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District 99 Fondnazio – Jun 26

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John Fondnazio head shotA Message From
John Fondnazio
CCAR President
(925) 817-9053

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

Advocacy is one of the most important ways CCAR protects your business, supports property rights, and helps shape the future of homeownership. In this legislative update, you’ll see how REALTOR® priorities are moving forward at the local, state, and federal levels—from C.A.R.’s work in Sacramento to CCAR leaders heading to Washington, D.C.

You’ll also find a new C.A.R. video that explains how member-driven ideas can become state law, a spotlight on our dedicated LGR Committee and political coordinators, and updates on key issues including taxpayer protections, CEQA reform, and HOA insurance transparency.

Thank you to the members and volunteers who continue to show up, build relationships with elected officials, and make sure the REALTOR® voice is heard where decisions are made.

Warm Regards,

John

Shout Out to CCAR LGR + State/National Legislative Reps

CCAR thanks the 18 members of our Local Government Relations (LGR) Committee for their dedication to protecting property rights and supporting REALTOR® success throughout our communities. Committee members regularly engage with elected officials and attend local government meetings to ensure REALTOR® perspectives are represented when housing and homeownership issues are discussed.

We also recognize our State Political Coordinators (SPCs): Michele Manzone (Sen. Tim Grayson), Debi Mackey (Asm. Anamarie Avila Farias), and Leslie Manzone (Asm. Anamarie Avila Farias and Asm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan). Leslie also acts as CCAR’s NAR Director and Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) for Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, and plays a key role in connecting REALTORS® with policymakers at every level of government.

Next week, a group of CCAR and other state and national leadership will meet with members of Congress and their staff in Washington, D.C.

3 Big Legislative Wins in 2026

Advocacy isn’t just about passing good legislation—it’s also about stopping bad legislation before it becomes law.

So far this year, C.A.R. has successfully opposed several legislative proposals that could have increased costs for homeowners, imposed new burdens on property owners, and created additional challenges for housing providers. Here are three significant bills that have stalled and will not move forward this legislative session:

SB 1404: Stopped Wildfire Prevention Fee on Property Owners

C.A.R. helped stop a proposal that would have reinstated a wildfire prevention fee on property owners in State Responsibility Areas, adding another cost for homeowners already facing rising expenses in high-risk fire zones.  Status: Dead.

AB 1157: Stopped Expanded Rent Control Measures

C.A.R. opposed this bill because it would have made rent caps permanent, lowered allowable rent increases, and removed the single-family home exemption for individual property owners. Status: Dead.

AB 2064: Tenant Screening Restrictions Abated

C.A.R. opposed this bill because it would have limited housing providers’ ability to consider criminal history during tenant screening, creating concerns around liability, resident safety, and small property owner protections. Status: Dead.

From Idea to Impact – How C.A.R. Turns Member Priorities Into Law

C.A.R. has released a new video showing how it develops and advances policy on behalf of REALTORS® and homeowners. Click above for an animated look at how a real estate issue can move from a member-driven idea to state law through C.A.R.’s policy and advocacy process.

Your Advocacy Dollars at Work

Last month, CCAR leadership, along with thousands of REALTORS® met with state legislators during Legislative Day in Sacramento to advocate for solutions to some of the most important housing and real estate issues facing Californians today. | PHOTO L to R:  Michele Manzone, Cathleen Griebling (Delta AOR), CCAR President John Fondnazio, Senator Tim Grayson, Leslie Manzone, Jody Drewry (Delta AOR), Otto Catrina (Bay East), and CCAR President-Elect Donna Souza.

Supporting Taxpayer Protections
C.A.R. approved support for a statewide ballot initiative that would require a two-thirds vote for local special taxes and plans to increase California’s homeowners’ property tax exemption for the first time in 50 years.

Faster Housing and Infrastructure
The Association will support a California Chamber-backed initiative to streamline the CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) review process, reducing delays that can impact housing development and economic growth.

Improving HOA Insurance Transparency
Association advocacy efforts in 2026 and beyond will also focus on increasing transparency and consumer protection in homeowners associations, including requiring disclosure of HOA master insurance policies and greater homeowner involvement in insurance decisions.

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Finish July Strong with CCAR Education

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July Education & Events Masthead

July 2026 Classes

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

BUDGET & TIME MANAGEMENT

Thu - Jul 30 | Mastering Your Time & Money - Brian Buffini's Mid-Year Update

Virtual | 9:00 – 11:30 am | FREE | Stay ahead of the market with Brian Buffini’s 2026 Mid-Year Update. Gain fresh real estate market insights, practical time management strategies, and financial planning tips to help you make smarter decisions and finish the year strong. | MORE + REGISTER >

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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.

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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 ( â†‘ 2.38% MoM )
  • Median list price: $799,000 ( â†‘ 2.44% MoM )
  • Pricing trends = Renewed spring momentum

| VIEW / DOWNLOAD APRIL 2026 MARKET REPORT >

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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

CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan +

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 >

CalHFA My Home Assistance Program +

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 >

Black Wealth Builders (BWB) Fund +

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 >

GSFA Down Payment Assistance Programs +

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 >

Pathway to Home Closing Cost Assistance +

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 >

Contra Costa Down Payment Assistance Program +

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 >

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