Blog - CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Weekly Jolt – 111825

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | November 11, 2025

Unlock the Full Power of Your CCAR Membership!

Whether you’re just getting started in real estate or already a seasoned pro, your CCAR membership gives you the tools, resources, and support to take your business to the next level. From MLS innovations and legal guidance to education, advocacy, and everyday business perks, CCAR is here to help you save time, reduce risk, and strengthen your success.

Your membership also connects you to a powerful network of professionals and ensures your voice is heard at the local, state, and national levels—protecting both your business and the clients you serve.

To help you make the most of your membership, check out our Member Benefits Directory—your go-to guide for exclusive tools, services, and money-saving opportunities from CCAR, C.A.R., and NAR. Explore it today to discover even more ways to grow your business, boost your productivity, and thrive in every market!

Join a CCAR Committee and Make a Difference in 2026!

Are you a REALTOR® member eager to make an impact in your association? CCAR is seeking dedicated volunteers to join our 2026 committees! This is your chance to contribute, learn, and connect with colleagues while helping shape our association’s future.

Opportunities include:
Affiliate and Events
CCAR Helping Hands
Local Government Relations
MLS and Technology
Young Professionals Network (YPN)
Professional Standards
Grievance

Applicants for our Grievance and Professional Standards Committees must meet eligibility requirements, including roles as mediators and ethics advocates on sub-committees. Be a part of something meaningful—apply now to help drive CCAR’s success!

Strengthen Your Digital Defense: A Course for REALTORS®

Stay safe in today’s digital world with C.A.R.’s OnDemand course, “Cyber, Social, Identity, and Personal Protection for Real Estate Professionals,” available anytime for just $79 for C.A.R. members. This essential course gives you the tools to protect yourself, your family, and your business from attackers, hackers, and identity thieves.

As our professional and personal lives increasingly move online, this training helps reduce the risk of data breaches, enhance confidentiality, and build a unified defense against cyber threats. You’ll learn the fundamentals of:

Cyber Protection
Social Protection
Personal Protection
Identity Protection

Gain the confidence and practical know-how to safeguard your information and your reputation.

Register Here >>

REALTOR® Optimized Laptops For Sale

All laptops purchased from CCAR come with a 2-year warranty, data transfer, and RE setup included.
Reminder: Support for Windows 10 ended on Oct. 14, 2025.
• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 – $850.36 >>
• LG Gram 17 – Ai Ready – $1,845.36 >>

Exclusive Offer for CCAR Members:
50% Off Birdhouse Annual Plan!

We’re thrilled to announce that CCAR has partnered with Birdhouse, a new local company offering a simple, powerful platform built specifically for real estate agents.

As a busy agent, keeping transactions organized and clients informed can be challenging. Birdhouse brings everything together in one place — so you always know what’s happening, and so do your clients.

Every CCAR member now gets 50% off an Annual Subscription — that’s full access for just $50 per year!

Birdhouse Helps You:
• Stay organized and collaborate seamlessly with clients
• Get automatic reminders so nothing falls through the cracks
• Keep your clients informed at every step
• Boost productivity and focus on what matters most — closing deals!

How to Get Started
• Create your free Birdhouse account at mybirdhouse.app
• Go to Account Settings (upper right corner) and upgrade to the Annual Plan
• Enter the discount code CCAR at checkout to receive your 50% discount

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

District 99 Hall – Nov 25

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It’s giving season, and we’re celebrating the holidays by thanking you for the work you do throughout the year to enrich lives in our community. Many CCAR members volunteer for service in the Helping Hands Committee,* the Affiliates & Events* and YPN Committees* and the CCAR Scholarship Foundation,* and we are grateful for the hours you spend throughout the year to raise dollars and awareness about these important charitable organizations. And none of it would be possible without ALL our members who donate so generously.

Thank you!

Zina

Young Pros. Big Purpose: YPN Fills Classrooms with Hope and Supplies

Even in communities that seem affluent, not every family can afford a backpack, notebooks, or basic school supplies when a new school year begins. That’s where CCAR’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) continues to make a difference.

Last August the CCAR YPN team organized their 5th annual School Supply Drive that collected hundreds of essential learning tools for local children. The outpouring of generosity from members helped ensure that kids from every background could start the year with confidence and dignity. Each of these items represents more than just school supplies, it represents opportunity, self-esteem, and a community that refuses to overlook need.

YPN’s initiative reminds us that success isn’t just measured by sales—it’s also measured by service. Through volunteerism and giving, CCAR members show that the real estate community’s impact extends far beyond property lines.

Helping Hands Fund Turns Good Times into Good Deeds – $5,000 Donation to Feed 15,000 Locals

Next time you get an invitation to a CCAR event, don’t dismiss it as “just another party” or an excuse to grab a few drinks with colleagues.

Every ticket purchased, every raffle entered, and every conversation shared helps create real change in our community. CCAR events do more than connect members—they fuel our Helping Hands Fund, which supports local nonprofits feeding, sheltering, and uplifting thousands of our neighbors in need.

This year, because of your participation and generosity, the Helping Hands Fund has donated approximately $40,000 to individuals and local charities in our community. Most recently, the group committed $5,000 to fund more than15,000 meals for families across Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano Counties.

GIVE >

You Can Help. Donate today by clicking links below:

Contra Costa/Solano County Food Banks serve families across both counties. Currently, they distribute enough emergency/supplemental food to provide 2.7M meals each month. | DONATE >

White Pony Express is a Contra Costa-based nonprofit with a mission “to eliminate hunger and poverty with love.” Their Food Rescue Program recovers fresh, high quality food every week. They report an average of 12,000 pounds of food recovered. | DONATE >

Monument Crisis Center provides nutritious food, education, assistance and referrals to individuals, families, children and seniors in need. They provide over one million meals annually via more than 30,000 food boxes. | DONATE >

Bay Area Rescue Mission serves homeless and hurting men, women and children, operating 24/7. They provide daily averages of 4,931 meals, hundreds of shelter stays and life transformation programs. | DONATE >

Affiliates & Events Committee the Fundraising Engine Behind CCAR Giving

The CCAR Affiliates & Events Committee plays a pivotal role in fueling CCAR’s philanthropic efforts. Through its annual fundraising events—the Bingo Tournament, Affiliates Fair, and more, the committee brings REALTORS® and Affiliate members together in support of the community. These events are more than networking or social gatherings: they raise significant funds that are split evenly between two major charitable programs—the Helping Hands Fund and the CCAR Scholarship Foundation.

CCAR Affiliates are key partners in this work, offering their time, expertise, and financial support. Their involvement is essential to the success of every fundraising effort.

50 Years of Scholarships Powered by CCAR Members

For more than half a century, the CCAR Scholarship Foundation has offered educational support to students throughout Contra Costa County. What began in 1967 as a small, member-driven initiative has grown into a long-standing program that continues to benefit new generations—thanks largely to the ongoing dedication of its CCAR member trustees. The program is open to high school seniors, college undergrads, graduate students, and trade school students.

Over the past 12 years alone, the Foundation has awarded $740,000 to 265 local students, and many past recipients have credited these funds with helping them complete degrees, reduce financial strain, and access opportunities they may not have otherwise afforded. The 2025 Awards recognized 20 new scholars—students now attending institutions across the country.

While the scale of the awards has grown, the core of the Foundation

remains unchanged: CCAR members volunteering their time and expertise to support local students’ futures.

Scholarship funding is sustained by member donations, public support, and half of the proceeds from CCAR fundraising events.

* Many Thanks to 2025 Committee Volunteers and Scholarship Trustees *

Helping Hands Committee

Jennifer Newton, Chair

Victoria Haket, Vice Chair

Marilyn Cunningham

Jamie Gaines

Diane Gilfether

Sue Kuehn

Lisa Lilley

Affiliates & Events Committee

Jessica Evans, Chair

Cameron Chatterron, Vice Chair

Abdullah Al-Hadeethi

Anna Febiana

Donna Davis

Danny Levitt

Cherry Wade

Andrew Waite

Rich Mendoza

YPN Committee

Gilda Whitehead, Chair

Cherry Wade, Vice Chair

Ruthie Abelson Olivas

Jordan Burns

Ashley Newton

Gabrielle Rajasekhar

Victor Reyes

Scholarship Foundation Trustees

Angela Muetterties, President

Marianne Bordogna, Vice President

Bill Erb, Treasurer

Michael Moore, Secretary

Ruthie Ableson Olivas

Jonas Champion

Lupe Kemper

Terry Moore

Long Nguyen

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 111125

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | November 11, 2025

Unlock the Full Power of Your CCAR Membership!

Join a CCAR Committee and Make a Difference in 2026!

Opportunities include:
Affiliate and Events
CCAR Helping Hands
Local Government Relations
MLS and Technology
Young Professionals Network (YPN)
Professional Standards
Grievance

Strengthen Your Digital Defense: A Course for REALTORS®

Cyber Protection
Social Protection
Personal Protection
Identity Protection

Gain the confidence and practical know-how to safeguard your information and your reputation.

Register Here >>

REALTOR® Optimized Laptops For Sale

Exclusive Offer for CCAR Members:
50% Off Birdhouse Annual Plan!

We’re thrilled to announce that CCAR has partnered with Birdhouse, a new local company offering a simple, powerful platform built specifically for real estate agents.

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 102825

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | November 4, 2025

Join a CCAR Committee and Make a Difference in 2026!

Opportunities include:
Affiliate and Events
CCAR Helping Hands
Local Government Relations
MLS and Technology
Young Professionals Network (YPN)
Professional Standards
Grievance

Recognize Excellence:
Submit Your CCAR Award Nominations Today!

Every year CCAR honors distinguished members with awards for their outstanding service to the industry, association and community. Recipients are nominated by fellow members and executives, then confirmed by the Board of Directors. Awards will be presented at CCAR’s annual inaugural event on January 31, 2026.

2024 Recipients:
REALTOR® of the Year:
Ron Mintz
Affiliate of the Year:
Martha Echols
President’s Community Service Award:
Jamie Gaines
Emeritus Member:
Mary Beall-Neighbor

REALTOR® of the Year Form >>
Affiliate of the Year Form >>
Community Service Award Form >>

Read More >>

What Does the Grievance Committee Do?

CCAR has three groups that help uphold professional standards:
1. The Grievance Committee
2. The Professional Standards Committee
3. The Board of Directors
This week we’ll describe the role of the Grievance Committee. If someone believes a REALTOR^® member of CCAR has acted unethically or has violated a membership or MLS duty, they can file a complaint — but it has to be submitted within 180 days of when they knew (or should’ve known) about the behavior. The complaint should cite the specific Article(s) of the Code of Ethics that may have been violated and include a brief description of what happened that supports the allegations that the cited Article(s) were violated.
The Grievance Committee reviews the complaint to decide if, assuming everything in it is true, it could be an ethics violation. They don’t decide who’s guilty or innocent — their role is to see whether the complaint deserves a hearing by the Professional Standards Committee. The parties are not present during the review. Sometimes, the Grievance Committee might dismiss a complaint. That doesn’t mean they don’t believe the Complainant — it just means that, as written, the complaint wouldn’t support a finding of a Code violation. If the committee dismisses a complaint, the Complainant can file an appeal to the Board of Directors. If the committee does move a complaint to a Professional Standards hearing, that doesn’t mean they think the Respondent is guilty — only that the concerns deserve a closer look by the hearing panel.
In short, the Grievance Committee acts as an important gatekeeper — ensuring that all complaints are properly filed, substantiated, and appropriate to advance to a formal hearing.
Apply to Serve on the Grievance Committee >>

From Rentals to Revenue:
Insider Secrets From Top Agents – This Thu., Nov. 6

Join three top-producing agents this Thursday at 9am for a complimentary fireside chat packed with proven strategies to help you generate steady income, grow your client base, and stay competitive in any market.
This RentSpree webinar will share insider tips on strengthening client relationships, maximizing your rental pipeline, and turning rentals into future sales—all straight from experienced agents who’ve done it successfully.
Seats are almost full—register now to finish 2025 strong and set yourself up for an incredible 2026!
Register Here >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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CCAR MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

Your portal to thousands of California listings.

CCAR MLS PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BROKERBAY

BUILDERS
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CUBICASA

DOTLOOP

GLIDE

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HOMESPRO

INFOSPARKS

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RATE MY AGENT

REALREPORTS

RPR

RENTSPREE

WISE AGENT

CCAR SUPPORT: MON – FRI 9:00am – 5:00pm | PHONE: 925-295-1270 | EMAIL: [email protected]

C.A.R. Legal Hotline

Mon. – Fri.: 9am – 6pm | Sat.: 10am – 2pm
AGENTS: 213.739.8282
BROKERS: 213.739.8350
FAX: 213.480.7724

Upcoming Education

RealReports – Product Update
Thu., Sep. 4 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Steps to Financing the Dream of Homeownership
Thu., Sep. 4 | 10:00am – 1:00pm

MLS: Intro to Paragon MLS
Thu., Sep. 4 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Modern Mortgages for Modern Clients
Fri., Sep. 5 | On-Demand

CCAR Safety Day with Real Estate Revive
Fri., Sep. 5 | 10:00am – 12:00pm

Welcome to RPR! Tools, Tips, & Skills Every Agent Needs
Mon., Sep. 8 | 11:00am – 12:00pm

MLS: How to Add & Maintain a Listing in Paragon
Mon., Sep. 8 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
zipForm – Create a Purchase Transaction
Tue., Sep. 9 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Legal Webinar – A Conversation with the DRE
Tue., Sep. 9 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
10X Your Business: The Fastest Way to Turn Lookers Into Closers
Wed., Sep. 10 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Cloud CMA: How to Create a CMA
Wed., Sep. 10 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Finish Strong: 4th Quarter Strategies for Real Estate Success
Wed., Sep. 10 | 10:00am – 11:30am

Tech Savvy Agent: Streamline, Automate, and Close More Deals
Wed., Sep. 10 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Crack to Code of Pricing: Nail CMAs w/ RPRs Data-Driven Tools
Thu., Sep. 11 | 9:00am – 10:00am
MLS: Set It & Forget It! Auto Emails Using Collab Center
Thu., Sep. 11 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
DRE License Renewal Crash Course
Fri., Sep. 12 | 9:30am – 12:00pm

C.A.R. Townhall for Brokers/Managers
Fri., Sep. 12 | 11:00am – 12:30pm

+ WEEKLY JOLT

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+ CLEAR COOPERATION FORM

+ City Sign Ordinance Violation
Reporting Form

+ CCAR CALENDAR

RESOURCES

> CLIENT EMAIL NOTIFICATION OPT-IN
> PARAGON HELP | VIDEOS
> CLEAR COOPERATION REPORTING FORM
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> DUES PAYMENTS
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> SYNDICATION TOOLS
> TRANSACTIONAL TOOLS

interactive dashboards

Gain valuable insights on California’s housing market through interactive dashboards. Select your metrics and see where the data takes you.
Tax Portability Calculator
Housing Market Overview
Purchasing Power Calculator
Affordable Inventory
Buyer’s Guide
Seller’s Guide
Inventory Report
County Market Updates
City YTD Growth
Market Stats by County
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Housing Supply Listings
Luxury Market

RentSpree Now Includes Automatic Income Verification!

Tired of chasing pay stubs, W-2s, and bank statements? RentSpree’s new income verification report provides a rundown of an applicant’s bank deposits, helping you make sure their reported income matches what they put in the bank.
As a CCAR member, income verification will automatically be included in your RentSpree screening package starting Tuesday, March 18th at no extra cost to you. Applicants pay $49.99 for the complete package.
LEARN MORE >>

AWARDS NOMINATION FORMS DUE 12/1/25

Who inspires you to lead, serve, and make a difference?
We’re recognizing the best of the best in our CCAR community!
Nominate a peer for:
REALTOR^® of the Year
Affiliate of the Year
President’s Community Service Award
Nominees should reflect CCAR’s values — integrity, professionalism, and service to the community.
Email completed forms to [email protected]. Awards will be presented at the CCAR’s annual inaugural event on January 31, 2026.

REALTOR^® of the Year Form

Affiliate^® of the Year Form

Community Service Form

MLS Rule Changes – SEPTEMBER 24, 2025

On September 24, several important updates to the MLS Rules will take effect, reflecting the July revisions from C.A.R.’s model MLS rules. These updates are being made to bring California’s rules into alignment with recent policy changes adopted by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
The upcoming revisions include:
Seller Options Policy Compliance: Updates will ensure compliance with NAR’s Multiple Listing Options for Sellers Policy. Most changes are mandatory for MLSs, though the option to incorporate Delayed Marketing Exempt Listings remains optional.
IDX and VOW Rule Updates: Revisions will address new NAR requirements on the co-mingling of MLS and non-MLS data, as approved by the NAR Board of Directors at the 2025 Midyear Meeting. These changes are mandatory.
Other Updates:
Section 5.1.4 (Book Fees) will be removed, as MLSs no longer produce physical listing books.
Section 7.20 (Auction Listings) will be revised to eliminate an inaccurate reference and clarify the definition of a reserve auction.
These revisions are designed to ensure consistency, compliance, and clarity across MLS operations statewide while aligning with national policy.
Read More >>

RealReports: The “Carfax” for Homes

We’re excited to announce a powerful new member benefit: RealReports is coming to the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®!
RealReports is an AI-driven platform that delivers instant, in-depth property reports by pulling data from over 60 trusted sources. Think permits, climate risk, zoning, liens, valuations, and more—all consolidated in one clean, comprehensive report.
At the core is Aiden, your built-in AI property advisor. Aiden can read and interpret documents like inspection reports and seller disclosures, answer detailed questions about any property, and offer real-time, actionable insights. It’s like having a research assistant for every listing!

Learn More >>

New Consumer Guide Focused on Fire Insurance

NAR’s latest consumer guide is focused on fire damage and policy coverage. This guide explains which fire incidents are and are not covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy, what to do if a homeowner cannot secure coverage for damage from wildfires, and information on Fair Access to Insurance Requirements insurance policies.
Read More >>

CCAR Welcomes Tuolumne County to the Supra User Group

Thanks to our partnership with bridgeMLS and the Tuolumne County Association of REALTORS®, CCAR is excited to announce that Tuolumne County is now part of our Supra user group!
This means all CCAR-affiliated Supra Key and lockboxes can now be used in the Tuolumne County area, and all members of the Tuolumne Association of REALTORS® can access the CCAR area—and more. Click the map for full details on CCAR Key Coverage.

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 111825

Unlock the Full Power of Your CCAR Membership!

Join a CCAR Committee and Make a Difference in 2026!

District 99 Hall – Nov 25

Weekly Jolt – 111125

Unlock the Full Power of Your CCAR Membership!

Join a CCAR Committee and Make a Difference in 2026!

Weekly Jolt – 102825

Join a CCAR Committee and Make a Difference in 2026!

Recognize Excellence:
Submit Your CCAR Award Nominations Today!

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