CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Moves You Forward.

CCAR Coronavirus Update

by

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
CCAR offices closed. Remote services still available.

In response to the statewide Shelter in Place Order, CCAR offices in Walnut Creek and Richmond are closed until further notice. We continue to provide uninterrupted membership services via remote access, with the exception of in-store purchases. We wish you the best of health during this time and will continue to serve you at the highest levels possible.

COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act of 2020

When a tenant has not paid rent for any period between March 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021, the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act of 2020 (“Rent Relief Law”) will allow most residential tenants to remain in the rental property through January of 2021 as long as the tenant makes a declaration under penalty of perjury that they are unable to pay their rent or meet other financial obligations because of circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
More >

New Co Co County Urgency Order Imposes Fines Up to $1,000

On Tuesday, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors passed an Urgency Ordinance (No. 2020-21) that establishes administrative fines for violations of public health orders pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fines can be imposed on businesses and individuals.
More >

CCAR Offices Closed Again; Remote Services Still Available

In response to the new State of California variance to the Shelter-in-Place Order, CCAR offices in Walnut Creek and Richmond will be closed until further notice, effective Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Despite office closures, we will continue to provide uninterrupted membership services, including regularly scheduled committee meetings, via remote access.

Lockbox services will be available by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:00 – 11:00am. Please contact Member Services at 925.295.1270, Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5pm to set up an appointment.

CCAR Member Services
Mon – Fri  |  8:30am – 5:00pm
925.295.1270
[email protected]

 Resources:
   •  State County Variance Info
   •  Essential Services Info
   •  C.A.R. Best Practices

Posted “Rules of Entry” in the MLS

In C.A.R.’s Best Practices Guidelines covering the Stage 2 Expansion are the “Posted Rules for Entry” requirements. One of which is that the “Posted Rules for Entry” or a link to them should be part of online public and MLS listings. This shall be made available by the listing agent, if any.

To assist you with adhering to the C.A.R. Best Practices, the CCAR MLS will allow the placement of links to unbranded “Posted Rules for Entry” within the Public Remarks section and branded “Posted Rules for Entry” within the Confidential Remarks in the MLS as an interim solution.

On May 8, the Department of the Public Health issued its “Industry Guidance: Real Estate Transactions,” which among other things, requires agents to post rules on the property – with pictograms — that must be agreed to as a condition of entry by all people viewing the property.  C.A.R. is in the process of creating a comprehensive approach that will allow any brokerage to comply with all aspects of the new Industry Guidance. 

As an interim measure, C.A.R. is making this “Interim Rules Form” available. Posting both this C.A.R. PRE pictogram and the PEAD form (found via zipForm) together at the entrance to a property, will assist agents and brokers in complying in part with the new Industry Guidance until the comprehensive approach is released.  
| C.A.R. PRE Pictogam > 

May 19 – Revised County Orders Permit Restricted Business Activity; New MLS Rules Apply >

May 8 – State COVID-19 Guidelines for Real Estate Employers/Transactions >

May 4 – SIP Order Includes Additions to Essential Real Estate Services >

Click the title to expand information.

LIMITED LOCKBOX SERVICES 
Lockboxes are available by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:00-11:00 am. Call 925.295.1270 or email [email protected] to schedule a 1:1 appointment. All appointments must be made at least one day in advance.

   
REMOTE LAPTOP SERVICES
You may schedule a 1:1 appointment by contacting CCAR Member Services at 925.295.1270 or [email protected]. Laptop sales are available by appointment only. CCAR offices are closed, please DO NOT drop off computers until further notice.

   
REMOTE MARKETING MEETINGS
Marketing Meetings are now conducted via Zoom. Please contact respective groups for more information:

CCRIM: Register via Facebook  >
RMA: Register via Facebook  >
Rossmoor: Mary Beall   >
West County: Steve Kendall  >

OPEN HOUSE TOUR INFORMATION
In accordance with the Contra Costa County Shelter in Place Order and in the best interest of members, clients and the community, CCAR, Bay East and bridgeMLSs have temporarily disabled Open House/Tour functionality. 
|  Read More  >


VIRTUAL MARKETING TOOLS
Now is a great time to leverage alternative marketing tools. Let your clients know you will continue serving them by marketing their homes using an array of available technology. You can offer them 3D interactive property scans (via Matterport, Cupix, EyeSpy360); host a virtual tour or conduct a live tour using Skype or Facebook; use virtual staging to showcase a property…

|  Facebook Messenger and Facebook Live for Open Houses  >
|  Homesnap Pro to Create Video Stories  >
|  Kleard On-Demand Open House  >
|  Immoviewer Video Tours  >
|  BombBomb Video Check-Ins  >

ONLINE EDUCATION & TRAINING
Members can attend live 1:1 remote courses or participate in webinars and podcasts throughout the duration of the Shelter in Place Order. Visit the CCAR Calendar to view/register for courses. Once registered, you will receive an email with a link to view the class from your location. To view all events on a particular day, click the “…” to expand the calendar. 

   
VIRTUAL 1:1 CORE COURSES 
Schedule live 30-60-minute 1:1 core course training sessions. Contact CCAR Education Coordinator Gail Hargis at [email protected] or 925.295.9210.
    
CCAR CORE COURSES INCLUDE:
  – Intro to Paragon 
  – Auto-Notification Using Collaboration
  – Center Intro to CMA Reports Using Cloud CMA 
  – Intro to RPR
  – Intro to zipForm Plus

| Other Webinars & Podcasts  >

| CCAR Virtual Town Hall with C.A.R.’s Gov Hutchinson April 24th Recording   >

Step-by-Step Guidance for PUA Certification  >

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Apply for Unemployment Assistance  >

The CARES Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Benefits Chart

CARES flow chart
CA State Shutdown Order Does Not Affect Brokers or Offices

On Monday, July 13 Governor Newsom issued a new shutdown order–this order does not affect the current practices of real estate brokers or their offices. Real estate remains an essential service in California and Contra Costa County.
C.A.R. Updated FAQ Reopening Brokerage Offices >

Overview of how the PUA and SBA programs may interconnect

PUA & SBA programs

How to Keep Business Moving During Uncertain Times: Top Producer Panel Share Their Stories

On June 16, 2020, C.A.R. CEO Joel Singer moderated a panel of top-producing California REALTORS® who shared how they have been able to maintain business momentum during the pandemic. If you weren’t able to tune in to C.A.R.’s live event, you can watch the recording here.

C.A.R. REAL ESTATE BEST PRACTICES STAGE 2 REOPENING PLAN

The Contra Costa County Shelter in Place Order is a mandatory legal order issued under the authority of CA law. Violation of or failure to comply with the Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. (California Health and Safety Code § 120295, et seq.)

CCAR understands that families are facing hardships during the shelter in place order, which includes the new ways for you to conduct business. With the support of CCAR Board of Directors, we have reached out to Contra Costa County Health Services in hopes of easing your ability to complete transactions while still respecting the need for protecting the health and safety of all.

Real Estate Exams and COVID-19

The Department of Real Estate (DRE) is cancelling real estate salesperson and broker license exams at the Oakland Exam Center through August 31, 2020. This action is being taken to comply with state and local public health agencies ordering residents to shelter in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Examinees affected by these cancellations will be allowed to reschedule their canceled exam dates using DRE’s eLicensing system. Exam rescheduling fees will be waived for canceled exams.

Examinees with questions or concerns regarding canceled exams can contact DRE’s Licensing program at 877.373.4542 or [email protected].

CONTACT INFO:

CCAR Member Services
925.295.1270
[email protected]

C.A.R. Coronavirus Hotline
213.351.8450
[email protected]

Contra Costa Coronavirus Hotline
844.729.8410
     

QUICK LINKS:

Essential Services Protocol

Essential Services Protocol Q & A

C.A.R. REALTOR® Best Practices

New C.A.R. Coronavirus Forms

DRE Licensing Updates

CCAR Education Calendar

REALTOR Guidelines to Comply with Essential Services Definition

by

Updated Realtor Guidelines to Comply with Essential Services Definition

Contra Costa, Bay East and Bridge Association of REALTORS® offer the following guidelines to comply with Orders issued March 31, 2020 by the Public Health Officers of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and the City of Berkeley:

IT IS NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL

Six Bay Area Counties and the City of Berkeley issued new Shelter in Place Orders on March 31, 2020, permitting limited real estate transactions. We have been working with the public health agencies of those jurisdictions to obtain clarification on the implementation of the Order. Members must continue to shelter in place during the pandemic except when performing what the Order describes as “essential services.” When completing a real estate transaction, we offer the following guidelines:

Face Mask Guidelines for Essential Service Workers
 Effective April 22nd, Contra Costa County requires that all “essential services” workers, including residential real estate practitioners, wear face masks when engaged in any aspect of service to the public. Limited exceptions apply to children and when persons are alone or with members of their household. The following are guidelines for MLS users:

–   Always carry a face covering with you, even when alone or driving to perform a real estate service.

–   If meeting clients or other service providers at a property, bring, if available, clean and unused face coverings for yourself and others in the event they have not brought their own.

–  Insist that other service providers and clients follow your example and wear a face covering at all times when viewing a property or meeting to address a matter pertaining to your transaction.

–   Always drive in separate vehicles

–   Carry disinfectant or similar cleaning products to spray masks before and after use

–   Download the County Order for detailed specifications  >

Agents and Home Buyers – How to remain in compliance while visiting a vacant home:

–   Maintain social distancing

–   Face masks must be worn; follow instructions above 

–   Advise buyers not to touch anything

–   Agent should sanitize a lockbox before and after use

–   Only the agent should open doors, closets, cabinets, turn on/off lights, etc.

–   No one with any symptoms/has been diagnosed with a communicable disease should view a property

–   Agents should only close a property after a thoroughly sanitizing all surfaces that have been touched

Authorized Service Providers – Compliance Guidelines

–   Occupants must be absent from premises as specified in previous guidelines

–   No one should enter the property who has any symptoms/been diagnosed with a communicable disease

–   Agent should open lockbox, doors, etc.

–   Maintain social distancing

–   Service provider should wear masks and gloves when entering a home

–   Service provider should bring sanitizing products and sanitize surfaces after inspecting each component

GO VIRTUAL!

Whenever possible, all aspects of a transaction should be completed through virtual interaction. In-person contact is strongly discouraged.

Few exceptions:

If a virtual encounter is not feasible, entrance into a property may be made only under the following conditions: (1) ONLY if the property is vacant; (2) by appointment only; (3) with no more than TWO visitors from the same household escorted  by the agent.

Home inspectors, termite inspectors, sewer inspectors, appraisers, photographers and movers may access a home whether or not the home is occupied, provided they comply with Appendix A of the County Order. They must be: (1) escorted into the home by the agent; (2) Buyers are not allowed to be present; (3) Occupants must leave the property no less than 30 minutes prior to visit and return no less than 30 minutes following essential service provider visit.

What is the official definition of “Vacant”?

According to Contra Costa and Alameda Counties and the City of Berkeley, vacant means that no one is using the property as a residence or place of abode. In other words, the property is not occupied or used as a place to live and there is no intent to use it prior to the close of the transaction.

A property is NOT vacant if: (1) the occupant(s) are gone on a trip and intend to return; or (2) it is vacant just because the occupant(s) leave the property during the viewing allowed by the Orders.

Who CANNOT access a property?

County Orders do not allow for any cosmetic services such as staging or landscaping, used to beautify and not maintain a residence. Painters not engaged in structural repair or similar services are not allowed/subject to the essential service provider exception. Upkeep of landscaping, for example, is not considered essential.

Access to properties is restricted to contractors and service personnel who provide services necessary to maintaining habitability, sanitation and operation of the residence, or address safety of residents, employees or the public (such as fire safety or tree trimming to prevent dangerous conditions (e.g., plumbers, electricians, exterminators).

Residential real estate service providers

The exception for service providers enabling residential transactions only applies to residential transactions, not commercial or industrial. Service providers in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties and the City of Berkeley include real estate agents, escrow agents, notaries, title companies, home inspectors, appraisers, photographers and movers.

Stay safe. Work safe.

When providing essential services to the public always take the safest course, including working remotely and practicing all guidelines outlined by the CDC and County health departments. If personal contact is essential, practice social distancing.

Never… 

NEVER arrange an in-person meeting, visit or other contact when any of the participants have any symptoms or knowledge of possessing a communicable disease.

Always… 

ALWAYS refrain from touching surfaces touched by others except when absolutely necessary and then use CDC approved methods for sanitizing surfaces. ALWAYS wash hands and follow CDC advice for safety.

Consult with your Broker

Before conducting any business transactions, agents must first consult with their brokers and adhere to specific rules and guidelines established by their respective corporations/firms and the requirements set out in County/City orders. Members should seek individual counsel for legal and insurance matters.

All essential service providers must comply with Appendix A.

Resources:

 

·       CDC COVID-19 Guidelines

·       CoCo County Order HO-COVID19-03  >

·       Essential Services Compliance Guide >

·       Contra Costa Appendix A – Social Distancing Protocol Form  >

·       Alameda County Order No. 20-4  >

·       Berkeley Shelter in Place Order >

·       C.A.R. Realtor Best Practices  >

·       New applicable zipForms® >

 

·       CCAR Coronavirus Home  >

Check for updates

CCAR and other local Associations are working with government and health agencies to keep you informed and provide updates on orders and their interpretations. Important note:  Government agencies may be slow to publish new and/or changing rules. Continue to check for ongoing updates.

CCAR is working constantly with county officials and health authorities to clarify details and essential business protocols to educate members about the  requirements necessary to navigate safe business practices as dictated by respective authorities.

COVID-19 orders, directives and interpretations are subject to change at any time. We strive to provide current and accurate information we receive from third-party sources but cannot guarantee the accuracy and current status of any information provided. We strongly recommend viewing official government agency websites to obtain confirmation and the most current information.

Social Distancing Protocol for Essential Services

by

URGENT! DEADLINE THU, APR 2 by 11:59 pm– Real Estate Firms Must Prepare/Post Social Distancing Protocol to Qualify as Essential Services

Brokers and Office Managers must follow the instructions below by 11:59 PM THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020:

1.  Print, complete the Appendix A: Social Distancing Protocol 

2.  Print County Order HO Covid19-03

3.  Post completed form and County Order at all business facilities where they can be easily viewed by the public and employees: (1) at the entrance (i.e., front door/window) and (2) in staff rooms or wherever employers display employment and wage information.

4.  Send an email to each employee and agent and attach County Order HO Covid19-03; retain a copy of each email on file to present to enforcing agencies.

5.  Every week confirm to employees and agents that this Covid-19 “essential services” social distancing protocol remains in effect and is enforceable; maintain weekly record of confirmation that this has been executed.

CCAR continues to work with county officials on your behalf to further refine and define the standards of practice for residential real estate firms. We will provide updates as they become available.

Residential Real Estate Classified as Essential Service

by

Real Estate classifed as an “essential service” by Bay Area counties; expanded social distancing orders apply

In response to increased cases of coronavirus in the Bay Area over the past two weeks, local counties* issued a joint press release today which includes updates to existing Bay-Area-wide COVID-19 stay-at-home mandates for all residents and a revised list of “Essential Services” which now includes residential real estate. Acceptable business practices for essential service providers, along with expanded health and safety restrictions have been instituted. All REALTORS®, Affiliates and their clients must comply (see County Health Services FAQ). CCAR leadership and staff continue to work with County officials to further refine and define these orders to better meet the unique needs of members and their clients. Ongoing updates will be provided.  

 

In addition to naming real estate as an “essential service” this joint order extends the stay-in-place expiry date from April 7 until May 3, 2020, to further protect public health and preserve critical hospital capacity across the region. This new order, effective tonight, March 31st at 11:59 pm, supersedes the previous Contra Costa County order and serves as a supplement to Governor Newsom’s indefinite statewide stay-at-home order.

 

READ CONTRA COSTA COUNTY ORDER   |  READ ALAMEDA COUNTY ORDER

 

Important Guidelines for REALTORS®

While real estate has been classified as an “essential service” both locally and nationally,” it does not authorize a business-as-usual atmosphere. REALTORS® must follow strict industry-specific guidelines. Failure to comply is a misdemeanor punishable by fine or imprisonment and may result in discipline from State and other organizations.

 

Among the comprehensive list of guidelines set forth in the new multi-county order, the following orders pertain specifically to essential service providers—CCAR members, including real estate agents, escrow agents, notaries, and title companies (updates will be provided on an ongoing basis):

–      Residential viewings may only occur virtually, or if virtual viewing is not feasible and the residence is unoccupied, by appointment with no more than two visitors from the same household and one person showing the unit. 

 

Guidelines for Clients & Customers

–       Individuals may move residences only if it’s not possible to wait until after the Order expires. In other words, you can move if the move is already planned or if it’s necessary to maintain shelter, to stay safe, or to stay in a livable residence.

–       Moving services that facilitate residential or commercial moves allowed by the order require mandatory social distancing for everyone, including essential workers.

–       Arborists, landscapers, gardeners, and similar service professionals are essential businesses, but only to provide services necessary to maintain the habitability, sanitation, operation of the business or residence or for the safety of the residences, employees or the public.  This means they can provide services for fire prevention, like weed abatement, but they cannot provide services that are cosmetic or that constitute general upkeep.   

 

* Contra Costa, Alameda, Berkeley, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara

 

April Marks 50th Anniversary of Fair Housing Act

by

There’s Still More Work to be Done

Despite 50 years of hard work, housing discrimination is still a disheartening reality in the United States. In 2017 HUD (Department of Housing & Urban Development) issued charges in 19 cases for unfair housing practices. More than half of those cases involved discrimination on the basis of race and national origin; additional charges focused on discrimination against people with disabilities and those who were denied housing due to familial status. Plaintiffs included banks and other lending institutions, as well as insurance providers and apartment management companies.

In a continued effort to eradicate housing discrimination in the U.S. NAR and local associations around the country are rallying to commemorate the 5oth Anniversary of the 1968 Fair Housing Act.

“Not only is Fair Housing integral to the ethical commitment of our members, as outlined in the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, it is critical to our ability to serve our customers, clients and the community,” said NAR President Elizabeth Mendenhall. “We look forward to continuing our work with HUD to advocate for inclusive sustainable communities free from discrimination.”  | MORE |

Join NAR’s commemoration of the Fair Housing Act. Watch this video to learn about the law, how it makes our industry and country stronger, and the work still  yet to be done. | VIEW |