, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

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 >>

C.A.R. Disaster RELIEF FUND

C.A.R. stands ready to assist REALTORS® who have been impacted by natural disasters through its Disaster Relief Fund. The Association established the fund in the wake of the 2003 California wildfires. Grants provided by the fund are used to help members of the REALTOR® family — REALTORS®, their staff, and Association members and their staff — who have incurred substantial losses due to wildfires and other disasters.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please help us continue our efforts by making a tax-deductible contribution to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS’® Disaster Relief Fund. To make a tax-deductible donation by check, please make payable to the California Community Foundation and write “C.A.R. Disaster Relief Fund” on the “memo” line. Send checks to the California Community Foundation, 221 S. Figueroa St., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90012. For questions, please contact [email protected] or call (213) 739-8327.

DONATE ONLINE >>

+ PAY MLS & KEY FEES

+ CCAR CALENDAR

New Forms coming July 10;
Attend c.a.r. town hall to review

Wed., July 10 | 10am – 11:30am | Live Webinar
Tomorrow, July 10, the remaining 2024 forms will be posted on www.car.org. C.A.R. will also host a virtual Town Hall tomorrow from 10am – 11:30am – NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH CCAR TOWN HALL ON JULY 24 – to discuss the new forms. Additionally, numerous live virtual training opportunities will be offered throughout the coming weeks and recorded for on-demand viewing.
LEARN MORE >>
REGISTER >>
C.A.R. ALL-MEMEBER TOWN HALL SCHEDULE >>
MESSAGE FROM C.A.R. PRESIDENT MELANIE BARKER >>

IN MEMORIAM: Jo CARLSON (PATRICIA JOSEPHINE CARLSON)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jo Carlson, a cherished member of CCAR and the real estate community with over 46 years of dedicated service. She spent many years with Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno, where her professionalism and commitment left an indelible mark. Jo’s outstanding contributions to the industry were recognized with the prestigious Honorary Member for Life distinction from the California Association of REALTORS®. She was also a proud member of the Woman’s Council of REALTORS® and was honored by being elected to the Contra Costa Real Estate In Motion (CCRIM) Hall of Fame. There will be a Celebration of Life honoring Jo on August 15 at 4pm at the Pleasant Hill Community Center.

CCAR Live Legal Town Hall to Discuss
MLS & Business Practice Changes – July 24

Are you ready to understand how the latest changes in MLS rules and business practices will impact your real estate business? Join us for an informative Legal Town Hall, where CCAR General Counsel Tom Jacobson will break down the recent NAR legal settlement and its implications for you and your business.

Event Details:
• Date: Wed., July 24, 2024
• Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Location: Pleasant Hill Community Center,
320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill

This CCAR town hall is a unique opportunity to get your questions answered by an expert and learn practical tips for staying compliant and competitive in a challenging market. Don’t miss out on this chance to stay informed and prepared for the future of real estate. Mark your calendar and secure your spot today!

View the Flyer >>
Register >>

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 >>

School office supplies on blue background

YPN School Supply & Shoe Drive Extended – Donate by This Friday

The CCAR Young Professionals Network is thrilled to once again join C.A.R. in their Month-of-Giving campaign by supporting students in our community. This year, they’re again partnering with Moving Forward, a Richmond-based non-profit dedicated to making a positive impact through health, academics, and community service.

They need your help! Donate school supplies and new shoes to help young students get the resources they need to succeed. Your contributions will ensure they are well-equipped for the upcoming school year, boosting their confidence and giving them the tools to thrive academically.

VIEW THE FLYER >>

WCR: Celebrate, connect, & Collaborate – July 17

RE OPTIMIZED 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 >>

July 8, 2024 – California Latest Market Update

The short-term outlook for the housing market looked slightly more positive as interest rates moderated throughout the month of June and the supply condition continued to improve in the past couple of months. With the job market showing signs of cooling in recent weeks and consumers feeling less positive about their future financial well-being, the economy could slow further in the next two quarters. While the growth momentum could be cooling off for the U.S. economy, the housing market could benefit from the slowdown if the Federal Reserve reacts accordingly and starts reducing the policy rates in the near term.

Homebuying optimism bounces back: Home Purchase Sentiment released by Fannie Mae bounced back after dipping in May. The share who said that it is a good time to buy increased five percentage points to 19% in June after reaching a survey low of 14% in the prior month. Mortgage rates…

READ MORE ON car.org >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 070224

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | JULY 2, 2024

CCAR OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED THU. & Fri., JULY 4 & 5 FOR Independence Day.

Top News

• CCAR Legal Town Hall – July 24
• YPN School Supply & Shoe Drive
• Time to Renew Your Ethics Training
• Reverse Mortgage Training – July 18
• Virtual Panel: CA Insurance Landscape – July 24
• WCR: Celebrate, Connect & Collaborate – July 17

MLS Updates

• CA Market Update
• Legal Matters Podcast
• RE Optimized Laptops for Sale

Upcoming Education

zipForm: Exploring Advanced Tools
Wed., July 3 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

BrokerBay: Schedule Showings for Clients
Mon., July 8 | 8:00am – 9:00am

New Home Sales: Builders Update Training
Mon., July 8 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Supra eKEY Basic Training
Tue., July 9 | 8:00am – 9:00am

Jumpstart Your Business with RPR
Tue., July 9 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

LIVE Legal Webinar: Dealing with Abusive Clients & Agents
Tue., July 9 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Paragon Connect: Searches
Wed., July 10 | 11:00am – 11:30am

Generational Marketing: 3 Words to Success
Wed., July 10 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Paragon: Getting to Know Paragon
Wed., July 10 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Paragon Connect: Search Results
Thu., July 11 | 11:00am – 11:30am

Wise Agent CRM Overview & Demo
Thu., July 11 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

zipForm: Maximizing Efficiency & Productivity
Thu., July 11 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

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

C.A.R. Town Hall for Brokers, Office Managers & Firm Principals
Fri., July 12 | 11:00am – 12:30pm

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

REALTOR^® ACTION FUND (RAF)

Contribute Today >>

REALTOR^® RELIEF FUND

+ PAY MLS & KEY FEES

+ CCAR CALENDAR

Hidden Listings: Have You Looked in Reverse?

Thu., July 18 | 10am – 11am | Live Webinar
Discover how REALTORS® are increasing their listings by targeting the largest demographic of residential property owners—homeowners aged 65 and above—through innovative marketing strategies and the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program.
REGISTER >>

CCRE Virtual Panel: California’s Insurance Landscape

Wed., July 24 | 10am – 11:15am | Virtual Panel
California’s home insurance landscape is undergoing significant strain as insurers withdraw from various markets in the state. This has left many homeowners grappling with soaring premiums or losing coverage altogether, complicating an already strained housing market. Join the Center for California Real Estate (CCRE), host of the virtual panel, to explore these challenges, as well as potential solutions.
REGISTER >>

WCR: Celebrate, connect, & Collaborate – July 17

Join Us for the Legal Town Hall:
Navigating MLS & Business Practice Changes – July 24

Event Details:
• Date: Wed., July 24, 2024
• Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Location: Pleasant Hill Community Center,
320 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill

View the Flyer >>
Register >>

YPN School Supply & Shoe Drive Extended – Donate by This Friday

Ethics Training Must Be Complete By Dec. 31st

Did you know that almost half of CCAR REALTOR® members still need to check off their ethics training? Don’t fall behind! Every REALTOR® must complete 2.5 hours of ethics training every three years, and the current cycle ends in 2 weeks! Skip it, and you risk suspension and eventual termination of your CCAR, C.A.R., and NAR memberships.

Need to check your status? Log into your NAR account, click your name in the upper right, select “Manage Account,” and head to the “My Education” tab.

STILL NEED TO COMPLETE IT??
CE Shop – $29: Online Anytime
REGISTER HERE >>

NAR – Free: Online Anytime
REGISTER HERE >>

RE OPTIMIZED LAPTOPS FOR SALE

California Market Update

July 01, 2024 – The combination of recent macroeconomic and market data reports lend themselves to cautious optimism about the trajectory of the housing market in California for the second half of 2024. Mortgage rates have stabilized and even come down slightly after spiking again in April and May. The treasury market is also supportive of less rate volatility in coming weeks, and both trends should help to bolster housing demand before kids return to school. Rising inventory has helped to relieve some competitive pressure on transactions here in California, which should come as welcome news for would-be homebuyers—particularly as it comes paired with an improvement in rates. Despite the generally positive backdrop, homeowners insurance remains the persistent challenge in California elsewhere as recent reports show premiums have risen significantly, policies are less available, and prices are poised to go even higher.

READ MORE ON car.org >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Congratulations to The 2024 CCAR Scholarship Winners!

The CCAR Scholarship Foundation provides scholarship awards of up to $10,000 to qualified students residing in Contra Costa County. Their commitment to support higher education is the heart of the Foundation’s desire to make a difference!

THANK YOU!

The Trustees would like to thank all the members of CCAR who make a donation when renewing their dues and who support events that benefit the Foundation. Without you, they would not be able to give away the grants that they do. If you are interested in learning more about the Foundation, how students apply, or establishing a Perpetual, visit www.ccarscholarship.com.

Weekly Jolt – 062524

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | JUNE 25, 2024

NAR SETTLEMENT UPDATES

C.A.R. FORMS PARTIAL RELEASE | June 25, 2024 | C.A.R. has just released 48 new forms, but 19 forms related to the changes in business practices required by the NAR settlement have been postponed. C.A.R. will make those additional forms and relevant education available prior to August 17.
READ MORE >>

COMING MLS CHANGES AUG 12 | June 25, 2024 | The following changes to Paragon and connectMLS will be instituted on Mon, Aug. 12:
• Removal of all COMPENSATION fields in all places across all
property types and statuses, including Historical Data.
• The current POST-SALE CONCESSIONS field will change from a
free-form field to a YES/NO option (historical concessions data
for off-market listings will remain visible).

Top News

• YPN Trivia Night – Last Chance to Save $5 on Tickets!
• Congratulations to the 2024 Scholarship Winners
• Time to Renew Your Ethics Training
• CCAR Legal Town Hall Save the Date
• Upcoming New Forms Education
• WCR: Celebrate, Connect & Collaborate – July 17

MLS Updates

• Latest Market Statistics
• RE Optimized Laptops for Sale

Upcoming Education

RPR Commercial: Search, Site Selection & Prospecting
Wed., June 26 | 9:00am – 10:00am

Secure More Listings in a Changing Real Estate Environment
Wed., June 26 | 10:00am – 11:00am

WomanUp LIVE Show
Wed., June 26 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

C.A.R. New & Revised Forms with Neil Kalin
Wed., June 26 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Paragon Connect: Buyer Side Exploration
Wed., June 26 | 11:00am – 11:30am

Smartphone Video Basics for REALTORS®
Wed., June 26 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm

License Renewal Crash Course
Fri., June 28 | 9:30am – 12:00pm

FREE (ABR®) Designation – Accredited Buyer’s Representative
Mon., July 1 | 8:00am – 3:00pm

BrokerBay: Schedule Showings for Clients
Mon., July 1 | 8:00am – 9:00am

Cloud CMA: How to Create a CMA
Mon., July 1 | 9:00am – 10:00am

Paragon Connect: Setting Up Sellers in Colab Center
Mon., July 1 | 11:00am – 11:30am

C.A.R. New & Revised Forms
Tue., July 2 | 10:00am – 1:00pm

Paragon: How to Add & Maintain a Listing
Tue., July 2 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

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

REALTOR^® ACTION FUND (RAF)

Contribute Today >>

REALTOR^® RELIEF FUND

+ PAY MLS & KEY FEES

+ CCAR CALENDAR

SAVE THE DATE: JULY 24
CCAR Legal Town Hall

How Pending MLS & Business Practice Changes Affect You – Featuring CCAR Legal Counsel Tom Jacobson
Wed., July 24 | 1pm – 3pm | Pleasant Hill Community Center
Learn important information about the NAR legal settlement and how it affects you. Tom Jacobson will answer questions about upcoming MLS rules and business practice changes that will help you better manage risk and navigate the challenging working environment ahead.

UPCOMING NEW FORMS EDUCATION

New & Revised Forms with Neil Kalin
Thu., June 27 | 10am – 11am | Live Webinar
Learn all about the 30+ new forms. This class will focus on the most consequential changes that are most likely to affect your real estate practice.
REGISTER >>

C.A.R. Forms Update
Tue., July 2 | 10am – 1pm | Live Webinar
Stay informed and up-to-date on all the changes that may affect your real estate transactions including a discussion on the latest updates to C.A.R. forms.
REGISTER >>

Last Chance to Save 20% on YPN Trivia Night Tickets
– Tomorrow, June 26

Are you ready for an evening of fun, laughter, and a bit of friendly competition? Join us at our 2nd Annual Real Estate Trivia Night tomorrow, June 26 from 4-7pm at The Factory Bar in Richmond! It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your real estate knowledge, connect with colleagues, and enjoy a fantastic night out!

Save $5 on tickets when you reserve yours tonight and enjoy a complimentary drink ticket to kick off the evening. Join us on Factory Bar’s outdoor patio (dress accordingly!) for an exciting evening featuring trivia challenges, prizes for our champions, and outside food is welcome from nearby food trucks and local eateries.

We’re also excited to continue our partnership with Moving Forward for their annual school drive. Please bring a back-to-school item to the event to support their mission and make a direct impact on local children’s education.

View the Flyer >>
Purchase Tickets >>

Congratulations to The 2024 CCAR Scholarship Winners!

The CCAR Scholarship Foundation hosted its 57th Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, June 14th, at Blackhawk Country Club. Scholarships were awarded to 23 well-deserving recipients from across Contra Costa County, many of whom have just graduated high school and are heading to college to continue their education. It was exciting to hear about their journeys so far and all the amazing accomplishments they have achieved.

The Trustees would like to thank all the members of CCAR who make a donation when renewing their dues and who support events that benefit the Foundation. Without you, they would not be able to give away the grants that they do. If you are interested in learning more about the Foundation, how students apply, or establishing a Perpetual, visit www.ccarscholarship.com

Ethics Training Must Be Complete By Dec. 31st

WCR: Celebrate, connect, & Collaborate – July 17

Join the Women’s Council of REALTORS® from 3-6pm at Side Gate Brewery & Beer Garden in Concord for an afternoon of networking and fun with successful REALTORS® and industry leaders. Enjoy refreshments, share stories, and make valuable connections.
REGISTER >>
WCR CALENDAR >>

RE OPTIMIZED LAPTOPS FOR SALE

Latest Market Statistics

Existing, single-family home sales totaled 272,410 in May on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 1.1 percent from 275,540 in April and down 6.0 percent from 289,960 in May 2023.

May’s statewide median home price was $908,040, up 0.4 percent from April and up 8.7 percent from $835,280 in May 2023.

Year-to-date statewide home sales were flat.

The statewide unsold inventory index (UII), which measures the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate remained unchanged from the prior month for the third consecutive period but improved solidly from a year ago. The index was 2.6 months in May, unchanged from April, but was up from 2.1 months in May 2023.

READ MORE >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 061824

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | JUNE 18, 2024

CCAR OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED WED.,
June 19 in honor of Juneteenth.

Got Questions About Pending MLS Changes?

CCAR just launched the CCAR INFO HUB, a local news portal to keep you in the know about all pending MLS business practice changes and updates. Today, we’ve posted answers to some of your pressing questions about the practice changes. You may also take advantage of several education opportunities to get current on the new forms coming down the pike. We encourage you to carve out some time to read and learn all you can to be poised for success as the marketplace quickly changes.
READ MORE >>

Top News

• The 2025 Board of Directors Election Results Are In!
• YPN 2nd Annual Trivia Night – Save $5 on Tickets!
• Time to Renew Your Ethics Training
• Upcoming New Forms Education

MLS Updates

• Watch iHomefinder’s Webinar and Learn to Close More
Deals & Thrive
• C.A.R. Market Minute
• RE Optimized Laptops for Sale

Upcoming Education

Paragon Connect Mobile: Hotsheets
Wed., Jun. 19 | 11:00am – 11:30am

Working Social Media Into Your Business Plan
Wed., Jun. 19 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Video Strategies to Amplify Your Brand
Thu., Jun. 20 | 10:00am – 11:00am

RPR Commercial + CompStak: Your COMPrehensive Benefit
Thu., Jun. 20 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

C.A.R. Town Hall for Brokers, Office Managers and Firm Principals
Fri., Jun. 21 | 11:00am – 12:30pm

BrokerBay: Schedule Showings for Clients
Mon., June 24 | 8:00am – 9:00am

AI & Free Productivity Tools for REALTORS®
Mon., June 24 | 9:00am – 10:00am

NAR Settlement: Purchase, Listing & Buyer Representation Forms
Mon., June 24 | 10:00am – 12:00pm

Intro to RPR: CMA Reports and More!
Tue., June 25 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

RPR Commercial: Search, Site Selection & Prospecting
Wed., June 26 | 9:00am – 10:00am

Secure More Listings in a Changing Real Estate Environment
Wed., June 26 | 10:00am – 11:00am

WomanUp LIVE Show
Wed., June 26 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

C.A.R. New & Revised Forms with Neil Kalin
Wed., June 26 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Paragon Connect: Buyer Side Exploration
Wed., June 26 | 11:00am – 11:30am

Smartphone Video Basics for REALTORS®
Wed., June 26 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm

License Renewal Crash Course
Fri., June 28 | 9:30am – 12:00pm

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

REALTOR^® ACTION FUND (RAF)

Contribute Today >>

+ PAY MLS & KEY FEES

+ CCAR CALENDAR

UPCOMING NEW FORMS EDUCATION

NAR Settlement: Purchase, Listing & Buyer Representation Forms – Part 2 with Nikki Coppa
Mon., June 24 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | Live Webinar
Join a two-hour walk-through of the finalized CAR Forms and language so you can hit the ground running on the release day.
REGISTER >>

New & Revised Forms with Neil Kalin
Thu., June 27 | 10:00am – 11:00am | Live Webinar
Learn all about the 30+ new forms. This class will focus on the most consequential changes that are most likely to affect your real estate practice.
REGISTER >>

The Results Are In!

Thank you to everyone who voted in the 2025 CCAR Board of Directors election. Your active participation is truly impactful!

Congratulations to the elected candidates and thank you to everyone who ran, we appreciate all your efforts and contributions.

Total Eligible Members: 3839, Total Members Voted: 765, 20% (Green = Elected)

President-Elect (1 Position) Director-At-Large (4 Positions)
298 Darnella Aulani    370 Valerie Crowell
387 John Fondnazio 288 Murrey Kehrlein
344 Cherry Wade
Treasurer (1 Position) 280 Rolanda Wilson
665 Peter Maclennan 370 Stephen Wondolowski

Read More >>

YPN 3rd Annual Real Estate Trivia Night! – Aug. 28

Get ready for an evening of fun, laughter, and friendly competition as CCAR YPN hosts its 3rd Annual Real Estate Trivia Night on Thu, Aug 28, from 5 – 8pm at Side Gate Brewery in Concord. This exciting event is the perfect opportunity to put your real estate knowledge to the test, connect with colleagues, and enjoy a lively night out. Advance tickets are just $25 and include two complimentary drink tickets to kick off the evening. Enjoy delicious eats from the Hotcock Chicken Food Truck—famous for its mouthwatering fried chicken—and compete for exciting prizes with your team.

With Side Gate Brewery’s welcoming atmosphere, great food, cold beer, and the chance to meet new people while having a blast, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a trivia enthusiast or just looking for a fun night with fellow industry pros, we hope to see you there!

REGISTER >>

Ethics Training Must Be Complete By Dec. 31st

C.A.R. Market Minute

Mortgage rates began to reverse in the middle of last week, with the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage dropping back to the lowest levels in nearly two weeks. With the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge showing signs of cooling and the revised Q1 GDP suggesting a dial back in consumer spending, the bond market responded “favorably” to the cues and pushed rates down by more than 20 bps in eight business days. The moderation in rates in the last two weeks should motivate more buyers and sellers to enter the market and bump the momentum up a notch in the midst of the homebuying season.

RE OPTIMIZED LAPTOPS FOR SALE

Learn How iHomefinder will Help you Close More Deals and Thrive!
Watch the Recorded Webinar from Mon., June 17

Discover how iHomefinder’s powerful MLS property search, automated marketing, and integrated real estate CRM can revolutionize your online marketing and drive unprecedented growth.

In today’s competitive real estate landscape, adapting to advanced digital solutions is no longer optional—it’s essential for success. By watching this webinar, you’ll learn how their all-in-one platform helps you engage your database of leads, close more deals, and stay ahead of the competition. Plus, find out about special pricing for CCAR subscribers!

Watch Webinar >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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