CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

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Summer Learning Starts With CCAR Education

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New and Revised Forms – C.A.R. Forms Update June 9

C.A.R. introduces new and revised forms twice per year – in June and December. Don’t worry, be prepared and be happy – Join the C.A.R. standard forms legal staff on Tuesday, June 9th from 1:30 – 2:30 pm to learn about the more significant changes for the June forms’ release. | REGISTER >

June 2026 Classes

Click on any listing below to view course summaries and link to more information + registration.

AI / SOCIAL MEDIA

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to use RPR® to access exclusive property data, search listings, create branded reports and CMAs, analyze comps, prospect neighborhoods, and use RPR Mobile. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – Noon | FREE | Learn how Google, online reviews, and AI tools like ChatGPT influence how clients choose real estate agents. Discover strategies to strengthen your digital presence, build credibility, manage your online reputation, and stand out in a competitive market. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 1:00 – 2:00 pm | FREE | Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from another top video creator in real estate. Register now for “Video Rockstars of Real Estate – Volume 3” and discover how video can become one of the most powerful tools in your real estate marketing strategy. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 12:00 – 1:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to create a sustainable content strategy that combines short-form and long-form content to increase engagement and grow your business. Discover time-saving workflows, content repurposing techniques, and proven strategies to attract attention, build authority, and turn followers into clients. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 1:00 – 2:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to use TikTok and short-form video to grow your real estate brand, increase visibility, and attract new clients. This webinar covers profile optimization, content creation, trends, hashtags, and strategies for repurposing videos across multiple social media platforms. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Learn proven strategies to grow your business through repeat and referral clients, relationship nurturing, social media marketing, video content, SEO, and AI tools like ChatGPT. This high-energy session provides practical techniques to generate quality leads, increase visibility, and build long-term success. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 12:00 – 1:00 pm | FREE | RealReports is the CarFax for homes. Learn how to use RealReports and its AI-powered property advisor to access comprehensive property data, answer client questions, and deliver valuable insights on permits, risks, zoning, liens, and more. | MORE + REGISTER >

ALTERNATIVE HOUSING / HOUSING SUPPLY

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:15 am | FREE | Explore emerging housing solutions shaping California’s future, including factory-built homes, 3D printing, adaptive reuse, townhomes, and condominiums. This panel discussion examines the opportunities, challenges, and policy considerations involved in expanding housing supply and bringing innovative housing models to scale. | MORE + REGISTER >

BROKER FEATURES

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm | FREE | The California Association of REALTORS® hosts Industry Leader Town Halls twice a month to provide brokers and key brokerage staff to meet virtually with C.A.R. Leadership, C.A.R. staff and brokers throughout the state to discuss the latest information impacting real estate brokerages and transactions. Rotating list of guest speakers provides updates on the latest issues including transactional, legal, market and legislative issues. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm | FREE | The California Association of REALTORS® hosts Industry Leader Town Halls twice a month to provide brokers and key brokerage staff to meet virtually with C.A.R. Leadership, C.A.R. staff and brokers throughout the state to discuss the latest information impacting real estate brokerages and transactions. Rotating list of guest speakers provides updates on the latest issues including transactional, legal, market and legislative issues. | MORE + REGISTER >

CERTIFICATIONS & DESIGNATIONS

On-Demand | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | $125 | Strengthen your pricing expertise with proven strategies for creating accurate CMAs, selecting and adjusting comparables, and guiding clients through property valuation. Learn ethical pricing practices, work effectively with appraisers, and develop the skills needed to confidently determine property value and price. This course fulfills the core requirement for the PSA certification. | MORE + REGISTER >

On-Demand| Anytime | $149* | Learn how to protect your business and clients from real estate fraud, including wire fraud, email scams, AI impersonation, rental scams, title theft, and mobile security threats. This self-paced online course provides practical strategies to recognize risks, prevent fraud, and safeguard transactions with confidence. Use code FREECERT to enroll at no cost. | MORE + REGISTER >

CMAs & REPORTS

Virtual | 11:00 am – Noon | FREE | Learn how to use RPR® to research properties, understand seller motivation, analyze market trends, discuss pricing with confidence, and create customized listing presentations. Gain practical strategies to make a strong first impression and stand out at your next listing appointment. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm| FREE | Discover how to leverage RPR® to access powerful property, market, and neighborhood data available exclusively to REALTORS®. Learn to search properties, create impressive CMA reports, analyze comps, prospect neighborhoods, and use RPR Mobile to support your business on the go. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm| FREE | Learn how to create professional CMA reports, property flyers, and buyer tour packets with Cloud CMA. This class also covers lead generation tools, virtual listing presentations, and strategies to help you demonstrate your value and win more listings. | MORE + REGISTER >

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Virtual | 3:00 – 5:00 pm | FREE | Gain a practical introduction to commercial real estate through real-world case studies. Learn essential skills, industry resources, lease and investment analysis, and proven business practices to help launch and grow a successful commercial real estate career. This course focuses on both understanding the industry and building a strategy for success within it. | MORE + REGISTER >

On-Demand | 11:00 am – Noon | FREE | Discover how RPR’s commercial tools can help you find listings, analyze demographics and consumer spending, access traffic and tenant data, identify business opportunities, and create professional client reports. Whether you’re new to commercial real estate or an experienced practitioner, learn how to leverage RPR data and AI-powered insights to better serve clients and grow your business. | MORE + REGISTER >

CRM – CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Virtual | 8:00 – 9:00 am | FREE | Get started with Lone Wolf Relationships and learn the essentials of managing your contacts and business. This session covers account setup, email integration, contact importing, communications, tasks and reminders, opportunities, and automations to help you stay organized and nurture client relationships. | MORE + REGISTER >

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY HOUSING

Virtual | 11:00 am – Noon | FREE | Learn practical strategies for creating an inclusive client experience and building stronger relationships with LGBTQ+ homebuyers and sellers. This webinar covers respectful communication, unique client considerations, and business-building techniques to help you expand your reach, earn referrals, and confidently serve a diverse community. | MORE + REGISTER >

FORMS / TRANSACTION MANAGEMENT

Virtual | 1:00 – 2:00 pm | FREE | Take your transaction management skills to the next level with advanced features in zipForm and Transact. Learn how to use templates, clause libraries, custom checklists, task management tools, form editing functions, and offer organization techniques to streamline workflows and manage transactions more efficiently. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 1:30 – 2:30 pm | FREE | C.A.R. introduces new and revised forms twice per year – in June and December, and this year is no different.  Don’t worry, be prepared and be happy – Join the C.A.R. standard forms legal staff on Tuesday, June 9th from 1:30 – 2:30 pm to learn about the more significant changes for the June forms’ release. | MORE + REGISTER >

On-Demand| Anytime | FREE | Learn how to create, send, and manage e-signature packets using AuthentiSign in Transact. This class covers document preparation, selecting forms and signers, adding signature fields, tracking progress, and understanding the signing experience from both the client and agent perspectives. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Get your zipForm and Transact questions answered live by product experts. Bring your questions, troubleshoot issues, and learn tips and best practices to improve your workflow and platform efficiency. | MORE + REGISTER >

On-Demand | Anytime | FREE | Expand your AuthentiSign skills with advanced features designed to streamline document management and e-signatures. Learn how to use standalone AuthentiSign, the Forms Editor, custom clauses, markup and slicer tools, advanced signature options, layouts, and support resources to improve efficiency and workflow. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Learn the fundamentals of Lone Wolf Transactions zipForm Edition, including setting up your profile, creating buyer and seller transactions, building templates, managing tasks and checklists, adding forms, and sending documents for e-signatures. Gain the skills to create and manage real estate contracts more efficiently. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 – 11:35 am | FREE | Learn the fundamentals of creating and managing transactions in Transact. This class covers platform navigation, setting up transactions, adding parties and documents, managing tasks and timelines, and understanding property phases to keep transactions organized from start to finish. | MORE + REGISTER >

LEAD GENERATION / MARKETING / PROSPECTING

Virtual | 1:00 – 2:00 pm – Noon | FREE | Discover how top-producing agents generate business through referrals from past clients, friends, and family instead of constantly chasing leads. Learn simple, proven strategies for building stronger relationships, increasing referrals, and creating a more predictable path to long-term success. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 8:00 – 9:00 am | FREE | Learn how to optimize your free Realtor.com profile to increase visibility, build credibility, and attract more leads. This class covers profile setup, branding, reviews, search optimization, and social media integration to help turn your online presence into a business-generating tool. | MORE + REGISTER >

LICENSE RENEWAL

Virtual | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | $85* | Learn everything you need to know to pass online final exams – or your *money back! This is an optional course that provides the quickest/easiest way to renew any real estate license. Includes a review of correspondence course study material to prep for finals. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | $85* | Learn everything you need to know to pass online final exams – or your *money back! This is an optional course that provides the quickest/easiest way to renew any real estate license. Includes a review of correspondence course study material to prep for finals. | MORE + REGISTER >

MLS

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to add, update, and manage listings in Paragon MLS. Topics include MLS compliance, Coming Soon listings, listing input tools, photos, syndication, error resolution, and maintaining listings from NEW to SOLD—all from desktop or mobile. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Discover how to leverage RPR® to access powerful property, market, and neighborhood data available exclusively to REALTORS®. Learn to search properties, create impressive CMA reports, analyze comps, prospect neighborhoods, and use RPR Mobile to support your business on the go. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to use Paragon’s Collaboration Center to automate property email alerts and strengthen client relationships. This class shows you how to set up client portals, enable real-time interaction with listings, receive instant feedback and notifications, and personalize searches—so you can stay connected, responsive, and better support your buyers and sellers from any device. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Get started with Paragon MLS for property searches, client collaboration, and business management. Learn how to customize your profile and settings, navigate the system, search properties, manage contacts, use the Collaboration Center, access integrations and member benefits, and work efficiently from any device. | MORE + REGISTER >

MORTGAGE & FINANCING

Virtual | 10:00 am – 12:45 pm | FREE | Learn how to help clients achieve affordable, sustainable homeownership through financial literacy, financing options, down payment assistance programs, and homebuyer education. This program provides REALTORS® with practical tools and resources to better serve first-time buyers, renters, past homeowners, and families planning for future homeownership. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Learn how to better serve older homeowners by understanding their financial, tax, estate, and housing concerns. This webinar covers reverse mortgages, inheritance and title issues, and practical strategies for building relationships that can lead to more listings and referrals in the growing senior market. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Join Padi Goodspeed once a month to learn the truth behind the headlines and interpret the news in a way that matters most, for you and your clients! | MORE + REGISTER >

TAX LAW

Virtual | 3:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Take your 1031 exchange knowledge beyond the basics. Learn advanced strategies for handling complex ownership structures, reverse and improvement exchanges, IRS compliance, DSTs and TICs, and key timing and documentation requirements to help investors build and preserve wealth through real estate. | MORE + REGISTER >

TECHNOLOGY / APPS

Virtual | 11:00 am – Noon | FREE |  Learn more about CubiCasa, the go-to app used by thousands of real estate professionals every day to create floor plans in only 5 minutes. Greatly improve your listings and listing presentations – FOR FREE! We’ll talk about the benefits of adding a floor plan to your listing media, and how the technology works. | MORE + REGISTER >

WOMEN +

Virtual | 11:00 am – Noon | FREE |  Connect, inspire, and share your journey and learn from the stories of others. Each session promises a unique blend of inspiration, learning, and community spirit. Stay tuned for this month’s theme and special guests – we promise it’s an event you won’t want to miss!  | MORE + REGISTER >

Join C.A.R. on Wed., Jun 10 from 9:45am to 1pm for STEPS Toward Homeownership. This program gives REALTORS® practical tools to help clients navigate financing expectations, down payment assistance, FHA vs. conventional loans, and pathways to affordable, sustainable homeownership.
| REGISTER >

Education AT Your Fingertips

Post and Present like a Pro: Video calls. Phone calls. Or no calls at all. No matter how you stay connected with your clients, these tools make it simple and fun to communicate when you’re not in-person. Visit Share University >

CONTACT

Chris Dickson
Education Coordinator
(925) 295-9210
[email protected]

weekly MARKETING MEETINGS

CCRIM Marketing Group Ad + link to site
Rossmoor Marketing Meeting ad + link to email contact
West County Marketing Group ad + link to contact email
RMA Marketing Group Ad + link to website

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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News for Brokers – May 2026

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MAY 2026

Keep Real Estate Human in the Age of AI

According to some experts, the future of real estate is not about choosing between AI and people. The strongest businesses will likely be those that combine smart technology adoption with authentic communication, strong relationships and trusted expertise.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the real estate industry, from brokerage operations to online home search. As companies adopt new AI tools, many professionals are asking the same question: Will technology enhance the customer experience, or replace the people behind it?

Recent industry discussions have highlighted growing concerns about companies using AI primarily to reduce staffing and automate support functions. While technology can improve efficiency, many real estate professionals argue that removing experienced people from the process weakens trust, service and workplace culture. In a relationship-driven business, human expertise remains one of the industry’s greatest assets.

At the same time, AI-generated communication is becoming increasingly common across social media, marketing and professional content. Many posts now sound repetitive, overly polished or disconnected from real experience. As audiences become more aware of these patterns, authenticity is becoming even more valuable. Consumers are more likely to engage with professionals who communicate naturally, share real insights and demonstrate genuine market knowledge.

AI is also changing how buyers search for homes. Conversational search tools now allow consumers to ask detailed real estate questions and receive instant recommendations. This shift means agents must focus 

more intentionally on their online presence, reputation and local expertise. Consistent business information, strong reviews and community-focused content all help establish credibility in an increasingly AI-driven environment.

The common thread across all of these changes is clear: Technology may influence how information is delivered, but trust is still built through human connection. The professionals who will stand out are those who use AI strategically while continuing to prioritize authenticity, expertise and relationships.

This news summary is based on paraphrased commentary and reporting from articles by Holly Brink published on Inman.com.

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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Broker.1.2 – Jun 2026

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CCAR Broker Brief Masthead

AI Update: The Future of Real Estate is Still Human

For many brokers and real estate professionals, keeping up with AI has started to feel like a full-time job. Every week seems to bring more rapid change and pressure to move faster and automate every part of the business.

It’s understandable that many feel overwhelmed, but there’s also good news hidden beneath all the noise: Brokers do not need to adopt every new AI tool to stay relevant.

Real estate has always been built on relationships, professional insight, experience, and trust. Technology can support those things, but it cannot replace them. While AI might help organize information faster and simplify repetitive tasks, it cannot replicate local expertise, negotiation instincts, empathy, or long-term client relationships.

To succeed in this fast-paced market does not require you to chase every new trend. Focus on adapting thoughtfully and use technology in ways that strengthen, not replace the human experience.

Read on for more AI insights…

News & Views

Avoid Formulaic AI-Generated Content. Focus On Authenticity

Consumers are tech-saavy and ignore generic AI-generated marketing content.  It’s no secret. Real estate pros are using AI to automate everything they can to simplify repetitive and creative tasks. Problem is, everyone can now easily identify AI-generated content, and will ignore marketing that sounds mechanical and inauthentic. Recent Inman news reports help decipher what works and doesn’t work when agents use AI to communicate with the public. | LEARN WHAT TO AVOID WHEN USING AI IN YOUR BUSINESS > 

CA Dept of Insurance Webinar Jun 17

Free webinar series designed to help consumers better understand important insurance topics. Invite your clients and colleagues to join an upcoming statewide webinar hosted by the California Department of Insurance. Featured guest panelists will review the current residential insurance landscape and give expert advice and counsel to all those seeking ways to better understand and access available insurance services–often the deal-breaker, or deal-maker in a transaction. | REGISTER NOW >

CCAR Brokers Want Legal, AI, Marketing, and Tech Support

CCAR’s Spring Broker Survey provided valuable insight into the challenges and priorities brokers are facing in today’s market. Check out the key findings that CCAR will use to help shape future programs, education, communication, and member services. | VIEW SURVEY RESULTS >

APRIL 2026 | MONTHLY MARKET rECAP

Contra Costa County’s April market showed stronger spring activity with rising inventory, increasing sales volume, faster-moving homes, and upward pressure on both list and sold prices. While annual appreciation remains modest to slightly negative in some metrics, current month-over-month trends suggest improving market momentum and continued competitive conditions for buyers.

  • Inventory up:  ( ↑ 18.7% MoM )
  • Sales up:  ( ↑ 4.6% MoM )
  • Speed of sales improving: ( ↑ 7.1% MoM )
  • Median sold price: $818,000 ( ↑ 2.38% MoM )
  • Median list price: $799,000 ( ↑ 2.44% MoM )
  • Pricing trends = Renewed spring momentum

| VIEW / DOWNLOAD APRIL 2026 MARKET REPORT >

QUICK LINKS

PARAGON STATS    |

RPR STATISTICS    |

INFOSPARKS STATS    |

C.A.R. STATISTICS    |

NAR STATISTICS

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District 5 Reyes – Apr 26

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A MESSAGE FROM VICTOR REYES  |  CCAR DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 5 LIAISON  |  510. 260.4384  |  [email protected]   |   APRIL 2026

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

California’s housing affordability crisis continues to challenge buyers with high home prices, limited inventory, and rising costs keeping ownership out  of reach for many.

Recent reports show that thousands of approved affordable units remain stalled due to funding gaps, even as demand grows. Meanwhile, home prices are expected to stay near record highs, statewide, despite slight improvements in affordability.

While no single solution exists, a growing mix of state, local, and community programs is helping close the gap.

In this issue, we highlight key resources—from C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund and Fair Housing initiatives to local down payment assistance programs—that can help your clients move closer to homeownership.

Warm Regards,

Victor

6 Ways to Expand Access to Homeownership

One of the largest assistance programs   in California.

Best for: First-generation, first-time buyers who lack a large down payment.

Provides up to 20% of purchase price (max ~$150K) for down payment.

Structured as a shared appreciation loan (repay + % of appreciation at sale/refi).

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: First-time buyers needing help with upfront cash.

Provides ~3-3.5% of purchase price for down payment/closing costs.

Structured as a deferred-payment second loan (no monthly payments).

Repaid only when the home is sold, refinanced, or paid off.

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: Black first-time buyers facing down payment barriers.

Provides zero-interest loans (typically ~$15K–$20K) for down payment, closing costs, or related expenses. 

No monthly payments; repayment deferred until sale or refinance.

 

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: Broader pool of low-to-moderate income buyers (not just first-timers).

Offers up to ~5-5.5% of loan amount for down payment/closing costs.

Structured as a second mortgage (often repayable over time).

Works across many loan types (FHA, VA, USDA) and conventional loans.

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: First-time buyers from underserved communities needing closing cost support.

Provides up to $10,000 in grants (no payback required) for closing costs.

Must include at least one buyer from an underserved community (people of color, persons with disabilities, or LGBTQ+).

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: First-time buyers in Contra Costa County needing grant support.

Provides up to $10,000 in grants (no repayment required) for down payment or closing costs.

Funded by a $1 million investment from U.S. Bank, supporting ~100 families.

Targets low- to moderate-income households facing high entry costs.

|  LEARN MORE >

Find A Trusted CCAR Affiliate Lender

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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District 4 Wilson – Apr 26

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A MESSAGE FROM ROLANDA WILSON  |  CCAR DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 4 LIAISON  |  510. 244.0085  |  [email protected]   |   APRIL 2026

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

California’s housing affordability crisis continues to challenge buyers with high home prices, limited inventory, and rising costs keeping ownership out  of reach for many.

Recent reports show that thousands of approved affordable units remain stalled due to funding gaps, even as demand grows. Meanwhile, home prices are expected to stay near record highs, statewide, despite slight improvements in affordability.

While no single solution exists, a growing mix of state, local, and community programs is helping close the gap.

In this issue, we highlight key resources—from C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund and Fair Housing initiatives to local down payment assistance programs—that can help your clients move closer to homeownership.

Warm Regards,

Rolanda

6 Ways to Expand Access to Homeownership

One of the largest assistance programs   in California.

Best for: First-generation, first-time buyers who lack a large down payment.

Provides up to 20% of purchase price (max ~$150K) for down payment.

Structured as a shared appreciation loan (repay + % of appreciation at sale/refi).

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: First-time buyers needing help with upfront cash.

Provides ~3-3.5% of purchase price for down payment/closing costs.

Structured as a deferred-payment second loan (no monthly payments).

Repaid only when the home is sold, refinanced, or paid off.

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: Black first-time buyers facing down payment barriers.

Provides zero-interest loans (typically ~$15K–$20K) for down payment, closing costs, or related expenses. 

No monthly payments; repayment deferred until sale or refinance.

 

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: Broader pool of low-to-moderate income buyers (not just first-timers).

Offers up to ~5-5.5% of loan amount for down payment/closing costs.

Structured as a second mortgage (often repayable over time).

Works across many loan types (FHA, VA, USDA) and conventional loans.

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: First-time buyers from underserved communities needing closing cost support.

Provides up to $10,000 in grants (no payback required) for closing costs.

Must include at least one buyer from an underserved community (people of color, persons with disabilities, or LGBTQ+).

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: First-time buyers in Contra Costa County needing grant support.

Provides up to $10,000 in grants (no repayment required) for down payment or closing costs.

Funded by a $1 million investment from U.S. Bank, supporting ~100 families.

Targets low- to moderate-income households facing high entry costs.

|  LEARN MORE >

Find A Trusted CCAR Affiliate Lender

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link