CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

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NAR Halts Political Contributions

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Capitol building with cherry blossoms, Washington DC

The January 6 Capitol insurrection has sparked a backlash in U.S. industry, resulting in suspension of political donations and lack of confidence in government leaders. Both NAR and C.A.R. have followed suit.

NAR and C.A.R. policy has always prohibited the funding of presidential and gubenatorial elections. Now, both organizations will suspend support of U.S. Senate and Congressional representatives. This means your RAF contributions will no longer be earmarked for political campaigns until further notice. 

Following the January 6 Capitol insurrection, NAR’s REALTOR’s® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Board of Trustees has temporarily paused federal political disbursements. NAR will continue to monitor events in Washington to ensure political participation most closely represents the will of Realtor members and the best interests of American real estate.

“The National Association of REALTORS® shares member sentiments of discouragement and disillusion as we  witnessed tragedy unfolding on Capitol Hill in early January,” said NAR General Council and Chief Member Experience Officer Katie Johnson in a letter to Association executives.

“We stand with our democracy and our nation’s centuries-old observance of peaceful protests and peaceful transfer of power. But what happened on Capitol Hill was an assault on both,” she continued.

“As is always the case, our jobs as servant leaders are to foster an environment of trust by and among members so that we can remain focused on the shared mission of preserving, protecting and advancing the right to real property for all people.”

In general, the Code of Ethics does not apply to criminal activity

It is important to note that for those who may be confused by the recent events and possible ethical implications for REALTOR® protesters, the NAR Code of Ethics does not generally apply to criminal activity. Therefore, ethics complaints based on the newly amended Article 10-5 standard of practice are not warranted. Rather, possible illegal activity should be reported to legal authorities and not local Association Grievance Committees.

“REALTORS® are the Purple Party representing and supporting both Republicans and Democrats who act in furtherance of our mission.”

While Article 10-5 prohibits Realtors from using harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs, that speech is limited to protected classes (race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity) not political affiliation. 

view Nar statement re. capitol insurrection >

view related code of ethics changes >

Welcome 2021 CCAR Board of Directors

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President Greg Souza to Lead Incoming Board of Directors, 

Celebrate Centennial Anniversary

CCAR welcomes the 2021 Board of Directors into office! This new year’s transition also marks the 100th Anniversary of the Association! Plans for the 2021 Inaugural celebration are pending due to current COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. Stay tuned for Inaugural and Centennial celebration updates.

Closing Remarks from 

Outgoing President Tangie Leverett

Dear CCAR Members,

When I was installed as 2020 President of CCAR, like some many others I had no idea what was to come. The year started off like any other year, then March came and with it a global pandemic that virtually shut down the whole Country. Fortunately, thanks to the advance-planning of CEO Sheiren Diaz and the CCAR staff there was already an emergency plan in place that allowed staff to seamlessly transition to work from home and to continue to service our members needs. The shut down initially didn’t allow our members the ability to do business, once real estate was categorized as an essential business we were able to do limited business, but our members wanted more. CCAR stepped up and we were able to work with the county health department and get our member back in business to be able to service there clients needs. 

Although 2020 was not a typical year, the important thing is that we were able to continue to provide a high level of service to our members and the business of the association was taken care of, and that what I’m most proud of.  I would like to thank the 2020 board of directors for the highest level of dedication and service giving to the organization. I would also like to thank the CCAR staff for the work that they do year after year in making sure that the organization continues to service our members.

As we start 2021 with a new President and new members to the board of directors.  I pass the gavel to your 2021 President Greg Sousa and I know that the organization will continue to thrive.  We are not here to finish the job, but to keep the line moving in a positive direction!

Sincerely,

Tangie R. Leveret

Special thanks go out to the 2020 Board of Directors and staff for their dedication and service to the organization during this unusual time.

D&DA Alert: Fire Prevention Requirements Enforced

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Moraga-Orinda Fire District Requirements & Inspection Upon Transfer Ordinance mandates property owners minimize hazardous conditions from fire, explosion and hazardous substances – Next Hazard Inspection/Compliance deadline: May 31st

Resources:

| county D&D advisories >

| cal fire >

Ordinance No. 20.01:  The Moraga-Orinda Fire District has adopted regulations which impact the need for property owners to maintain defensible space around structures, vehicles and other items stored on the Property by eliminating weeds and other materials which fuel fires. 

Property owners must obtain various construction permits for any modification or rebuilding of the Property and must comply with state and local standards designed to minimize fires.

Effective October 7, 2020, upon transfer of the Property, there must be an exterior fire hazard inspection completed by the Fire District to determine if there is a need for weed and/or other hazards to be abated. If the Fire District determines that abatement efforts are needed, the Seller will receive an Assessment Letter. The Seller will then need to comply with the Assessment Letter and report their “Self-Compliance” to the District on-line. Buyers can check the status of a Property at https://www.mofd.org/our-district/fuels-mitigation-fireprevention/hazardous-wildfire-fuels-reduction-program. For more information about the ordinance, the major fire code changes, and a list of approved ground cover go to the Moraga-Orinda Fire District site at mofd.org/home.

Heather Schiffman photo

HEATHER SCHIFFMAN

Director, Government Affairs

[email protected]

| govt. affairs ARCHIVE

JAN 2021 | Starting January 8th, members may apply on behalf of clients for the California Association of REALTORS® Housing Affordability Fund (HAF) Home Essentials Program which will provide qualified first-time California homebuyers with a $1,250 Lowe’s gift card to purchase appliances for their new home. Due to limited availability, funds will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. | MORE >

DEC 2020 | Proposition 19 will supersede the old rules which limited this exemption to the sale and purchase of a principle residence within the same county (Prop 60) or between certain counties (Prop 90)–but only if the replacement was of “equal or lesser value” and only one time. | MORE >

DEC 2020 | C.A.R. Proposition 19 initiative passes by narrow margin; additional real estate related State ballot measures reflect negative public sentiment towards rent control and increased business property taxes. Voters approve County and local sales and business taxes; City Council representation results mixed. | MORE >

OCT 2020 | With election season comes a race for space to post signage. Be sure to familiarize yourself with local laws pertaining to sign placement, which may differ in every city. Illegal sign placement may result in onerous legislation that could severely restrict all signage privileges. | REVIEW CITY SIGN ORDINANCES >

PROTECTING PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS  |  One of the most important services organized real estate provides members and consumers is representation in the halls of government. The REALTOR Action Fund (RAF), supported solely by REALTOR contributions, raises money to advance the goals of political action committees (PACs) supporting real estate at the local, state and federal levels.  | LEARN MORE >

Apply for 1st-Time-Buyer Assistance

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New C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund “Housing Essentials Program” to Launch in January

doll house with "first-time buyer" tag
Starting January 8th, members may apply on behalf of clients for the California Association of REALTORS® Housing Affordability Fund (HAF) Home Essentials Program which will provide qualified first-time California homebuyers with a $1,250 Lowe’s gift card to purchase appliances for their new home. Due to limited availability, funds will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.

How to Qualify:

  • First-time homebuyers
  • Homebuyers must use a CA Realtor in the transaction
  • Purchase a primary single-family residence in CA with the intent to occupy the property as a primary residence
  • Conformin loan amount must be at or below FHA conforming loan limit
  • Purchase must use financing. All-cash purchases do not qualify
  • HAF must receive the following program requirements no later than thirty (30) days after closing escrow:
  1. Home Essentials Program Application and Certification Form
  2. Purchase contract
  3. Closing disclosure form

| govt. affairs ARCHIVE

DEC 2020 | Proposition 19 will supersede the old rules which limited this exemption to the sale and purchase of a principle residence within the same county (Prop 60) or between certain counties (Prop 90)–but only if the replacement was of “equal or lesser value” and only one time. | MORE >

DEC 2020 | C.A.R. Proposition 19 initiative passes by narrow margin; additional real estate related State ballot measures reflect negative public sentiment towards rent control and increased business property taxes. Voters approve County and local sales and business taxes; City Council representation results mixed. | MORE >

OCT 2020 | With election season comes a race for space to post signage. Be sure to familiarize yourself with local laws pertaining to sign placement, which may differ in every city. Illegal sign placement may result in onerous legislation that could severely restrict all signage privileges. | REVIEW CITY SIGN ORDINANCES >

PROTECTING PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS  |  One of the most important services organized real estate provides members and consumers is representation in the halls of government. The REALTOR Action Fund (RAF), supported solely by REALTOR contributions, raises money to advance the goals of political action committees (PACs) supporting real estate at the local, state and federal levels.  | LEARN MORE >

How to Apply: 

Applications will be available Jan 8, 2021. Members must complete a Home Essentials Program Application and Certification form on behalf of their clients.

| PROGRAM rules & forms >

| HAF HOME ESSENTIALS PROGRAM >

Heather Schiffman photo

HEATHER SCHIFFMAN

Director, Government Affairs

[email protected]

Apply by Jan. 13 for Small Business Relief Grants

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Up to $25,000 Available for Qualified Small Businesses 

money with check marks

UPDATE: Wednesday, January 13th is the final deadline for REALTORS® to apply for California’s new relief grant program for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides micro grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to eligible small businesses (including independent contractors and sole proprietors) impacted by COVID-19 and related health and safety restrictions. Grant amounts based on annual revenues as documented in most recent tax returns.

Eligibility Criteria

Small businesses must satisfy certain eligibility criteria to receive grant awards, but not all are applicants who qualify are guaranteed to receive grant funds.

Must be a sole proprietor, independent contractor or registered “for profit” business entity (e.g., C-corporations, S-corporation, limited liability company, partnership) that has yearly gross revenue of $2.5 million or less (at least $1,000 in yearly gross revenue) based on the most recent tax filing.

Must be an active business operating since June 1, 2019.

Must currently operate or have a clear plan to re-open once the State of California permits re-opening of the business.

Must be impacted by COVID-19 and the health and safety restrictions such as business interruptions or business closures incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Must provide organizing documents including 2018 or 2019 tax

Grants

Annual Revenue

$1,000 – $100,000:

$100,000 – $1M:

$1M – $2.5M:

Grant Amount

$  5,000

$15,000

$25,000

First round application process opens 8:00 am on Dec 30, 2020 and closes at 11:59 pm on Jan 8, 2021. Approval notifications will begin Jan 13. Second-round application dates to be determined. 

Applicants submitting applications and all documentation in the first round need not reapply for second-round grants but will be considered for both rounds.

LEARN MORE
APPLY HERE

returns or Form 990s, copy of official filing with the CA Secretary of State, if applicable, or local municipality for the business such as one of the following: Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Organization, Fictitious Name of Registration or Government-Issued Business License.

Must provide acceptable form of government-issued photo identification.

Applicants with multiple business entities, franchises, locations, etc. are not eligible for multiple grants may apply only ONE TIME using their eligible small business with the highest revenue.

Applicants will be reviewed to determine eligibility. Eligible businesses will then be scored based on COVID-19 impact factors incorporated into priority criteria including the following: (1) Geographic distribution based on COVID-19 health and safety restrictions following CA’s Blueprint for Safer Economy and county status and the new Regional Stay-At-Home Order; (2) Industry sectors most impacted by the pandemic; and (3) Underserved small business groups served by state-supported network of small business centers (i.e., businesses majority owned and run on a daily basis by women, minorities/persons of color, veterans and businesses located in low-to-moderate income and rural communities).

| C.A.R. GRANT RELIEF INFORMATION >