CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Moves You Forward.

August 2026 Training & Events

by

Education banner

AI / DATA / SOCIAL MEDIA

Commonwealth Club in San Francisco | 9:00 am – 11:30 pm | FREE | Join the Center for California Real Estate for a forward-looking discussion on how artificial intelligence may transform residential real estate. Industry leaders will explore AI’s growing influence on home valuation, marketing, transactions, consumer expectations, and the systems that support the housing market. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Most agents leave an open house with a half-filled sign-in sheet and no real follow-up plan. See how one simple AI-powered workflow captures better leads, surfaces buyer and seller opportunities, and keeps working long after the doors close. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Discover how to make the most of your free CCAR IDX website. Learn how to showcase listings from 7 MLSs across 27 counties, attract more buyers and sellers with an SEO-optimized website, manage leads with a built-in CRM, and grow your business using integrated email and social media marketing tools. This class will show you how to strengthen your online presence, streamline your workflow, and convert more prospects into clients. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | $30/$60 | Learn practical AI workflows designed by an active real estate professional to help you work faster and smarter. This webinar covers using AI to create authentic listing copy, market reports, client communications, and compelling listing presentations, while also showing you how to evaluate which AI tools are truly worth your time. You’ll leave with real-world, immediately applicable strategies—not just theory. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to optimize your online presence for AI-powered search tools through Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). This webinar explores how buyers and sellers are using AI instead of traditional search engines and teaches practical strategies to help AI platforms recognize and recommend you as the local real estate expert, increasing your visibility and attracting more clients. | MORE + REGISTER >

BROKERS & OFFICE MANAGERS

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm | FREE | The California Association of REALTORS® hosts Industry Leader Town Halls twice a month to provide brokers and key brokerage staff to meet virtually with C.A.R. Leadership, C.A.R. staff and brokers throughout the state to discuss the latest information impacting real estate brokerages and transactions. Rotating list of guest speakers provides updates on the latest issues including transactional, legal, market and legislative issues. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm | FREE | The California Association of REALTORS® hosts Industry Leader Town Halls twice a month to provide brokers and key brokerage staff to meet virtually with C.A.R. Leadership, C.A.R. staff and brokers throughout the state to discuss the latest information impacting real estate brokerages and transactions. Rotating list of guest speakers provides updates on the latest issues including transactional, legal, market and legislative issues. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Coming Soon. | MORE + REGISTER >

CERTIFICATIONS & DESIGNATIONS

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | $125 | Build the expertise to confidently guide clients through short sales and foreclosures. The SFR® certification equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to assist distressed sellers with compassion, while helping buyers identify and navigate short sale and foreclosure opportunities—valuable expertise that can strengthen your business in any market. | MORE + REGISTER >

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | FREE | Discover how RPR’s commercial tools can help you find listings, analyze demographics and consumer spending, access traffic and tenant data, identify business opportunities, and create professional client reports. Whether you’re new to commercial real estate or an experienced practitioner, learn how to leverage RPR data and AI-powered insights to better serve clients and grow your business. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | FREE | Build the expertise to confidently guide clients through short sales and foreclosures. The SFR® certification equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to assist distressed sellers with compassion, while helping buyers identify and navigate short sale and foreclosure opportunities—valuable expertise that can strengthen your business in any market. | MORE + REGISTER >

 

Virtual | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm | $5 | Strengthen your commercial leasing skills by learning how to negotiate lease terms that satisfy both landlords and tenants. This course reviews more than 35 key lease provisions, explores each party’s perspective, and provides practical strategies for successful negotiations, including how to avoid common lease renewal mistakes. | MORE + REGISTER >

CMAs

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Want to turn more of your relationships into clients? With Relationships, it’s never been more simple. With features like automations, AI-powered email templates, an all-in-one inbox, and easier lead set up, you’ll take your client nurture game to the next level in no time. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Discover how to leverage RPR® to access powerful property, market, and neighborhood data available exclusively to REALTORS®. Learn to search properties, create impressive CMA reports, analyze comps, prospect neighborhoods, and use RPR Mobile to support your business on the go. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to use RPR Market Trends to interpret and share local housing market data with confidence. This class covers key metrics—including inventory, median sold price, days on market, sold-to-list price, and active, pending, and sold listings—to help you position yourself as the local market expert. You’ll also learn how to incorporate charts and graphs into client reports and social media to educate consumers and showcase your market knowledge. impressive CMA reports, analyze comps, prospect neighborhoods, and use RPR Mobile to support your business on the go. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to create professional CMA reports, property flyers, and buyer tour packets with Cloud CMA. This class also covers lead generation tools, virtual listing presentations, and strategies to help you demonstrate your value and win more listings. | MORE + REGISTER >

FORMS / REPORTS

Virtual | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | FREE | Take your transaction management skills to the next level with advanced features in zipForm and Transact. Learn how to use templates, clause libraries, custom checklists, task management tools, form editing functions, and offer organization techniques to streamline workflows and manage transactions more efficiently. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | FREE | Learn the fundamentals of Lone Wolf Transactions zipForm Edition, including setting up your profile, creating buyer and seller transactions, building templates, managing tasks and checklists, adding forms, and sending documents for e-signatures. Gain the skills to create and manage real estate contracts more efficiently. | MORE + REGISTER >

 

Virtual | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm | $29 | Master the Residential Listing Agreement (RLA) and avoid common listing mistakes that can impact your business. This course provides a step-by-step review of the RLA, explains the different types of listing agreements, covers agency, mediation, arbitration, deposit handling requirements, and Clear Cooperation rules, and identifies resources for getting additional guidance. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to create professional, customized RPR Reports that showcase your expertise and deliver valuable insights to clients. This class covers using prebuilt and custom report templates, personalizing reports with custom pages, sharing them across multiple channels, and leveraging dynamic links to keep information current while enhancing your prospecting and client presentations. | MORE + REGISTER >

FINANCING & MORTGAGE

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Join Padi Goodspeed once a month to learn the truth behind the headlines and interpret the news in a way that matters most, for you and your clients! | MORE + REGISTER >

LICENSE RENEWAL

Virtual | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | $85 | Renew your real estate license quickly and confidently with this fast-paced review course. Covering required DRE updates and key exam topics, this class prepares you to pass your online final exams through REVEI with confidence—and includes a money-back pass guarantee. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | $85 | Renew your real estate license quickly and confidently with this fast-paced review course. Covering required DRE updates and key exam topics, this class prepares you to pass your online final exams through REVEI with confidence—and includes a money-back pass guarantee. | MORE + REGISTER >

MARKETING

Virtual | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | FREE | Take the stress out of video marketing with a beginner-friendly tour of the tools, apps, equipment, and shortcuts that make creating professional-looking content easier. RETI social media expert Heather Haase will share practical tips for producing Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, property walk-throughs, and more—without a large budget or complicated editing software. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 3:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to use Realtor.com+, your new member benefit that brings client searches, listings, and messaging together in one branded, collaborative platform. This live demo will show you how to keep clients engaged and connected throughout the entire home buying or selling journey. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | FREE | Pricing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about communicating a clear, confident pricing strategy that sellers understand and trust. This webinar teaches real estate professionals how to transform comps, market trends, and absorption data into a compelling pricing story using simple visuals, client-friendly reports, and persuasive presentation techniques. Attendees will learn how to reduce objections, build credibility, and guide sellers toward confident pricing decisions without getting caught in emotional debates or discounting their value. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 3:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to use Realtor.com+, your new member benefit that brings client searches, listings, and messaging together in one branded, collaborative platform. This live demo will show you how to keep clients engaged and connected throughout the entire home buying or selling journey. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | FREE | Learn more about CubiCasa, the go-to app used by thousands of real estate professionals every day to create floor plans in only 5 minutes. Greatly improve your listings and listing presentations – FOR FREE! We’ll talk about the benefits of adding a floor plan to your listing media, and how the technology works. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 1:00 – 2:00 pm | FREE | Essentials for Agents is your launching pad on realtor.com® to grow your business and stay at the heart of the real estate journey. Learn to engage with your free tools and dashboard to manage your leads, listings, profile. Also view detailed reporting and access shareable content to position yourself as the local market expert. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Learn how to turn more online leads into clients with proven strategies for overcoming common conversion challenges. This webinar covers practical techniques for handling objections, engaging hesitant buyers, strengthening follow-up, and moving prospects through your sales pipeline with confidence. Gain actionable tools to improve conversations, increase conversions, and close more deals. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 1:00 – 2:00 pm | FREE | Discover technology tools and strategies that strengthen client relationships and drive long-term business growth. This webinar focuses on relationship-centered CRM practices, client retention automation, referral generation, and measuring the return on your relationship-building efforts to increase repeat business and referrals. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 1:00 – 2:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to use Realtor.com+, your new member benefit that brings client searches, listings, and messaging together in one branded, collaborative platform. This live demo will show you how to keep clients engaged and connected throughout the entire home buying or selling journey. | MORE + REGISTER >

MLS

Virtual | 200 – 4:00 pm | FREE |  Learn how to add, update, and manage listings in Paragon MLS. Topics include MLS compliance, Coming Soon listings, listing input tools, photos, syndication, error resolution, and maintaining listings from NEW to SOLD—all from desktop or mobile. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 200 – 4:00 pm | FREE |  Get started with Paragon MLS for property searches, client collaboration, and business management. Learn how to customize your profile and settings, navigate the system, search properties, manage contacts, use the Collaboration Center, access integrations and member benefits, and work efficiently from any device. | MORE + REGISTER >

Virtual | 200 – 4:00 pm | FREE |  Learn how to use Paragon’s Collaboration Center to enhance client communication and automate listing alerts. This course covers setting up client portals, managing buyer searches, tracking client feedback, receiving real-time notifications, and collaborating with buyers online from any device to deliver a more responsive, personalized experience. | MORE + REGISTER >

REAL ESTATE LAW

Live Webinar | 1:30 – 2:30 pm | FREE |  Coming soon | MORE + REGISTER >

Live Webinar | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | FREE | This seminar is designed to help minimize the chance of having a claim or lawsuit filed against you by following some simple Risk Management steps and by becoming educated in the areas which cause the greatest incidence of claims. The suggestions, education, and advice presented can limit your liability and assist you with the handling of a claim if you are faced with one. | MORE + REGISTER >

TAX LAW

Virtual | 2:00 – 3:00 pm | FREE |  Learn the fundamentals of 1031 Exchanges and how to structure a successful tax-deferred transaction. This course covers property qualifications, reinvestment requirements, key timelines, identification rules, the role of the Qualified Intermediary, and alternative exchange strategies. Ideal for real estate professionals, investors, and anyone looking to better understand 1031 Exchange requirements and opportunities. | MORE + REGISTER >

WOMEN +

LIVE | 10:00 am – 7:00 pm | WESTIN PASADENA |  Join us at the Westin Pasadena. The annual conference promises to be an extraordinary gathering, bringing together the brightest minds, the most passionate hearts, and the strongest leaders in the world of real estate.  | MORE + REGISTER >

Education AT Your Fingertips

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 >

CONTACT

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

weekly MARKETING MEETINGS

CCRIM Marketing Group Ad + link to site
Rossmoor Marketing Meeting ad + link to email contact
West County Marketing Group ad + link to contact email
RMA Marketing Group Ad + link to website

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link

Weekly Jolt – 072826

by

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER    |    JULY 28, 2026
Facebook Instagram Youtube

•  Is CA’s Homeowners Insurance Market Stabilizing?
•  Why Should Your Listing Generate Someone Else’s Lead?
•  C.A.R. REimagine! COnference & Expo – Oct 6-8
•  Learn the CA Residential Purchase Agreement – July 29
•  AI’s Role in Real Estate Live Panel + Breakfast – Aug 4
•  A Clearer Look at HOA Health
•  WCR: Coffee & Networking – Aug 5 

•  Update on HomeSpotter & DataMaster
•  REALTOR® Optimized Laptops For Sale


All laptops purchased through CCAR include a 2-year warranty, data transfer, and Real Estate setup.

    Online Continuing Education

+ Upcoming Education
+ REALTOR® ACTION FUND (RAF)
+ CCAR CALENDAR

RPA: Learn the CA Residential Purchase Agreement – Tomorrow

Build your confidence with the California Residential Purchase Agreement. This step-by-step training covers the RPA’s key concepts, important details, and proper completion, helping REALTORS® better protect themselves and their clients throughout the transaction.  |  Register >>

AI’s Role in Real Estate Live Panel + Breakfast – Aug 4

Join the CCRE at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco for a forward-looking discussion on how artificial intelligence may transform residential real estate. Industry leaders will explore AI’s growing influence on home valuation, marketing, transactions, and more.  |  Register >>

A Clearer Look at HOA Health

Now available through the C.A.R. Partner Program, HOASnapshot simplifies more than 200 pages of HOA documents into a clear, three-page report. It highlights key financial, governance, and compliance details and includes an HOA Grade to help REALTORS® and their clients make more informed decisions.  |  Learn More >>

Is California’s Homeowners Insurance
Market Stabilizing?

Tune in Wednesday, August 19, at 5:00 pm for a statewide webinar exploring the latest developments in California’s homeowners insurance market. 

The market may be showing early signs of stabilization, with new analysis indicating that growth in the FAIR Plan could be slowing following the implementation of the Sustainable Insurance Strategy.

The webinar will feature Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, Carolyn Kousky of Insurance for Good, and Amy Bach of United Policyholders. Together, they will discuss recent FAIR Plan trends, signs of renewed insurer participation, reforms intended to expand coverage options, and the work still ahead to create a healthier and more resilient insurance market.

REGISTER HERE>>

Why Should Your Listing Generate Someone Else’s Lead?

Your listings should be connected directly to you. Beginning August 11, CCAR will launch a new property listing portal giving you free leads, increased listing exposure, and a direct IDX feed from the 27-county NorCal Multiple Listing Service.

 
Whether you have a current listing, or simply want to market yourself directly to consumers for lead acquisition and nurturing, this new online portal will provide valuable branding, marketing and client management tools to help grow your business.

 
Watch the Jolt for the full reveal on August 11th!

Read More >>

C.A.R. REimagine! Conference and Expo – Oct. 6-8

REimagine!® Conference & Expo returns October 6–8 at the Long Beach Convention Center for three days of education, inspiration, and connection. Designed for both experienced professionals and newer agents, the event offers interactive sessions and practical strategies to help you stay ahead in today’s market.

Learn from industry leaders and subject matter experts, explore the challenges and opportunities shaping real estate, and discover innovative products and services from exhibitors. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to connect with professionals from across California, expand your network and leave with valuable ideas to help strengthen and grow your business.

REGISTER >>

Read More >>

WCR: Coffee and Networking – Aug 5

Join Women’s Council of REALTORS® for coffee, conversation, and networking. Whether you are new to the network, curious about what Women’s Council has to offer, or looking to make new connections, this monthly gathering is a great opportunity to meet fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and learn what sets the network apart.
Register >>

All laptops purchased through CCAR include a 2-year warranty, data transfer, and Real Estate setup.
More Information >>

Update on HomeSpotter and DataMaster

CCAR MLS is committed to regularly evaluating the products and services we provide to ensure they continue to meet the needs of our Participants and Subscribers and deliver meaningful value. As part of this ongoing review, we have made the decision not to renew our agreements with HomeSpotter and DataMaster, effective in August. We appreciate both companies for their partnership and the support they have provided to our members over the years.

When evaluating MLS products, we consider several factors, including member adoption, overall usage, and the value each solution provides to our membership. Our review found that HomeSpotter and DataMaster have seen very limited utilization among CCAR members. Given this low level of adoption, we have determined that our resources are better invested in products and services that provide greater value and benefit to a larger portion of our membership. 

We appreciate your understanding as we continue to evaluate and refine our MLS offerings to ensure we are delivering the most impactful tools and resources for our members.

  • DataMaster is a software tool for appraisers.
  • CCAR members who currently utilize the HomeSpotter Mobile App can find similar functionality in other agent-client search collaboration tools such as Realtor.com+, Homes.com Pro, Paragon Connect, and RPR.

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link

Why Should Your Listing Generate Someone Else’s Lead?

by

included with your ccar membership

The Official Local
Home Search Experience
 for Contra Costa County

Give clients a better way to search for homes while keeping your business front and center. The Contra Costa Property Search Portal includes a complimentary branded IDX website, a professional agent profile, and access to current listings across 27 Northern California counties.

SEARCH PORTAL FAQs
Your Listings.
Your Leads.
Inquiries go directly to you. 
27 Counties.
One Powerful Search.
NorCal MLS Alliance coverage.
Your Brand.
Your Website.
Professionally branded. Built for you.

What's Included

Everything You Need to Grow Your Business
The core service is included with your CCAR membership at no additional monthly cost. No upgrade is required
to access your branded website, professional profile, listing inquiry delivery, and included member tools.
Direct Listing Inquiries
Inquiries submitted through your listings go directly to you.
Your Branded IDX Websites
Share a professional property-search website connected to your name, contact information, and business
27 County Property Search
Search current listings across 27 Northern California counties.

Included with Your CCAR Membership

The Contra Costa Property Search Portal is a new home-search website designed to connect buyers and sellers with local CCAR REALTORS®. It gives consumers access to current property listings while helping members promote their listings, strengthen their online presence, and receive inquiries directly.

Every CCAR member receives:
  • A complimentary branded IDX website
  • A searchable professional profile
  • Exposure through the Contra Costa Property Search Portal
  • Direct delivery of inquiries submitted through their listings
  • A SaleCore account for managing profile information and inquiries
  • Consumer tools including saved properties, saved searches, and listing alerts
The core service is included with membership at no additional monthly cost, and no upgrade is required. Optional upgrades are available for members who want additional website, CRM, or marketing features.

Keep Listing Inquiries Connected to You
When a consumer submits an inquiry through one of your listings on the CCAR portal, the inquiry is routed directly to you as the listing agent and delivered through your designated email and SaleCore account.

Unlike some national property websites, the portal does not redirect your listing inquiry to an advertising agent, and CCAR does not resell those inquiries.

Important to Know
Participation is optional, and the service does not guarantee a specific number of inquiries, clients, or transactions. Results will depend on consumer traffic, listing activity, response time, profile quality, and how consistently you promote your website.

Members should review the included website and account features before replacing or canceling an existing website, CRM, domain, or marketing service.

Build a Stronger Online Presence

Your professional profile can include your:

  • Photo and biography
  • Contact and brokerage information
  • Service areas and specialties
  • Languages spoken
  • Designations and certifications
  • Website and social media links
  • Active listings
A complete profile helps consumers understand who you are, the communities you serve, and how you can help them.

Getting Started

  1. Access your SaleCore account.

  2. Review your contact information.

  3. Complete your professional profile.

  4. Open and review your branded website.

  5. Confirm where your listing inquiries will be delivered.
For the best results, keep your profile current, share your website regularly, encourage buyers to create alerts, and respond promptly to inquiries.

Launch and Training

Coming Tuesday, August 11, 2026
The Contra Costa Property Search Portal and complimentary member websites will be available beginning August 11

Live Member Training: Wednesday, August 19
Learn how to access your account, complete your profile, review your website, manage inquiries, and share your new property-search tools with clients.

Weekly Jolt – 072126

by

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER    |    JULY 21, 2026
Facebook Instagram Youtube

•  Details Matter: Risk Management, Disclosures, and
   Deadlines
•  Finish July Strong with CCAR Education
•  How CCAR Keeps the Pro Stds Process Fair and Impartial
•  WomanUP! Live Rescheduled – July 27
•  Learn the CA Residential Purchase Agreement – July 29
•  AI’s Role in Real Estate Live Panel + Breakfast – Aug 4
•  WCR: Coffee & Networking – Aug 5 

•  Your Paragon Workflow is Getting an Upgrade – July 28
•  REALTOR® Optimized Laptops For Sale


All laptops purchased through CCAR include a 2-year warranty, data transfer, and Real Estate setup.

    Online Continuing Education

+ Upcoming Education
+ REALTOR® ACTION FUND (RAF)
+ CCAR CALENDAR

WomanUP! Live Rescheduled – July 27

Register >>

RPA: Learn the CA Residential Purchase Agreement – July 29

Build your confidence with the California Residential Purchase Agreement. This step-by-step training covers the RPA’s key concepts, important details, and proper completion, helping REALTORS® better protect themselves and their clients throughout the transaction.
Register >>

AI’s Role in Real Estate Live Panel + Breakfast – Aug 4

Join the Center for California Real Estate at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco for a forward-looking discussion on how artificial intelligence may transform residential real estate. Industry leaders will explore AI’s growing influence on home valuation, marketing, transactions, consumer expectations, and the systems that support the housing market.
Register >>

Details Matter: Risk Management, Disclosures,
and Deadlines

The SPQ: Your Best Defense Against Disclosure Disputes
The most expensive disclosure mistake is often the one no one thought to mention. The Seller Property Questionnaire isn’t just another form to complete—it’s one of the most effective risk-management tools available to sellers and their agents. Here’s why it deserves more attention in every transaction.
READ MORE ON CAR.ORG >>

7 RPA Deadline Mistakes That Can Derail a Transaction
Most RPA deadline mistakes don’t become a problem—until they do. When a transaction is on the line, even experienced agents can miscalculate timelines, misunderstand notice periods, or assume a repair request automatically extends contingencies. Learn the seven mistakes C.A.R.’s Legal Hotline sees most often—and how to avoid making them yourself.
READ MORE ON CAR.ORG >>

Finish July Strong with CCAR Education

July may be winding down, but there is still time to sharpen your skills, refresh your knowledge, and prepare for a strong second half of the year.

The July Education & Events Newsletter features several upcoming classes and programs designed to help CCAR members stay informed and work more effectively. Opportunities include training on Paragon tools, Cloud CMA, license renewal, the CA RPA, renter-to-homebuyer strategies, time and financial management, and more.

Whether you are looking to strengthen your technical skills, stay current on industry practices, or discover new ways to better serve your clients, these upcoming courses offer valuable opportunities to keep learning and growing.

Read More >>

How CCAR Keeps the Professional Standards Process Fair and Impartial

Fairness and impartiality are essential when a disciplinary complaint is filed. CCAR’s Professional Standards process includes multiple safeguards designed to ensure every matter is handled by a neutral, balanced, and qualified panel. These protections include strict confidentiality, careful panelist selection, conflict-of-interest rules, opportunities for both parties to challenge potential panelists, and clear restrictions on outside communication.

Learn more about the steps CCAR takes to prevent bias, protect everyone involved, and maintain confidence in the Professional Standards process.

Read More >>

WCR: Coffee and Networking – Aug 5

Join Women’s Council of REALTORS® for coffee, conversation, and networking. Whether you are new to the network, curious about what Women’s Council has to offer, or looking to make new connections, this monthly gathering is a great opportunity to meet fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and learn what sets the network apart.
Register >>

All laptops purchased through CCAR include a 2-year warranty, data transfer, and Real Estate setup.
More Information >>

Your Paragon Workflow is Getting an Upgrade

Scheduled for July 28, the latest Paragon Connect release will introduce several improvements designed to make everyday tasks faster and easier. Updates include a redesigned Roster Page with improved search, streamlined agent notification emails linked to Listing Match Tracker, a new “My Team” Hotsheet filter, and automatically updated agent and office information in EasyCMA reports.

Members will also find enhanced spreadsheet tools—including customizable columns, multi-column sorting, copying and pasting data, and larger result sets—along with easier Property Watch setup and more control over contact-created saved searches.

Explore the full Paragon 26.14 Release Notes for screenshots, instructions and a closer look at all the new features.

READ MORE >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link

Headlines

by

Breaking News with picture of glass breaking monitor

Three Skills to Coach This Month

Information is everywhere. Expertise isn’t. Help agents turn market headlines into local insight, ask better questions, and explain the “why” behind their advice. That’s how brokerages earn trust and stand apart.

Information Is Everywhere. Judgment Is Not.

Consumers have unlimited access to market reports, mortgage calculators, AI chatbots, and housing headlines. Before they ever contact an agent, they’ve already formed opinions about pricing, interest rates, and whether now is the “right” time to buy or sell. That’s changing the role of today’s REALTOR®.

Don’t ask agents to memorize scripts. Teach them how to interpret information and apply it to a client’s unique situation.

NAR research shows today’s buyers continue to prioritize lifestyle factors such as walkable neighborhoods, proximity to amenities, and housing options—not just price. At the same time, younger buyers are entering the market in growing numbers, often arriving well-researched but needing help turning information into decisions.

That’s where professional guidance becomes indispensable.

Replace Opinions with Questions

Ask agents to bring one national housing headline to your meeting. Then have them answer:

  • Does this apply in Contra Costa County?
  • Which cities does it affect?
  • Which price ranges behave differently?
  • What local data would you use to explain the difference?

The goal isn’t to criticize the headline—it’s to teach agents to provide context.

Practice Explaining the Why

Sensational news articles do not create confidence. Explanations do. Challenge each agent to explain, in under 60 seconds:

  • Why a home received multiple offers.
  • Why another sat on the market.
  • Why two similar homes sold for different prices.
  • Why buyers continue choosing Contra Costa over neighboring markets.

If they can explain why, they’re demonstrating expertise—not simply repeating data.

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link