, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

District 99 Hall – May 24

May 2024
From the desk of:

Zina Hall

CCAR PRESIDENT-ELECT, DISTRICT 99 LIAISON
EMAIL: [email protected] | TEL: (510) 589-5649

Dear Friend and Fellow-Member,

I hope you are doing well and experiencing a prosperous Spring season!

Your CCAR leadership and members from around the State and Nation have just returned from legislative sessions in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., where we spoke with key representatives about important issues affecting your business and the industry as a whole. Check out the summary of issues below.

I’d also like to encourage you to get your Code of Ethics training completed before the NAR triennial cycle ends on December 31st. Below, you can check your training status, register for free training and/or attend a live webinar this month.

Feel free to contact me directly if you have questions, or want to chat (contact information noted above).

TOP NEWS:

REALTORS® Talk to Legislators in Washington, D.C.

Thousands of members gathered in D.C. for annual Legislative Day, highlighted by in-person “Hill Visits” where they discussed five top priority real estate issues. | SEE SUMMARY >

NAR Legislative Advocacy Podcast

Listen now to part one of a two-part podcast conversation, where Shannon McGann and Patrick Newton discuss NAR’s latest legislative successes and ongoing policy fights. | LEARN MORE >

MLS Policy Changes Coming in Aug

Get a detailed explanation of each MLS policy change required under the NAR lawsuit settlement agreement. These revised policies will go into effect on Aug 17, 2024. | VIEW >

UPCOMING EDUCATION COURSES:

CCAR CALENDAR >

Share C.A.R. + NAR consumer ads on social media

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LEGISLATIVE DAY UPDATE 2024

Recently, more than 400 California REALTORS® converged on Washington, D.C., joining forces with thousands of fellow REALTORS® from all over the country to attend mid-year legislative meetings. Members participated in “Hill Visits” with individual legislators and sent a clear message that we are committed to driving positive change and shaping policies that will create a more equitable, accessible, and prosperous real estate market. Discussions focused on a few hot topics which have been summarized by C.A.R. as follows:

VA Home Loan Access Enhancements

NAR members have been successful in their advocacy effort to ensure that vets have access to professional representation in real estate transactions. Since the REALTOR push in Washington, the VA has temporarily suspended this prohibition. Now VA buyers are authorized to directly compensate their brokers, leveling the playing field and enhancing opportunities for those who have served our country.

Safeguarding Independent Contractor Status

C.A.R. members advocated for the preservation of agents’ ability to choose to work as independent contractors or employees. Central to this push was their support for H.R. 5419, the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act, which seeks to safeguard this fundamental choice.

Homeowners Insurance Reform

While insurance is regulated at the state level, there is still a role for lawmakers in D.C. Recognizing the urgent need to address the escalating costs of homeowners insurance, C.A.R. members called on Congress to support legislation that would provide tax incentives and grants for fire hardening and disaster mitigation. Such programs make homes safer and more resilient, ultimately reducing insurance premiums for homeowners statewide.

Capital Gains Exclusion Enhancement

Seeking to empower more Americans to achieve homeownership, Californian REALTORS® lobbied for H.R. 1321, the More Homes on the Market Act. This proposed legislation aims to double the capital gains exclusion on the sale of primary residences and index it for inflation, thereby incentivizing greater participation in the housing market.

Advancement of National Fair Housing for LGBTQIA

Addressing gaps in federal fair housing legislation, particularly concerning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, was another top priority for members who talked with legislators. While California already provides robust protections in this area, they emphasized the need for consistent nationwide standards to ensure equal rights for all.

District 99 Wright – May 24

May 2024
From the desk of:

Tyra Wright

CCAR PRESIDENT, DISTRICT 99 LIAISON
EMAIL: [email protected] | TEL: (510) 816-6754

Dear Friend and Fellow-Member,

I hope you are doing well and experiencing a prosperous Spring season!

Feel free to contact me directly if you have questions, or want to chat (contact information noted above).

TOP NEWS:

REALTORS® Talk to Legislators in Washington, D.C.

Thousands of members gathered in D.C. for annual Legislative Day, highlighted by in-person “Hill Visits” where they discussed five top priority real estate issues. | SEE SUMMARY >

NAR Legislative Advocacy Podcast

Listen now to part one of a two-part podcast conversation, where Shannon McGann and Patrick Newton discuss NAR’s latest legislative successes and ongoing policy fights. | LEARN MORE >

MLS Policy Changes Coming in Aug

Get a detailed explanation of each MLS policy change required under the NAR lawsuit settlement agreement. These revised policies will go into effect on Aug 17, 2024. | VIEW >

UPCOMING EDUCATION COURSES:

CCAR CALENDAR >

Share C.A.R. + NAR consumer ads on social media

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

NM Welcome – Apr 24

April 2024
From the desk of:

Tyra Wright

CCAR PRESIDENT, DISTRICT 99 LIAISON
EMAIL: [email protected] | TEL: (510) 816-6754

Dear Friend and Fellow-Member,

I’m reaching out to wish you well and share the most recent updates from CCAR and our partners at C.A.R. and NAR. For those of you who continue to have questions about the NAR lawsuit, that information changes rapidly and can be accessed 24-7 at: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts. I also encourage you to watch the latest online interview with NAR President Kevin Sears and participate in the upcoming Zoom event with NAR Senior Legal Counsel Charlie Lee on the 24th of this month (registration link below). There’s a lot of information to process and MLS rules changes coming this summer so we want to make sure you stay informed.

There are also a variety of great educational opportunities on the calendar this month including a FREE ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative Designation course and a live Tony Robbins workshop.

Feel free to contact me directly if you have questions, or want to chat (contact information listed above).

President Kevin Sears Driving Positive Change at NAR

Following months of legal challenges, negative media attention, and internal disruptions, President Kevin Sears and NAR leadership remain focused on Association’s core mission: helping members excel in their businesses. | VIEW VIDEO >

TOP NEWS:

NAR Lawsuit Update + Q&A with NAR Senior Counsel Charlie Lee April 24th at Noon

Join NAR Senior Counsel & Director of Legal Affairs Charlie Lee to get your questions answered during a live virtual session Wed, Apr 24, from 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Charlie will share up-to-date information about the settlement and potential impacts on the industry and business practices. | REGISTER >

Triennial Code of Ethics Training Required – Check Your Status; Attend Free Courses

It’s easy to find out if you’re due for mandatory triennial ethics training. Free course options available. | LEARN MORE >

FREE ABR Designation Courses Offered Throughout 2024 – Show Your Value to Buyer Clients

Throughout 2024, NAR is offering the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation course ($295 value), available to REALTORS® at no cost. Take the first step toward earning your ABR® designation. | LEARN MORE >

UPCOMING EDUCATION COURSES: