CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

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Welcome 2021 CCAR Board of Directors

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President Greg Souza to Lead Incoming Board of Directors, 

Celebrate Centennial Anniversary

CCAR welcomes the 2021 Board of Directors into office! This new year’s transition also marks the 100th Anniversary of the Association! Plans for the 2021 Inaugural celebration are pending due to current COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. Stay tuned for Inaugural and Centennial celebration updates.

Closing Remarks from 

Outgoing President Tangie Leverett

Dear CCAR Members,

When I was installed as 2020 President of CCAR, like some many others I had no idea what was to come. The year started off like any other year, then March came and with it a global pandemic that virtually shut down the whole Country. Fortunately, thanks to the advance-planning of CEO Sheiren Diaz and the CCAR staff there was already an emergency plan in place that allowed staff to seamlessly transition to work from home and to continue to service our members needs. The shut down initially didn’t allow our members the ability to do business, once real estate was categorized as an essential business we were able to do limited business, but our members wanted more. CCAR stepped up and we were able to work with the county health department and get our member back in business to be able to service there clients needs. 

Although 2020 was not a typical year, the important thing is that we were able to continue to provide a high level of service to our members and the business of the association was taken care of, and that what I’m most proud of.  I would like to thank the 2020 board of directors for the highest level of dedication and service giving to the organization. I would also like to thank the CCAR staff for the work that they do year after year in making sure that the organization continues to service our members.

As we start 2021 with a new President and new members to the board of directors.  I pass the gavel to your 2021 President Greg Sousa and I know that the organization will continue to thrive.  We are not here to finish the job, but to keep the line moving in a positive direction!

Sincerely,

Tangie R. Leveret

Special thanks go out to the 2020 Board of Directors and staff for their dedication and service to the organization during this unusual time.

D&DA Alert: Fire Prevention Requirements Enforced

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Moraga-Orinda Fire District Requirements & Inspection Upon Transfer Ordinance mandates property owners minimize hazardous conditions from fire, explosion and hazardous substances – Next Hazard Inspection/Compliance deadline: May 31st

Resources:

| county D&D advisories >

| cal fire >

Ordinance No. 20.01:  The Moraga-Orinda Fire District has adopted regulations which impact the need for property owners to maintain defensible space around structures, vehicles and other items stored on the Property by eliminating weeds and other materials which fuel fires. 

Property owners must obtain various construction permits for any modification or rebuilding of the Property and must comply with state and local standards designed to minimize fires.

Effective October 7, 2020, upon transfer of the Property, there must be an exterior fire hazard inspection completed by the Fire District to determine if there is a need for weed and/or other hazards to be abated. If the Fire District determines that abatement efforts are needed, the Seller will receive an Assessment Letter. The Seller will then need to comply with the Assessment Letter and report their “Self-Compliance” to the District on-line. Buyers can check the status of a Property at https://www.mofd.org/our-district/fuels-mitigation-fireprevention/hazardous-wildfire-fuels-reduction-program. For more information about the ordinance, the major fire code changes, and a list of approved ground cover go to the Moraga-Orinda Fire District site at mofd.org/home.

Heather Schiffman photo

HEATHER SCHIFFMAN

Director, Government Affairs

[email protected]

| govt. affairs ARCHIVE

JAN 2021 | Starting January 8th, members may apply on behalf of clients for the California Association of REALTORS® Housing Affordability Fund (HAF) Home Essentials Program which will provide qualified first-time California homebuyers with a $1,250 Lowe’s gift card to purchase appliances for their new home. Due to limited availability, funds will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. | MORE >

DEC 2020 | Proposition 19 will supersede the old rules which limited this exemption to the sale and purchase of a principle residence within the same county (Prop 60) or between certain counties (Prop 90)–but only if the replacement was of “equal or lesser value” and only one time. | MORE >

DEC 2020 | C.A.R. Proposition 19 initiative passes by narrow margin; additional real estate related State ballot measures reflect negative public sentiment towards rent control and increased business property taxes. Voters approve County and local sales and business taxes; City Council representation results mixed. | MORE >

OCT 2020 | With election season comes a race for space to post signage. Be sure to familiarize yourself with local laws pertaining to sign placement, which may differ in every city. Illegal sign placement may result in onerous legislation that could severely restrict all signage privileges. | REVIEW CITY SIGN ORDINANCES >

PROTECTING PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS  |  One of the most important services organized real estate provides members and consumers is representation in the halls of government. The REALTOR Action Fund (RAF), supported solely by REALTOR contributions, raises money to advance the goals of political action committees (PACs) supporting real estate at the local, state and federal levels.  | LEARN MORE >

Apply for 1st-Time-Buyer Assistance

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New C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund “Housing Essentials Program” to Launch in January

doll house with "first-time buyer" tag
Starting January 8th, members may apply on behalf of clients for the California Association of REALTORS® Housing Affordability Fund (HAF) Home Essentials Program which will provide qualified first-time California homebuyers with a $1,250 Lowe’s gift card to purchase appliances for their new home. Due to limited availability, funds will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.

How to Qualify:

  • First-time homebuyers
  • Homebuyers must use a CA Realtor in the transaction
  • Purchase a primary single-family residence in CA with the intent to occupy the property as a primary residence
  • Conformin loan amount must be at or below FHA conforming loan limit
  • Purchase must use financing. All-cash purchases do not qualify
  • HAF must receive the following program requirements no later than thirty (30) days after closing escrow:
  1. Home Essentials Program Application and Certification Form
  2. Purchase contract
  3. Closing disclosure form

| govt. affairs ARCHIVE

DEC 2020 | Proposition 19 will supersede the old rules which limited this exemption to the sale and purchase of a principle residence within the same county (Prop 60) or between certain counties (Prop 90)–but only if the replacement was of “equal or lesser value” and only one time. | MORE >

DEC 2020 | C.A.R. Proposition 19 initiative passes by narrow margin; additional real estate related State ballot measures reflect negative public sentiment towards rent control and increased business property taxes. Voters approve County and local sales and business taxes; City Council representation results mixed. | MORE >

OCT 2020 | With election season comes a race for space to post signage. Be sure to familiarize yourself with local laws pertaining to sign placement, which may differ in every city. Illegal sign placement may result in onerous legislation that could severely restrict all signage privileges. | REVIEW CITY SIGN ORDINANCES >

PROTECTING PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS  |  One of the most important services organized real estate provides members and consumers is representation in the halls of government. The REALTOR Action Fund (RAF), supported solely by REALTOR contributions, raises money to advance the goals of political action committees (PACs) supporting real estate at the local, state and federal levels.  | LEARN MORE >

How to Apply: 

Applications will be available Jan 8, 2021. Members must complete a Home Essentials Program Application and Certification form on behalf of their clients.

| PROGRAM rules & forms >

| HAF HOME ESSENTIALS PROGRAM >

Heather Schiffman photo

HEATHER SCHIFFMAN

Director, Government Affairs

[email protected]

Proposition 19 Clarification Coming Soon

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• Yes on 19 Logo 4

PROP 19 clarification coming soon

Property Tax Exemptions from Reassessment

With the passage of Prop 19 a homeowner who is over 55 years of age, severely disabled or whose home has been substantially damaged by wildfire or natural disaster may transfer the taxable value of their primary residence to a replacement primary residence anywhere in the state, regardless of the value of the replacement primary residence (with adjustments if “greater in value) within 2 years of the sale, and up to 3 times (but without limitation for those whose houses were destroyed by fire).

Proposition 19 will supersede the old rules which limited this exemption to the sale and purchase of a principle residence within the same county (Prop 60) or between certain counties (Prop 90)–but only if the replacement was of “equal or lesser value” and only one time.

c.a.r. legal counsel WARNS...

“Although we believe that the tax benefits under Proposition 19 apply to transactions where either the sale or purchase of primary residence takes place before April 1, 2021, as long as the subsequent sale or purchase takes place within two years and on or after April 1, 2021, others have taken the position that both the sale and purchase must occur on or after April 1, 2021. C.A.R. will seek official clarification of this issue.

“As always, our advice to agents is not to give legal or tax advice–especially on an issue that is so consequential and presently has no definitive answer. If an agent has a client who wishes to obtain the tax benefits of Proposition 19 for a transaction that closes prior to April 1, 2021, whether buying or selling a property, the client should be encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified California real estate attorney or tax advisor. 

Nonetheless, owners of real property that qualify under Prop 60 or Prop 90 can still take advantage of those features until April 1, 2021. (If an owner never took advantage of these and were qualified, they might be able to get a refund of taxes already paid.

Agents should not give legal or tax advice–especially on an issue that is so consequential and presently has no definitive answer. Refer all questions to qualified CA real estate attorney or tax advisor.

TO get the latest updates ON ALL PROP 19 QUESTIONS, VISIT C.A.R. >

| govt. affairs ARCHIVE

CONTACT:

DEC 2020 | C.A.R. Proposition 19 initiative passes by narrow margin; additional real estate related State ballot measures reflect negative public sentiment towards rent control and increased business property taxes. Voters approve County and local sales and business taxes; City Council representation results mixed. | MORE >

OCT 2020 | With election season comes a race for space to post signage. Be sure to familiarize yourself with local laws pertaining to sign placement, which may differ in every city. Illegal sign placement may result in onerous legislation that could severely restrict all signage privileges. | REVIEW CITY SIGN ORDINANCES >

PROTECTING PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS  |  One of the most important services organized real estate provides members and consumers is representation in the halls of government. The REALTOR Action Fund (RAF), supported solely by REALTOR contributions, raises money to advance the goals of political action committees (PACs) supporting real estate at the local, state and federal levels.  | LEARN MORE >

C.A.R. Legal hotline:
agents: (213) 739-8282
brokers: (213) 739-8350
Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
| learn more >

Heather Schiffman photo

HEATHER SCHIFFMAN

Director, Government Affairs

[email protected]

Legislative Corner

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Capitol building with cherry blossoms, Washington DC

LEGISLATIVE CORNER

November elections yield positive results for property owners

C.A.R. Proposition 19 Initiative passes by narrow margin; additional real estate related State ballot measures reflect negative public sentiment towards rent control and increased business property taxes; voters approve County and local sales and business taxes. City Council representation results mixed.

2020 STATE BALLOT MEASURES:

PROP 15 FAILS

No: 52%  |  Yes: 48%

Voters reject Split Roll Tax Measure to increase taxes on small businesses  and commercial property owners

Proposition 15 would have provide $6.5B to $11.5B in new funding for public schools, community colleges and local government services by creating a “split roll” system that increases taxes on large commercial properties by assessing them at market value without changing property taxes for small business owners or renters. The measure failed by a small margin of about four percentage points.

PROP 19 Passes

Yes: 51.5%  |  No: 48.9%

Voters approve C.A.R. Initiative for property tax transfers, exemptions and revenue for wildfire agencies 1

Proposition 19 passed with just over 51% of the vote. As passed, the proposition would increase property tax burden on owners of inherited property in favor of providing expanded property tax benefits to homeowners ages 55 years and older, disabled homeowners and victims of wildfires and natural disasters.

| PROP 19 LEGAL Q&A >

| PROP 19 QUICK GUIDE >

prop 21 FAILS

No: 59.8%  |  Yes: 40.3%

Prohibits local governments from imposing rent control on variety of housing units2

If approved, Proposition 21 would have allowed local governments to establish rent control on residential properties that have been occupied for over 15 years and allow landlords who own no more than two homes to exempt themselves from such policies. This would have essentially repealed some of the provisions in the ’95 Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. Prop 21 was rejected by 60% of California voters.

COUNTY | CITY BALLOT MEASURES:

CONTRA COSTA MEASURE X PASSES: 58.45% | 41.55%

Measure X will levy a 1/2-cent sales tax to help fund the County General Fund. Stated use of funds include hospitals and community health centers, fire and emergency response, early childhood and essential county services. 

CONCORD MEASURE V PASSES: 50.47% | 49.53%

Measure V extends and increases voter-approved sales tax from 0.5% to 1% to help bolster Concord’s General Fund. Funds designated for emergency/disaster response and preparedness, supporting local businesses through recovery, street repair, crime prevention, homelessness and other City services. 

ORINDA MEASURE R PASSES: 58.74% | 41.29%

Measure R will extend/increase voter-approved sales tax from 0.25% to 0.5% to boost City’s General Fund. Funds will be used for street maintenance, storm drain repair, and emergency/disaster preparedness. 

RICHMOND MEASURE U PASSES: 72.53% | 27.47%

Measure U will restructure the City’s Business License Tax calculation method from a per employee tax to a gross receipts tax. 

SAN PABLO MEASURE S PASSES: 79.19% | 20.81%

Measure S will extend a voter-approved sales tax that passed in 2012 known as Measure Q which will revert a temporary sales tax back to a 1/2-cent (total rate of 8.75%) for five years, then be reduced by 1/4-cent (8.5%) for the next five years, then terminated after 10 years. It will not increase local taxes beyond what was originally approved as Measure Q.

RAF-O-METER

RAF contributions

Help us reach our CCAR goal: 21%.
Contributions can be as little as $20. Your return on investment will be priceless.
| CONTRIBUTE TODAY  >

LOCAL REPRESENTATION SUMMARY

| FOR DETAILS CLICK HERE >

CONTRA COSTA

Federal Glover, Incumbent

Supervisor, District 5

CLAYTON

City Council (3 seats):

Jim Diaz, Incumbent

Peter Cloven

Leticia ‘Holly’ Tillman

CONCORD

City Council:

Dist 2: Carlyn Obringer,

Incumbent

Dist 4: Ed Birsan

Incumbent (unapposed)

DANVILLE

Town Council:

Newell Arnerich, Incumbent

Renee Morgan, Incumbent

Dave Fong

EL CERRITO

City Council (3 seats):

Lisa Motoyama

Paul Fadeli, Incumbent

Tessa Rudnick

HERCULES

City Council (3 seats):

Alexander Walker-Griffin

Dan Romero, Incumbent

Tiffany Grimsley

LAFAYETTE

City Council (3 seats):

Cameron Burks, Incumbent

Carl Anduri

Gina Dawson

MARTINEZ

City Council:

Dist 2: Mark Ross,

Incumbent

Dist 3: Brianne Zorn

MORAGA

Town Council:

Renata Sos, Incumbent

David Stromberg

Teresa Onoda

ORINDA

City Council (2 seats):

Darlene Gee, Incumbent

Inga Miller, Incumbent

PINOLE

City Council (2 seats):

Devin Murphy

Maureen Toms

RICHMOND

City Council:

Dist 1: Melvin Wills,

Incumbent

Dist 5: Gayle McLaughlin

Dist 6: Claudia Jimenez

SAN PABLO

City Council (3 seats):

Patricia Ponce

Arturo Cruz, Incumbent

Abel Pineda, Incumbent

SAN RAMON

City Council:

Mayor: David Hudson

Dist 1: Scott Perkins

Dist 3: Sridhar Verose

WALNUT CREEK

City Council (3 seats):

Kevin Wilk, Incumbent

Cindy Darling

Loella Haskew, Incumbent

| govt. affairs ARCHIVE

CONTACT:

OCT 2020 | With election season comes a race for space to post signage. Be sure to familiarize yourself with local laws pertaining to sign placement, which may differ in every city. Illegal sign placement may result in onerous legislation that could severely restrict all signage privileges. | REVIEW CITY SIGN ORDINANCES >

PROTECTING PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS  |  One of the most important services organized real estate provides members and consumers is representation in the halls of government. The REALTOR Action Fund (RAF), supported solely by REALTOR contributions, raises money to advance the goals of political action committees (PACs) supporting real estate at the local, state and federal levels of government.  | LEARN MORE >

Heather Schiffman photo

HEATHER SCHIFFMAN

Director, Government Affairs

[email protected]

2020 lgr committee:

Debi Mackey, Chair

Henry Giovannetti

Leslie Manzone

Greg Souza

Tyra Wright