, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Weekly Jolt – 072225

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | JULY 22, 2025

Hot August Nights Affiliate Mixer – Aug. 12

Join us for Hot August Nights: Affiliate Networking in the Fast Lane, a classic car-themed evening designed to connect REALTORS® with affiliates. This high-octane event takes place on Aug 12 from 5–7pm at the Pleasant Hill Community Center.

Enjoy appetizers, drinks, and raffle prizes while making meaningful business connections. Vendor tables are $35 for CCAR members (FIRST 15 FREE!) and $50 for non-members. All vendors must bring a raffle prize and appetizer for 20. Sponsorships are also available: Beer, Wine, or Pit Stop (Car Wash & Detailing) for $250, and a $500 Door Prize Sponsor featuring a Sonoma Raceway Experience.

TICKETS >>

Paperwork document, claim form with business applicant

CCAR Affiliate Liaison to BOD: Applications Due Friday

Are you an engaged CCAR Affiliate member ready to take your involvement to the next level? We’re excited to announce the call for applications for the Affiliate Liaison to the 2026–2027 Board of Directors—a unique opportunity to help shape the future of our Association.

As the non-voting Affiliate Liaison, you’ll serve as the essential link between CCAR’s Affiliate members and the Board. It’s a great opportunity to grow as a leader, build lasting relationships, and contribute in a meaningful way to the success and unity of our Association.

If you’re passionate about community, collaboration, and making a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply.
Deadline: August 1, 2025 by 5pm.

ETHICS CORNER:

Code of Ethics Article 3

REALTORS® are obligated to cooperate with other brokers—unless doing so is not in the client’s best interest. This does not mean sharing commissions or compensation. As shown in this scenario, under Standard of Practice 3-6, REALTORS® must disclose accepted offers (even with contingencies) to any broker seeking cooperation. Transparency fosters trust, professionalism, and protects your client’s best outcome.

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 >>

MLS Rule Changes – August 18, 2025

The following MLS Rules and Regulations modifications will be effective August 18, 2025.

MLS Rule 10.1.1 Coming Soon Listings
Reasoning: Updated language concerning Coming Soon rules for improved clarity.

MLS Rule 10.2 Reporting of Sales
Reasoning: Added the requirement for Comparable (Comps) Listings to be input within 30 days from the closing date to promote timely and accurate market data.

MLS Rule 11.5 Photographs on the MLS Reporting of Sales
Reasoning: Revised the rule for improved clarity and to better align with current practices regarding photo use.

MLS Rule 12.5.1 Public Remarks Restrictions & Requirements
Reasoning: Removed restrictions on financing language to allow agents more flexibility in providing relevant property details.

MLS Rule 12.16(s) Photos
Reasoning: Added language to improve understanding and ensure proper handling of photos marked as private in IDX displays.

For questions or assistance, please contact CCAR Member Services at 925.295.1270.

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

NAR On Common Ground Spring 2025

Weekly Jolt – 071525

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | JULY 15, 2025

CCAR YPN’s Minute to Win It Mixer Next Thu.! – July 24

Join CCAR YPN for an evening of fast-paced fun and 60-second challenges at the Minute to Win It Mixer, happening next Thu, July 24 from 4:30-7:30pm at The Factory Bar in Richmond!

Enjoy fast-paced games, two drink tickets, raffles, a food truck, and unbeatable networking with fellow REALTORS® and affiliates.

Give back while you play! Bring a school supply donation for YPN’s drive and earn a bonus raffle ticket!

Space is limited—register now and join us for a night of fun, connection, and community spirit.

PURCHASE TICKETS >>

C.A.R. Ombudsman Volunteers On Call to Answer Non-Legal Questions

If you’re a member looking to resolve a minor dispute or communication issue with another REALTOR®, a C.A.R. Ombudsman can help! C.A.R. Ombudsmen are REALTORS® who volunteer their time to answer non-legal questions and resolve non-legal disputes.

C.A.R. Ombudsman aim to enhance communication among REALTORS® and can propose resolutions for minor issues raised by clients or other members, avoiding escalation. Some common grievances include claims of possible ethics violations and communication issues, such as misrepresentation and lying, as well as complaints surrounding cancellation of a contract, listing, or escrow.

Please Note: Ombudsmen are not attorneys, and do not provide legal advice or answer legal questions.

Have You Created Your 20-second CMA? Now’s
the Time

Whether you’re at home making dinner, on the go, or standing next to a potential client, EasyCMA® delivers a fast and easy analysis of what a property is worth. This quick CMA does the work for you, while giving you control of what you want, when you need it. Watch the above video for more information.

REALTOR® Optimize Laptops For Sale

Take Control of Your Listing Photos with the
“Mark Private” Feature

Did you know that CCAR MLS Participants and Subscribers have the ability to mark listing photos as “Private” – giving you more control over how your listing images are shared. When photos are marked as Private, they remain visible within the MLS but are not distributed to public-facing websites.

This feature is especially valuable for members who rely on listing photos for comparables, appraisal, and research purposes, allowing you to preserve MLS access while protecting seller privacy and marketing strategy.

How to Mark Photos as Private:

Go to your listing under LISTINGS → Maintain Listing
Click on Add/Edit Pictures
Select the photos you want to mark as Private
Click ‘Mark Private’ in the top menu bar
Click Save and exit your listing

For questions or assistance, please contact CCAR Member Services at 925.295.1270.

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 070825

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | JULY 08, 2025

CCAR Offices Closed: Wed, July 9 For A Staff Training Day

CCAR Affiliate Liaison to BOD: Applications Due Friday

Title Fraud on the Rise: What You Need to Know

A new survey from the National Association of REALTORS® reveals growing concern over title fraud and deed theft, especially in urban and suburban markets.

63% of REALTOR® association advocates reported awareness of scams in the past year—most involving vacant land, not owner-occupied homes.

Efforts to combat fraud are active in 76% of areas, with strong support (83%) for electronic alerts to notify property owners of title changes.

Stay vigilant—learn how prevention efforts are evolving across the country…

ETHICS CORNER:

REALTOR® CODE OF ETHICS: ARTICLE 1
When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other party in a non-agency capacity, REALTORS® remain obligated to treat all parties honestly.
Watch the Video >>

REALTOR® Optimize Laptops For Sale

Have You Tried Your New Member Benefit- CubiCasa?

What is CubiCasa?
CubiCasa is a powerful, easy-to-use mobile app that creates beautiful, detailed floor plans in minutes – all from a quick smartphone scan. No special equipment. No learning curve. Just fast, impressive results.

Why it matters:
According to NAR’s annual Homebuyers and Sellers Survey, floor plans are one of the most in-demand features for listings, right after photos and property data. They help buyers instantly understand layout and flow – making your listings stand out.

Your Member Perks:

Free floor plans (up to 5,000 sq ft)
25% off all Plus packages and optional add-ons (GLA floor plans, 3D products, rush orders & more)
Access to a network of CubiCasa-certified photographers – or bring your own!

Whether you’re an agent, appraiser, or photographer, CubiCasa is the listing tool you didn’t know you needed.

Read More >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

House Passes Tax Bill with Major Wins for Real Estate

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a comprehensive tax reform package that includes several significant provisions benefiting the real estate sector.

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) successfully advocated for key measures that support real estate professionals, homeowners, and investors.

key highlights:

Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI): The bill permanently increases the QBI deduction from 20% to 23%, providing substantial tax relief to over 90% of NAR members who are independent contractors or small business owners.
State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction: The SALT deduction cap is raised from $10,000 to $40,000 for households earning under $500,000, with both the income cap and deduction amount increasing by 1% annually over a decade.
Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID): The legislation preserves and makes permanent the MID at its current level, maintaining a crucial benefit for homeowners.
Section 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges: The bill protects Section 1031 exchanges, allowing investors to defer capital gains taxes when reinvesting in similar properties, a vital tool for property investment and economic development.
Individual Tax Rates: Current individual tax rates are made permanent and indexed for inflation, aiding taxpayers and improving affordability for prospective homebuyers.
Additional Provisions: The bill includes enhancements to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, estate tax certainty with a permanent exemption threshold set at $15 million (adjusted for inflation), renewed Opportunity Zone incentives, and the creation of tax-advantaged child investment accounts for expenses like first-time home purchases.

These measures aim to strengthen housing affordability, investment, and generational wealth. For a detailed overview of the bill’s provisions and their implications for the real estate industry, read the full article on REALTOR® Magazine.

Read More >>

In the latest episode of the Advocacy Scoop podcast, NAR advocacy leaders Shannon McGahn and Patrick Newton discuss the Senate’s approach to the new tax reform bill. They highlight key provisions impacting REALTORS® and homeowners, including:

Making the mortgage interest deduction permanent
Increasing the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap
Enhancing the qualified business income deduction for independent contractors

The episode also covers NAR’s ongoing advocacy efforts and insights from a recent member tax survey.

Listen Now >>

Weekly Jolt – 072225

Hot August Nights Affiliate Mixer – Aug. 12

CCAR Affiliate Liaison to BOD: Applications Due Friday

NAR On Common Ground Spring 2025

Weekly Jolt – 071525

CCAR YPN’s Minute to Win It Mixer Next Thu.! – July 24

C.A.R. Ombudsman Volunteers On Call to Answer Non-Legal Questions

Weekly Jolt – 070825

CCAR Affiliate Liaison to BOD: Applications Due Friday

Title Fraud on the Rise: What You Need to Know

House Passes Tax Bill with Major Wins for Real Estate

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