, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Weekly Jolt – 051623

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | MAY 16, 2023

NAR: FHFA Heard Industry Loud and Clear on Proposed Fee

The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced last Wednesday, that it is rescinding a controversial proposed loan-level pricing adjustment upfront fee that was to be based on a borrower’s debt-to-income ratio. The proposed LLPA fee, which would have taken effect Aug. 1, stood to impact borrowers with debt-to-income ratios greater than 40%. The fee would have applied to loans acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which the FHFA regulates…

Vision. Service. Leadership. Meet the 2026 Board Candidates

Get ready for the 2025 CCAR Board of Directors election next Monday! Take a few minutes to review the candidate statements and familiarize yourself with your fellow members seeking service on the Board.

This election will determine the 2025 President-Elect, Treasurer, and four Directors-At-Large. To validate the election, we need at least 576 members, 15% of the total CCAR REALTOR® Membership as of the May 10 election record date, to cast their votes. Your vote matters!

Personalized Voting Links will be emailed to CCAR REALTOR® members Monday Morning at 9am.

MLS UPDATE:

ListTrac Listing Input Maintenance Integrations:

On Wednesday, May 24th, your access to powerful listing analytics within the Paragon MLS increases!

When maintaining a listing you will have one click access to view analytics for your listing, preview a powerful seller report, and gain the ability to manage scheduling of a seller report.

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

In-Stock Laptops For Sale

HOA Picklist Updates &
HOA Management Companies (New Field)

On June 12th, the Paragon 5 MLS will be updated to contain an accurate picklist of HOAs for Alameda and Contra Costa counties as well as the addition of a new field for “HOA Management Companies”.

If you need to have a new HOA or HOA Management company added to the picklists in the MLS, please contact us via email and include documentation and/or URLs from the HOA and/or HOA Management Company.

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

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSOR

Weekly Jolt – 050923

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | MAY 9, 2023

Vision. Service. Leadership. Meet the 2026 Board Candidates

Annual CCAR Charity Golf Tournament – May 10

Get ready to tee off for two fantastic causes, CCAR Helping Hands and the CCAR Scholarship Foundation, at our annual charity Golf Tournament! Dust off your Callaways and TaylorMades for an unforgettable day on the greens of Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek on Friday, May 10 at 11:30am.

While you swing for a purpose, enjoy a delicious boxed lunch, and then end the day with a post-tournament dinner and award ceremony, all included for every golfer. For those who prefer to join us later in the evening, “Dinner Only” tickets are also available where you can bid on fantastic raffle prizes and enjoy a cash bar to keep the celebration going!

MLS UPDATE:

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

This Saturday, May 13th you will no longer have access to LionDesk through your CCAR 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.

In-Stock Laptops For Sale

ListTrac Listing Input Maintenance Integrations

On Wednesday, May 24th, your access to powerful listing analytics within the Paragon MLS increases!

When maintaining a listing you will have one click access to view analytics for your listing, preview a powerful seller report, and gain the ability to manage scheduling of a seller report.

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

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSOR

Weekly Jolt – 050223

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | MAY 2, 2023

CONGRATULATIONS LESLIE MANZONE!

Winner of the Fair Housing Month Fairhaven prize drawing. Thanks to all CCAR members who took the time to complete the exercise. We wish you all success in your pursuits to eliminate unfair housing practices in our market.

C.A.R. Spring Fair Housing and Diversity Forum (Zoom)
Tue., May 16 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Read More & Register >>

CCAR Helping Hands’ Chili Cook-ON! – Next Wed.

Get ready to spice things up at the CCAR Helping Hands’ Annual Charity Chili Cook-ON! Join us at the Sycamore Club House on Wed., Sep. 18, from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. Taste and vote for your favorite chili recipes, and don’t miss out on the chance to win fantastic raffle prizes!

Think your chili has what it takes? Sign up as a chef and show off your culinary skills! There are 5 prestigious awards including: Best Chili REALTOR® Team, Best Chili Affiliate Team, Best Vegetarian/Vegan Chili Team, People’s Choice, and “Bowl of the Corridor” RMA vs. CCRIM!

Sponsorships still available – “READ MORE” to discover remaining opportunities.

REGISTER >>

Annual CCAR Charity Golf Tournament – May 10

MLS UPDATE:

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

On May 13th you will no longer have access to LionDesk through your CCAR 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.

Learn HOW to Grow Your Business & Maximize Your R.E. Success – May 31

100% of proceeds go to charity – not a CCAR sponsored event.
Read More & Register >>

ListTrac Listing Input Maintenance Integrations

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

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSOR

Vision. Service. Leadership. Meet the 2026 Board Candidates

ELECTION HEADQUARTERS

FOR THE 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICIAL NOTICES

June 23, 2025

Thank you to everyone who voted in the election of your 2026 CCAR Board of Directors. 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.

788 ballots submitted: ~147% of the required quorum and represents ~22% of our REALTOR® membership (based on the May 16, 2025 record date).

12 Votes for Quorum Only

PRESIDENT-ELECT
362 votes – 49.4% Ron Mintz
371 votes – 50.6% Donna Souza
Abstain 55

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE
420 votes – 29.0% Brendan Moran
317 votes – 21.8% Diane Ramirez
352 votes – 24.3% Victor Reyes
361 votes – 24.9% Joe Stokley
Abstain 76

June 16, 2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Meet the Candidates Forum on June 10! If you missed it, you can still watch the recording below to get to know the candidates running for the 2026 CCAR Board of Directors.

Eligible REALTOR® members should have received a text and email with your unique voting link at 9am on Mon, June 16. (Check your spam folder if you haven’t seen it!)

To meet quorum, we need at least 537 members to vote by 9am, June 23 — so your vote truly matters!

Thank you for being an engaged and informed member of your association!

June 3, 2025

We’re excited to invite all voting-eligible CCAR members to our upcoming Meet the Candidates Forum on Tuesday, June 10, from 11:00am to 12:00pm, live on Zoom.

This virtual event is your opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running for the 2026 CCAR Board of Directors, ask questions, and learn more about their goals for the organization.

Join us on June 10 by clicking the Zoom link or scanning the QR code. We look forward to a great conversation and hope to see you there!

CCAR Board Candidates Forum Link >>

April 29, 2025

As outlined in Article XI of the CCAR Bylaws, this is your official notice that the election for the 2026 Board of Directors will take place from 9:00am on June 16, 2025, through 9:00am on June 23, 2025.

This year, members will vote to fill the following positions:

One President-Elect
Four Directors-At-Large

To validate the election, at least 15% of CCAR REALTOR® members (537 members) must cast a vote by the time polls close on June 23. This quorum is based on membership totals as of May 16, 2025.

Make sure your vote counts—your participation matters!

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

The following statements are published as submitted and have not been edited by the Association.
Each candidate statement is limited to 200 words.

PRESIDENT-ELECT

(1 Open Position)

RON MINTZ

Today I throw my name in as a candidate who embodies both innovation and tradition, ready to lead our REALTOR Association into a future of transformation and excellence. In an era defined by fast-moving changes, we confront challenges that demand swift adaptation and strategic foresight. I believe this time provides an opportunity for renewal through transparency, accountability, and collective action.
I believe that revitalizing our organization lies in fostering new leadership supported by the wisdom of seasoned professionals. My plan is to implement comprehensive training programs that impart essential skills and offer invaluable historical insights to guide decision-making. By exposing emerging leaders to the inner workings of our Local, State and National organizations, we ensure they are fully prepared to navigate our industry’s complexities and operational dynamics.
At times, experienced leadership is indispensable for right sizing an organization and setting a foundation for progress. I am dedicated to bridging generational divides by integrating dynamic ideas with proven strategies. With balanced guidance, we will rebuild trust and promote sustainable growth that reflects modern innovation and enduring values. Together, we will create a REALTOR Association that not only tackles today’s challenges but paves the way for a brighter, prosperous tomorrow. I ask

Donna Souza

Donna Souza for President-Elect
Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®

Experienced. Transparent. Committed.
Licensed since 1977, I’ve built my career as a full-time REALTOR® and investor by adapting to change—from paper maps and fax machines to today’s digital MLS and mobile tech. With that experience comes the insight and steady leadership our association needs.

As your President-Elect, I will:

Enhance member value
Uphold professionalism and ethics
Foster transparency and approachability
Welcome all voices and new ideas

I believe leadership is about service, not spotlight—developing others, protecting our industry, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Leadership Highlights

CAR Director: 2024-2025
CCAR Director-At-Large: 2022-2025
Committees: Budget & Finance, Government Relations, Richmond Building Task Force
WCR Roles: State Governor, District VP, Contra Costa President
Honors: NAR Emeritus Award (2018), WCR REALTOR® of the Year (2013)
Appointed: Women’s Advisory Council – Assemblywoman Catharine Baker

Let’s lead with purpose—and shape the future of CCAR together!

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

(4 Open Positions)

BRENDAN MORAN

I’m honored to be considered for the role of Director-at-Large for the Contra Costa Association of Realtors. As a longtime real estate professional and community advocate, I am committed to strengthening our industry and enhancing our communities.

My service as a Commissioner with the City of Walnut Creek has given me a deep understanding of local policy, planning, and the vital intersection between real estate and community development. I bring a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to decision-making, always keeping in mind how policies impact our clients and our profession.

In addition to my civic work, I serve on the board of the Community Arts Foundation, which provides scholarships and resources for youth arts education. This work reflects my belief that thriving communities are built not just with homes, but with culture, opportunity, and inclusion.

I believe the CCAR board should be proactive, transparent, and deeply connected to its members. I will advocate for smart growth, strong professional standards, and tools that help agents succeed in today’s dynamic market.

I respectfully ask for your vote and look forward to serving our members and our region with energy, experience, and integrity.

DIANE RAMIREZ

Hi, my name is Diane Ramirez, thank you for taking the time to read this. I am seeking a seat on the board to continue my love of improving our industry, helping to maintain our standards and be involved in what affects us as realtors. I have served on the Grievance committee for two years and the Professional Standards Committee for 6. I am also an Ethics advocate for our association. I started my career in escrow in 1985, and obtained my real estate license in 2001, actively selling since then. I love my career, the negotiations, the clients, my fellow realtors – everything about our business. I would appreiate your vote so that I have an opportunity to serve you all.

VICTOR REYES

Dear CCAR Members,

I’m honored to submit my candidacy for the role of Director at Large within our association.

As the founder and past president of the NHORA East Bay Chapter, I’m passionate about ensuring all voices in real estate are heard, valued, and represented. Since 2022, I’ve attended C.A.R. business meetings at my own expense to better understand the policies and advocacy work that impact our industry and communities.

Through my time serving on the C.A.R. Fair Housing Policy, Diversity, and Transaction and Regulatory Committees, I’ve gained a better perspective of the challenges we face as Realtors across the state. I’ve also learned how our engagement and activism can challenge outdated systems that no longer meet today’s needs.

My goal is to continue to learn, grow, and promote initiatives that reflect the evolving realities of our profession while protecting opportunities for both agents and homeowners.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the future of CCAR.

JOE STOKLEY

My name is Joe Stokley Jr, Broker/Owner of Stokley Properties, Inc.

Am a candidate for the position of Director-At-Large.

If elected, I believe my years of leadership and business experience in the real estate and property management industry would be a asset to the Contra Costa Association of Realtors.

I care about our community! For the past twenty five years I have been involved in working to make it a better place.

Am a good listener and work well with people. My goal would be to advance the goals of the Association. To make the Association stronger and more efficient for all of its members. To work with local and state leaders to improve and strengthen ownership and real estate property rights here in the state of California.

CCAR YPN ‘Appy Hour & Pizza Social – App List

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Jerry Kidd is a CA Real Estate Broker with over 36 years of industry experience. He holds CRB, CRS, GRI, SRES and ePro certifications/designations and 3 Microsoft certifications. Jerry’s expertise lies in sales, management, technology, and training.

Currently Jerry assists real estate professionals in leveraging artificial intelligence (ChatGPT), tech tools, and social media marketing for business growth. He is the author of the CA Graduate REALTOR® Institute course, “Technology Applications in Real Estate” as well as the author of, ”The Handy Guide to ChatGPT for Real Estate Agents”.

DOING BUSINESS

C.A.R. LEGAL HOTLINE
This app offers quick access to important legal Q&As, legal news, and hotline numbers where members can receive free legal advice on a vast array of real estate related topics.

DISCLOSURES.IO (Apple only, Google Play shows suggestions)
Easily manage your property information packages: create professional video tours with your phone, share supplemental docs, monitor buyer interest, and manage offers.

DOCUSIGN
Securely send and sign agreements from practically anywhere, at any time, from almost any device. The app includes unlimited free signing for all parties.

GLIDE
Create, organize, and share disclosure packages with clients. Customize association forms per disclosure requirements, capture signatures via DocuSign integration, and more.

MYTHEO
View accurate, dynamic data straight from the MLS, receive in-app direct email and chat communications synchronized across all devices, manage Broker Tour info, and more.

RPR
Easily search residential and commercial properties, run comps, create and send colorful reports, and view local market activity and trends… anytime, anywhere.

SKYSLOPE
A simple, cloud-based Real Estate Transaction Management application that allows Agents and Brokers to access their files anywhere.

ZIPFORM BY LONE WOLF
Create, edit, and digitally sign real estate forms and contracts. Manage transactions, tasks, and documents anywhere. Import MLS listing data and collaborate with clients.

GETTING AROUND

ROADWARRIOR
Create multi-destination routes, RoadWarrior gives you a customized route based on real-time road traffic, client availability, and your own busy schedule.

WAZE
Always know what’s happening on the road, Waze tells you instantly about traffic, construction, police, crashes, and more. If traffic is bad, Waze will update your route to save you time.

MARKETING/SOCIAL MEDIA

BUFFER
Schedule social media content, get engagement data and insights, and see all of your posts in one place.

CANVA
A free photo and video editor in one graphic design app! Create stunning social media posts, videos, cards, flyers, photo collages, and more.

PROSPECTING

HOMESNAP
MLS access on-the-go, HomeSnap puts homebuyers directly in touch with agents. Create and run Facebook ad campaigns, manage new leads, and track the market in real time!

LINQ
Build your network on real relationships. Create, manage, and grow your network by building a comprehensive profile that keeps you connected.

REALSCOUT
Find the perfect home with a variety of search filters or custom-drawn search area. Save your search and stay up-to-date with new listings and price change notifications.

OTHER

LOSE IT!
A calorie counting, nutrition tracking, and intermittent fasting tool that helps you ditch the unwanted behaviors that are holding you back from reaching your weight goals.

MILE IQ
Automatically track your drives and log mileage. Generate a mileage report for the IRS, your accountant, or for work.

SNAPSNAPSNAP (Apple only, Google Play shows suggestions)
A fast, simple, and cost-effective way to shoot professional-quality real estate photos using only your iPhone.