Jolt Archives - CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Weekly Jolt – 040726

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | APRIL 7, 2026

Cinco de Mayo Affiliate Faire – May 6

Spice up your night on Wed, May 6th at St. Stephen Church—it’s time for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta!

CCAR REALTOR® Members: meet Affiliate Members, explore their booths, and discover new products and services that can help support your business. Enjoy festive bites, cold beer, wine, and a lively evening with fellow industry pros all while supporting two amazing causes—the CCAR Scholarship Foundation and CCAR Helping Hands.

CCAR Affiliates: The Cinco de Mayo Affiliate Faire offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business to CCAR REALTORS®. Think of it as a trade show, but more fun– and it’s all for a great cause!

FREE REALTOR® TICKETS >>

April Learning Opportunities Are In Full Bloom at CCAR

April brings a fresh chance to refocus, reconnect, and grow your business. Our latest Education & Events Newsletter is packed with classes and events designed specifically for you.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, stay current on industry changes, or connect with fellow REALTORS®, we’ve made it easy to find what you need.

Inside, you’ll find our full lineup of April offerings with direct registration links, plus access to the CCAR education dashboard—so you can quickly see what’s coming up and plan ahead.

Take time to invest in yourself this month. We’re here to support your success every step of the way.

Featured Education:

Take your lead generation to the next level with Lead Gen Blueprint: Secrets to Master Top Platforms – from the trainers behind Conquering Social Media and AI.

Join us Wed, April 22 from 10:00–11:00am on Zoom for a high-energy session designed to help REALTORS® generate more leads from both paid and organic sources across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, while sharpening your top-of-mind marketing, SEO, traffic and lead management strategies. You’ll also get practical tips on ChatGPT (AI) integration, video marketing, blogging, and more – delivered by rock star coaches in a fun, motivating format!

Register >>

Reminder: Coming Soon Listings Can Now Be Syndicated

Effective March 30, CCAR MLS began allowing Coming Soon listings to be syndicated, giving sellers more choice in how their property is marketed. Agents can now select syndication preferences during listing entry using the Internet Site field and related options, based on their client’s instructions and broker policies. Existing Coming Soon listings default to not syndicated, but can be updated at any time. MLS Rules will be updated to reflect this added flexibility.

Read Rules Change & FAQs Here >>

MLS Updates Coming Next Week: More Space,
More Features, More Control – April 15

We’re updating the MLS to give you more control when adding your listings. These improvements help create better search results and give your property details the attention they deserve.

Directions to Property: Character limit increased from 50 to 70 to allow for clearer, more complete directions.
Public Remarks: Character limit increased from 1,000 to 2,500 characters.
Listing Photos: Maximum number of photos increased from 60 to 99.
Water and Sewer Features: These will now appear as separate feature categories for more accurate data entry and search results.
New Selectable Features:
- “Taxiway Properties” added to X – Lot Description in the Residential class and H – Lot Description in the Lots & Land
- “Aircraft Hangar” added to N – Garage/Parking in the Residential class

New MLS Status: Sold Off MLS
This status is designed to improve data accuracy and provide a clearer picture of market activity. It allows subscribers to enter a property that was sold before being submitted to the MLS, ensuring it is captured for comparable and reporting purposes. Meaning, at the seller’s request, the property was never entered into the MLS prior to the sale.

CCAR’s Director of MLS Services, Joey Masters, will walk you through upcoming changes at the West County Marketing Meeting this Thursday, March 19 at the CCAR Hercules Office.

VIEW MORE UPDATES >>
VIEW APRIL 15 MLS RULES CHANGES >>
(Changes marked in red.)

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 033126

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | MARCH 31, 2026

CCAR Offices Closed: FRI., Apr. 3
in observance of Good Friday.

Apply to Run for the 2027 CCAR Board of Directors

As part of the nation’s largest trade association, CCAR has a proud legacy built by members who step up to lead, serve, and inspire. Now, it’s your opportunity to be part of that legacy.

The election for the 2027 CCAR Board of Directors begins on June 15, 2026, and we want YOU to help shape the future of our Association.

There are 6 open positions including:
  • President-Elect (1 year term)
  • Treasurer (2 year term)
  • 4 Directors-at-Large (2 year term)

Completed applications AND a signed position description acknowledging you understand the duties and requirements must be received by 5pm on Tuesday, April 14th.

Get Quick Answers to Your Questions with C.A.R.’s 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 >>

Featured Education:

Take your lead generation to the next level with Lead Gen Blueprint: Secrets to Master Top Platforms – from the trainers behind Conquering Social Media and AI.

Reminder: Coming Soon Listings Can Now Be Syndicated

Read Rules Change & FAQs Here >>

MLS Updates: More Space, More Features, More Control – April 15

We’re updating the MLS to give you more control when adding your listings. These improvements help create better search results and give your property details the attention they deserve.

Directions to Property: Character limit increased from 50 to 70 to allow for clearer, more complete directions.
Public Remarks: Character limit increased from 1,000 to 2,500 characters.
Listing Photos: Maximum number of photos increased from 60 to 99.
Water and Sewer Features: These will now appear as separate feature categories for more accurate data entry and search results.
New Selectable Features:
- “Taxiway Properties” added to X – Lot Description in the Residential class and H – Lot Description in the Lots & Land
- “Aircraft Hangar” added to N – Garage/Parking in the Residential class

CCAR’s Director of MLS Services, Joey Masters, will walk you through upcoming changes at the West County Marketing Meeting this Thursday, March 19 at the CCAR Hercules Office.

VIEW MORE UPDATES >>
VIEW APRIL 15 MLS RULES CHANGES >>
(Changes marked in red.)

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 032426

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | MARCH 24, 2026

CCAR YPN: Timeless Systems, Modern Strategies – Apr. 2

Join CCAR YPN on Thu, Apr. 2 from noon – 3:00pm at the Don Tatzin Community Hall to hear from three highly successful agents who have built strong, sustainable businesses by combining proven systems with modern tools and strategies. Each speaker brings a different approach and perspective, offering practical insights you can actually use in today’s market.

This triple threat panel features:
• Joe Kehrig, Kehrig Real Estate Team
• Lynda Dimond, The Dimond Team
• Jorge Martinez, eXp Realty.

YPN Lunch & Learn events are all about sharing what works, sparking new ideas, and helping you take your business to the next level. Come ready to learn, connect, and leave inspired. Registration is $25 and includes lunch and refreshments.

PURCHASE TICKETS >>

Read More >>

Title Fraud is Rising in CA – What to Know

Title fraud, also known as deed theft, is an increasingly serious issue in California—especially in high-value urban and suburban areas. Although still less common than other crimes, it is growing quickly, with scammers often targeting vacant land, rental properties, and homes with significant equity. Fraudsters typically forge documents to transfer ownership, then sell the property or take out loans against it, leaving homeowners unaware for months. In fact, 62% of real estate professionals reported encountering title fraud in 2025. California’s high-equity housing market makes it a prime target, but homeowners can help protect themselves by monitoring records through their County Recorder’s office or signing up for local deed alert services.

C.A.R.: THE RISE OF TITLE PIRACY >>
NAR: UNDERSTANDING TITLE FRAUD >>
DATA SECURITY BEST PRACTICES >>
REALTOR® SAFETY NETWORK >>
REALTOR® SAFETY ARTICLES >>

Read More >>

Are You and Your Clients Registered to Vote?

Residents must be registered by May 18th to vote in June.
Register to Vote >>

Women’s Council of REALTORS Upcoming Events

March 27 | 11:00am – 2:00pm | Register >>

April 1 | 10:00am | Register >>

Coming Soon Status Update – Effective March 30, 2026

Preserving your seller’s choice in how they want to market their property is a priority for CCAR MLS. Effective March 30, the Coming Soon Status can be syndicated. Based on your client’s preference, you will have control over whether Coming Soon listings are syndicated out of the MLS via the Internet Site (Yes/No) and related fields at the time of listing entry. Agents are reminded that the distribution of Coming Soon listings must be in alignment with their broker’s policies and/or their client’s instructions.
Existing Coming Soon Listings: Will default to Internet Site = No (not syndicated). To enable syndication, update the applicable fields to Yes and select the appropriate distribution options (e.g., “Yes-All Sites, Full address”).
New Coming Soon Listings: Select your syndication options at the time of entry, consistent with your broker’s policies and your client’s direction.
The MLS Rules will be updated accordingly to reflect this change. This update provides greater flexibility to align with your client’s preferences.

Read Rules Changes Here >>
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What triggers MLS rules? A signed exclusive listing agreement triggers MLS rules. Without a fully executed agreement, MLS requirements do not apply.
2. When must a listing be submitted to the MLS? Listings must be submitted to the MLS within three (3) days of the listing agreement’s effective date. If a listing is publicly marketed before being entered into the MLS, Clear Cooperation requirements are triggered, and the listing must be submitted within one (1) business day.
Read More FAQ’s Here >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 031726

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | MARCH 17, 2026

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Top News

• YPN: Timeless Systems, Modern Strategies – Apr. 2
• Spring Forward with CCAR Education
• West County Marketing Meeting This Thu.
• Code of Ethics Violators
• Climate Change & CA Housing – Mar. 19
• Conquering Social Media & AI – Mar. 20
• Rossmoor Marketing Meeting – Mar. 24
• WCR Marketing Mastery with Anthony Young – Mar. 27
• WCR Coffee & Networking – Apr. 1
• Register to Vote By May 18

MLS Updates

• Upcoming MLS Updates – April 15
• REALTOR ® Optimized Laptops For Sale

All laptops purchased from CCAR come with a 2-year warranty, data transfer, and RE setup included.
• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 – $850.36 >>
• LG Gram 17 – Ai Ready – $1,845.36 >>

REALTOR^® ACTION FUND (RAF)

The RAF supports political activities at the local, state, and national levels. It gives REALTORS^® the financial resources needed to advocate for policies which protect property rights and REALTORS^® ability to effectively conduct their business.

Contribute Today >>

+ EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS
+ CCAR CALENDAR

2027 CCAR Board of Directors Election

Watch for details next Tue, Mar. 24, and learn how to apply for nomination as a 2027 CCAR Officer or Director.

West County Marketing Meeting – This Thursday

Join us this Thu, Mar. 19, at the West County Marketing Meeting for an important MLS update you won’t want to miss. CCAR’s Director of MLS Services, Joey Masters, will walk you through upcoming changes to the MLS designed to give you more control when adding listings. These updates are all about improving how your properties are presented—helping your listings stand out and making search results more accurate and effective.
Enjoy free breakfast burritos, fresh fruit and beverages. Come learn something new, connect with your peers, share upcoming listings, and have some fun. Hope to see you there!
Affiliates: if you’d like to donate a small item for the end-of-meeting drawing (and promote your business), please contact Steve Kendall at [email protected].

Featured Education

Read More and Register >>

Read More and Register >>

Proven Systems + Modern Strategies = Real Results
YPN Lunch & Learn – Thu, Apr. 2

Join CCAR YPN on Thu, Apr. 2 from noon – 3:00pm at the Don Tatzin Community Hall to hear from three highly successful agents who have built strong, sustainable businesses by combining proven systems with modern tools and strategies. Each speaker brings a different approach and perspective, offering practical insights you can actually use in today’s market.
This triple threat panel features:
• Joe Kehrig, Kehrig Real Estate Team
• Lynda Dimond, The Dimond Team
• Jorge Martinez, eXp Realty.
YPN Lunch & Learn events are all about sharing what works, sparking new ideas, and helping you take your business to the next level. Come ready to learn, connect, and leave inspired. Registration is $25 and includes lunch and refreshments.
REGISTER NOW >>

Spring Forward with CCAR Education

Spring into March with fresh energy, new opportunities, and powerful ways to grow your business. Our latest Education & Events Newsletter is packed with classes and events designed specifically for you.

Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your skills, stay on top of industry changes, or connect with fellow REALTORS®, we’ve made it easy to find what you need.

Inside, you’ll find our full lineup of March offerings with direct registration links, plus access to the CCAR education dashboard—so you can quickly see what’s coming up and plan ahead.

Take time to invest in yourself this month. We’re here to support your success every step of the way.

Read More >>

Code of Ethics Violators

In an effort to make ethics violations and the disciplinary process more transparent, C.A.R. publishes the names of members who are found in violation of the Code of Ethics as well as summaries of the members’ unethical behavior.

Member publication is triggered only if the discipline imposed is a reprimand, fine, suspension or expulsion – anything other than a letter of warning or stand-alone education. The information will be published on the members-only section of car.org.

Past decisions of ethics hearing panels, including the decisions published on C.A.R.’s website, cannot be used as authority by complainants or respondents and cannot provide guidance for current or future hearing panels. Instead…

Read More >>

Rossmoor Marketing Meeting – Mar. 24

Join the Rossmoor Marketing Meeting on March 24 at 9:00am for a presentation by Joe Ottolini, Fire Prevention Captain with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, on defensible space.

Residents must be registered by May 18th to vote in June.
Register to Vote >>

Women’s Council of REALTORS Upcoming Events

March 27 | 11:00am – 2:00pm | Register >>

April 1 | 10:00am | Register >>

Upcoming MLS Updates – April 15

We’re updating the MLS to give you more control when adding your listings. These improvements help create better search results and give your property details the attention they deserve.
Directions to Property: Character limit increased from 50 to 70 to allow for clearer, more complete directions.
Public Remarks: Character limit increased from 1,000 to 2,500 characters.
Listing Photos: Maximum number of photos increased from 60 to 99.
Water and Sewer Features: These will now appear as separate feature categories for more accurate data entry and search results.
New Selectable Features:
“Taxiway Properties” added to X – Lot Description in the Residential class and H – Lot Description in the Lots & Land
“Aircraft Hangar” added to N – Garage/Parking in the Residential class
New MLS Status: Sold Off MLS
This status is designed to improve data accuracy and provide a clearer picture of market activity. It allows subscribers to enter a property that was sold before being submitted to the MLS, ensuring it is captured for comparable and reporting purposes. Meaning, at the seller’s request, the property was never entered into the MLS prior to the sale.

CCAR’s Director of MLS Services, Joey Masters, will walk you through upcoming changes at the West County Marketing Meeting this Thursday, March 19 at the CCAR Hercules Office.
VIEW MORE UPDATES >>
VIEW APRIL 15 MLS RULES CHANGES >>
(Changes marked in red.)

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 031026

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | MARCH 10, 2026

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Top News

• Tony Robbins Peak Performance Workshop – Tomorrow
• YPN: Timeless Systems, Modern Strategies – Apr. 2
• C.A.R. Peer-to-Peer Ethics Infoline
• Negotiation Basics – Mar. 17
• Climate Change & CA Housing – Mar. 19
• Conquering Social Media & AI – Mar. 20

MLS Updates

• Upcoming MLS Updates – April 15
• C.A.R.’s Homeownership Matters Gubernatorial
Candidate Forum Recording
• REALTOR ® Optimized Laptops For Sale

All laptops purchased from CCAR come with a 2-year warranty, data transfer, and RE setup included.
• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 – $850.36 >>
• LG Gram 17 – Ai Ready – $1,845.36 >>

REALTOR^® ACTION FUND (RAF)

The RAF supports political activities at the local, state, and national levels. It gives REALTORS^® the financial resources needed to advocate for policies which protect property rights and REALTORS^® ability to effectively conduct their business.

Contribute Today >>

+ EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS
+ CCAR CALENDAR

FEATURED EDUCATION

Register Here >>

Register Here >>

Register Here >>

FREE Tomorrow – Tony Robbins:
Discover Your Next Level Peak Performance Workshop!

Unlock your next level of success at the Tony Robbins Peak Performance Workshop, happening live on Zoom tomorrow, March 11 from 10:00–11:30 am. In this interactive session, you’ll discover a simple three-step process to create lasting change, identify what may be holding you back, and learn how to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be—both personally and professionally. Best of all, this powerful workshop is free for CCAR members.
The session will be led by Stu Massengill, one of Tony Robbins’ top National Trainers who regularly works with Fortune 500 companies, executives, managers, and sales professionals. Stu specializes in peak performance, leadership, communication, and the psychology of achievement. During the workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies to achieve extraordinary results, master key habits of effective communication, and understand how to apply the success cycle in everyday situations. You’ll also gain tools to build an unshakable mindset and define clear goals for every area of your life. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly from one of Tony Robbins’ top trainers and take your performance to the next level—register today and reserve your spot.
REGISTER NOW >>

CCAR YPN: Timeless Systems, Modern Strategies – Apr. 2

Join CCAR YPN on Thu, Apr. 2 from noon – 3:00pm at the Don Tatzin Community Hall to hear from three highly successful agents who have built strong, sustainable businesses by combining proven systems with modern tools and strategies. Each speaker brings a different approach and perspective, offering practical insights you can actually use in today’s market.

This triple threat panel features:
• Joe Kehrig, Kehrig Real Estate Team
• Lynda Dimond, The Dimond Team
• Jorge Martinez, eXp Realty.

YPN Lunch & Learn events are all about sharing what works, sparking new ideas, and helping you take your business to the next level. Come ready to learn, connect, and leave inspired. Registration is $25 and includes lunch and refreshments.

PURCHASE TICKETS >>

Read More >>

Get Quick Answers to Your Questions with C.A.R.’s 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 >>

Read More >>

Rossmoor Marketing Meeting – Mar. 24

Join the Rossmoor Marketing Meeting on March 24 at 9:00am for a presentation by Joe Ottolini, Fire Prevention Captain with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, on defensible space.

With no clear frontrunner, the California governor’s race is shaping up to be highly competitive this year. Last week, C.A.R. brought together several leading candidates for a timely conversation on the future of housing and pathways to homeownership in California.
Moderated by C.A.R. President Tamara Suminski and C.A.R. CEO Phil Hawkins, the forum featured candidates outlining their housing priorities, policy solutions, and vision for expanding homeownership opportunities for all Californians. Throughout the discussion, candidates from across the political spectrum acknowledged the severity of the state’s housing challenges and committed to making homeownership a priority if elected governor.
If you missed it live or want to see it again, you can now watch the recording of the Homeownership Matters Gubernatorial Forum 2026 at car.org/meetings/livestream. Hear directly from the candidates about policies that will shape our state’s housing market for years to come.

Watch Here >>

Upcoming MLS Updates – April 15

We’re updating the MLS to give you more control when adding your listings. These improvements help create better search results and give your property details the attention they deserve.
Directions to Property: Character limit increased from 50 to 70 to allow for clearer, more complete directions.
Public Remarks: Character limit increased from 1,000 to 2,500 characters.
Listing Photos: Maximum number of photos increased from 60 to 99.
Water and Sewer Features: These will now appear as separate feature categories for more accurate data entry and search results.
New Selectable Features:
“Taxiway Properties” added to X – Lot Description in the Residential class and H – Lot Description in the Lots & Land
“Aircraft Hangar” added to N – Garage/Parking in the Residential class
New MLS Status: Sold Off MLS
This status is designed to improve data accuracy and provide a clearer picture of market activity. It allows subscribers to enter a property that was sold before being submitted to the MLS, ensuring it is captured for comparable and reporting purposes. Meaning, at the seller’s request, the property was never entered into the MLS prior to the sale.
VIEW MORE UPDATES >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Weekly Jolt – 040726

Cinco de Mayo Affiliate Faire – May 6

April Learning Opportunities Are In Full Bloom at CCAR

Weekly Jolt – 033126

Apply to Run for the 2027 CCAR Board of Directors

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

Weekly Jolt – 032426

CCAR YPN: Timeless Systems, Modern Strategies – Apr. 2

Title Fraud is Rising in CA – What to Know

Weekly Jolt – 031726

Spring Forward with CCAR Education

Code of Ethics Violators

Weekly Jolt – 031026

CCAR YPN: Timeless Systems, Modern Strategies – Apr. 2

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

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