, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Renew Your Real Estate License Fast! – Apr. 7

Your time is valuable and if you benefit from in-person, live training, this course is for you.
This crash course is the quickest and easiest way to renew your real estate license.

In just one class, you’ll review all required material, including the latest DRE updates, and get fully prepared to pass the open-book, online final exams.

100% Pass Guarantee through REVEI.com — or your money back
Approved for California DRE continuing education credit
Includes Ethics credit for NAR Cycle 8 (submit certificate to [email protected])
Online finals are open-book and completed at your pace

Don’t waste time—pass the first time and get it done for just $110 (CCAR members).

Choose from three dates in 2025:
April 7 | 9am – 12pm
June 3 | 9am – 12pm
October 1 | 9am – 12pm

Weekly Jolt – 040125

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | APRIL 1, 2025

CCAR YPN Bites, Beats, and Breakthroughs! – Tomorrow!

Think speed dating—but for networking, professional development, and game-changing insights! This isn’t just another real estate roundtable, it’s CCAR YPN’s first-ever SPEED networking and education experience! Join us tomorrow, April 2nd from 4:00 – 7:00pm at the Lafayette Library’s Don Tatzin Community Hall where you will mingle, move, and master the market—one expert at a time!

You’ll rotate through high-energy networking and discussion rounds, engaging with top industry pros and walking away with powerful strategies to boost your real estate career—FAST. Expectdynamic conversations, expert-led discussions, and actionable takeaways you can use right away.

And because no great CCAR YPN event is complete without a little fun—enjoy delicious charcuterie, sip on beer and wine, and soak in the beats while expanding your network and sharpening your expertise…

Renew Your Real Estate License Fast! – Apr. 7

Your time is valuable—and if you benefit from in-person, live training, this course is for you!

This crash course is the quickest and easiest way to renew your real estate license. In just one class, you’ll cover all required material—including the latest DRE updates—and get fully prepped to pass the open-book, online final exams at your own pace. It’s approved for California DRE credit, includes Ethics credit for NAR Cycle 8 (just send your certificate to [email protected]), and comes with a 100% Pass Guarantee through REVEI.com or your money back.

Don’t waste time—pass the first time and finish it all for just $110 (CCAR members). Choose from three convenient 2025 dates: April 7, June 3, or October 1, all from 9am to 12pm.

REALTOR® Optimize 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 ends on Oct. 14, 2025.
• Lenovo Slim 5i 16″ – $935.51 >>
• Lenovo IdeaPad 14″ 2 in 1 – $935.51 >>

Changes Coming to ListTrac – Free Access Ending Soon

ListTrac has been instrumental in keeping sellers informed about their home’s online activity. However, starting this month, ListTrac will transition to a new subscription model, meaning free access will no longer be available.

CCAR agents who wish to continue using ListTrac will have the option to subscribe, which includes a 7-day free trial. For office or brokerage access, please reach out to [email protected].

New NAR MLS Policy: Multiple Listing Options for Sellers

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has introduced a new MLS policy—Multiple Listing Options for Sellers—designed to give sellers and their agents more flexibility in how properties are marketed.

Each MLS has the discretion to determine a delayed marketing period that best fits the needs of its local market. CCAR leadership is currently engaged in collaborative efforts to establish a local policy that best suits the needs of our members. The current requirements for a “delayed marketing exempt listing” may already align with our current Coming Soon status and rules. CCAR is reviewing the new policy to make any necessary changes and will provide updates through the process.

Developed through extensive industry-wide collaboration, NAR’s policy complements the existing Clear Cooperation Policy and supports fair housing by ensuring equal access to property information.

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

CCAR YPN Bites, Beats, and Breakthroughs! – Tomorrow!

Wednesday, April 2 | 4:00 – 7:00pm
Lafayette Library • Don Tatzin Community Hall

And because no great CCAR YPN event is complete without a little fun—enjoy delicious charcuterie, sip on beer and wine, and soak in the beats while expanding your network and sharpening your expertise. Whether you’re a new agent or a seasoned pro, this is your chance to connect with industry leaders, spark meaningful relationships, and gain fresh perspectives in a lively, interactive setting.

Weekly Jolt – 032525

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | MARCH 25, 2025

Have you considered running for a position on the CCAR 2026 Board of Directors? More information and Applications will be coming very soon.

CCAR YPN Bites, Beats, and Breakthroughs! – Tomorrow!

Maximize Your Exposure – Create a realtor.com Profile!

Ready to grow your real estate business? Your free realtor.com® profile gives you the visibility you need on the ultimate home search platform. Here’s how it helps you succeed:

• Showcase Your Listings: Your profile includes direct links to your properties, plus real-time updates on listing status and transactions.
• Powerful Business Tools: Gain access to a suite of products designed to generate more leads and close more deals.
• Enhanced Consumer Experience: Connect with motivated buyers and sellers while providing them with the best home search experience.

Plus, with the new Find a REALTOR® search, consumers can easily discover you using filters like town name, agent name, or even by browsing map areas by neighborhood or city. Don’t miss out—claim your free profile today and start making more connections!

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 >>

Changes Coming to ListTrac – Free Access Ending Soon

ListTrac has been instrumental in keeping sellers informed about their home’s online activity. However, starting in April 2025, ListTrac will transition to a new subscription model, meaning free access will no longer be available.

CCAR agents who wish to continue using ListTrac will have the option to subscribe, which includes a 7-day free trial. For office or brokerage access, please reach out to [email protected].

Thank you for being an active part of the ListTrac community!

CCAR Prepares Local Policy
in Response to NAR’s Clear Coop Guidelines

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has introduced a new MLS policy—Multiple Listing Options for Sellers—designed to give sellers and their agents more flexibility in how properties are marketed.

Each MLS has the discretion to determine a delayed marketing period that best fits the needs of its local market. CCAR leadership is currently engaged in collaborative efforts to establish a local policy and plans to publish it in the coming weeks.

Developed through extensive industry-wide collaboration, NAR’s policy complements the existing Clear Cooperation Policy and supports fair housing by ensuring equal access to property information.

Under the new policy, sellers can choose from options such as Office Exclusive (not publicly marketed) and Delayed Marketing (postponing public exposure). Both options require proper disclosure and certification to ensure sellers understand the trade-offs involved.

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 031825

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | MARCH 18, 2025

Top News

• CCAR YPN Bites, Beats, and Breakthroughs! – Apr. 2
• Create a realtor.com Profile
• CA Law: Sexual Harassment Training Every 2 Years
• West County Marketing Meeting This Thursday
• In Memoriam: Andy Wieling (1941 – 2025)

MLS Updates

• State Farm’s Emergency Rate Hike Gets Conditional
Approval Amid California’s Insurance Crisis
• CCAR Scholarship Foundation Poker Tournament – Mar. 22
• Changes Coming to ListTrac – Free Access Ending Soon

Upcoming Education

Disclosures: CA Real Estate Disclosures Required by Law ($20)
Wed., Mar. 19 | 10:00am – 1:00pm

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

WomanUP!® Live Show
Wed., Mar. 19 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

Tech: 5 AI Tricks to Springboard Your Real Estate Career
Wed., Mar. 19 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Wise Agent Overview and Demo
Thu., Mar. 20 | 9:00am – 10:00am

The Truth Behind the Headlines (Market Condition Talks)
Thu., Mar. 20 | 10:00am – 11:00am

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

DRE License Renewal Crash Course
Fri., Mar. 21 | 9:30am – 12:00pm

DRE License Renewal Crash Course
Fri., Mar. 21 | 9:30am 12:00pm

Master Lead Conversion & Close More Deals w/ Confidence
Fri., Mar. 21 | 10:00am 11:00am

Revolutionizing Real Estate with AI (Marketing & Sales Strategies)
Fri., Mar. 21 | 11:30am 12:30pm

Boost Your Brand – The Power of the Profile
Mon., Mar. 24 | 11:00am 12:00pm

RPR: Intro to Realtor Property Resource
Mon., Mar. 24 | 2:00pm 4:00pm

At Home with Diversity Designation Course w/ Robert Morris
Tue., Mar. 25 | 8:00am 3:00pm

Commercial: Property Search & Prospecting
Tue., Mar. 25 | 11:00am 12:00pm

Learn How AI Can Help Predict the Future (dommi)
Wed., Mar. 26 | 10:00am 11:00am

The Road to Recovery: Rebuilding Communities After Wildfires
Wed., Mar. 26 | 10:00am 11:15am

Understanding Credit & Debt
Wed., Mar. 26 | 10:00am 11:00am

Building the Perfect Real Estate Business Plan
Wed., Mar. 26 | 1:00pm 2:00pm

RPR: Next Gen Reports (All New; Beta)
Thu., Mar. 27 | 9:00am 10:00am

Mobile MLS: Searches in Paragon Connect
Thu., Mar. 27 | 11:00am 11:30am

OnDemand: Meeting the Needs of Buyers/Sellers ($75)
Fri., Mar. 28 | 12:00am 12:00am

Mobile MLS: Search Results in Paragon Connect
Mon., Mar. 31 | 11:00am 11:30am

OnlineEd Offers CA Salespersons
A Fast Track to Becoming Brokers

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

YPN Spotlight

Building Relationships as a New Agent
By Matt Clements

In the real estate business, no relationships mean no deals. No deals = No money. Simple, right?

As I traveled the country as one of your NAR YPN reps, one thing is crystal clear: real estate is a referral business. If you’re new in the business, now is the time to put efforts in place to start building those referrals.

So, where do you start? With the people you already know and people who know you. You want to start with the people who are already in your corner, because they’re some of your biggest cheerleaders. Show them appreciation and watch it multiply.

For me, that’s my surf crew at the local beach and folks who recognize me from the waves. Then, I focus on my childhood friends, my classmates, my chosen community. When you start out in your referral-building process, start with the people who…

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REALTOR^® ACTION FUND (RAF)

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West County Marketing Meeting – This Thursday

Join us this Thursday from 8:45 to 10:00am at the Hercules CCAR Office: 500 Alfred Nobel Drive, Suite 265 for an informative West County Marketing Meeting.

Featured Speakers Doug Messer, County Manager at Old Republic Title, and Tracy Swanson, Escrow Officer at WFG National Title, will cover key industry updates including:

Wire fraud and how to protect your clients
Seller impersonation scams
Elder abuse in real estate
New escrow laws that could impact your deals

Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast with burritos, fresh fruit, and beverages! It’s a great chance to network, promote your listings, and pick up valuable insights to stay ahead in the industry.

In Memoriam: Andy Wieling (1941 – 2025)

We honor the life and career of Andy Wieling, a dedicated leader in Bay Area real estate for over 40 years. Beginning as a part-time venture, his passion grew into a successful career, founding Locators with 12 East Bay offices and serving as President of West Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® (now CCAR) in 1990.

Andy was a respected industry advocate, playing a key role in real estate policy, chairing the Contra Costa County Assessment Appeals Board, serving as an expert witness in Superior Courts, and a Designated Speaker for NAR. His commitment to professionalism earned him numerous accolades, including REALTOR® of the Year (1989).

Known for his integrity and sharp business acumen, Andy’s guiding principle was simple: “Focus on your goal and get the job done.” His impact on the industry and those who knew him will endure.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a preferred charity. A Celebration of Life will be held at Rancho de Napa Clubhouse, Yountville, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 2:00 – 5:00pm.

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CCAR YPN Bites, Beats, and Breakthroughs! – Apr. 2

READ MORE & REGISTER >>

Maximize Your Exposure – Create a realtor.com Profile!

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.

To stay compliant, C.A.R. strongly recommends completing 1-hour of sexual harassment training immediately and every 2 years thereafter.

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.

CCAR Scholarship Foundation’s Poker Tournament – Mar. 22

Changes Coming to ListTrac – Free Access Ending Soon

CCAR agents who wish to continue using ListTrac will have the option to subscribe, which includes a 7-day free trial. For office or brokerage access, please reach out to [email protected].

Thank you for being an active part of the ListTrac community!

State Farm’s Emergency Rate Hike Gets Conditional Approval Amid California’s Insurance Crisis

California’s insurance regulators have given State Farm provisional approval for significant homeowner rate hikes following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. If finalized, the increases would average 22% for homeowners, 15% for renters and condo owners, and 33% for rental property owners.

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has tied the approval to a public hearing on April 8, requiring State Farm to justify its request. He also urged the insurer to halt policy cancellations in fire-prone areas and seek $500 million from its parent company to stabilize finances.

The decision comes as California grapples with an ongoing insurance crisis, with providers scaling back coverage due to wildfire risks. While industry leaders argue that rate hikes are necessary for financial viability, consumer advocates warn they could burden policyholders without guaranteeing expanded coverage.

READ FULL ARTICLE AT THE EAST BAY TIMES >>

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