CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

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C.A.R. Red Alert: Oppose New Property Taxes!

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red alert

C.A.R. OPPOSES Senate Bill 1105 (Hueso) and Senate Bill 679 (Kamlager) each of which creates an unelected agency with the power to impose a range of new property taxes. Those taxes would make keeping and getting into a home more expensive and difficult, potentially taxing people out of their homes and pushing homeownership out of reach for many of California’s working families. We need YOUR help to STOP these bills!

Here’s how you can help!  

Ask your clients, friends, and family to TAKE ACTION!  And continue posting on social media!
We are stronger together and your voice will help us defeat SB 1105 and SB 679.

For questions, please contact [email protected].

SB 1105 (Hueso):

SB 1105 grants vast, unchecked, taxing and bonding authority to an unelected Housing Agency Board in San Diego which would consist of 6 appointed representatives, serving 4-year terms that can by resolution, or initiative, impose: 

  • special taxes on real property,
  • a parcel tax,
  • a gross receipts business license tax,
  • a special business tax,
  • a documentary transfer tax,
  • a special land value windfall tax, or
  • a commercial linkage fee.

The proposed Agency requires revenues generated to assist in the construction of housing broadly defined. Revenue which could go to large developers of rental homes and no restrictions on the agency purchasing single family homes which could then further limit the opportunities for home ownership. The costs of solving California’s housing problems should not be placed on working Californians struggling to stay afloat and keep their homes in a tough economic environment, especially when there is a 97 billion dollar state surplus.

 

SB 679 (Kamlager):

SB 679 would establish a local Housing Agency in LA with a 19 member “governing board” to raise revenues through: 

  • a parcel tax
  • gross receipts business license tax
  • a document transfer tax, or
  • the issuance of bonds to fund affordable housing preservation (acquiring, rehabilitating, deed restricting, etc.).

QUESTIONS?
Please email C.A.R. at [email protected].

Fire Hardening Defensible Space Advisory (FHDS) Local Requirements

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fire scenes with family

Since January 1, 2021, sellers have been required to complete the Fire Hardening Defensible Space Advisory (FHDS) should their property fall within a high to very high fire hazard zone. Per AB 38 this includes properties that fall within a high to very high fire hazard zone; built before 2010; residential one to four properties; condominiums, or other common interest development units; or manufactured home.  If the seller is not sure, there is a state website where the property address can be inputted to determine if the proper does fall in high or very high fire zones.

To identify fire zones, visit: Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps.


In addition to the FHDS requirements, as of July 1, 2021, homeowners are required to also maintain a defensible space between a structure on the property and any flammable grass, trees, shrubs, or wildland area that surrounds it.  Sellers of these properties will need to provide documentation that their property follows the defensible space laws, or the buyers will be required to agree to obtain such documentation of compliance in the future.

For the buyer to take on the responsibility, they will need to contact their local Fire District to request an extension to complete the work.

All Fire Districts request that inspection requests be placed as soon as the seller intends to place the listing on the MLS, as it can take a week for the Fire District to respond and make it out to the property.

The seller will need to determine which jurisdiction their property falls in, either the local municipality, Fire Protection District, or CalFire.

MORE INFORMATION:

Fire Districts in Contra Costa County
Defensible Space Law
Additional information from C.A.R.
C.A.R. Defensible Space Law FAQ

Property Management Legal Open Forum – Sep. 30

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House for rent

Property Managers and Landlords!

Property Managers and landlords, the Statewide Eviction Moratorium expires this Thursday, September 30 and C.A.R. wants to make sure you have all the information. On Thursday, September 30 at 11:15am, C.A.R. will be hosting as part of their Reimagine Expo, the Property Management Legal Open Forum where you will receive an update and more information. Registration is required. C.A.R. members only.

11:15am – 12:00pm: Property Management Legal Open Forum: “Landlord/Tenant Laws after the End of the Eviction Moratorium”

| Register >

Apply for 2025 Pro Standards & Grievance Committee

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Apply now if you are interested and qualify for serving on the 2025 Professional Standards or Grievance Committees.

Additionally, we are accepting requests from REALTOR® members applying for the Professional Standards Committee who are interested in serving on its sub-committees as a mediator and/or an ethics advocate.

The new term begins January 1, 2025. Please return your completed application by October 18, 2024.

For more information contact CCAR Professional Standards Administrator at [email protected].

VIEW APPLICATION >>

Election Day Next Tuesday, Sep. 14

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vote

The 2021 Recall Election is right around the corner, and the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) is asking REALTORS® to come together and Get Out the Vote!

REALTORS® have a civic duty to exercise the right to vote to shape the policies that protect your bottom line. Lawmakers trust your expertise, and your clients value the services you provide. It is critical that REALTOR® voices and your clients’ voices are heard at the ballot box—especially at a time when California needs more housing.