Governor Newsom Signs Law Expanding Mortgage Relief for Fire Survivors
California homeowners recovering from recent wildfires will now have stronger, guaranteed protections thanks to a new law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
The legislation, Assembly Bill 238, requires mortgage lenders to provide up to 12 months of forbearance to homeowners affected by declared disasters — ensuring they won’t lose their homes while they rebuild.
Under the new law, borrowers who qualify:
- Will not face credit score damage for requesting forbearance.
- Will not be charged late fees or penalties during the relief period.
- Will not be required to repay missed payments in a lump sum once forbearance ends.
- Must receive a clear written explanation if their request is denied, along with a chance to correct any issues.
This legislation builds on earlier voluntary agreements between the state and major lenders — but now makes these relief options a legal requirement, offering long-term stability and transparency for fire survivors across California.
Weekly Jolt – 100725
• The BIG Event Membership Meeting – Oct. 15
• Governor Newsom Signs Law Expanding Mortgage Relief for
Fire Survivors
• Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire – Oct. 22
• In Memoriam: Juanita Whitney-Harding
• Elected Officials Reception – Oct. 23
• WCR Upcoming Events
Rentals Are the Key: Unlock New Opportunities in Today’s Market
Wed., Oct. 8 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Local Government & Community: Partnering for Success (Session 2)
Wed., Oct. 8 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Social Media in Real Estate
Thu., Oct. 9 | 10:00am – 11:00am
MLS: Intro to Paragon MLS w/ CCAR
Thu., Oct. 9 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
DRE License Renewal Crash Course (Online)
Fri., Oct. 10 | 9:30am – 12:00pm
C.A.R. Townhall for Brokers/Managers
Fri., Oct. 10 | 11:00am – 12:30pm
OnlineEd Offers CA Salespersons
A Fast Track to Becoming Brokers
California Salespersons now have a new path to becoming Brokers with OnlineEd’s fully interactive, online courses. These textbook-free courses are designed to be mobile-friendly and comprehensive, offering a convenient way to advance to a Broker Licensee.
REGISTER NOW >>
Visit the CCAR Calendar to view/register for additional online training opportunities.
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.
In Memoriam: Juanita Whitney-Harding
CCAR is saddened to announce the passing of longtime member Juanita Whitney-Harding. Juanita joined CCAR in 1970 and served the Association and her colleagues with dedication for more than five decades.
She contributed to the organization through her service on the Board of Directors, the Budget and Finance Committee, and as a C.A.R. Director. Her leadership and commitment to the REALTOR® community left a lasting impact on all who worked with her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 222 W. El Pintado, Danville, CA.
Elected Officials Reception – Oct. 23
Join us on Thursday, October 23, from 5–7 pm at the Pleasant Hill Community Center for an evening of hosted cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and conversation with local elected officials and community leaders.
This is your chance to thank our representatives for their support of homeownership and discuss the issues that matter most—all in a relaxed, friendly setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, network, and engage with those shaping the future of our communities!
Register here >>
Women’s Council of REALTORS® Upcoming Events
The Big Event Annual Membership Meeting
is Next Wednesday! – Oct. 15
CCAR Members, join us at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek next Wed., Oct. 15, from 8:30am to 12:30pm for our Annual General Membership Meeting. This members-only event is your opportunity to stay informed about the rapid changes in the real estate market and gain valuable legal insights to help you navigate today’s challenges with confidence.
We are excited to welcome Jordan Levine, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at C.A.R., who will share his outlook on the 2026 housing market and discuss supply conditions shaping the future. You’ll also hear from Gov Hutchinson, Assistant General Counsel at C.A.R., who will provide important legal updates every REALTOR® needs to know.
Please plan to arrive early to allow time for parking and to enjoy light refreshments in the lobby before the program begins. As a reminder, no food or drink is allowed inside the theater.
Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from two of the industry’s most respected voices and connect with fellow CCAR members at one of our most important events of the year.
Governor Newsom Signs Law Expanding Mortgage Relief for Fire Survivors
Governor Gavin Newsom has recently signed Assembly Bill 238, strengthening mortgage protections for Californians recovering from wildfires. The new law requires lenders to offer up to 12 months of mortgage forbearance to affected homeowners, protecting their credit scores and prohibiting late fees or lump-sum repayments once relief ends.
Lenders who deny assistance must now provide clear written reasons and allow borrowers to correct issues. This measure turns previous voluntary agreements into enforceable protections, ensuring that fire survivors have the time and financial stability they need to rebuild.
Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire – Oct. 22
CCAR REALTOR® Members: Join us for an evening of appetizers, drinks, raffles, and fun at Lafayette Library’s Don Tatzin Community Hall on Oct. 22, from 5pm – 7pm! Discover the wide range of services offered by local industry partners while supporting two amazing causes—the CCAR Scholarship Foundation and CCAR Helping Hands.
CCAR Affiliates: The Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business to CCAR REALTORS®. Think of it as a trade show, but more fun– and it’s all for a great cause!
Here’s How:
Purchase a vender table for $35 by contacting Jason Catalano at 925.295.9202 or [email protected].
FREE REALTOR® TICKETS >>
Windows 10 Support Ends – Oct. 14
Microsoft will soon stop providing security updates, technical assistance, and feature updates, making computers running Windows 10 more vulnerable to viruses and malware. As a result, CCAR will be unable to support members with computer issues using Windows 10.
We recommend contacting your IT department or CCAR to check if your computer is eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11. CCAR can also assist with a new laptop transition.
For details, contact CCAR Member Services at 925.295.1270 or [email protected].
REALTOR® Optimized 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 IdeaPad Slim 3 – $850.36 >>
• LG Gram 17 – Ai Ready – $1,845.36 >>
Goodbye zipForm® — Hello Transact
C.A.R. members now have access to Transact, a new transaction management platform that will eventually replace zipForm®. For now, both zipForm® and Transact will run side-by-side, giving you time to explore and transition at your own pace.
Transact is designed to simplify transactions, streamline workflows, and ensure compliance. Be sure to check the CCAR calendar for upcoming Transact training sessions to get comfortable with the new system before it becomes the default.
Transact: Navigating the System
Mon., Oct. 13 | 7:00am – 8:00am
Transact: Navigating the System
Mon., Oct. 27 | 7:00am – 8:00am
CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS
Weekly Jolt – 093025
Get to Know Transact: The Future of Transaction Management
Wed., Oct. 1 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Top 5 ways to Use AI in Your Everyday Life
Wed., Oct. 1 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Local Government & Community: Partnering for Success (Session 1)
Wed., Oct. 1 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Successfully Meet Clients Needs w/ RPR’s Search & Map Tools
Thu., Oct. 2 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
MLS: How to Add & Maintain a Listing in Paragon with CCAR
Thu., Oct. 2 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
eKey & SupraWEB Q&A Essentials
Fri., Oct. 3 | 8:00am – 9:00am
dotloop: Basic Training
Mon., Oct. 6 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Paragon Connect: Dashboard Navigation
Mon., Oct. 6 | 11:00am – 11:30am
New Construction: Builders Update
Tue., Oct. 7 | 10:00am – 11:00am
RealReports: Aiden ‘Research Mode’ Primer
Tue., Oct. 7 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Rentals Are the Key: Unlock New Opportunities in Today’s Market
Wed., Oct. 8 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Local Government & Community: Partnering for Success (Session 2)
Wed., Oct. 8 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Social Media in Real Estate
Thu., Oct. 9 | 10:00am – 11:00am
MLS: Intro to Paragon MLS w/ CCAR
Thu., Oct. 9 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
DRE License Renewal Crash Course (Online)
Fri., Oct. 10 | 9:30am – 12:00pm
C.A.R. Townhall for Brokers/Managers
Fri., Oct. 10 | 11:00am – 12:30pm
OnlineEd Offers CA Salespersons
A Fast Track to Becoming Brokers
California Salespersons now have a new path to becoming Brokers with OnlineEd’s fully interactive, online courses. These textbook-free courses are designed to be mobile-friendly and comprehensive, offering a convenient way to advance to a Broker Licensee.
REGISTER NOW >>
Visit the CCAR Calendar to view/register for additional online training opportunities.
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.
Goodbye zipForm® — Hello Transact
Starting Oct. 1, C.A.R. members will have access to Transact, a new transaction management platform that will eventually replace zipForm®. For now, both zipForm® and Transact will run side-by-side, giving you time to explore and transition at your own pace.
Transact is designed to simplify transactions, streamline workflows, and ensure compliance. Be sure to check the CCAR calendar for upcoming Transact training sessions to get comfortable with the new system before it becomes the default.
Get to Know Transact – The Future of Transaction Management
Wed., Oct. 1 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Transact: Navigating the System
Mon., Oct. 13 | 7:00am – 8:00am
Transact: Navigating the System
Mon., Oct. 27 | 7:00am – 8:00am
Save the Date: Elected Officials Reception – Oct. 23
Women’s Council of REALTORS® Upcoming Events
You’re Invited: CCAR’s Annual General Membership Meeting, The BIG Event! – October 15
CCAR Members, join us at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek on Wed., Oct. 15, from 8:30am to 12:30pm for our Annual General Membership Meeting. This members-only event is your opportunity to stay informed about the rapid changes in the real estate market and gain valuable legal insights to help you navigate today’s challenges with confidence.
We are excited to welcome Jordan Levine, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at C.A.R., who will share his outlook on the 2026 housing market and discuss supply conditions shaping the future. You’ll also hear from Gov Hutchinson, Assistant General Counsel at C.A.R., who will provide important legal updates every REALTOR® needs to know.
Please plan to arrive early to allow time for parking and to enjoy light refreshments in the lobby before the program begins. As a reminder, no food or drink is allowed inside the theater.
Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from two of the industry’s most respected voices and connect with fellow CCAR members at one of our most important events of the year.
Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire – Oct. 22
CCAR REALTOR® Members: Join us for an evening of appetizers, drinks, raffles, and fun at Lafayette Library’s Don Tatzin Community Hall on Oct. 22, from 5pm – 7pm! Discover the wide range of services offered by local industry partners while supporting two amazing causes—the CCAR Scholarship Foundation and CCAR Helping Hands.
CCAR Affiliates: The Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business to CCAR REALTORS®. Think of it as a trade show, but more fun– and it’s all for a great cause!
Here’s How:
Purchase a vender table for $35 by contacting Jason Catalano at 925.295.9202 or [email protected].
FREE REALTOR® 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.
REALTOR® Optimized 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 IdeaPad Slim 3 – $850.36 >>
• LG Gram 17 – Ai Ready – $1,845.36 >>
Windows 10 Support Ends – Oct. 14
Microsoft will soon stop providing security updates, technical assistance, and feature updates, making computers running Windows 10 more vulnerable to viruses and malware. As a result, CCAR will be unable to support members with computer issues using Windows 10.
We recommend contacting your IT department or CCAR to check if your computer is eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11. CCAR can also assist with a new laptop transition.
For details, contact CCAR Member Services at 925.295.1270 or [email protected].
Help Your Clients Protect Their Privacy & Safety
When clients prepare their homes for sale, they often focus on curb appeal and staging — but privacy and safety are just as critical. With photography, video, and frequent visitors now standard in the selling process, REALTORS® play an essential role in helping clients safeguard their personal information and belongings.
NAR is providing members with a new Consumer Guide: Home Selling Tips for Privacy and Safety, designed to help you educate clients on best practices. The guide covers everything from stowing personal items and securing valuables to discouraging unauthorized photography and using electronic lockboxes to monitor access.
As REALTORS®, you are uniquely positioned — and ethically obligated — to protect our clients’ best interests. This resource makes it easier to start the conversation and provide practical advice.
CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS
Weekly Jolt – 092325
• Risk Management & C.A.R. Update – Tomorrow @ 9am
• The BIG Event Membership Meeting – Oct. 15
• Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire – Oct. 22
• Renew Your Real Estate License Fast – Oct. 10
• Save the Date – Elected Officials Reception – Oct. 23
• WCR Murder Mystery Dinner – Nov. 17
Risk Management Seminar with CCAR & Sharon B. Jones
Wed., Sep. 24 | 9:00am 12:00pm
Broker Power Hour
Wed., Sep. 24 | 10:00am 11:00am
WomanUP!® Live Show
Wed., Sep. 24 | 11:00am 12:00pm
Holy Heygen: The AI Video Powerhouse!
Wed., Sep. 24 | 1:00pm 2:00pm
Wise Agent Overview & Demo
Thu., Sep. 25 | 10:00am 11:00am
Intro to zipForm: Transaction Management Software w/ CCAR
Thu., Sep. 25 | 2:00pm 4:00pm
Supra Showing Management: Q&A Essentials
Fri., Sep. 26 | 8:00am 9:00am
DRE License Renewal Crash Course (Virtual)
Fri., Sep. 26 | 9:30am 12:00pm
C.A.R. Townhall for Brokers/Managers
Fri., Sep. 26 | 11:00am 12:30pm
Intro to Cloud CMA w/ CCAR
Mon., Sep. 29 | 2:00pm 4:00pm
Advanced Negotiations for REALTORS®
Tue., Sep. 30 | 10:00am 2:00pm
Agent Safety: Tips & Tools Your Need
Tue., Sep. 30 | 10:00am 11:00am
DRE License Renewal Crash Course (In-Person)
Wed., Oct. 1 | 9:00am 12:00pm
Get to Know Transact: The Future of Transaction Management
Wed., Oct. 1 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Top 5 ways to Use AI in Your Everyday Life
Wed., Oct. 1 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Local Government & Community: Partnering for Success
Wed., Oct. 1 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm
MLS: How to Add & Maintain a Listing in Paragon with CCAR
Thu., Oct. 2 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
eKey & SupraWEB Q&A Essentials
Fri., Oct. 3 | 8:00am – 9:00am
OnlineEd Offers CA Salespersons
A Fast Track to Becoming Brokers
California Salespersons now have a new path to becoming Brokers with OnlineEd’s fully interactive, online courses. These textbook-free courses are designed to be mobile-friendly and comprehensive, offering a convenient way to advance to a Broker Licensee.
REGISTER NOW >>
Visit the CCAR Calendar to view/register for additional online training opportunities.
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.
Renew Your Real Estate License Fast! – Oct. 1
- 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
Save the Date – Oct. 23
FREE: Elected Officials Reception
More Info Coming Soon
WCR – Murder Mystery Dinner – Nov. 7
REGISTER NOW:
Risk Management & C.A.R. Update – Tomorrow @ 9am!
Join us tomorrow morning for an exclusive Risk Management Seminar and C.A.R. Update via Zoom.
Featuring: Leading real estate attorney Shannon B. Jones on the most current legal issues impacting REALTORS®, including:
- Emerging liabilities and recent case trends
- The most frequent actions her office is seeing
- Practical steps to protect yourself and your business
You’ll also receive important updates from CCAR staff and leadership.
Cost: Free for CCAR members · $35 for non-members
Format: Live Zoom, Sep. 24 · 9:00am – 12:00pm
Strengthen your knowledge, stay compliant, and reduce risk in today’s evolving real estate market. Don’t Miss it!
The BIG Event Membership Meeting – Tomorrow, Oct. 15
Join us tomorrow morning, Oct. 15, at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek from 8:30am – 12:30pm to stay informed about the rapid changes in the real estate market and get the latest legal tips to help keep you out of trouble!
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from one of the industry’s top experts, Jordan Levine, C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, as he shares insights on the 2026 Housing Market Forecast and housing supply conditions. You’ll also receive a legal update from Gov Hutchinson, C.A.R. Assistant General Counsel.
Please allow extra time for parking and to enjoy refreshments in the lobby before the program begins, no food or drink is permitted inside the theater.
REGISTER HERE >>
Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire – Oct. 22
CCAR REALTOR® Members: Join us for an evening of appetizers, drinks, raffles, and fun at Lafayette Library’s Don Tatzin Community Hall on Oct. 22, from 5pm – 7pm! Discover the wide range of services offered by local industry partners while supporting two amazing causes—the CCAR Scholarship Foundation and CCAR Helping Hands.
CCAR Affiliates: The Oktoberfest Affiliate Faire offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business to CCAR REALTORS®. Think of it as a trade show, but more fun– and it’s all for a great cause!
Here’s How:
Purchase a vender table for $35 by contacting Jason Catalano at 925.295.9202 or [email protected].
FREE REALTOR® TICKETS >>
ETHICS CORNER:
Watch What You Say – It Could Come Back to You
Recent Changes to the Code of Ethics
Three months ago, important updates were made to the Code of Ethics, including 11 amendments to its Standards of Practice. One key change is to Standard of Practice 10-5, which now includes a clearer definition of “harassment” and emphasizes that REALTORS® are accountable for their words and actions—including what they say, write, or post—when acting in a professional capacity.
What’s New in Standard of Practice 10-5 (Effective June 5, 2025)
Updated Language:
REALTORS®, in their capacity as real estate professionals, in association with their real estate businesses, or in their real estate-related activities shall not harass any person or persons based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Harassment is:
“Unwelcome behavior directed at an individual or group based on one or more of the above protected characteristics where the purpose or effect of the behavior is to create a hostile, abusive, or intimidating environment which adversely affects their ability to access equal professional services or employment opportunity.” (Adopted and effective 11/13/20, Amended 1/23 and 6/5/25).
Changes to Policy Statement 29:
While REALTORS® are encouraged to live by the Code of Ethics in all areas of life, a REALTOR® shall be subject to disciplinary action under the COE only with respect to all of their capacity as real estate professionals, in association with their real estate businesses, or in their real estate-related activities.
Bottom Line: Be Thoughtful in All Communications
There’s no “real estate agent-client privilege” that protects your messages in a legal dispute. Anything you say—online, in writing, or in person—can be used against you.
Upcoming MLS Rule Changes – Effective Tomorrow
On September 24, several important updates to the MLS Rules will take effect, reflecting the July revisions from C.A.R.’s model MLS rules. These updates are being made to bring California’s rules into alignment with recent policy changes adopted by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
The upcoming revisions include:
- Seller Options Policy Compliance: Updates will ensure compliance with NAR’s Multiple Listing Options for Sellers Policy. Most changes are mandatory for MLSs, though the option to incorporate Delayed Marketing Exempt Listings remains optional.
- IDX and VOW Rule Updates: Revisions will address new NAR requirements on the co-mingling of MLS and non-MLS data, as approved by the NAR Board of Directors at the 2025 Midyear Meeting. These changes are mandatory.
- Other Updates:
- Section 5.1.4 (Book Fees) will be removed, as MLSs no longer produce physical listing books.
- Section 7.20 (Auction Listings) will be revised to eliminate an inaccurate reference and clarify the definition of a reserve auction.
These revisions are designed to ensure consistency, compliance, and clarity across MLS operations statewide while aligning with national policy.
CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS
Platinum Partner, NAR Corporate Ally Program
CCAR is proud to be a RESO Platinum Certified MLS, the highest level of certification available.
