CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

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Designing Your Dream. Creating Our Vision.

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changing the future together

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changing the
future together

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changing the
future together

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thinking outside
the box is our motto

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CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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May 2026 Edu & Events

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May 2026 Education Calendar masthead

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Date, time

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May 2026 Classes

Click on any listing below to view course summaries and link to more information + registration. 

Virtual | 1:00 – 2:00 pm | FREE | Instructor: Darren Kriz | Ready to elevate your real estate marketing with video? This session offers a clear roadmap to help you get started or level up your strategy, featuring insights from top industry creators. Learn how to turn simple videos into powerful tools that attract attention and grow your business. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | Instructor: Padi Goodspeed | FREE | This webinar helps agents nationwide stay in tune with current headlines, tackle common objections in the market, ease fears, and reiterate the value in buying real estate in every market. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to use Paragon’s Collaboration Center to automate property email alerts and strengthen client relationships. This class shows you how to set up client portals, enable real-time interaction with listings, receive instant feedback and notifications, and personalize searches—so you can stay connected, responsive, and better support your buyers and sellers from any device. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | $85* | Learn everything you need to know to pass online final exams – or your *money back! This is an optional course that provides the quickest/easiest way to renew any real estate license. Includes a review of correspondence course study material to prep for finals. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Live | 5:00 – 8:30 pm | Milbrae Rec Center | $$ | Join us for an evening of fresh crab, great company, and community at the AREAA SF-Peninsula Crab Feed. Enjoy networking in a lively atmosphere while supporting the Welcome Home Grant and other causes, including first-time homebuyer assistance, the Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department, and MHS NJROTC students. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Online | Anytime | FREE | This one-hour webinar, led by C.A.R. Assistant General Counsel Neil Kalin, provides an overview of key agreements for agents working in or considering a team environment. You’ll gain insight into essential forms—including team agreements, commission sharing, and referral contracts—while learning how to confidently review, understand, and apply them in real-world scenarios. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 pm | FREE | zipForm® is real estate’s leading transaction solution offering digital forms, MLS and eSignature integration, compliance tools, and much more. Learn how to generate your California Association of REALTORS® contracts using Lone Wolf Transactions – zipForm® Edition during this class. You will discover tips and tricks that will help you write contracts with ease. | MORE INFO + REGISTRATION >

Virtual | 11:00 am – Noon | FREE | Building a strong pipeline requires a clear plan and consistent client engagement. This class highlights RPR’s prospecting tools and strategies to help you effectively reach potential clients, communicate your value, and grow your sphere of influence for long-term success. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Boost your business by mastering modern lead generation strategies. Attendees will learn how to attract and convert leads using both paid and organic sources, leverage platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, and enhance visibility through SEO, video marketing, blogging, and AI tools like ChatGPT. With expert coaching and practical insights, this session equips agents with the tools and techniques needed to stay top of mind, manage leads effectively, and drive consistent growth. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Join Josh Tayloe of Rental Beast for an in-depth look at the current state of the California rental market and what it means for C.A.R. members working with renters, investors, and landlords. This session will break down key trends, affordability challenges, highlight emerging opportunities, and provide practical insights to help you navigate the rental landscape with confidence. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – Noon | FREE |  Connect, inspire, and share your journey and learn from the stories of others. Each session promises a unique blend of inspiration, learning, and community spirit. Stay tuned for this month’s theme and special guests – we promise it’s an event you won’t want to miss! | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 pm | FREE |  This introductory class highlights how to use RPR as a powerful agent-only tool to search properties nationwide, prepare for listings, generate CMAs, prospect neighborhoods, and easily share client-ready reports. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm | FREE | Meet  virtually with C.A.R. leadership, C.A.R. staff and brokers throughout the state to discuss the latest information impacting real estate brokerages and transactions. We have a rotating list of guest speakers providing updates on the latest issues including transactional, legal, market and legislative issues.| MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 pm | FREE |  This class will teach you how to prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) Report, using tools in Cloud CMA, provided to you as a free, CCAR-member benefit. A CMA is useful for determining a Listing Price range, fine-tuning an Offer Price, and establishing value for attorneys and property tax reductions. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 3:00 pm | Free | Meet your newest member benefit:: Realtor.com+ that brings client searches, listings, and messages into one protected, branded, and collaborative space — so you can stay in sync with your clients from click to close. Attend our official kickoff event. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Live/Virtual | 3:00 – 4:30 pm | Sac Convention Center | As housing costs rise across California, entry-level homeownership is becoming harder to achieve—especially for first-time buyers. This CCRE panel brings together industry experts to explore current challenges and viable pathways to ownership, examining how economic, financial, and regulatory factors impact affordability and highlighting practical solutions to expand access to lower-cost housing options. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 9:00 – 10:00 am – Noon | $$ | Fast-track your commercial leasing career with this practical course covering target market analysis, key listing and leasing agreements, CAM and expense structures, and RFP development. You’ll gain the skills to negotiate effectively, manage risk, and confidently represent clients, leaving with a strong foundation to succeed in commercial leasing. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 1:00 2:00 pm | FREE | Ready to leverage YouTube to grow your real estate business? This beginner-friendly webinar with social media expert Heather Haase covers how to set up and optimize your channel, create engaging content, and position yourself as a local expert to attract long-term visibility and inbound leads. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

Virtual | 9:00 10:00 am | FREE | You’ve gathered the data—now learn how to present it effectively with RPR Reports. This class shows you how to create customizable, client-ready reports that showcase your insights, using templates, real-time updates, and tailored formats to communicate value and meet your clients’ needs. | MORE INFO + REGISTER >

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Education AT Your Fingertips

Post and Present like a Pro: Video calls. Phone calls. Or no calls at all. No matter how you stay connected with your clients, these tools make it simple and fun to communicate when you’re not in-person. Visit Share University >

CONTACT

Chris Dickson
Education Coordinator
(925) 295-9210
[email protected]

weekly MARKETING MEETINGS

CCRIM Marketing Group Ad + link to site
Rossmoor Marketing Meeting ad + link to email contact
West County Marketing Group ad + link to contact email
RMA Marketing Group Ad + link to website

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

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CCAR Realtor.com FAQs

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FAQ’s

Realtor.com® and CCAR have launched a new strategic partnership, driven by a shared vision: elevating the role of the professional by equipping you with powerful, cutting-edge tools.

The first product delivered from this powerful collaboration is Realtor.com+: a collaborative home search for professionals and clients that helps them stay in sync from click to close.

What are the Benefits of Realtor.com+?

Realtor.com+ offers a best in class collaboration experience for practitioners and their clients from search-to-close. For your clients, this means accessing the Realtor.com experience they know and love (a modern platform with nationwide search) with the addition of premium features, like shared listing feeds so they can easily collaborate with you and any co-buyers.

For you, this means access to an entire suite of premium features to that elevates your role as the professional, keeping you as the hero of the transaction, including, but not limited to features such as:

  • Protected and branded environment
  • Create saved searches for you AND your clients using MLS-level search filters
  • Collaborative agent-client search with co-buyers & co-agents
  • Visibility into your clients’ search behaviors (saves, property views, sessions, likes/dislikes, etc)
  • In-App Chat with Agent Reminders
  • Touring Solution
  • Agent & Client Mobile Apps
  • Real-Time Client and Market Insights

So this is an app?

Realtor.com+ is a platform available via both desktop and mobile app (for iPhone or Android). Whatever you do on Realtor.com+ syncs across all platforms. 

For example, if you save a search while on your computer, you can get notified on your phone from the mobile app when new listings match it! This allows you to do your work wherever you are, whether you’re at your desk or waiting on a front stoop for your buyer to arrive for a showing.

How do I get the app?

You can download the app by searching for Realtor.com+ on the App or Google Play Store. Just look for the Realtor.com+ logo to be sure you’re downloading the correct app. 

Download Realtor.com+ on Apple:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/realtor-com-plus/id6749579971

Download Realtor.com+ on Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.move.realtorplus.android&utm_source=na_Med

Once you’ve downloaded the app, follow the steps on the app screen to sign into your account. 

Where do I manage my Realtor.com+ plan?

You can manage your Realtor.com+ plan inside of your Account Page, under the section called “My Subscription.” Once in the “My Subscription” section of your account, you can upgrade or downgrade your plan, manage your credit card on file, and see a full list of features available to you in each plan.

Will I have the ability to gain more benefits through Realtor.com+ if I’m a paid Realtor.com customer?

At this time, there are no paid add-ons for Realtor.com+. While we wholeheartedly believe agents significantly increase their opportunity for success by becoming a Realtor.com customer, it’s not necessary to successfully take advantage of Realtor.com+ and all the tools and insights it has available. 

How do I describe Realtor.com+ to my clients?

Shortly before or after you invite a client to Realtor.com+ we recommend giving the client a quick 1-2 minute elevator pitch to remind them of the value of joining you. To name a few of those benefits, you can call attention to: 

  • Advanced collaboration features unlocked within your existing Realtor.com experience. 
  • Cross-compatible web and mobile experience within their existing Realtor.com app.
  • In-app chat messenger to collaborate, share feedback, and stay connected with me, and if applicable, your co-buyer.
  • Request tours with me directly, and see past and upcoming showings. 
  • No ads in-app, so you can focus on what matters most – finding your dream home. 
  • And much, much more!

Below is some inspiration to help you get started: 

What MLS data will I see on Realtor.com+?

Realtor.com+ is a platform available via both desktop and mobile app (for iPhone or Android). Whatever you do on Realtor.com+ syncs across all platforms. 

For example, if you save a search while on your computer, you can get notified on your phone from the mobile app when new listings match it! This allows you to do your work wherever you are, whether you’re at your desk or waiting on a front stoop for your buyer to arrive for a showing.

How do I sign up?

More details to come soon!

Do I have to pay a subscription fee?

Realtor.com+ offers two different plans and pricing options so that you can choose which is best for you and your clients:

  • Realtor.com+ Starter – Free for Contra Costa REALTORS® members!
  • Realtor.com+ Unlimited – $39/month

What’s included in each plan?

The only difference between Realtor.com+ Starter and Realtor.com+ Unlimited is the number of active client groups that you can be connected with at any given time.

How is this different from Realtor.com?

Realtor.com+ takes you and your clients beyond a simple search with enhanced collaboration tools built to simplify the way you and your clients work together. In addition to a protected environment, you and your clients will have access to collaboration tools that include direct chat messages, behavior alerts, tour management, market insights, and more!

I received an email about Realtor.com Pro, Connections Plus what’s the difference?

The Realtor.com leads businesses (Connections Plus, MVIP) will continue to exist and will continue to offer leads to professionals who rely on them to grow and power their businesses. Realtor.com+ is a post-lead experience. It is for clients and agents who have already chosen to work together – for the serious buyers in the transaction phase of the journey.

Subject: Heads up! How we’ll search together to find your dream home.

Body:
Hi [Client Name],

As you get ready to start your home search, I want to introduce you to Realtor.com®+™ a  smart home search platform designed specifically for my valued clients to find their way home. 

Why You’ll Love Realtor.com+:

  • My Expert Guidance: Always On. You’ll connect with me in a premium search environment where you’ll be able to view my recommended homes for you, invite your co-buyer, share individual listings, see your upcoming tours, and chat with me all in one space, so you never miss a critical update.

  • Seamless Collaborative Search & Communication. Once you’re connected with me on Realtor.com+, you’ll receive real-time listing updates for our saved searches and you’ll have a direct line to me to chat and request tours instantly, so we can move quickly together.

  • Available on Web and Mobile. Realtor.com+ is available to use on your computer or on the go via the Realtor.com mobile app, so you can search and communicate with me from anywhere. 

Next Steps:

We will be using Realtor.com+ as our primary search and collaboration hub throughout your home search. Realtor.com+ is an exclusive, invite only platform so…

Please keep an eye on your inbox! 

I will be sending your invitation to join Realtor.com+ shortly. Look for an email from Realtor.com+ with the invitation link. Once you receive it, please click the link to join me right away so we can jump in and get started!

How do my clients access Realtor.com+?

Easy! Once your clients connect with you on Realtor.com+ by accepting your invitation, if they get logged out of the Realtor.com+ experience, they’ll simply sign back into their account at www.realtor.com or on the Realtor.com app.

Once they’ve signed in, their traditional Realtor.com experience will be automatically upgraded to the premium Realtor.com+ experience they receive by working with you. There is no additional app or separate website they’ll need to go to work with you! 

How do get support?

We’re always happy to help. You can get in touch with our support team at any time by selecting the Support button in your Realtor.com+ account.

You’ll also have access to your knowledge center, which provides a variety of helpful product walkthroughs and how-to guides to help you get started. You can access the knowledge center using the link, here.

How will I learn how to use Realtor.com+?

Learn how to use your Realtor.com+ account by joining an upcoming live or virtual training session. Dates and times are actively being scheduled and will be communicated broadly once established.

I received an email about Realtor.com Pro, Connections Plus what’s the difference?

Yes! You can use the co-agent feature to add another agent or team member to one of your client feeds, as long as the agent has a Realtor.com+ account. Your partner agent will be able to see the saved searches and listings on the client feed and add their own saved searches as well.

Learn more about working with your team here.

District 99 Fondnazio – Apr 26

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A MESSAGE FROM JOHN FONDNAZIO  |  CCAR PRESIDENT, DISTRICT 99 LIAISON  |  925.817-9053  |  [email protected]   ||   APRIL 2026

John Fondnazio head shotDear Friends and Colleagues,

    California’s housing affordability crisis continues to challenge            buyers with high home prices, limited inventory, and rising costs keeping ownership out  of reach for many.

Recent reports show that thousands of approved affordable units remain stalled due to funding gaps, even as demand grows. Meanwhile, home prices are expected to stay near record highs, statewide, despite slight improvements in affordability.

While no single solution exists, a growing mix of state, local, and community programs is helping close the gap.

In this issue, we highlight key resources—from C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund and Fair Housing initiatives to local down payment assistance programs—that can help your clients move closer to homeownership.

Warm Regards,

John

6 Ways to Expand Access to Homeownership

One of the largest assistance programs   in California.

Best for: First-generation, first-time buyers who lack a large down payment.

Provides up to 20% of purchase price (max ~$150K) for down payment.

Structured as a shared appreciation loan (repay + % of appreciation at sale/refi).

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: First-time buyers needing help with upfront cash.

Provides ~3-3.5% of purchase price for down payment/closing costs.

Structured as a deferred-payment second loan (no monthly payments).

Repaid only when the home is sold, refinanced, or paid off.

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: Black first-time buyers facing down payment barriers.

Provides zero-interest loans (typically ~$15K–$20K) for down payment, closing costs, or related expenses. 

No monthly payments; repayment deferred until sale or refinance.

 

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: Broader pool of low-to-moderate income buyers (not just first-timers).

Offers up to ~5-5.5% of loan amount for down payment/closing costs.

Structured as a second mortgage (often repayable over time).

Works across many loan types (FHA, VA, USDA) and conventional loans.

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: First-time buyers from underserved communities needing closing cost support.

Provides up to $10,000 in grants (no payback required) for closing costs.

Must include at least one buyer from an underserved community (people of color, persons with disabilities, or LGBTQ+).

|  LEARN MORE >

Best for: First-time buyers in Contra Costa County needing grant support.

Provides up to $10,000 in grants (no repayment required) for down payment or closing costs.

Funded by a $1 million investment from U.S. Bank, supporting ~100 families.

Targets low- to moderate-income households facing high entry costs.

|  LEARN MORE >

Find A Trusted CCAR Lender

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Cinco de Mayo Affiliate Faire – May 6

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Wednesday, May 6, 2026  |  5:00 - 7:00pm
St. Stephen Catholic Church

CCAR REALTOR® Members:

Join us for an evening of appetizers, drinks, raffles, and fun at St. Stephen Church on May 6, from 5pm – 7pm! Discover the wide range of services offered by local industry partners while supporting two amazing causes—the CCAR Scholarship Foundation and CCAR Helping Hands.

REALTOR® Tickets

CCAR AFFILIATE MEMBERS:

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!

Here’s How:
Purchase a vender table for $35 (non-affiliate members $75) by contacting Jason Catalano at 925.295.9202 or [email protected] and…

Bring:
  1. All your marketing materials
  2. One raffle prize (gift basket, gift card, wine, etc.)
  3. An appetizer to feed at least 20 people (veggie
      tray, cheese plate, hors d’oeuvres, etc.)

Contact Jason
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SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES

Fiesta Crawl Sponsor  |  $250
or a prize of equal value

Door Prize Sponsor  |  $500
or a prize of equal value

Contact Jason

Thank you to our sponsors!