, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Lights, Camera, Traction! Live Interactive Workshop
– Tomorrow

Lights, Camera, Traction! Live Interactive Workshop – Mar. 12

Learn how to create high-quality, engaging videos for social media using just your smartphone!

In 2025, social media video is unmatched for REALTORS® wanting to stand out in their sphere of influence, offering a more engaging and effective way to connect with audiences than traditional photo and text.

In this FREE workshop, you’ll learn how to produce visually appealing content that resonates with your audience, helping you attract new homebuyers and grow their businesses. We will teach you camera tricks for high-quality video, lighting tricks to boost your confidence on camera, and time-saving techniques for rapid editing. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a video you made all by yourself using free and easy tools.

Space is limited—reserve your spot today!

Presented by:
Karen Lum, founder of SolarHour and an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker

With 21 years of experience, Karen Specializes in coaching realtors, she helps them create engaging social media videos that boost their business. Karen has led popular workshops across the San Francisco Bay Area and internationally, partnering with real estate brokerages and associations. Learn more at www.solarhourfilms.com.

Weekly Jolt – 021825

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 18, 2025

Top News

• Governor Signs Exec Order For Fire Prevention
• Social Security Benefits Workshop – Mar. 3
• Lights, Camera, Traction! Live Workshop – Mar. 12
• West County Marketing Meeting – This Thursday
• WCR: Mastering AI with Anthony Young – Feb. 21
• CCAR Scholarship Foundation Poker Tournament – Mar. 22

MLS Updates

• California Latest Market Data
• MLS Rule Update – IDX Display of Sold Listing Photos
• RE Optimized Laptops for Sale

Upcoming Education

Master the Essentials: Inventory, Applications & More for Rentals
Wed., Feb. 19 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Tax Advantages for Agents Investing in Real Estate
Wed., Feb. 19 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Cloud CMA: How to Create a CMA
Wed., Feb. 19 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

Intro to zipForm – Transaction Management System
Thu., Feb. 20 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Buyer Representation & Residential Listing Agreement Bundle
Fri., Feb. 21 | On-Demand

Mobile MLS: Collaboration Center App
Tue., Feb. 25 | 11:00am – 11:30am

Tax Time Simplified: Essential Updates for REALTORS® in 2025
Wed., Feb. 26 | 10:00am – 11:00am

The Future of Rentals: From A to (Generation) Z
Wed., Feb. 26 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

WomanUP!® Live Show
Wed., Feb. 26 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

1031 Exchange: Growing Your Business (with Leonard Spoto)
Thu., Feb. 27 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm

RPR: Intro to RPR (a Member Benefit)
Thu., Feb. 27 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Maximize Your Social Security (Only for CCAR Members!)
Mon., Mar. 3 | 10:00am 11:00am

New Construction: BuildersUpdate
Mon., Mar. 3 | 10:00am 11:00am

Showing Management: Intro to BrokerBay
Tue., Mar. 4 | 8:00am 9:00am

Welcome to Realtor Property Resource (NAR Benefit)
Tue., Mar. 4 | 9:00am 10:00am

Tech: Using Capcut to Edit Video
Wed., Mar. 5 | 1:00pm 2:00pm

1031 Exchange Basics
Thu., Mar. 6 | 10:00am 11:00am

MLS: Intro to Paragon MLS
Thu., Mar. 6 | 2:00pm 4:00pm

DRE License Renewal Crash Course ($85)
Fri., Mar. 7 | 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.

YPN Spotlight

Get Ready to Connect at YPN’s First-Ever
SPEED Networking Event!

Coming this April, YPN is turning up the energy with fast-paced, high-impact networking designed to help you make connections, share insights, and level up your real estate game—FAST!

It’s going to be fun, interactive, and packed with industry tips & tricks you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for details!

Looking for Sponsorship Opportunities? Call Chris Dickson: 925.295.9210.

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

West County Marketing Meeting – Feb. 20

Kickstart your Thursday morning at the West County Marketing Meeting on Feb. 20, from 8:45 – 10:00am at the CCAR Hercules office. We’re excited to welcome Jean Shrem, Attorney at Law, who will cover new real estate laws for 2025 and share key legal insights from her practice. Stay informed and gain valuable knowledge to protect and grow your business. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast while networking with colleagues. It’s a great chance to learn, connect, and promote your listings!

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]

Governor Signs Executive Order For Fire Prevention

This month Governor Newsom signed an executive order to launch key initiatives to continue adapting to future extreme firestorm events in urban communities. The executive order includes a directive to the State Board of Forestry to accelerate its work to adopt regulations known as “Zone 0,” which will require an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet of structures located in the highest fire severity zones in the state.

Other key actions include:

Updated Fire Hazard Maps – Adding 1.4M acres to higher fire severity tiers, expanding building and planning regulations.
Investment in Wildfire Prevention – Over $2.5B invested since 2020, with another $1.5B committed this year.
Expanding Firefighting Resources – More personnel, AI-powered tools, and the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet.
Prepositioning Resources for Faster Response – Ahead of fire-prone seasons, the state is pre-deploying engines, crews, and equipment across high-risk regions to respond immediately when disaster strikes.

Read More >>

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 >>

Lights, Camera, Traction! Live Interactive Workshop
– Tomorrow

Learn how to create high-quality, engaging videos for social media using just your smartphone!

Join us for a FREE interactive workshop in the CCAR Boardroom tomorrow, Mar. 12 from 1:00 – 2:30pm. Learn how to produce visually appealing content that resonates with your audience, helping you attract new homebuyers and grow your businesses. You will also learn camera tricks for high-quality video, lighting tricks to boost your confidence on camera, and time-saving techniques for rapid editing!

Only 10 spots remain—sign up now and take your video skills to the next level!

REGISTER HERE >>

MLS Rule Update – IDX Display of Sold Listing Photos

Effective Tuesday, March 11, an update to MLS Rule 12.16(s) will allow additional photos of sold listings to be displayed on IDX websites. Previously, only the main photo could be shown, but this change aligns with NAR, C.A.R., and most California MLSs.

What You Need to Know:
If you do not want specific photos to appear on IDX sites after a sale, you must mark them as Private while your listing is in Pending Status—before it becomes Sold.

Updated MLS Rule 12.16(s) – Use of Listing Information on Internet – IDX
(s) Sold Listings:
Only the main photo can be displayed; no additional photos
are permitted.
(This line/restriction on additional photos will be removed as of March 11)

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 >>

California Latest Market Data

The market has been very fluid since the fires began in the first week of January. Closed sales in the 6 primary cities affected by the fire have dropped considerably from nearly 15 per week in the weeks ending January 4 and January 11, to just 5 over the past two weeks. That represents a nearly 70% cumulative decline in weekly sales volume from the start of January. Winter is typically a slow time for the housing market in general, but this compares with sales that were up 2% cumulatively over the past two weeks in the rest of the state (i.e. excluding Los Angeles County).

Read more on car.org >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 021125

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 11, 2025

CCAR Offices Closed: Mon., Feb. 17 in observance of Presidents Day

Top News

• Tony Robbins: Kick Off 2025 Strong! – Feb. 12
• CA Law: Harassment Training Required Every 2 Years
• Social Security Benefits Workshop – Mar. 3
• REALTOR® Blackhawk Transponders – $40
• WCR: Mastering AI with Anthony Young – Feb. 21
• CCAR Scholarship Foundation Poker Tournament – Mar. 22

MLS Updates

• MLS Rule Update – IDX Display of Sold Listing Photos
• Important MLS Rules Update: Coming Soon Data in Broker
Back-Office Feeds
• RE Optimized Laptops for Sale

Upcoming Education

OnlineEd Offers CA Salespersons
A Fast Track to Becoming Brokers

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

YPN Spotlight

Get Ready to Connect at YPN’s First-Ever
SPEED Networking Event!

Coming this April, YPN is turning up the energy with fast-paced, high-impact networking designed to help you make connections, share insights, and level up your real estate game—FAST!

It’s going to be fun, interactive, and packed with industry tips & tricks you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for details!

REALTOR^® ACTION FUND (RAF)

Contribute Today >>

+ WILDFIRE DISASTER RESOURCES

+ CCAR CALENDAR

Attention Blackhawk REALTORS®:

Effective March 1, 2025, the Blackhawk HOA has reduced the annual leasing fee for REALTOR® transponders to just $40!

If you have any questions or would like to obtain a transponder at the new rate, please contact Blackhawk HOA at 925.736.6440 or [email protected].

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.

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

$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 x Tony Robbins: Kickoff 2025 Strong
with Stu Massengill FREE! – Tomorrow

Join us for a transformative, FREE, virtual event tomorrow, Feb. 12, from 10:00 to 11:30am on Zoom, where you’ll discover the powerful strategies used by top executives, sales professionals, and high achievers to reach their next level.

As an International Speaker for Tony Robbins and host of the Finding Direction podcast, Stu Massengill has spent over a decade inspiring audiences worldwide. Once a shy kid, Stu discovered the power of personal development and transformed his life—growing a 4,000-person organization in network marketing, speaking on stages of 10,000+ people, and even overcoming cancer. Now, his mission is to help you create a life full of passion, fulfillment, and happiness.

Stu will guide you through a three-step process for lasting change, helping you break through what’s holding you back and closing the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

Learn three powerful strategies to achieve extraordinary results.
Master five key habits of effective communication.
Understand the success cycle and how to apply it in any situation.
Develop an unshakable approach for a more fulfilling life.
Define clear goals to create your ideal future.

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your mindset, performance, and success. Register now and take the first step toward your breakthrough!

Register Here >>

CA Law – Sexual Harassment Training Required Every 2 Years

Reminder: State law requires Designated Brokers to complete supervisory sexual harassment training and provide employees with access to training.

Additionally, salespeople, brokers, broker associates, and independent contractors are now personally liable for sexual harassment in professional relationships with clients—even if the relationship has ended.

Risk Management Tip:
The responsible broker and anyone supervising agents or employees—including those who hire, fire, reward, or discipline—should also complete supervisory training.

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

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

MLS Rule Update – IDX Display of Sold Listing Photos

Effective Tuesday, March 11, an update to MLS Rule 12.16(s) will allow additional photos of sold listings to be displayed on IDX websites. Previously, only the main photo could be shown, but this change aligns with NAR, C.A.R., and most California MLSs.

What You Need to Know:
If you do not want specific photos to appear on IDX sites after a sale, you must mark them as Private while your listing is in Pending Status—before it becomes Sold.

Updated MLS Rule 12.16(s) – Use of Listing Information on Internet – IDX
(s) Sold Listings:
Only the main photo can be displayed; no additional photos are permitted.
(This line/restriction on additional photos will be removed as of March 11)

Stay informed and update your listing practices accordingly. For questions, contact CCAR Tech Support at [email protected] or 925.295.1270.

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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

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

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).”

REALTOR® Optimize Laptops For Sale

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

Lights, Camera, Traction! Live Interactive Workshop
– Tomorrow

Weekly Jolt – 021825

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

Lights, Camera, Traction! Live Interactive Workshop
– Tomorrow

Weekly Jolt – 021125

CA Law – Sexual Harassment Training Required Every 2 Years

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

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

Weekly Jolt – 020425

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

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

SERVING YOU AT:

Search