, Author at CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

District 99 Fondnazio – May 25

Empowering Members, Protecting Consumers, and Championing Equal Access

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As a member of your Association’s Board of Directors, it’s both an honor and a priority to communicate clearly and transparently about the tools and resources that empower your success. Among the most critical of these tools is the MLS—an infrastructure built by and for real estate professionals to ensure trust, accuracy, and fairness in our industry.

Fairness, Accessibility, and Free Competition Pillars of the MLS

Today, I want to underscore not just the value of the MLS, but the tangible, measurable monetary and industry-wide benefits it delivers to you and the clients you serve.

A recent study from Zillow underscores what many of us already know—homes listed on the MLS sell for more. In fact, sellers in 33 states using the MLS achieved a 6.3% higher sale price, on average, than those who sold off-MLS. That’s a difference of $22,000 on a typical home sale. Even in areas with lower sale prices, the gains were meaningful–proof that our commitment to transparency and broad market access through the MLS results in real equity gains for sellers.

Beyond the numbers, the MLS provides a level playing field, allowing large brokerages and small independents alike to compete based on professionalism and service, not just scale.

The MLS isn’t just a listing tool—it’s a collective commitment to market integrity, one that benefits REALTORS®, consumers, and communities alike.

Sincerely,

John

The MLS is more than a database—it is the backbone of a fair, efficient, and transparent real estate marketplace. At CCAR, we are deeply committed to safeguarding the MLS as a shared resource that upholds professionalism, consumer trust, equal opportunity, and long-term industry sustainability, rather than profit-driven agendas.

The MLS plays an essential role in upholding Fair Housing principles. By maintaining a central, neutral platform, it removes opportunities for bias and discrimination; promotes objective, accurate listing information; and ensures that no consumer is disadvantaged by proprietary control over housing data.

This open framework ensures that success in real estate isn’t defined by proprietary interests, but by service, expertise, and trust. It helps create a real estate environment where accessibility and accountability are the standard, not the exception.

The MLS levels the playing filed for all because it is designed to promote marketplace efficiency and equity. By centralizing property listings in a neutral, trusted platform, the MLS allows the smallest, local brokerages to compete with the largest national firms on equal terms; it enhances consumer trust by providing the largest and most accurate pool of homes for sale; and it empowers all parties to collaborate, rather than compete in silos—leading to faster, more transparent transactions that benefit all parties.

The MLS: Created by Members, for Members

UPCOMING COURSES

MAY 13

Maximize Your Social Security Benefits | VIRTUAL | May 13 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm | Free | Instructor: Kinley Wong, CRPC, of Bridges Wealth Strategies | You’ve paid into the Social Security program for so many years, doesn’t it make sense to learn how to get the maximum Social Security Benefits you’re entitled to? Learn what NOT to do when filing for Social Security Benefits. | REGISTER >

MAY 14

Your Network is Your Net Worth–Referral Strategies That Really Work | VIRTUAL | May 14 | 10:00 – 11:00 am | Free | Panelists: Kama Burton, Broker-Owner, CMB Realty, and Brianna Ramirez, EQ1 Real Estate/ President, WCR Silicon Valley. | Join us for a session with two top agents who’ve mastered the art of turning relationships into business opportunities. In this intimate conversation, you’ll get insider strategies on how to leverage your existing connections and grow a referral network that drives consistent success. | REGISTER >

MAY 22

Selling in Fire Zones | VIRTUAL | May 22 | 10:00 – 11:00 am | Free | Instructor: Laurel Housh. | This webinar will cover how to read the Fire Zone determinations on the NHD, what a seller needs to disclose in fire zones, how to understand the FHDS, helping sellers understand the legal obligations when selling in fire zones, and much more. | REGISTER >

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

District 99 Wright – May 25

Empowering Members, Protecting Consumers, and Championing Equal Access

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Fairness, Accessibility, and Free Competition Pillars of the MLS

Today, I want to underscore not just the value of the MLS, but the tangible, measurable monetary and industry-wide benefits it delivers to you and the clients you serve.

Beyond the numbers, the MLS provides a level playing field, allowing large brokerages and small independents alike to compete based on professionalism and service, not just scale.

The MLS isn’t just a listing tool—it’s a collective commitment to market integrity, one that benefits REALTORS®, consumers, and communities alike.

Sincerely,

Tyra

The MLS: Created by Members, for Members

UPCOMING COURSES

MAY 13

MAY 14

MAY 22

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

District 99 Hall – May 25

Empowering Members, Protecting Consumers, and Championing Equal Access

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Fairness, Accessibility, and Free Competition Pillars of the MLS

Today, I want to underscore not just the value of the MLS, but the tangible, measurable monetary and industry-wide benefits it delivers to you and the clients you serve.

Beyond the numbers, the MLS provides a level playing field, allowing large brokerages and small independents alike to compete based on professionalism and service, not just scale.

The MLS isn’t just a listing tool—it’s a collective commitment to market integrity, one that benefits REALTORS®, consumers, and communities alike.

Sincerely,

Zina

The MLS: Created by Members, for Members

UPCOMING COURSES

MAY 13

MAY 14

MAY 22

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

District 99 Hall – Apr 25

Show Your Worth!

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

CCAR will continue to provide updates and fire prevention resources as they become available.

Best Regards

Zina

So you want to buy a house?
You could go online.
Do your research.
Find the dream listing.
Go see it.
And get catfished.
Back to the drawing board –
more scheduling,
more viewings,
more, “This doesn’t even look like the photos.”
You could finally find one that does match the photos.
Then comes the offer.
The negotiations.
Stress rash? Yep, make that three.
And here’s…the paperwork.
More paperwork.
Wait…is that more paperwork?
Yup, never-ending paperwork.
It’s a lot.
But you don’t have to do it alone.
Because there’s an agent who’s a REALTOR® here to guide and help protect you as you find
the home that’s right for you.
REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®.
Right by You.

“Zone 0” Regulations

California government agencies and citizens have been put on notice to take active steps to improve community hardening and wildfire mitigation. Governor Newsom’s recent executive order specifies the following:

Directs the State Board of Forestry to accelerate its work to adopt regulations known as “Zone 0,” which will require an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet of structures located in the highest fire severity zones in the state.
Tasks the Office of the State Fire Marshal with releasing updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps which will update building and local planning requirements for these communities statewide.
Requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to work on improvements to wildfire response. | MORE >

UPCOMING COURSES

APR 16

Mortgage Loan Types & Tips for Down Payment Assistance | VIRTUAL | Apr 16 | 10:00 – 11:00 am | Free | This session will provide an in-depth overview of various mortgage loan types, including conventional, FHA, VA, and other financing options. Attendees will gain insights into key lending criteria, benefits, and potential challenges to better navigate the home financing process. | REGISTER >

APR 17

CCAR Presents: How to Be Fair in Fair Housing | VIRTUAL | Apr 17 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | $25 | This session is focused on Fair Housing and the challenges real estate agents may encounter in ensuring equal housing opportunities. Get valuable insights into housing discrimination, community impact, and best practices for fostering inclusive neighborhoods. Industry experts will share real world experiences and strategies to navigate obstacles while promoting fair and ethical housing practices. | REGISTER >

APR 23

Generational Marketing for Real Estate Agents | VIRTUAL | Apr 23 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm | Free | From Baby Boomers looking to downsize to Millennials entering the market and Gen Z’s digital-first approach, understanding each group’s unique preferences and behaviors is crucial. Learn generational marketing techniques, discuss platform-specific engagement, and provide actionable insights to help you close more deals. | REGISTER >

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Hall Welcome – Mar 25

Welcome!

Wildfire Prevention Efforts Start With Us

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Wildfire risk remains top-of-mind for most Californians following the devastating fires in January. Since then, the State Fire Marshall has identified five of our own local areas (El Cerrito, San Pablo, Orinda, Moraga and Clayton) at the highest risk for wildfire, along with large portions of high-vegetation green space throughout the County. See Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) map. As REALTORS®, we can use this information as a valuable tool to help our clients take immediate action to prevent this horror from occurring in our own neighborhoods.

We cannot bury our heads in the sand, but must take active measures to protect our communities and help our clients and neighbors access all the information they need to protect their homes and families. In this message, I’ve included a few important resources where you can start that process.

CCAR will continue to provide updates and fire prevention resources as they become available.

Best Regards,

Zina

For those having difficulty accessing or renewing homeowner’s insurance, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) provides a number of resources to assist. If consumers believe their denial of coverage/non-renewals are unfair, they may also file complaints with the CDI.

Those homeowners who receive non-renewal notices should contact their insurers directly and find out if there are specific actions they can take to mitigate risk to retain coverage.

“Zone 0” Regulations

Directs the State Board of Forestry to accelerate its work to adopt regulations known as “Zone 0,” which will require an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet of structures located in the highest fire severity zones in the state.
Tasks the Office of the State Fire Marshal with releasing updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps which will update building and local planning requirements for these communities statewide.
Requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to work on improvements to wildfire response. | MORE >

UPCOMING COURSES

MAR 18

MAR 19

CA Real Estate Disclosures Required by Law | VIRTUAL | Mar 19 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | $20 | Instructor: Joel Carlson | Make sure you know which C.A.R. forms will be most helpful when you’re trying to disclose. Attendees will review crucial disclosure requirements commonly seen for the sale of 1 to 4-unit, owner-occupied residential property. | REGISTER >

MAR 26

The Road to Recovery: Rebuilding Communities After Wildfires | VIRTUAL | Mar 26 | 10:00 – 11:15 am | Free | Panel discussion moderated by Professor William Fulton of UCSD’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning, features three panelists including Paradise Mayor Steve Crowder who will share his experience and firsthand advice. | REGISTER >

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

District 99 Fondnazio – May 25

District 99 Wright – May 25

District 99 Hall – May 25

District 99 Hall – Apr 25

Hall Welcome – Mar 25

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