CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Moves You Forward.

MLS Updates

by

MLS Updates Masthead

CRMLS Listings Temporarily Removed from IDX

CRMLS logo

The change applies only to the IDX data feed and public website displays. It does not affect access to listing data or photos, including sold listings, within the Paragon MLS system.

Feb. 23, 2026 — California Regional MLS (CRMLS), which maintains a data share agreement with CCAR MLS/NorCal MLS, has adopted a rule requiring that only the primary photo be displayed for sold listings in the IDX data feed. The rule takes effect March 2nd, and applies to all IDX displays that include CRMLS data.

Because we are not currently able to suppress only non-primary photos for sold listings within the CRMLS portion of the IDX feed while continuing to provide the remaining listing data, CRMLS listings will be temporarily removed from the IDX data feed effective March 2, 2026, until further notice.

The change applies only to the IDX data feed and public website displays. It does not affect access to listing data or photos, including sold listings, within the Paragon MLS system.

The action is being taken to ensure compliance with CRMLS rules and the data share agreement. Technical solutions are under review, and updates will be provided as they become available.

If you have any questions, please contact the IDX team at [email protected].

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link

District 99 Fondnazio – Mar 26

by

John Fondnazio masthead

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Our commitment to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics is what sets our profession apart. Most ethics violations don’t begin with bad intent. They often start with small decisions — a delayed MLS update, an incomplete disclosure, or a quick text sent in frustration.

This newsletter shares a few real examples and a reminder of the time, cost, and disruption an ethics complaint can create. It also highlights the important work of our Professional Standards volunteers, who ensure every case is handled fairly and confidentially.

My hope is that these reminders help all of us stay focused on the fundamentals that protect our reputation and the reputation of our profession.

Thank you for the professionalism you bring to our industry every day.

Warm Regards,

John

Many Ethics Violations Start Out Small:

Beware: A seemingly minor oversight could lead to a complaint and a fine faster than you think.

Could this happen to you? >

Real Ethics Cases. Real Fines. Preventable Mistakes.

These aren’t horror stories. They’re real cases from REALTORS® who probably thought, “It’s not a big deal.”    …But it was.

Quick Ethics Check: 

  • Is the MLS status accurate?
  • Have I disclosed everything material?
  • Is the advertising truthful?
  • Would this text/email hold up in a hearing?
  • Is the agreement signed?

Recent Ethics Violations Cost Members Thousands $$

Recent disciplinary actions published by C.A.R. reveal consistent patterns in ethics violations. Most involve Articles 1, 2, and 12 and stem from:

  • Incomplete disclosure
  • Careless communication
  • Inaccurate MLS information
  • Weak supervision of new agents

In many cases, the issue wasn’t malicious intent—it was misunderstanding how the Code of Ethics applies in everyday situations. The most serious fines—up to $7,000—were associated with concealment of property defects and improper handling of client funds.

The Hidden Costs of An Ethics Complaint

CA REALTORS® ETHICS VIOLATIONS

(C.A.R. login required to access page.)

The cost of an ethics case is rarely just a fine. It can involve a lot of time, money, and your reputation.

Most REALTORS® know the Code of Ethics exists. What many don’t realize is the real cost of an ethics complaint — even before a decision is made.

From the moment a complaint is filed to the time a hearing concludes and the case is ratified and closed, the process typically takes four to five months.

That’s four to five months spent gathering documentation, reviewing evidence, preparing responses, coordinating with brokers, and attending hearings.

Even when a REALTOR® believes they did nothing wrong, the time, stress, and business disruption can be significant.

And if a violation is ultimately found, the consequences may include fines of up to $15,000, suspension or termination of membership, and publication of a member’s name, photo, and case details on C.A.R.’s website.

In other words, the cost of an ethics case is rarely just a fine. It can involve time, money, and reputation.

The Professional Standards process exists for a reason. The goal is education and professionalism — not punishment. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics helps ensure honest dealings, transparency in advertising and MLS information, and fairness to clients, the public, and other REALTORS®.

Behind the scenes, the system relies on trained Professional Standards and Grievance volunteers who devote hours reviewing cases, serving on hearing panels, and ensuring the process is fair and unbiased.

All Professional Standards matters are strictly confidential, and volunteers sign agreements to uphold confidentiality and impartiality for every case they review.

Simply put, the system would not work without them.

The best way to avoid the time, expense, and stress of an ethics complaint is simple: Follow the fundamentals of the Code of Ethics. When in doubt, ask yourself one simple question:

Would I be comfortable explaining this decision in an ethics hearing?

If the answer is not a confident “Yes,” it’s worth taking another look.

Transparency, Accuracy, Professionalism are Non-Negotiable

Recent ethics violation cases provide valuable reminders for every member. While each situation is unique, the lessons are consistent: transparency, accuracy, and professionalism are non-negotiable.

Ombudsman Hotline Ad + Link to landing page info

NAR CODE OF ETHICS >

MLS RULES & REGULATIONS >

CODE OF ETHICS DEMYSTIFIED >

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT >

CITY SIGN ORDINANCES >

SIGN ORDINANCE VIOLATION FORM >

Partners In Compliance

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link

New Law AB 723 – Disclosure Required for Digitally Altered Property Images & FAQ

by

Effective January 1, 2026, California Assembly Bill 723 requires real estate professionals to clearly disclose when images used in advertising or listings have been digitally altered and to provide access to the original, unaltered images when those altered images are made public.

Two new sections will be added to the CCAR MLS Rules and Regulations Effective Jan. 1. 2026

  • 11.5.1 Definition of Digitally Altered Images – Defines digitally altered images as provided under California law.
  • 11.5.2 Digitally Altered Images – Explains how digitally altered images must be treated when inputted in the MLS.

How Does this Affect Photograph Requirements in the MLS?
To support compliance with California’s new law regarding digitally altered property images (AB 723), CCAR will be implementing a standardized approach within the MLS.

Going forward, when a digitally altered image is used in a listing:

  • The digitally altered image must be displayed first,
  • The original, unaltered image must immediately follow, and
  • The altered image must include a photo label clearly disclosing that the image has been digitally altered.

To add a photo label within the MLS, please follow the instructions below:

  • Go to ‘Maintain Listing’;
  • Go to the ‘Add/Edit Pictures’ module;
  • Add listing photos and select ‘Add Label’ for the digitally altered images;
  • Type into the ‘Label’ field that the photo is digitally altered (i.e. “altered,” “digitally altered,” “AI altered,” or some accurate substantially similar term).

This approach allows the MLS to clearly present both versions of the image while maintaining transparency for consumers and consistency for Participants and Subscribers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is a digitally altered image?
A: As a threshold matter, it is important to understand what is considered a digitally altered image under the new law. AB 723 defines “digitally altered image” as:

  • an image, created by or at the direction of the real estate broker or salesperson, or person acting on their behalf
  • that has been altered through the use of photo editing software or artificial intelligence
  • to add, remove, or change elements in the image, including, but not limited to, fixtures, furniture, appliances, flooring, walls, paint color, hardscape, landscape, façade, floor plans, and elements outside of, or visible from, the property, including, but not limited to, streetlights, utility poles, views through windows, and neighboring properties.

While AB 723’s definition of “digitally altered image” seems to mostly target items that are part of the property (e.g., fixtures) or features of the property (e.g., views through windows), real estate licensees should take note that the definition also includes furniture. This means that if a real estate licensee uses virtual staging to add, remove, or change furniture in the property, they will need to disclose that the images have been digitally altered.

Q: How do I disclose digitally altered images in the MLS?
A:

  • Go to ‘Maintain Listing’;
  • Go to the ‘Add/Edit Pictures’ module;
  • Add listing photos and select ‘Add Label’ for the digitally altered images;
  • Type into the ‘Label’ field that the photo is digitally altered (i.e. “altered,” “digitally altered,” “AI altered,” or some accurate substantially similar term).

Q: Do I need to upload both edited and unedited versions of a photo?
A: Yes. Ensure that the original, unaltered version is displayed immediately after the digitally altered image.

Q: Does this apply to listings entered before January 1, 2026?
A: Participants and Subscribers are encouraged to review current listings in the Active, Pending, and Hold statuses and make add necessary photo labels to disclose digitally altered images.

Q: What is NOT a digitally altered image?
A: Specifically excluded from the definition of “digitally altered images” are images “where only lighting, sharpening, white balance, color correction, angle, straightening, cropping, exposure, or other common photo editing adjustments are made that the not change the representation of the real property.”

Q: Does AB 723 apply to leases?
A: Yes, but only if the lease exceeds one year’s duration.

Q: Is virtual staging allowed?
A: Yes. Virtual staging is allowed, but virtually staged photos must be clearly labeled, and the unedited version must immediately follow each virtually staged photo.

Q: Who is responsible for compliance, the agent or the photographer?
A: The listing agent and broker are responsible for ensuring all listing content complies with MLS rules, regardless of who created or edited the photos.

Leadership Playbook

by

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Welcome to your first District update of the year. I am Victor Reyes, CCAR Director and Board Liaison, representing those of you who conduct business in the West Contra Costa County area. I serve as your direct connection to CCAR leadership, and will share key updates with you, as well as bring your feedback to the Board.

In this first email of the year, you’ll find timely insights on insurance considerations, new California real estate laws taking effect in 2026, and practical information to support your business.

I look forward to staying connected with you throughout the year. I am here to listen, share updates, and bring your feedback forward. Feel free to reach out to me any time—we always want to hear from you. | MEET YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS >

Warm regards,

Victor

Top Tips to Get Insurance in Fire-Prone Areas

In this challenging insurance market, it is important for homebuyers to be proactive, diligent, and patient. Below are the five top tips for homebuyers in finding insurance:

 

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link