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Broker.1.2 – Jun 2026

AI Update: The Future of Real Estate is Still Human

For many brokers and real estate professionals, keeping up with AI has started to feel like a full-time job. Every week seems to bring more rapid change and pressure to move faster and automate every part of the business.

It’s understandable that many feel overwhelmed, but there’s also good news hidden beneath all the noise: Brokers do not need to adopt every new AI tool to stay relevant.

Real estate has always been built on relationships, professional insight, experience, and trust. Technology can support those things, but it cannot replace them. While AI might help organize information faster and simplify repetitive tasks, it cannot replicate local expertise, negotiation instincts, empathy, or long-term client relationships.

To succeed in this fast-paced market does not require you to chase every new trend. Focus on adapting thoughtfully and use technology in ways that strengthen, not replace the human experience.

Read on for more AI insights…

News & Views

Avoid Formulaic AI-Generated Content. Focus On Authenticity

Consumers are tech-saavy and ignore generic AI-generated marketing content. It’s no secret. Real estate pros are using AI to automate everything they can to simplify repetitive and creative tasks. Problem is, everyone can now easily identify AI-generated content, and will ignore marketing that sounds mechanical and inauthentic. Recent Inman news reports help decipher what works and doesn’t work when agents use AI to communicate with the public. | LEARN WHAT TO AVOID WHEN USING AI IN YOUR BUSINESS >

CA Dept of Insurance Webinar Jun 17

Free webinar series designed to help consumers better understand important insurance topics. Invite your clients and colleagues to join an upcoming statewide webinar hosted by the California Department of Insurance. Featured guest panelists will review the current residential insurance landscape and give expert advice and counsel to all those seeking ways to better understand and access available insurance services–often the deal-breaker, or deal-maker in a transaction. | REGISTER NOW >

CCAR Brokers Want Legal, AI, Marketing, and Tech Support

CCAR’s Spring Broker Survey provided valuable insight into the challenges and priorities brokers are facing in today’s market. Check out the key findings that CCAR will use to help shape future programs, education, communication, and member services. | VIEW SURVEY RESULTS >

APRIL 2026 | MONTHLY MARKET rECAP

Contra Costa County’s April market showed stronger spring activity with rising inventory, increasing sales volume, faster-moving homes, and upward pressure on both list and sold prices. While annual appreciation remains modest to slightly negative in some metrics, current month-over-month trends suggest improving market momentum and continued competitive conditions for buyers.

Inventory up: ( ↑ 18.7% MoM )
Sales up: ( ↑ 4.6% MoM )
Speed of sales improving: ( ↑ 7.1% MoM )

Median sold price: $818,000 ( ↑ 2.38% MoM )
Median list price: $799,000 ( ↑ 2.44% MoM )
Pricing trends = Renewed spring momentum

| VIEW / DOWNLOAD APRIL 2026 MARKET REPORT >

QUICK LINKS

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

MLS Home – Chris Draft

CCAR MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

Your portal to thousands of California listings.

CCAR MLS PRODUCTS & SERVICES

CCAR SUPPORT: MON – FRI 9:00am – 5:00pm | PHONE: 925-295-1270 | EMAIL: [email protected]

C.A.R. Legal Hotline

Mon. – Fri.: 9am – 6pm | Sat.: 10am – 2pm

AGENTS: 213.739.8282
BROKERS: 213.739.8350
FAX: 213.480.7724

+ PAY MLS & KEY FEES

+ WEEKLY JOLT

+ EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS

+ CCAR EXPANDED KEY ACCESS

+ CLEAR COOPERATION FORM

+ City Sign Ordinance Violation
Reporting Form

+ CCAR CALENDAR

RESOURCES

> CLIENT EMAIL NOTIFICATION OPT-IN

> PARAGON HELP | VIDEOS

> CLEAR COOPERATION REPORTING FORM

> CCAR BYLAWS

> CRS TAX

> DIGITAL DOCUMENTS

> DISCLAIMER & DISCLOSURE ADVISORIES

> DUES PAYMENTS

> eKEY SUPPORT & INFO

> GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

> MARKETING MEETINGS

> MARKETING TOOLS

> MLS RESOURCES & INFO

> MLS RULES & REGS

> MOBILE APPLICATIONS

> SYNDICATION TOOLS

> TRANSACTIONAL TOOLS

interactive dashboards

Gain valuable insights on California’s housing market through interactive dashboards. Select your metrics and see where the data takes you.

Tax Portability Calculator
Housing Market Overview
Purchasing Power Calculator
Affordable Inventory
Buyer’s Guide
Seller’s Guide
Inventory Report
County Market Updates
City YTD Growth
Market Stats by County
Home Price Fundamentals
Housing Supply Listings
Luxury Market

RentSpree Now Includes Automatic Income Verification!

Tired of chasing pay stubs, W-2s, and bank statements? RentSpree’s new income verification report provides a rundown of an applicant’s bank deposits, helping you make sure their reported income matches what they put in the bank.

As a CCAR member, income verification will automatically be included in your RentSpree screening package starting Tuesday, March 18th at no extra cost to you. Applicants pay $49.99 for the complete package.
LEARN MORE >>

Realtor.com+: A Smarter Way to Work with Clients

CCAR is excited to introduce Realtor.com+, a FREE member benefit with the Starter plan. Built with Realtor.com®, this new platform gives members a better way to work with clients by bringing search, communication, and collaboration into one place.

What makes it different?
• Built for agent-client collaboration, not just browsing
• Keeps you at the center—no competing leads
• Powered by MLS data and advanced search
• Shows real-time client activity and preferences

With Realtor.com+, you can collaborate in real time, message clients, manage tours, and stay fully aligned throughout the transaction.

LEARN MORE >>

Security Alert: Fake Zoom Links Used in Phishing Scam Targeting Agents

CCAR Member Services is receiving reports of a phishing scam targeting agents. Scammers pose as interested buyers, then send fake Zoom links that can give criminals access to a computer if clicked.

Microsoft recently warned that similar campaigns have used spoofed Zoom and other workplace app downloads to install remote access malware. Use caution with unexpected links or download prompts, and verify suspicious requests before clicking.

Follow the link for more details about the scam from Microsoft.
Read More >>

MLS UPDATES

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 >>

RealReports: The “Carfax” for Homes

We’re excited to announce a powerful new member benefit: RealReports is coming to the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®!

RealReports is an AI-driven platform that delivers instant, in-depth property reports by pulling data from over 60 trusted sources. Think permits, climate risk, zoning, liens, valuations, and more—all consolidated in one clean, comprehensive report.

At the core is Aiden, your built-in AI property advisor. Aiden can read and interpret documents like inspection reports and seller disclosures, answer detailed questions about any property, and offer real-time, actionable insights. It’s like having a research assistant for every listing!

Learn More >>

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

MLS Home – Susan Draft

CCAR MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

Your portal to thousands of California listings.

CCAR MLS PRODUCTS & SERVICES

CCAR SUPPORT: MON – FRI 9:00am – 5:00pm | PHONE: 925-295-1270 | EMAIL: [email protected]

C.A.R. Legal Hotline

Mon. – Fri.: 9am – 6pm | Sat.: 10am – 2pm

AGENTS: 213.739.8282
BROKERS: 213.739.8350
FAX: 213.480.7724

+ PAY MLS & KEY FEES

+ WEEKLY JOLT

+ EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS

+ CCAR EXPANDED KEY ACCESS

+ CLEAR COOPERATION FORM

+ City Sign Ordinance Violation
Reporting Form

+ CCAR CALENDAR

RESOURCES

> CLIENT EMAIL NOTIFICATION OPT-IN

> PARAGON HELP | VIDEOS

> CLEAR COOPERATION REPORTING FORM

> CCAR BYLAWS

> CRS TAX

> DIGITAL DOCUMENTS

> DISCLAIMER & DISCLOSURE ADVISORIES

> DUES PAYMENTS

> eKEY SUPPORT & INFO

> GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

> MARKETING MEETINGS

> MARKETING TOOLS

> MLS RESOURCES & INFO

> MLS RULES & REGS

> MOBILE APPLICATIONS

> SYNDICATION TOOLS

> TRANSACTIONAL TOOLS

interactive dashboards

Gain valuable insights on California’s housing market through interactive dashboards. Select your metrics and see where the data takes you.

RentSpree Now Includes Automatic Income Verification!

Realtor.com+: A Smarter Way to Work with Clients

With Realtor.com+, you can collaborate in real time, message clients, manage tours, and stay fully aligned throughout the transaction.

LEARN MORE >>

Security Alert: Fake Zoom Links Used in Phishing Scam Targeting Agents

CCAR Member Services is receiving reports of a phishing scam targeting agents. Scammers pose as interested buyers, then send fake Zoom links that can give criminals access to a computer if clicked.

Follow the link for more details about the scam from Microsoft.
Read More >>

MLS UPDATES

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

View More Updates >>

RealReports: The “Carfax” for Homes

We’re excited to announce a powerful new member benefit: RealReports is coming to the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®!

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Join Us for the 2027 CCAR Board Meet the Candidates Forum

ELECTION HEADQUARTERS

FOR THE 2027 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICIAL NOTICES

June 8, 2026

Watch the live recording of CCAR’s Meet the Candidates Forum, held on Wednesday, June 3.

Thank you to everyone who joined us live!

April 29, 2026

We’re excited to invite all voting-eligible CCAR members to our upcoming Meet the Candidates Forum on Wednesday, June 3, from 1:00 to 2:15pm, live on Zoom.

This virtual event is your opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running for the 2027 CCAR Board of Directors, ask questions, and learn more about their goals for the organization.

We look forward to a great conversation and hope to see you there!

Other in-person opportunities to hear from the candidates include:

May 7: West County Marketing Meeting
May 12: Rossmoor Marketing Meeting
May 21: RMA Marketing Meeting
May 26: CCRIM Marketing Meeting

April 28, 2026

In accordance with Article XI of the Corporation Bylaws, this will serve as notice that the election for the 2027 Board of Directors shall be held beginning on June 15, 2026 at 9:00am and ending June 22, 2026 at 9:00am.

This year, members will vote to fill the following positions and consider the proposed amendment to Article X, Section 7(a):

One President-Elect
One Treasurer
Four Directors-At-Large

In order for this election to be valid, at least 521 votes must be cast by the close of the election cycle at 9:00am on June 22, 2026. This represents the required quorum of 15% of total CCAR REALTOR® Membership, based on the membership record date of May 15, 2026.

PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENT

ARTICLE X – OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Section 7. Election of Officers and Directors

(a) Nomination by the Election Committee. Annually the President shall appoint an Election Committee consisting of at least nine (9) REALTOR® members, and, whenever possible, include ~~including~~ one from each of the districts; and the Past President, who shall serve as Chairman of the Election Committee. The annual election of Officers and Directors shall be conducted by the Election Committee in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors.

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

The following statements are published as submitted and have not been edited by the Association.
Each candidate statement is limited to 200 words.

PRESIDENT-ELECT

(1 Open Position)

LESLIE MANZONE

Thank you for your consideration. I would be honored to serve as President-Elect in 2027 and contribute to the continued growth of our Association, particularly by expanding membership and mentoring directors to become strong, effective leaders within both our organization and the broader real estate industry.

With over 33 years of volunteer service, I bring extensive experience at the local, state, and national levels, including my role as Past President of WCCAR and years of service with CCAR, CAR, and NAR. Throughout my career, I have served in nearly every capacity at the local association level, participated in numerous task forces, housing initiatives, and advocacy efforts, and remained deeply committed to advancing our profession.

I am a dedicated political advocate and have consistently supported RAF, RPAC, HAF, and other organizations that strengthen our communities, support our members, and protect consumers. I am especially passionate about preserving private property rights and ensuring access to homeownership. I am proud to be an RPAC Major Donor and Hall of Fame member.

Due to space limitations, I have included a summary of my service across CCAR, CAR, and NAR: here.

It would be a privilege to continue giving back to this industry.

Leslie Manzone

TREASURER

(1 Open Position)

MICHELE MANZONE

I am seeking the position of Treasurer for the Contra Costa Association of Realtors. Over the past two years, I have been actively involved as a subject matter expert on budget and finance, contributing to the financial oversight and strategic direction of the association.

My leadership experience includes serving as a two-time Past President, as well as Treasurer for two terms. These roles have given me a deep understanding of our organization’s financial responsibilities and the importance of sound fiscal management.

I believe our association is at a critical moment, and I am ready to step up once again to serve the best interests of our membership. My goal is to help guide the association forward with transparency, accountability, and a strong financial foundation—both at the local and state levels.

Currently, I serve as a California Realtors Director, Vice Chair of the IMPAC Trustees, and I am honored to represent our industry nationally as a member of the NAR Federal Taxation Committee. I am also a proud Major Donor to the REALTOR® Political Action Fund, having exceeded the $25,000 commitment.

As a full-time Realtor, I am deeply committed to our profession and passionate about giving back to the industry.

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

(4 Open Positions)

JUDY MYERS

Advocacy at the local, state and national level has fired my passion for participation at all levels since I joined my first committee in 1976. I grew up in rental housing until my family purchased a home in Concord in 1971. When I started a career in real estate in 1973, I began to learn about the intricacies of the opportunity I wanted to share with anyone who wanted to enter the path of homeownership. The obstacles have charged with more regulation, disclosure, litigation and much more paperwork. And homeownership has become much less affordable. Individually we can do little but working through our associations we have a strong voice for our industry and our clients. In my previous years of service to CCAR as a committee member, chair, Director, Vice President, President-Elect, President and most recently as Treasurer my focus has been on member value and accountability. With your help I can continue that role and work with new Directors to provide the continuity required to keep our local organization strong and member focused.

Please vote in the upcoming election and please include me as one of your choices for Director-at-Large.

MATT RUBENSTEIN

Since becoming licensed in 2010, I’ve been engaged in our local real estate community – participating in CCRIM and RMA and regularly attending industry events to stay current and connected. I served as Director on the CCAR Board of Directors in 2023, 2024 and 2025, have been an active member of the MLS & Technology Committee continuously since 2017, and have served on the Local Government Relations Committee since 2024.

I’m passionate about harnessing new and emerging technologies and unlocking the full potential of our MLS data to deliver measurable value for members and clients. My experience as a high-producing, community-focused agent over the past 15+ years has allowed me to build hundreds of strong, positive relationships across our local markets – relationships I will leverage to foster collaboration, innovation, and practical solutions.

I am asking for your support to serve again as Director at Large. If elected, I will continue to dedicate my time, experience and energy to advancing smart technology adoption, strengthening MLS utility, and advocating effectively with local government on issues important to our members. I’m committed to giving back to the industry that has given me so much and to helping our association and members thrive.

CHERRY WADE

I am honored to be seeking a second term as a CCAR Director-at-Large. Serving our association has been incredibly meaningful, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue giving back to a community that has supported my growth.

My decision to run again stems from a genuine desire to stay engaged and to strengthen the connection between our members and our leadership. I believe strong organizations are built on collaboration, thoughtful communication, and a shared commitment to one another.

Through my involvement with CCAR, especially with the Young Professionals Network (YPN), I have worked to encourage participation, support emerging leaders, and help create a more connected and collaborative community.

I lead with intention, communicate thoughtfully, and approach challenges with a collaborative mindset. I believe in elevating others, building meaningful relationships, and contributing in ways that create a positive and lasting impact.

It would be an honor to continue serving and building on this momentum in support of our members and our profession.

GILDA WHITEHEAD

It has been a true privilege to serve on the YPN Committee over the past four years. I joined with the goal of giving back to the real estate community that has given so much to me and I found exactly that. This experience has allowed me to build meaningful relationships and deepen my commitment to serving our community.

A highlight of my involvement has been our partnership with Moving Forward, supporting under served youth in West Contra Costa County. Attending scholarship and backpack distributions has been both humbling and inspiring. Seeing students pursue higher education—and their desire to give back continues to motivate my own service. I have also grown professionally, first as a mentee, and now as a CAR Director for the past two years. These roles have expanded my knowledge and strengthened the value I bring to my colleagues and clients.

I believe real estate is a calling rooted in service, integrity, and education. It would be an honor to continue serving as a CCAR Board member.

District 5 Reyes – Apr 26

A MESSAGE FROM VICTOR REYES | CCAR DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 5 LIAISON | 510. 260.4384 | [email protected] | APRIL 2026

Dear Friends & 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,

Victor