, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Stayin’ Alive in 2025 Live Stream Workshop – Mar. 18

Discover how to position yourself as the go-to agent for one of the fastest-growing segments of home sales —
older homeowners.

Join us for Stayin’ Alive in 2025, a live stream Zoom workshop on Tuesday, March 18, from 10:00 – 11:00am.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 51% of homes sold last year were from homeowners 59+ years old. But why are they selling, and more importantly, how can YOU be the agent securing these listings? In this session, we’ll dive into the key financial, tax, and estate concerns that drive these homeowners’ decisions and explore advanced financing strategies like reverse mortgage refinances and purchases. You’ll also gain valuable insights into heirs, trusts, and title issues, understanding how to work with families to set them up for success—and position yourself as the trusted real estate expert.

Beyond the knowledge, we’ll provide actionable tools and strategies to help you apply these insights and grow your business without adding more to your workload. Learn how the current loan market is impacting older homeowners, how reverse mortgages really work, and how all of this translates into more listings for you.

Don’t miss this opportunity—register now and future-proof your business!

Weekly Jolt – 030425

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | MARCH 4, 2025

THE CCAR HERCULES OFFICE WILL
BE CLOSED THU., MAR. 6

Stayin’ Alive in 2025 Live Stream Workshop – Mar. 18

Join us for Stayin’ Alive in 2025, a live stream Zoom workshop on Tue., Mar. 18, from 10:00 – 11:00am, and learn how to tap into one of the fastest-growing real estate markets—homeowners 59+.

With 51% of homes sold last year coming from this demographic, understanding why they’re selling and how to serve them is key to securing more listings. This session covers financial concerns, reverse mortgages, heirs and trusts, and practical strategies to grow your business without extra effort.

Don’t miss out—register now to future-proof your real estate success!

REGISTER HERE >>

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!

RentSpree Now Includes Automatic Income Verification Beginning Mar. 18!

Tired of chasing pay stubs, W-2s, and bank statements? RentSpree’s new income verification report provides a rundown of an applicant’s bank deposits, helping you make sure their reported income matches what they put in the bank.

As a CCAR member, income verification will automatically be included in your RentSpree screening package starting Tuesday, March 18th at no extra cost to you. Applicants pay $49.99 for the complete package.
LEARN MORE >>

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 >>

The Road to Recovery: Rebuilding Communities After Wildfires – A C.A.R. Virtual Panel – Mar. 26

How can California help fire-impacted areas rebuild both quickly and resiliently?
What are innovative solutions to address long-term community needs?
Join C.A.R. on Zoom on March 26 to find out.

Join C.A.R. on Zoom on Wed., Mar. 26, from 10:00 – 11:15am for “The Road to Recovery: Rebuilding Communities After Wildfires,” a timely virtual panel exploring how California can rebuild fire-impacted areas quickly and resiliently. Moderated by UC San Diego’s William Fulton, this discussion will bring together leading experts to share innovative solutions for long-term community recovery, policy challenges, and strategies to support those affected.

REGISTER HERE >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 022525

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 25, 2025

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 >>

CCAR Welcomes Tuolumne County to the Supra User Group

Thanks to our partnership with bridgeMLS and the Tuolumne County Association of REALTORS®, CCAR is excited to announce that Tuolumne County is now part of our Supra user group!

This means all CCAR-affiliated Supra Key and lockboxes can now be used in the Tuolumne County area, and all members of the Tuolumne Association of REALTORS® can access the CCAR area—and more. Click the map for full details on CCAR Key Coverage.

REALTOR® Optimize Laptops For Sale

New Optional “Property Faces” Field Coming to Paragon

Beginning March 3, 2025, Paragon will introduce a new optional field called “Property Faces” on the listing input screen. This field allows listing agents to specify the property’s directional orientation, with selection options including East, North, Northeast, Northwest, South, Southeast, Southwest, and West.

While this field is not required, buyer agents can incorporate it into their search criteria when provided, making it easier to find properties that meet their clients’ preferences. Additionally, the selected direction will be displayed in Listing Reports, offering greater insight to potential homebuyers.

This enhancement is designed to provide more valuable details to assist buyers in their home search. We encourage listing agents to take advantage of this new feature to better showcase their properties!

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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

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!

REALTOR^® ACTION FUND (RAF)

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

$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

Lights, Camera, Traction! Live Interactive Workshop
– Tomorrow

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

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

Stayin’ Alive in 2025 Live Stream Workshop – Mar. 18

Weekly Jolt – 030425

Stayin’ Alive in 2025 Live Stream Workshop – Mar. 18

Unlock the Full Power of Your CCAR Membership!

Weekly Jolt – 022525

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

Lights, Camera, Traction! Live Interactive Workshop
– Tomorrow

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

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