Blog - CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

New Law: AB 723 – Disclosure Required for Digitally Altered Property Images

You can join one of the below Broker or Agent Membership Trainings via the CCAR Calendar.

Brokers:

Wed. 6/2 from 9:30 – 10am

Agents:

Wed. 5/26 from 10 – 10:30am

Fri. 5/28 from 9:30 – 10am

Fri. 6/4 from 9:30 – 10am

ListTrac is a new tool that allows you to see how your listings are performing on the MLS, consumer site, IDX sites, and different real estate portals!

Access the ListTrac Dashboard via the Paragon 5 Resources menu.

This tool offers several benefits to brokers and agents:

Provides an understanding of the activity (or lack of activity) on your listings compared to similar listings. This information can be used to determine if you may need to discuss price changes or other updates to the property.
Gives you a better understanding of the impact of price changes or other updates to the listing by seeing how listing views change over time.
Understand how often your listings are being viewed, shared, and saved.
Easily see how many email leads you receive from online sources.
Provides reporting so you can better understand the value received from your online marketing.
Allows you to provide feedback to your clients on how their listing is performing online, including a Sellers Report that you can choose to send to the seller.

ListTrac Product Reference and FAQ >

Weekly Jolt – 112525

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | November 18, 2025

Thank you for giving, serving, and strengthening
our community every day.

LEARN MORE >>

Recognize Excellence:
CCAR Award Nominations Due Dec. 1

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 >>

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!

Read More >>

ETHICS CORNER:

What Exactly Is the Professional Standards Committee?

If you’ve ever wondered who helps safeguard fairness, professionalism, and ethical practice within our association, look no further than the Professional Standards Committee. While they may work quietly behind the scenes, their role is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of our organization.
So, what do they actually do?
At its core, the Professional Standards Committee is responsible for hearing and resolving matters related to membership duties, ethical conduct, and compliance with MLS rules. When a complaint is filed—whether it’s about an alleged Code of Ethics violation or an MLS rules issue—members of this committee step in as panelists for disciplinary hearings. Confidentiality of all matters pertaining to a complaint is paramount.
These panelists are unpaid volunteers. They give their time as a true act of public service. Their job isn’t to take sides—it’s to ensure that everyone involved gets a fair, unbiased, and respectful hearing.
The Professional Standards Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining trust—within our membership and with the public. Their work helps ensure that our association remains a place where professionalism is expected, ethics are honored, and everyone has a voice.
Read More >>

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

Giving Thanks 2025

It’s Giving Season, and we’re celebrating the holidays by thanking you!

Sincere thanks to YOU for all 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 and Affiliates who donate so generously.
Thank you!

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

District 5 Rubenstein – 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!

Matt

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

District 4 Souza – 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!

Donna

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

New Law: AB 723 – Disclosure Required for Digitally Altered Property Images

Weekly Jolt – 112525

Thank you for giving, serving, and strengthening
our community every day.

Recognize Excellence:
CCAR Award Nominations Due Dec. 1

Unlock the Full Power of Your CCAR Membership!

Giving Thanks 2025

District 5 Rubenstein – Nov 25

District 4 Souza – Nov 25

SERVING YOU AT:

Search

Thank you for giving, serving, and strengthening our community every day.

Recognize Excellence: CCAR Award Nominations Due Dec. 1

Unlock the Full Power of Your CCAR Membership!

SERVING YOU AT:

Search

Thank you for giving, serving, and strengthening
our community every day.

Recognize Excellence:
CCAR Award Nominations Due Dec. 1