Government Affairs Archives - Page 7 of 11 - CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

NAR CALL FOR ACTION: Protect Independent Contractor Status

The National Association of REALTORS® has launched a CALL FOR ACTION asking Members of Congress to cosponsor H.R. 5419 the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act, to ensure real estate agents maintain their independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

TAKE ACTION NOW:
California REALTORS®, Tell Congress to Protect Independent Contractor Status
Visit: https://www.votervoice.net/NAR/campaigns/117111/respond
To send a message to your member of Congress to cosponsor H.R. 5419 to preserve independent contractor status!

While the ability to work as an independent contractor has been recognized and protected under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) since 1982, recent lawsuits, state legislation, and new federal rules now threaten this vital classification.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) final rule on independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is causing significant and unnecessary confusion.

In California, NAR research shows nearly 85% of real estate agents operate as independent contractors. The complex relationship between DOL’s final rule and California’s Assembly Bill 5 is raising questions and concerns about these agents’ rights and classification choices.

REALTORS® are asking Congress to align the FLSA with the IRC to ensure real estate professionals in California and nationwide can continue to operate their businesses and support economic growth in their communities without uncertainty from conflicting statutes and regulations.

Urge your member of Congress to cosponsor H.R. 5419, the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act, to ensure real estate agents and direct sellers maintain their independent contractor status under the FLSA.

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.

C.A.R.’s Ethics Infoline can help members with all types of questions, from minor technicalities to urgent concerns. If you would benefit from speaking to a trained REALTOR® volunteer about your non-legal Code of Ethics questions, simply call or click to receive the assistance you need.

Want to serve as a Peer-to-Peer Ethics Infoline volunteer?…

If qualified, you can become part of the C.A.R. Ethics Infoline team in 3 easy steps: (1) Submit an application, (2) Receive approval, and (3) Pass the Code of Ethics Training course exam and you’re in!

Election Results

ELECTION HEADQUARTERS

TOTALS

Total Eligible: 4075
Total Voted: 687
Percent Voted: 16.86%

PRESIDENT-ELECT

COUNT CANDIDATE
276 Nancy D’Onofrio
401 David Schubb

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE (4 Open Positions)

COUNT CANDIDATE
331 Darnella Aulani
320 Aeysha Corio
306 Jessica Evans
325 Zina Hall
295 Peter Maclennan
463 Donna Souza

OFFICIAL NOTICE

April 27, 2021
In accordance with Article XI of the Corporation Bylaws, this will serve as notice that the election for the 2022 Board of Directors shall be held beginning on June 7, 2021 at 9am and ending June 14, 2021 at 9am.

A 2022 President-Elect and four (4) Directors-At-Large shall be elected in this election.

In order for this election to be valid, the number of votes cast must equal or exceed the quorum requirement of 15% of the total CCAR REALTOR^® Membership (determined by the record date established on May 7, 2021) by the end of the election cycle at 9am on June 14, 2021. The quorum for this election is 612 votes.

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

The below statements are published as submitted, they have not been edited by the Association.

President-Elect (1 Open Position)

NANCY D’ONOFRIO

My name is Nancy D’Onofrio and I’m running for President-elect of the the Contra Costa Association of Realtors. I feel I’m qualified for this position because I served as a director on the Board of Directors for six years and served as treasurer of the Association in 2018. I’ve served on numerous committees and have been the Chair of the Realtor Action Fund Sub committee since 2020. I’ve held various leadership positions at CCAR, which have prepared me to take on the responsibilities of this position confidently. While treasurer, I learned about the details of the Association’s financial processes and believe this knowledge is invaluable to fulfilling the duties of president-elect.

I’m committed to making sure the Association supports you in your continued growth and success as a Realtor. I am incredibly passionate about our industry and know that as your president-elect I would be able to help our community grow and thrive. And as your president-elect, I know I will be able to guide the Association toward the future we all deserve.

I would be honored to receive your vote for President-elect of CCAR.

Sincerely,
Nancy A D’Onofrio

DAVID SCHUBB

This is the 100 Year Anniversary of CCAR! Although I’ve been a member for more than half of that time, I didn’t pay much attention to Association activities until about 6 years ago.

I wanted to know more about MLS and technology tools, so I joined that committee. Later I joined LGR, Budget & Finance, and YPN. I served as Director in 2018, 2019, 2020, and again this year. As I became more involved, I began to understand what CCAR leadership, committee members, and staff do for all of us.

I’ve learned that CCAR is a member driven organization with committed volunteer leadership and committee members, working to provide us with the best services, tools, solutions, and representation. Our staff is an AMAZING group of dedicated, hardworking individuals with an unparalleled amount of knowledge who work as a team to guide us.

We members are its customers.

As President-Elect my function is to coordinate all of these moving parts to advance our Strategic Plan. My mission is to increase member involvement, make our Association THE destination for information, connect committees to provide more and better tools, and communicate with all of you more.

I thank you for your support!

Director-at-Large (4 Open Positions)

DARNELLA AULANI

I am a real estate broker, 30 years in the industry with 17 years in leadership, having served over 80 committees at the local, state, and national levels. I am former Delta AOR and WCR-Delta President. I equally hold a Master’s degree with eight designations. Besides, I have served at CAR on Executive, Strategic Planning, Nomination, and Region 5 chair. Additional roles include chair, vice-chair, issues chair, advisories, forums, and task force positions. Presently, I serve on CAR Nominating & Chair for Director for Life sub-committee. I have over a decade of experience on Professional Standards and continue to serve as a member & Presiding Officer for SCCAR.

I have two primary motivations for volunteering for leadership. The first is safeguarding REALTOR® services to avert extinction as a passionate defender of this industry and livelihoods of fellow REALTORS®. My second justification is to advocate for preserving private property rights, land use, and home-ownership concerns. I believe that property owners should be devoid of unnecessary intrusion by external intruders. I guarantee to optimize your vote by selflessness and commitment to the cause.

You can rest assured a vote for me will advance progressive thinking, strategy, and action.

AEYSHA CORIO

I beleive real estae is a vital component of community & it helps to create stability within people’s lives. I beleive the profession itself is one that requires the utmost integrity and willingness to learn. Nearly 2 decades of owning a real estate appraisal company has taught me that as realtors, the better we are at our job, the more knowledgable we are at our job, the better we can serve our community and that is my personal and professional purpose and goal. Helping to affect change within the industry, creating best practices, and great care for the community along with protecting homeowners rights are all things I want to be a part of. As realtors, we do very important work and I want to be sure that work is continued into the future.

JESSICA EVANS

Having been raised in a Real Estate family, I have been fortunate to see, firsthand, the evolution of the Industry. I officially became a member 5 years ago and have been honored to be a committee member of YPN and help be a part of the growth and change that YPN is seeking to support.

The last 2 years of serving as a YPN committee member has opened my eyes to the potential of the CCAR organization and its members. I would love to be a conduit and support system for members to voice their opinions and be heard, while working collaboratively with staff to make important changes.

As a mother of 1 (soon to be 2) and a full-time Realtor, I am actively trying to be a part of the change that I would like to see for our industry and community.

ZINA HALL

I’m passionate about this career, lifestyle and industry of real estate. I didn’t realize the magnitude of the impact we have on families, communities and our world until I became a REALTOR over 10 years ago. From short sales to foreclosures to riding the waves during COVID. From Salesperson to Broker to Broker President & Owner, all within a decade, changed my lenses. I see why investing time in service in our Association can make such a difference in our lives, in the lives of those we love and the communities we represent and serve.

I deem it an honor and almost a responsibility to give back what has been instilled in me at CCAR. My journey has been rich and I’ve gotten to meet many of you along the way. Be it on the Grievance Committee, Local Government Relations, Professional Standards, at an event, Legislative Day, as 2018 Women’s Council President, at a community/non-profit function, or in passing at what we called “an open house”. I’m also a very active Minister/Pastor in my church serving for many decades.

I humbly submit my application to serve on our Board of Directors this election representing you…us. I ask for your vote

PETER MACLENNAN

I have been a licensed broker since 2008. After working for a commercial hard money lender, I started my own brokerage, Maclennan Investment Group, Inc. From 2011 on, I have been full-time in brokerage, helping clients buy and sell homes, purchase and exchange investment properties, lease commercial space, and locate development opportunities. I currently serve as Chair on the MLS & Technology committee and am a member on Budget & Finance. I have been married to my wife Lisa for 15 years and we have 6 children. My family and I volunteer with Safe Refuge for Children and Families and are active in our church and community.

Real estate is the greatest wealth building tool for most Americans. If elected as a director, I will continue to be an advocate for the value that REALTORS® bring to our clients and real estate transactions. As a director, I will work to ensure that CCAR will remain a dynamic organization that seeks to preserve and protect real property ownership rights, and expands the access to real property ownership in our region.

DONNA SOUZA

Seeking the position as Director for the Contra Costa Association of Realtors. My objective is to increase member value, uphold industry standards and professionalism. Creating an environment of approachability, partaking in new ideas, transparency and welcoming all voices to be heard is of utmost importance as your board liaison. With previous leadership positions, I recognize the importance of identifying and fostering new leadership, encouraging and supporting those that desire personal and professional growth. In an ever evolving industry, you want a fiduciary with experience, skill and leadership, to safeguard your business and protect our association for long term sustainability.

Licensed 1977, a full-time agent and investor has allowed me to embrace change ( fax, cell phones, email, digital MLS, nav systems…yes! Had to read a map!).
2019-present-CCAR’s Local Government Relations Committee
2020-present-CCAR’s Budget & Finance Committee
2019 State Governor – Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) (elected), mentoring, strategic planning, conflict resolution.
2017-2018 District Vice-President – WCR (elected) mentoring networks: SF, Marin, East Bay, Delta, Silicon Valley.
2017 Leadership Identification and Development Committee – WCR, Appointed by State President
2015 President – WCR Contra Costa – CAR & NAR Recognition Awards.
2013 Realtor Of The Year Award – WCR
2017 NAR

BuildersUpdate

BuildersUpdate provides virtual training twice a week every week.
Register >>

BuildersUpdate is a top source of new home inventory in the nation, with the most up-to-date and accurate information about to-be-built homes and condos available! Their fast, easy to navigate, safe site consolidates everything an agent needs to know in one location available 24/7.

Access BuildersUpdate via the Paragon 5 Resources Menu.

BuildersUpdate’s patented system grants builders the exclusive visibility to agents they’ve been asking for. And homebuyers now have unprecedented support, guidance and information to make informed decisions about the purchase of their dream home.

Their Builder’s Portal has been designed with one objective and one objective only: to make it easier for construction companies to find buyers for their products. The ultimate real estate tool for REALTORS® and builders, their platform puts your home inventory in front of a large group of certified real estate agents in the marketplace. This innovative solution makes it easier for builders to make and manage transactions.

When you register with Builders Update, you get access to a dashboard that provides you with a comprehensive overview of agent activity metrics and updated information on buyer activity for all your inventory. It also allows you to upload and distribute incentives to your prospective buyers, among other things!

MLS Benefit ListTrac Now Available

You can join one of the below Broker or Agent Membership Trainings via the CCAR Calendar.

Brokers:

Wed. 6/2 from 9:30 – 10am

Agents:

Wed. 5/26 from 10 – 10:30am

Fri. 5/28 from 9:30 – 10am

Fri. 6/4 from 9:30 – 10am

ListTrac is a new tool that allows you to see how your listings are performing on the MLS, consumer site, IDX sites, and different real estate portals!

Access the ListTrac Dashboard via the Paragon 5 Resources menu.

This tool offers several benefits to brokers and agents:

Provides an understanding of the activity (or lack of activity) on your listings compared to similar listings. This information can be used to determine if you may need to discuss price changes or other updates to the property.
Gives you a better understanding of the impact of price changes or other updates to the listing by seeing how listing views change over time.
Understand how often your listings are being viewed, shared, and saved.
Easily see how many email leads you receive from online sources.
Provides reporting so you can better understand the value received from your online marketing.
Allows you to provide feedback to your clients on how their listing is performing online, including a Sellers Report that you can choose to send to the seller.

ListTrac Product Reference and FAQ >