wildfire Resources Member Townhalls

C.A.R. President Heather Ozur, along with other C.A.R. leaders, will host a townhall to discuss how C.A.R. is supporting members during the Southern California wildfire crisis. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions and share valuable information with fellow members.
• Wednesday, January 22
• Tuesday, January 28

Additionally, C.A.R. understands that many members have pressing questions about transactions, insurance, price gouging, and other wildfire-related legal issues. To address these concerns, C.A.R.’s legal team will host two dedicated legal townhalls:
• Friday, January 24
• Thursday, January 30

Read More & Register >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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