, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

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. The C.A.R. Ombudsman Hotline is standing by to help.

The C.A.R. Ombudsman Hotline, is a free service C.A.R. offer its members and their clients. An Ombudsman is a trained REALTOR® volunteer who functions as an impartial and independent point of contact who can answer questions about your transaction, facilitate communication, suggest potential solutions, and help prevent misunderstandings from escalating into larger disputes. They do not mediate or adjudicate disputes nor can they compel either party to take specific actions.

If you have concerns regarding a member’s professional conduct or transaction issues, or if you want neutral advice from a peer, Ombudsmen are available to assist you at no charge.

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

For C.A.R. members or their clients interested in using this service, Ombudsman assistance can be requested at the Hotline via phone at 213.739.7227 or through the link below.

What you’ll need
If you would like ombudsman assistance, you must provide the following information:

Your name, email, and telephone number
Members: Your license number
Non-members: The license number of the agent who is representing you
For dispute resolution: The license number of the other party in a real estate transaction
The topic of the matter

The Call is Confidential
The intake coordinator requires license information to properly assign the call to an ombudsman; however, the ombudsman assigned to you will not contact the REALTOR® involved unless you request such contact.

Weekly Jolt – 041123

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | APRIL 11, 2023

2024 Board of Directors Nomination by Petition – Due Apr. 25

In accordance with the CCAR Bylaws Article X, Section 7, Nomination by Petition: Additional candidates for the offices to be filled may be placed in nomination by petition signed by at least 2% or fifty (50) of the REALTOR® members eligible to vote, whichever is less.

The petition shall be filed with the Chief Executive Officer/Secretary at least ten (10) days prior to the mailing deadline identified in Article XI, Section 1(d). The Secretary shall send notice of such additional nominations to all members eligible to vote at least fourteen (14) days before the election…

CCAR YPN ‘Appy Hour & Pizza Social – Apr. 27

CCAR YPN is excited to bring you their first event of the year, an ‘APPY HOUR & PIZZA SOCIAL at the Danville Community Center on Thu., Apr. 27 at 4pm! Join C.A.R. YPN Vice Chair, Alex A. Huezo, an experienced REALTOR® who aims to empower other professionals with resources necessary to achieve their personal life goals.

You will learn about specific apps that can improve your business and life! Don’t forget to bring your portable device, this will be a hands-on presentation! After, the event will move to Primo’s Pizzaria (.4 mi away, about a 10 min. walk) for pizza, salad, drinks, networking, and fun – including a free giveaway and raffle prizes! Advance tickets only $20!

Ethics spotlight:

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

FREE MEMBER BENEFIT:
If you have a concern about a member’s professional conduct, issues with a transaction, or if you just need advice from a peer, C.A.R. Ombudsmen are REALTORS® who volunteer their time to answer non-legal questions and resolve non-legal disputes. Consumers involved in active transactions with REALTORS®, may also reach out to C.A.R. Ombudsman who can answer questions and help resolve minor disputes.

Note: An ombudsman is NOT an attorney and CANNOT give legal advice or answer legal questions!

Read More & Request Assistance >

UPCOMING CCAR EVENTS:

CCAR HELPING HANDS:
CHILI COOK-ON! – May 10

Read More & Register >

CCAR CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT – MAY 22

Read More & Register >

MLS UPDATE:

MLS Rule Change 10.5: REFUSAL TO SELL

On May 1st, the MLS Rules and Regulations will be updated to remove section 10.5 Refusal to Sell. After discussions with C.A.R. and NAR the joint MLS Committee (MMG) of CCAR, Bay East, and bridgeMLS determined it was best to move forward with removal.

10.5 Refusal to Sell. If the seller of any listed property filed with the service refuses to accept a written offer satisfying the terms and conditions stated in the listing, such fact shall be transmitted immediately to the service and to all participants and subscribers.

Expanded MLS Data Access – Southland Regional Assoc. of REALTORS^® (SRAR):

Starting in May, your access to MLS data within the Paragon MLS will expand to include listings from the CRISnet MLS (SRAR). This collaboration between CCAR and SRAR continues the recent efforts to provide CCAR MLS Participants and Subscribers with expanded access to California MLS Data.

HomesOpenToday (HOT) & StreetURLs Sunsetting

On May 17th, CCAR will be sunsetting HomesOpenToday.com & StreetURLS.com. Although these services provided a benefit to CCAR, Bay East, and bridgeMLS Subscribers, along with East Bay consumers for over a decade, the ‘cost to benefit’ ratio is no longer beneficial to CCAR or its Membership to maintain these services.

Coming Soon Listings –
Only Permitted for 30 Days

The CCAR MLS Compliance department has seen a recent increase in support tickets and questions regarding “Active – Coming Soon” listings. An “Active – Coming Soon” listing is only permitted to be in that listing status for 30 days. On day 31, any CCAR “Active – Coming Soon” listing is updated by CCAR staff to a “Cancelled – Coming Soon”. If needed, a listing agent may enter a new “Active – Coming Soon” listing.

The “Coming Soon” status in the MLS was created to allow for pre-marketing to other MLS Participants & Subscribers. It is not intended to be used as a replacement status for “New” or “Active”.

10.1.1 Coming Soon Listings. It shall be the responsibility of the Broker Participant (Section 4.1.1) and Real Estate Subscriber (Section 4.2.1) to follow said rules when placing a property in the Coming Soon section of the multiple listings service (MLS). Broker Participant and Real Estate Subscriber shall only place a property in the Coming Soon section of the MLS if the Participant/Subscriber has met necessary criteria for MLS input as described Sections 7.5, 7.6, & 8.1.

Participant/Subscriber is required to enter a proposed list date to proceed in placing a listing in the Coming Soon section of the MLS. Once the listing moves from Coming Soon to any Active status it cannot revert back to Coming Soon.

It is optional to place your listing into a Coming Soon Status.
Listing agent must have a signed written listing agreement in place to enter a “Coming Soon” listing which explains the limitations of the “Coming Soon” status.
The MLS requirement of unilateral offer of compensation still applies while in “Coming Soon” status.
The Coming Soon listing will automatically be placed in a “Cancelled – Coming Soon” after 30 days of entry.
Coming Soon listings will be viewable to all MLS Participants.
Coming Soon listings will not be syndicated out to other websites.
Coming Soon listings will not be included in the IDX and RETS feeds.
Coming Soon listings are only searchable within the Paragon MLS.
Once a listing has been moved from Coming Soon to Active status by the agent, it cannot revert to Coming Soon with that same broker.
Days on Market (DOM) re-sets when status is changed to Active. Cumulative Day on Market (CDOM) continues counting from the time entered into the MLS. Only when a property has been off the market (Canceled or Expired) for more than thirty (30) days will the days (DOM and CDOM) on the listing start at zero (0).

If you have any questions please contact CCAR MLS Compliance at 925.295.1270 or [email protected].

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSOR

Seven Days Documentary | 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act

When a single gunshot rings out at a Memphis motel, civil unrest breaks out across the country…

President Johnson, long frustrated by his inability to improve housing conditions for people of color, scrambles to use the crisis to push a fair housing bill through a reluctant Congress. With few days to spare and many arms to twist, he and two young Senators – Edward Brooke and Walter Mondale – attempt to pass the bill before the slain civil rights leader is laid to rest. The Fair Housing Act was ultimately passed just seven days after Dr. Martin Luther King’s untimely death. Produced by the National Fair Housing Alliance in collaboration with Nationwide, this short film reminds us of the backdrop that led to the passage of this landmark civil rights law and its deep significance and compels us all to complete the unfinished work of the Act.

Photograph of President Lyndon Johnson signing the Fair Housing Act, 1968.
Photo from Library of Congress.

WIN $250! Complete the Fair Housing Challenge

Have you done everything you can to educate yourself about equity and diversity in the real estate business?

April is National Fair Housing Month and marks the 55th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Stand up for fair housing and take your professionalism to the next level:

STEP 1. Complete Fairhaven simulation to win $250 >>

STEP 2. Complete Bias Override – Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing
Video Workshop >>

STEP 3. Register & complete At Home With Diversity training to earn AHWD
certification on June 26th >>
(Note: you may be prompted to login to your CCAR account).

Fair Housing Diversity Forum (Virtual)
Tue., May 16 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Click to watch Bias Override Video Series, Part 1:
What is Implicit Bias?

Important Facts About Fair Housing

Click on the links below to get your Fair Housing questions answered.

Summary of Fair Housing Laws

Senior Housing
The special rules that allow for senior housing or retirement communities, which otherwise would violate fair housing rules regarding families with children.

Landlord-Tenant Law: Pets and Assistance (Service and Emotional Support) Animals
Fair housing laws relating to service and support animals. See Questions 10-20.

Advertising
How to avoid violating the Fair Housing Act with the content of your advertising (words not to use, etc.). See Question 20.

Disclosure of Death and AIDS
The Fair Housing Act’s protection of people afflicted with HIV or AIDS.

Homeowners Associations: A Guide for REALTORS®
How the Fair Housing Act applies to HOAs in particular circumstances. See Questions 52-53.

Landlord-Tenant Guide for REALTORS®
Brief information that landlords and/or property managers should know about the Fair Housing Act as it relates to tenant screening and general property management practices. See Question 7.

Property Management Frequently Asked Questions
In-depth discussion of fair housing laws and practices for property managers. See Section 6b (Questions 30-45) for the most common fair housing issues addressed by property managers.

Photograph of President Lyndon Johnson signing the Fair Housing Act, 1968.
Photo from Library of Congress.

Weekly Jolt – 040423

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | APRIL 4, 2023

CCAR WILL BE CLOSED FRI., APR. 7

WIN $250! Complete the Fair Housing Challenge

April is National Fair Housing Month and marks the 55th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Stand up for fair housing and take your professionalism to the next level with 3 simple steps!

Step 1. Complete Fairhaven Simulation to win $250! Is your name on the list? Click here to see who’s eligible to win!
Step 2. Complete Bias Override Video Workshop
Step 3. Earn Your At Home with Diversity Certification

Also, learn important facts about fair housing by clicking the links on the following page!

Seven Days Documentary | 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act

When a single gunshot rings out at a Memphis motel, civil unrest breaks out across the country. President Johnson, long frustrated by his inability to improve housing conditions for people of color, scrambles to use the crisis to push a fair housing bill through a reluctant Congress. With few days to spare and many arms to twist, he and two young Senators – Edward Brooke and Walter Mondale – attempt to pass the bill before the slain civil rights leader is laid to rest. The Fair Housing Act was…

UPCOMING EVENTS:

CCAR YPN: ‘APPY HOUR & PIZZA SOCIAL – APR. 27

Read More & Register >

CCAR HELPING HANDS:
CHILI COOK-ON! – May 10

Read More & Register >

CCAR CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT – MAY 22

Read More & Register >

MLS UPDATE:

Expanded MLS Data Access – Southland Regional Assoc. of REALTORS^® (SRAR):

CCAR Benefit LionDesk ends, Transitioning to C.A.R. Benefit:

On May 31st you will no longer have access to LionDesk through your Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® membership. However, you will have access through the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.)!

Are you a C.A.R. member?

You can keep your account active at no additional cost. Log into LionDesk through C.A.R.’s single sign-on to keep your account active.

Not a C.A.R. member?

You’ll need to choose a paid LionDesk plan to maintain your account. You can explore plans and find the best one for your needs here.

HomesOpenToday (HOT) & StreetURLs Sunsetting

Coming Soon Listings –
Only Permitted for 30 Days

It is optional to place your listing into a Coming Soon Status.
Listing agent must have a signed written listing agreement in place to enter a “Coming Soon” listing which explains the limitations of the “Coming Soon” status.
The MLS requirement of unilateral offer of compensation still applies while in “Coming Soon” status.
The Coming Soon listing will automatically be placed in a “Cancelled – Coming Soon” after 30 days of entry.
Coming Soon listings will be viewable to all MLS Participants.
Coming Soon listings will not be syndicated out to other websites.
Coming Soon listings will not be included in the IDX and RETS feeds.
Coming Soon listings are only searchable within the Paragon MLS.
Once a listing has been moved from Coming Soon to Active status by the agent, it cannot revert to Coming Soon with that same broker.
Days on Market (DOM) re-sets when status is changed to Active. Cumulative Day on Market (CDOM) continues counting from the time entered into the MLS. Only when a property has been off the market (Canceled or Expired) for more than thirty (30) days will the days (DOM and CDOM) on the listing start at zero (0).

If you have any questions please contact CCAR MLS Compliance at 925.295.1270 or [email protected].

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSOR

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

Weekly Jolt – 041123

2024 Board of Directors Nomination by Petition – Due Apr. 25

CCAR YPN ‘Appy Hour & Pizza Social – Apr. 27

Seven Days Documentary | 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act

WIN $250! Complete the Fair Housing Challenge

Weekly Jolt – 040423

WIN $250! Complete the Fair Housing Challenge

Seven Days Documentary | 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act

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