Blog - CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Weekly Jolt – 120925

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 9, 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!

C.A.R. Ombudsman Volunteers On Call to Answer Non-Legal Questions

If you’re a member looking to resolve a minor dispute or communication issue with another REALTOR®, a C.A.R. Ombudsman can help! C.A.R. Ombudsmen are REALTORS® who volunteer their time to answer non-legal questions and resolve non-legal disputes.

C.A.R. Ombudsman aim to enhance communication among REALTORS® and can propose resolutions for minor issues raised by clients or other members, avoiding escalation. Some common grievances include claims of possible ethics violations and communication issues, such as misrepresentation and lying, as well as complaints surrounding cancellation of a contract, listing, or escrow.

Please Note: Ombudsmen are not attorneys, and do not provide legal advice or answer legal questions.

New Member Power Tools

Education @ Your Fingertips

SMART TIPS FOR NEW AGENTS

Skills for your new real estate practice >

Ethics Training

Check Your Status | Learn More >

On-Demand Training

C.A.R. Courses

C.A.R. Course Catalog >

NAR Courses

NAR Education Calendar >

core skills training

Your Launchpad For Success Starts Here

Starting out as a new REALTOR® can feel overwhelming, but your 3-way membership gives you a roadmap and support system from day one.

CCAR provides MLS access, training and mentorship opportunities so you can hit the ground running. C.A.R. gives you confidence with standardized contracts and a Legal Hotline when questions come up. And NAR gives you instant credibility with clients, a Code of Ethics that sets you apart, and designations that help you stand out in a competitive field. You’re not building your career alone–you’ve got the whole industry behind you.

This online kit includes access to free training on core skills technology, online Code of Ethics coursework and webinars–all designed to help you build a strong, informed, and ethical foundation for your real estate business.

CCAR provides a complete series of FREE core curriculum courses to help you build a solid foundation for your growing real estate business. You will learn to navigate all the necessary technical tools and applications + master important skills in an easy step-by-step process:

intro to zipform

Your Transaction Management System
Write C.A.R. contracts with ease using Lone Wolf Transactions zipForm Edition. The course includes information on how to set up your profile, start new transactions for buyers and sellers, create time-saving templates, manage transaction details, send forms to clients, and more. | Check the Calendar for the next training session >

intro to cloud cma

Cloud CMA helps you stand out with polished, compelling Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) reports that showcase your value and help you win more listings. This FREE CCAR member class teaches you how to create professional CMA reports, set listing and offer price ranges, and use CMAs for valuation needs. Plus additional features, including quick property reports and flyers, advanced search tools, impressive Buyer Tour packets, and CMA Live for virtual listing presentations. | Check the Calendar for the next training session >

intro to rpr

Your 1-Stop Shop to Property Searches, Stats, Reports & More

Learn how REALTORS^® Property Resource provides you with the data you need to meet the demands of clients in today’s “age of information” market. You will learn how to brand your Profile/reports, search, filter, utilize mapping tools and layers, create cutting edge CMA reports, winning listing presentations, and more. | Check the Calendar for the next training session >

intro to paragon

Specific topics covered in this Intro to Paragon MLS class include:

Customizing your profile and settings to reflect your branding and preferences
Homepage navigation
Different ways to search, and working with the results
Customization
Adding and managing your contacts
Collaboration Center
Integrations & Additional Benefits
Paragon Connect (mobile MLS)

| Check the Calendar for the next training session >

intro to listing input +

Specific topics covered in this How to Add & Maintain Your Listing class include:

Staying in compliance with MLS Rules and Regulations
Pre-marketing with COMING SOON listings and Clear Cooperation
Input tips and tools: CRS Tax Autofill and Pricing Analysis Tool
Partial vs. Live Listings: what’s the difference?
Uploading and editing listing photos
Sharing via Social Media, Email or Text
Syndication options to maximize listing visibility and exposure
Resolving listing errors and warnings
Maintaining your listing from NEW to SOLD
Add/Maintain listings from your mobile device

| Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Set It & Forget It!

Using Paragon’s Collaboration Center

Need a Client Concierge? Paragon’s Collaboration Center is a feature-rich MLS portal that enables you to manage your business and collaborate with clients online in real time from any device. In this class you’ll learn how to set up your Collaboration Center in Paragon so your clients will be automatically notified of new listings. The Collaboration Center keeps you and your client in touch and allows you to build responsive relationships with buyers and sellers.

Specific topics covered in this Collaboration Center class include:

How to create a Collaboration account for your clients
Allow your buyers to interact with their search results, marking them as favorites, possible, or rejected
Receive immediate notifications of buyers reactions, comments, or showing requests to your emails
Personalize each buyers portal and be aware of their property searches
Learn to navigate the buyers personal website to better assist them when they have questions
Allow your buyers to create their own searches, and be notified when they do.

The Collaboration Center also includes seller-personalized portals so agents can stay in constant communication with clients about listing activity. Sellers get the transparency, information and communication they want with:

Activity notifications
Agent recommendations
Buyer-search matches
Social shares
Broker Tours & Open Houses
Views of competing properties

| Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Membership Services
Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm
(925) 295-1270
[email protected]

A mobile and desktop application that simplifies MLS workflows and property searches on any device.

LEARN MORE >

AI-driven property reports consolidate 60+ data sources, including permits, zoning, liens, climate risk, valuations, and more for faster, in-depth client prep.

LEARN MORE >

Instant property data and analytics
from a national platform—
valuations, reports, and insights
ready for every client meeting.

LEARN MORE >

A mobile-friendly platform with rental applications and screening tools that streamline your workflow—at home, in the office, or on the go.

LEARN MORE >

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 120225

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2, 2025

Start your financial wellness journey now at www.FinancialWellness.realtor!

LEARN MORE >>

You’re Invited! 2026 Inaugural – Sat., Jan. 31st Tickets on Sale Now!

Join us for a very special evening at our annual Inaugural Dinner and Award Celebration on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo.

We’ll recognize this year’s distinguished award recipients, install 2026 President John Fondnazio and our Board of Directors, and enjoy a night that brings our community together over great food and good company.

Come dressed to impress as we look back on a year of accomplishments and get ready for the exciting possibilities to come. Together, we’ll honor the people and partnerships that continue to strengthen our real estate community.

We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful evening of recognition, connection, and celebration.

PURCHASE TICKETS >>

Read More >>

Title Fraud on the Rise: What You Need to Know

A new survey from the National Association of REALTORS® reveals growing concern over title fraud and deed theft, especially in urban and suburban markets.

63% of REALTOR® association advocates reported awareness of scams in the past year—most involving vacant land, not owner-occupied homes.

Efforts to combat fraud are active in 76% of areas, with strong support (83%) for electronic alerts to notify property owners of title changes.

Stay vigilant—learn how prevention efforts are evolving across the country.

DATA SECURITY & PRIVACY TOOLKIT >>
INTERNET SECURITY BEST PRACTICES >>
REALTOR® SAFETY NETWORK >>
REALTOR® SAFETY ARTICLES >>
COMBAT REAL ESTATE CYBERTHREATS >>
PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS >>

Read More >>

Have You Tried CubiCasa?

CubiCasa is a powerful, easy-to-use mobile app that creates beautiful, detailed floor plans in minutes – all from a quick smartphone scan. According to NAR’s annual Homebuyers and Sellers Survey, floor plans are one of the most in-demand features for listings, right after photos and property data. They help buyers instantly understand layout and flow – making your listings stand out.
As a CCAR member, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks with CubiCasa: get free floor plans for properties up to 5,000 sq ft, plus 25% off all Plus packages and optional add-ons, including GLA floor plans, 3D products, rush orders, and more. You’ll also gain access to a network of CubiCasa-certified photographers—or you can bring your own! Whether you’re an agent, appraiser, or photographer, CubiCasa is the listing tool you didn’t know you needed.
Read More >>

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 >>

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

Effective January 1, 2026, California Assembly Bill 723 introduces new disclosure rules for real estate professionals who use digitally altered images in advertising, marketing, or online listings. The new law requires that a clear disclosure be present on or near the image stating that it has been digitally altered. It is also required to provide access to the original, unaltered version of the image when made publicly accessible.
Why This Matters
AB 723 adds Section 10140.8 to the California Business & Professions Code. It applies to licensed real estate brokers and salespersons and those acting on their behalf.
What Counts as a “Digitally Altered Image”?
According to the recently revised C.A.R. Model MLS Rules:
“Digitally altered image” means an image, created by or at the direction of the real estate broker or salesperson, or person acting on their behalf, that has been altered through the use of photo editing software or artificial intelligence to add, remove, or change elements in the image, including, but not limited to, fixtures, furniture, appliances, flooring, walls, paint color, hardscape, landscape, façade, floor plans, and elements outside of, or visible from, the property, including, but not limited to, streetlights, utility poles, views through windows, and neighboring properties. “Digitally altered image” does not include an image where only lighting, sharpening, white balance, color correction, angle, straightening, cropping, exposure, or other common photo editing adjustments are made that do not change the representation of the real property.
READ MORE >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

How CCAR Keeps the Professional Standards Process Fair and Impartial

When someone files a disciplinary complaint, everyone involved is owed a process that is fair, neutral, and handled with care. We take neutrality seriously. Between strict confidentiality, clear rules about who can serve, opportunities to challenge potential panelists, and built-in safeguards against bias, we work hard to make sure every complaint is heard by a fair, balanced, and impartial panel.

Here’s how we make sure of that:

✔️ Everything is Confidential
All details—allegations, findings, recommendations, and decisions—stay strictly confidential. Only what must be shared with C.A.R. per the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual (Section 39) is reported.
✔️ Carefully Selected, Qualified Panel Members
Detailed thought goes into who reviews or hears each case. For example:
Only one person from the same company can sit on a panel.
No one can sit on more than one panel for the same matter.
Anyone connected to the case—whether personally, through family, or through business—is automatically disqualified.
Before participating, panelists sign a statement confirming they can be completely impartial.
✔️ Fair Panel Selection From the Start
Both parties receive a list of potential panel members and can request the removal of anyone who may not be fully neutral—based on valid reasons like personal or business ties. Challenges must be based on valid reasons (not protected characteristics like race or gender), and the goal is simple: no surprises, no bias, and full confidence in a fair process.

✔️ Panelists Can Remove Themselves Too
Even if no one challenges them, panelists are expected to step down if they see anything that might create bias or the appearance of bias.
✔️ Balanced Panels
Panels always have an odd number of members to avoid tie votes. And if a salesperson is involved, at least one salesperson must be on the panel—ensuring representation by “a peer,” similar to a jury system.
✔️ No Off-the-Record Contact
To keep things fair, parties (and their representatives) cannot contact panel members outside the hearing or try to influence them in any way except through evidence and arguments during the official proceeding.
✔️ Extra Safeguards During Reviews
If a decision is reviewed by our Board of Directors, the review panel has at least three Directors who must meet the same impartiality standards—and directors are not allowed to serve on the Grievance or Professional Standards committees to avoid conflicts.

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

Effective January 1, 2026, California Assembly Bill 723 introduces new disclosure rules for real estate professionals who use digitally altered images in advertising, marketing, or online listings. The new law requires that a clear disclosure be present on or near the image stating that it has been digitally altered. It is also required to provide access to the original, unaltered version of the image when made publicly accessible.

Why This Matters
AB 723 adds Section 10140.8 to the California Business & Professions Code. It applies to licensed real estate brokers and salespersons and those acting on their behalf.
What Counts as a “Digitally Altered Image”?
According to the recently revised California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Model MLS Rules:

“Digitally altered image” means an image, created by or at the direction of the real estate broker or salesperson, or person acting on their behalf, that has been altered through the use of photo editing software or artificial intelligence to add, remove, or change elements in the image, including, but not limited to, fixtures, furniture, appliances, flooring, walls, paint color, hardscape, landscape, façade, floor plans, and elements outside of, or visible from, the property, including, but not limited to, streetlights, utility poles, views through windows, and neighboring properties. “Digitally altered image” does not include an image where only lighting, sharpening, white balance, color correction, angle, straightening, cropping, exposure, or other common photo editing adjustments are made that do not change the representation of the real property.

How Does this Affect Photograph Requirements in the MLS?
CCAR has been actively reviewing AB 723 and the different ways the MLS can accommodate this new statewide requirement. Our focus is to align MLS workflows and rules with the law while keeping listing input as clear and practical as possible for Participants and Subscribers.
In the coming weeks, the C.A.R. Model MLS Rules that address AB 723 will be reviewed during CCAR’s joint-MLS group meeting with our neighboring East Bay MLSs. This collaborative review will help ensure a consistent regional approach to compliance and member support.
More details will be shared soon, including how to disclose “digitally altered images” within the MLS and the specific MLS Rules that correlate with this requirement. Please watch for additional guidance as we finalize implementation steps ahead of the law’s effective date.

Start your financial wellness journey now at www.FinancialWellness.realtor!

SERVING YOU AT:

Search