May 2026 Edu & Events

Paragon’s Essential Tools – May 27

Join CCAR Education & Training Coordinator Chris Dickson for Intro to Paragon MLS, a hands-on, in-person class covering the essential tools and features of Paragon. Bring your laptop and learn how to search, customize settings, manage contacts, use Collaboration Center, and access Paragon on the go.
| REGISTER ON THE CCAR CALENDAR >>

Featured On-Demand Training: AI-Powdered Real Estate

May 2026 Classes

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

Thu - May 21 | AI-Powered Real Estate Unleash Practical Strategies

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | We’ll break down AI in a simple, easy-to-understand way and explore how it’s being applied across the real estate industry today. You’ll learn how AI can enhance your marketing efforts, help you reach the right audiences more effectively, attract higher-quality leads, and work more efficiently without adding complexity to your workflow. This webinar focuses on practical, real-world strategies you can start using right away to support your business goals. | MORE + REGISTER >

Thu - May 21 | Core Skills Training: Intro to Cloud CMA

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | This class will teach you how to prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) Report, using tools in Cloud CMA, provided to you as a free, CCAR-member benefit. A CMA is useful for determining a Listing Price range, fine-tuning an Offer Price, and establishing value for attorneys and property tax reductions. | MORE + REGISTER >

Fri - May 22 | Indoor Health & Safety Specialist

On-Demand | $79 | The Indoor Health & Safety Specialist (IHS) certification helps agents stand out by addressing growing buyer concerns around health and safety in the home. It covers key environmental risks—like lead, asbestos, mold, air quality, radon, and pesticides—so you can guide clients confidently and prevent deal issues.

Focused on hazard awareness and healthier living, this designation positions you as a trusted resource. (Certification valid for 2 years.) | MORE + REGISTER >

Fri - May 22 | DRE License Renewal Crash Course

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 >

Tue - May 26 | Transact: Create A Transaction

Virtual | 11:00 – 11:35 am | FREE | In this fundamentals session, you will learn how to create a transaction in (LoneWolf) Transact. You will learn how to login and navigate the platform, create a transaction, add parties, paperwork, property phases, and To-Do Timelines. | MORE + REGISTER >

Wed - May 27 | WomanUp! Live Show

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 >

Thu - May 28 | Community, Content & Becoming the Go-To Local Expert

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | In this live session, we’ll focus on how to establish yourself as the go-to local expert by combining community involvement with purposeful content. You’ll discover how to showcase your market knowledge, build trust both online and offline, and stay top of mind with buyers and sellers who want to work with someone who truly understands their neighborhood. | MORE + REGISTER >

Thu - May 28 | Core Skills Training: Set It! and Forget It! Property Email Drip Campaign

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 >

Fri - May 29 | Transact: Authentisign Advanced Tools

Virtual | 7:00 – 7:35 am | FREE | In this session, you will learn how to use Standalone Authentisign and the Forms Editor, along with how to create and apply clauses and layouts. We’ll also cover markup and slicer tools, advanced signature options, and available help resources to support your workflow. | MORE + REGISTER >

Education AT Your Fingertips

designations +

Designations & Certifications >

Ethics Training

Check Your Status | Learn More >

license renewal

License Renewal Options >

On-Demand Training

RPR

CCAR RPR Headquarters >

Share University

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 >

C.A.R. Courses

C.A.R. Course Catalog >

NAR Courses

NAR Education Calendar >

CCAR Calendar

CCARToday Calendar >

CONTACT

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

weekly MARKETING MEETINGS

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

District 99 Fondnazio – Apr 26

A MESSAGE FROM JOHN FONDNAZIO | CCAR PRESIDENT, DISTRICT 99 LIAISON | 925.817-9053 | [email protected] | APRIL 2026

Dear Friends and 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,

John

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 >

Find A Trusted CCAR Affiliate Lender

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Broker.1.1 – Apr 2026

< APRIL 2026 : MARCH MARKET RECAP | QUICK LINKS TO STATS | NEWS & INFORMATION | TOP TOOLS TO POWER YOUR BUSINESS <

Introducing the CCAR Broker Brief

Running a brokerage today requires clarity, adaptability, and the ability to make the right decisions in a changing market.

We’re launching the CCAR Broker Brief as a new way to stay more connected with you—bringing focused, local insight into what’s happening in your market and what it means for your business.

Each issue will highlight what’s changing, why it matters, and what you can do to lead your agents and stay competitive.

As your local partner, CCAR is here to support you with the tools, education, and resources you rely on every day to run and grow your brokerage—and to stay more engaged with you as your business evolves.

We’re excited to share the first issue and continue building this resource for you.

Please take a few minutes to respond to this short survey so we can better understand and address your most pressing business needs:

MARCH 2026 | MONTHLY MARKET rECAP

Inventory still tight: 1.95 mo-supply ( ↑ 8.33% MoM )
Selling above ask: 11.6% avg. S/L $ ( ↑ 2.2% MoM )
Speed of sales: avg. 14 DOM ( 0% MoM )

Median sold price: $780,000 ( ↑ 4% MoM )
Median list price up: $795,000 ( ↑ 3.25% MoM )
Short-term pricing stabilizing; slightly below last year

| VIEW / DOWNLOAD MARCH 2026 MARKET RECAP REPORT >

QUICK LINKS

News & Views

Turn Market Pressure Into Opportunity

Recent indicators reflect a mix of opportunity and pressure for real estate brokerages. Inventory is improving in some areas, but pricing sensitivity remains high. Buyers are active, but more selective, while sellers are entering the market with expectations that don’t always align with current conditions. C.A.R. housing updates continue to point to affordability constraints and uneven demand shaping buyer behavior across California. | MORE >

Winning Listings In A Complex Marketplace

Agents who lead with solid pricing strategy and market positioning are winning more business. Many listing presentations still focus heavily on marketing. But today, sellers are more sensitive to outcomes like time on market, price reductions, and net proceeds. Brokers can help support agents by coaching them on pricing conversations, reviewing listing strategies before presentations, and sharing local examples of what is/is not working. | Learn about NAR’s Self-Paced Pricing Strategies Certification. >

Increase Agent Productivity with Consistent Coaching and Education

With fewer “easy” transactions, success is coming from agents who are focused, consistent, and intentional in how they generate business. Brokers can help by conducting regular check-ins and pipeline reviews. Ongoing education and skill development play a critical role in helping agents navigate pricing decisions with confidence, ensuring they can provide clear, data-driven guidance that serves their clients’ best interests. | Share the CCAR monthly Education Calendar with your team today. >

Top Tools to power Up Your Business

JOEY MASTERS, cCAR MLS dIRECTOR

Whether you’re winning new clients, managing transactions, or building your brand, CCAR benefits are designed to save you time, reduce risk, and strengthen your business.

| UNLOCK THE FULL POWER OF MEMBERSHIP with the CCAR Products & Services Guide >

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

District 3 Wade – Mar 26

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Our commitment to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics is what sets our profession apart. Most ethics violations don’t begin with bad intent. They often start with small decisions — a delayed MLS update, an incomplete disclosure, or a quick text sent in frustration.

This newsletter shares a few real examples and a reminder of the time, cost, and disruption an ethics complaint can create. It also highlights the important work of our Professional Standards volunteers, who ensure every case is handled fairly and confidentially.

My hope is that these reminders help all of us stay focused on the fundamentals that protect our reputation and the reputation of our profession.

Thank you for the professionalism you bring to our industry every day.

Warm Regards,

Cherry

Many Ethics Violations Start Out Small:

Beware: A seemingly minor oversight could lead to a complaint and a fine faster than you think.

Could this happen to you? >

Real Ethics Cases. Real Fines. Preventable Mistakes.

These aren’t horror stories. They’re real cases from REALTORS® who probably thought, “It’s not a big deal.” …But it was.

Quick Ethics Check:

Recent Ethics Violations Cost Members Thousands $$

Recent disciplinary actions published by C.A.R. reveal consistent patterns in ethics violations. Most involve Articles 1, 2, and 12 and stem from:

Incomplete disclosure
Careless communication
Inaccurate MLS information
Weak supervision of new agents

In many cases, the issue wasn’t malicious intent—it was misunderstanding how the Code of Ethics applies in everyday situations. The most serious fines—up to $7,000—were associated with concealment of property defects and improper handling of client funds.

The Hidden Costs of An Ethics Complaint

(C.A.R. login required to access page.)

The cost of an ethics case is rarely just a fine. It can involve a lot of time, money, and your reputation.

Most REALTORS® know the Code of Ethics exists. What many don’t realize is the real cost of an ethics complaint — even before a decision is made.

From the moment a complaint is filed to the time a hearing concludes and the case is ratified and closed, the process typically takes four to five months.

That’s four to five months spent gathering documentation, reviewing evidence, preparing responses, coordinating with brokers, and attending hearings.

Even when a REALTOR® believes they did nothing wrong, the time, stress, and business disruption can be significant.

And if a violation is ultimately found, the consequences may include fines of up to $15,000, suspension or termination of membership, and publication of a member’s name, photo, and case details on C.A.R.’s website.

In other words, the cost of an ethics case is rarely just a fine. It can involve time, money, and reputation.

The Professional Standards process exists for a reason. The goal is education and professionalism — not punishment. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics helps ensure honest dealings, transparency in advertising and MLS information, and fairness to clients, the public, and other REALTORS®.

Behind the scenes, the system relies on trained Professional Standards and Grievance volunteers who devote hours reviewing cases, serving on hearing panels, and ensuring the process is fair and unbiased.

All Professional Standards matters are strictly confidential, and volunteers sign agreements to uphold confidentiality and impartiality for every case they review.

Simply put, the system would not work without them.

The best way to avoid the time, expense, and stress of an ethics complaint is simple: Follow the fundamentals of the Code of Ethics. When in doubt, ask yourself one simple question:

Would I be comfortable explaining this decision in an ethics hearing?

If the answer is not a confident “Yes,” it’s worth taking another look.

Transparency, Accuracy, Professionalism are Non-Negotiable

Recent ethics violation cases provide valuable reminders for every member. While each situation is unique, the lessons are consistent: transparency, accuracy, and professionalism are non-negotiable.

NAR CODE OF ETHICS >

MLS RULES & REGULATIONS >

CODE OF ETHICS DEMYSTIFIED >

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT >

CITY SIGN ORDINANCES >

SIGN ORDINANCE VIOLATION FORM >

Partners In Compliance

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

District 3 Ramirez – Mar 26

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

My hope is that these reminders help all of us stay focused on the fundamentals that protect our reputation and the reputation of our profession.

Thank you for the professionalism you bring to our industry every day.

Warm Regards,

Diane

Many Ethics Violations Start Out Small:

Beware: A seemingly minor oversight could lead to a complaint and a fine faster than you think.

Could this happen to you? >

Real Ethics Cases. Real Fines. Preventable Mistakes.

These aren’t horror stories. They’re real cases from REALTORS® who probably thought, “It’s not a big deal.” …But it was.

Quick Ethics Check:

Recent Ethics Violations Cost Members Thousands $$

Recent disciplinary actions published by C.A.R. reveal consistent patterns in ethics violations. Most involve Articles 1, 2, and 12 and stem from:

Incomplete disclosure
Careless communication
Inaccurate MLS information
Weak supervision of new agents

The Hidden Costs of An Ethics Complaint

(C.A.R. login required to access page.)

The cost of an ethics case is rarely just a fine. It can involve a lot of time, money, and your reputation.

Most REALTORS® know the Code of Ethics exists. What many don’t realize is the real cost of an ethics complaint — even before a decision is made.

From the moment a complaint is filed to the time a hearing concludes and the case is ratified and closed, the process typically takes four to five months.

That’s four to five months spent gathering documentation, reviewing evidence, preparing responses, coordinating with brokers, and attending hearings.

Even when a REALTOR® believes they did nothing wrong, the time, stress, and business disruption can be significant.

In other words, the cost of an ethics case is rarely just a fine. It can involve time, money, and reputation.

All Professional Standards matters are strictly confidential, and volunteers sign agreements to uphold confidentiality and impartiality for every case they review.

Simply put, the system would not work without them.

The best way to avoid the time, expense, and stress of an ethics complaint is simple: Follow the fundamentals of the Code of Ethics. When in doubt, ask yourself one simple question:

Would I be comfortable explaining this decision in an ethics hearing?

If the answer is not a confident “Yes,” it’s worth taking another look.

Transparency, Accuracy, Professionalism are Non-Negotiable