Blog - CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Power Tools for the Novice

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 – 121625

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 16, 2025

Happy Holidays! CCAR Offices Closed:
• Wed. – Fri., Dec. 24 – 26
• Wed. – Fri., Dec. 31 – Jan. 2

C.A.R. Podcast: Home Sales Hit 8-Month High but Will the Momentum Last?

The Housing Matters Podcast is your go-to source for market analysis, economic trends, and housing news from C.A.R. Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify to hear expert insights on the week’s top real estate stories – and what they mean for you.

This week’s episode: Home Sales Hit 8-Month High but Will the Momentum Last? (Episode 138) discusses how California home sales have reached their highest level since February, driven largely by low interest rates. As the market transitions into the holiday season, housing demand is expected to ease, with statewide sales projected to close 2025 with a modest increase over 2024. Ultimately, the trajectory of market momentum will depend on underlying macroeconomic fundamentals.

Get Quick Answers to Your Questions with C.A.R. Peer-to-Peer Ethics Infoline

Non-legal ethics questions answered in a snap!

C.A.R.’s Peer-to-Peer Ethics Infoline is a free service facilitated by neutral REALTOR® volunteers trained in the Code of Ethics. They can answer questions from other REALTOR® members regarding the proper interpretation of the Code.

If you have questions about whether certain actions—yours or those of another REALTOR® —might violate the Code of Ethics, the volunteers can assist with non-legal ethics matters. The Infoline is confidential, and no information will be shared with third parties. Please note that answers or opinions are provided orally and will not be given in writing.

CONTACT THE INFOLINE >>

Don’t Miss the 2025 REALTOR® Store Winter Sale!

Now through Dec. 31, save up to 25% on select products to help you finish the year strong. From best-selling publications to revenue-boosting webinars, your REALTOR® Store has everything you need—at exclusive member pricing. Don’t wait, shop now!
Shop the Sale >>

REALTOR® Member Health Insurance
Open Enrollment

There’s still time to secure your 2026 health insurance, and RealCare is here to make the process simple and stress-free. Navigating the health insurance marketplace can feel overwhelming, but with RealCare’s expert guidance, you’ll have the support you need every step of the way. Open Enrollment runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 for most coverage plans, and RealCare continues to offer access to two great options: Individual Plans and Covered CA.

Don’t wait—visit RealCare online or call 800.939.8088 (Option 2) to find the perfect plan for you today!

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 >>

FHA Loan Limit Increases to $1.25 Million in 2026

The Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA) said it will raise the maximum claim amount for its Single-Family Forward and Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) mortgage insurance programs to $1,249,125 in 2026, up from $1,209,750 this year.

FHA updates its loan limits every year based on rules in the National Housing Act. These limits are calculated using home-sale data from each county or metropolitan area. The law sets three cost tiers, and FHA adjusts the limits according to local home prices.

The law also caps the loan limit in high-cost areas at 150% of the national conforming loan limit, which is set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The new limit is a 3.3 percent increase of $39,375, marking the 10th straight year of increases.

Loan limits for most of the country will increase due to the continued appreciation of home prices over the past year.

READ MORE >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

District 99 Hall – Dec 25

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As we close out the year, we want to thank you for your commitment to serving clients and communities across Contra Costa County and the Bay Area. This year brought meaningful change—both in the market and across our industry—and you met it with resilience and leadership.

The coming year will continue to reward Realtors® who lead with expertise, integrity, and vision. As your Association, we remain committed to supporting you with tools and resources that help you succeed in every market cycle.

We wish you a joyful holiday season and a healthy, prosperous year ahead.

Warm regards,

Zina

Tech Doesn’t Have to Be Intimidating

You don’t need to be a tech expert to succeed in a high-tech world. Start small. Solve one problem at a time. Use tools already available through CCAR and CCAR MLS. AI and digital platforms are most powerful when they protect your time—so you can focus on conversations, counsel, and relationships.

For Tech Assistance Contact:
CCAR Membership Services
Tel: (925) 295-1270
Email: [email protected]

Redefine Your Value: From Deal Maker to Trusted Advisor

The real estate market—and the real estate profession itself—is at an inflection point. Moderating prices, longer decision cycles, changing compensation models, and rapid technology adoption are redefining what it means to be a successful Realtor®.

The future belongs to agents who combine high-touch guidance with high-tech efficiency, as the era of “easy leads” and purely transactional brokerage continues to fade, according to the 2026 Swanepoel Trends Report.

Moving Beyond a “Transactional” Approach A purely transactional business model focuses on processing deals—paperwork, access, and speed. Today, technology and integrated platforms can already handle much of that work. Transaction execution is no longer the differentiator; it’s the baseline.

What clients now value most is judgment, strategy, and advocacy—the hallmarks of a trusted advisor.

What Being an Advisor Really Means

Interpreting complex, hyper-local market data
Guiding clients through new compensation and representation structures
Providing strategic negotiation counsel
Managing risk and expectations
Educating clients, not just facilitating outcomes

Technology doesn’t replace the advisory role—it enables it.

The Naughty vs. Nice Guide

A Holiday Reality Check for Professional Behavior

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Education Calendar Jan 2026

Education AT Your Fingertips

designations/certifications

Designations/Certifications >

Ethics Training

Check Your Status | Learn More >

license renewal

License Renewal Options >

On-Demand Training

RPR

CCAR RPR Headquarters >

C.A.R. Courses

C.A.R. Course Catalog >

NAR Courses

NAR Education Calendar >

CCAR Calendar

CCARToday Calendar >

core skills training

intro to zipform

intro to cloud cma

intro to rpr

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

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

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.

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 >

Chris Dickson

Education Coordinator

Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm

(925) 295-9210

[email protected]

Feature Course + Image

Feature course teaser… blah blahblah

JAN 14 | Cubicasa 101: Learn to Create Free & Easy Floor Plans in Minutes | Virtual | 11:00 am – Noon | CubiCasa is the go-to app used by thousands of real estate pros. In this class you’ll learn about the benefits of adding floor plans to your listing media, and how the technology works. | VIEW // REGISTER >

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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.

Have You Created Your 20-second CMA? Now’s
the Time

Whether you’re at home making dinner, on the go, or standing next to a potential client, EasyCMA® delivers a fast and easy analysis of what a property is worth. This quick CMA does the work for you, while giving you control of what you want, when you need it. Watch the above video for more information.

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

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