CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Moves You Forward.

District 99 Wright – Dec 25

by

Tyra Wright Dec 2025 Masthead + email link

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As we close out the year, we want to thank you for your commitment to serving clients and communities across Contra Costa County and the Bay Area. This year brought meaningful change—both in the market and across our industry—and you met it with resilience and leadership.

The coming year will continue to reward Realtors® who lead with expertise, integrity, and vision. As your Association, we remain committed to supporting you with tools and resources that help you succeed in every market cycle.

We wish you a joyful holiday season and a healthy, prosperous year ahead.

Warm regards,

Tyra

Tech Doesn’t Have to Be Intimidating

You don’t need to be a tech expert to succeed in a high-tech world. Start small. Solve one problem at a time. Use tools already available through CCAR and CCAR MLS. AI and digital platforms are most powerful when they protect your time—so you can focus on conversations, counsel, and relationships.

FIND TECH TOOLS NOW >

For Tech Assistance Contact:
CCAR Membership Services
Tel: (925) 295-1270
Email: [email protected]

Realtor advising clients at table with paperworkRedefine Your Value: From Deal Maker to Trusted Advisor

The real estate market—and the real estate profession itself—is at an inflection point. Moderating prices, longer decision cycles, changing compensation models, and rapid technology adoption are redefining what it means to be a successful Realtor®.

The future belongs to agents who combine high-touch guidance with high-tech efficiency, as the era of “easy leads” and purely transactional brokerage continues to fade, according to the 2026 Swanepoel Trends Report.

Moving Beyond a “Transactional” Approach       A purely transactional business model focuses on processing deals—paperwork, access, and speed. Today, technology and integrated platforms can already handle much of that work. Transaction execution is no longer the differentiator; it’s the baseline.

What clients now value most is judgment, strategy, and advocacy—the hallmarks of a trusted advisor.

TvA

What Being an Advisor Really Means

  • Interpreting complex, hyper-local market data

  • Guiding clients through new compensation and representation structures

  • Providing strategic negotiation counsel

  • Managing risk and expectations

  • Educating clients, not just facilitating outcomes

Technology doesn’t replace the advisory role—it enables it.

The Naughty vs. Nice Guide

A Holiday Reality Check for Professional Behavior

santanew2

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link

Power Tools for the Novice

by

New Member Power Tools Masthead

Education @ Your Fingertips

core skills training

Your Launchpad For Success Starts Here

Starting out as a new REALTOR® can feel overwhelming, but your 3-way membership gives you a roadmap and support system from day one.

hand with three fingers pointing up (3)CCAR provides MLS access, training and mentorship opportunities so you can hit the ground running. C.A.R. gives you confidence with standardized contracts and a Legal Hotline when questions come up. And NAR gives you instant credibility with clients, a Code of Ethics that sets you apart, and designations that help you stand out in a competitive field. You’re not building your career alone–you’ve got the whole industry behind you.

This online kit includes access to free training on core skills technology, online Code of Ethics coursework and webinars–all designed to help you build a strong, informed, and ethical foundation for your real estate business.

CCAR provides a complete series of FREE core curriculum courses to help you build a solid foundation for your growing real estate business. You will learn to navigate all the necessary technical tools and applications + master important skills in an easy step-by-step process:

Your Transaction Management System
Write C.A.R. contracts with ease using Lone Wolf Transactions zipForm Edition. The course includes information on how to set up your profile, start new transactions for buyers and sellers, create time-saving templates, manage transaction details, send forms to clients, and more. | Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Cloud CMA helps you stand out with polished, compelling Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) reports that showcase your value and help you win more listings. This FREE CCAR member class teaches you how to create professional CMA reports, set listing and offer price ranges, and use CMAs for valuation needs. Plus additional features, including quick property reports and flyers, advanced search tools, impressive Buyer Tour packets, and CMA Live for virtual listing presentations. | Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Your 1-Stop Shop to Property Searches, Stats, Reports & More

Learn how REALTORS® Property Resource provides you with the data you need to meet the demands of clients in today’s “age of information” market. You will learn how to brand your Profile/reports, search, filter, utilize mapping tools and layers, create cutting edge CMA reports, winning listing presentations, and more. | Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Specific topics covered in this Intro to Paragon MLS class include:

  • Customizing your profile and settings to reflect your branding and preferences
  • Homepage navigation
  • Different ways to search, and working with the results
  • Customization
  • Adding and managing your contacts
  • Collaboration Center
  • Integrations & Additional Benefits
  • Paragon Connect (mobile MLS)

| Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Specific topics covered in this How to Add & Maintain Your Listing class include:

  • Staying in compliance with MLS Rules and Regulations
  • Pre-marketing with COMING SOON listings and Clear Cooperation
  • Input tips and tools: CRS Tax Autofill and Pricing Analysis Tool
  • Partial vs. Live Listings: what’s the difference?
  • Uploading and editing listing photos
  • Sharing via Social Media, Email or Text
  • Syndication options to maximize listing visibility and exposure
  • Resolving listing errors and warnings
  • Maintaining your listing from NEW to SOLD
  • Add/Maintain listings from your mobile device

| Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Using Paragon’s Collaboration Center

Need a Client Concierge? Paragon’s Collaboration Center is a feature-rich MLS portal that enables you to manage your business and collaborate with clients online in real time from any device. In this class you’ll learn how to set up your Collaboration Center in Paragon so your clients will be automatically notified of new listings. The Collaboration Center keeps you and your client in touch and allows you to build responsive relationships with buyers and sellers.

Specific topics covered in this Collaboration Center class include:

  • How to create a Collaboration account for your clients
  • Allow your buyers to interact with their search results, marking them as favorites, possible, or rejected
  • Receive immediate notifications of buyers reactions, comments, or showing requests to your emails
  • Personalize each buyers portal and be aware of their property searches   
  • Learn to navigate the buyers personal website to better assist them when they have questions
  • Allow your buyers to create their own searches, and be notified when they do.

The Collaboration Center also includes seller-personalized portals so agents can stay in constant communication with clients about listing activity. Sellers get the transparency, information and communication they want with:

  • Activity notifications
  • Agent recommendations
  • Buyer-search matches
  • Social shares
  • Broker Tours & Open Houses
  • Views of competing properties

| Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Help icon + link to Member Services emailMembership Services
Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm
(925) 295-1270
[email protected]

Paragon Connect Logo + link to access

A mobile and desktop application that simplifies MLS workflows and property searches on any device.

LEARN MORE >

realreports logo
AI-driven property reports consolidate 60+ data sources, including permits, zoning, liens, climate risk, valuations, and more for faster, in-depth client prep.

LEARN MORE >


RPR logoInstant property data and analytics
from a national platform—
valuations, reports, and insights
ready for every client meeting.

LEARN MORE >

Rentspree logo

A mobile-friendly platform with rental applications and screening tools that streamline your workflow—at home, in the office, or on the go.

LEARN MORE >

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link

District 99 Hall – Dec 25

by

Zina Hall masthead Dec 2025 newsletter

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As we close out the year, we want to thank you for your commitment to serving clients and communities across Contra Costa County and the Bay Area. This year brought meaningful change—both in the market and across our industry—and you met it with resilience and leadership.

The coming year will continue to reward Realtors® who lead with expertise, integrity, and vision. As your Association, we remain committed to supporting you with tools and resources that help you succeed in every market cycle.

We wish you a joyful holiday season and a healthy, prosperous year ahead.

Warm regards,

Zina

Tech Doesn’t Have to Be Intimidating

You don’t need to be a tech expert to succeed in a high-tech world. Start small. Solve one problem at a time. Use tools already available through CCAR and CCAR MLS. AI and digital platforms are most powerful when they protect your time—so you can focus on conversations, counsel, and relationships.

FIND TECH TOOLS NOW >

For Tech Assistance Contact:
CCAR Membership Services
Tel: (925) 295-1270
Email: [email protected]

Realtor advising clients at table with paperworkRedefine Your Value: From Deal Maker to Trusted Advisor

The real estate market—and the real estate profession itself—is at an inflection point. Moderating prices, longer decision cycles, changing compensation models, and rapid technology adoption are redefining what it means to be a successful Realtor®.

The future belongs to agents who combine high-touch guidance with high-tech efficiency, as the era of “easy leads” and purely transactional brokerage continues to fade, according to the 2026 Swanepoel Trends Report.

Moving Beyond a “Transactional” Approach       A purely transactional business model focuses on processing deals—paperwork, access, and speed. Today, technology and integrated platforms can already handle much of that work. Transaction execution is no longer the differentiator; it’s the baseline.

What clients now value most is judgment, strategy, and advocacy—the hallmarks of a trusted advisor.

TvA

What Being an Advisor Really Means

  • Interpreting complex, hyper-local market data

  • Guiding clients through new compensation and representation structures

  • Providing strategic negotiation counsel

  • Managing risk and expectations

  • Educating clients, not just facilitating outcomes

Technology doesn’t replace the advisory role—it enables it.

The Naughty vs. Nice Guide

A Holiday Reality Check for Professional Behavior

santanew2

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link

Education Highlights – Jan 2026

by

Jan 2026 Education & Events Highlights masthead

Start 2026 Strong with CCAR Education

The new year is the perfect time to refocus, refresh your skills, and get your business moving with purpose. We’ve packed this month with classes and events designed to help you build momentum, sharpen your expertise, and start the year strong.

Check out our full lineup of January classes with easy links to register, plus a convenient education dashboard that puts all CCAR learning opportunities at your fingertips for quick access anytime. Whether you’re setting new goals, or fine-tuning your technical skills, CCAR education is here to support your success in 2026 and beyond.

Education AT Your Fingertips

core skills training

CCAR provides a complete series of FREE core curriculum courses to help you build a solid foundation for your growing real estate business. You will learn to navigate all the necessary technical tools and applications + master important skills in an easy step-by-step process:

Your Transaction Management System
Write C.A.R. contracts with ease using Lone Wolf Transactions zipForm Edition. The course includes information on how to set up your profile, start new transactions for buyers and sellers, create time-saving templates, manage transaction details, send forms to clients, and more. | Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Cloud CMA helps you stand out with polished, compelling Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) reports that showcase your value and help you win more listings. This FREE CCAR member class teaches you how to create professional CMA reports, set listing and offer price ranges, and use CMAs for valuation needs. Plus additional features, including quick property reports and flyers, advanced search tools, impressive Buyer Tour packets, and CMA Live for virtual listing presentations. | Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Your 1-Stop Shop to Property Searches, Stats, Reports & More

Learn how REALTORS® Property Resource provides you with the data you need to meet the demands of clients in today’s “age of information” market. You will learn how to brand your Profile/reports, search, filter, utilize mapping tools and layers, create cutting edge CMA reports, winning listing presentations, and more. | Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Specific topics covered in this Intro to Paragon MLS class include:

  • Customizing your profile and settings to reflect your branding and preferences
  • Homepage navigation
  • Different ways to search, and working with the results
  • Customization
  • Adding and managing your contacts
  • Collaboration Center
  • Integrations & Additional Benefits
  • Paragon Connect (mobile MLS)

| Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Specific topics covered in this How to Add & Maintain Your Listing class include:

  • Staying in compliance with MLS Rules and Regulations
  • Pre-marketing with COMING SOON listings and Clear Cooperation
  • Input tips and tools: CRS Tax Autofill and Pricing Analysis Tool
  • Partial vs. Live Listings: what’s the difference?
  • Uploading and editing listing photos
  • Sharing via Social Media, Email or Text
  • Syndication options to maximize listing visibility and exposure
  • Resolving listing errors and warnings
  • Maintaining your listing from NEW to SOLD
  • Add/Maintain listings from your mobile device

| Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Using Paragon’s Collaboration Center

Need a Client Concierge? Paragon’s Collaboration Center is a feature-rich MLS portal that enables you to manage your business and collaborate with clients online in real time from any device. In this class you’ll learn how to set up your Collaboration Center in Paragon so your clients will be automatically notified of new listings. The Collaboration Center keeps you and your client in touch and allows you to build responsive relationships with buyers and sellers.

Specific topics covered in this Collaboration Center class include:

  • How to create a Collaboration account for your clients
  • Allow your buyers to interact with their search results, marking them as favorites, possible, or rejected
  • Receive immediate notifications of buyers reactions, comments, or showing requests to your emails
  • Personalize each buyers portal and be aware of their property searches   
  • Learn to navigate the buyers personal website to better assist them when they have questions
  • Allow your buyers to create their own searches, and be notified when they do.

The Collaboration Center also includes seller-personalized portals so agents can stay in constant communication with clients about listing activity. Sellers get the transparency, information and communication they want with:

  • Activity notifications
  • Agent recommendations
  • Buyer-search matches
  • Social shares
  • Broker Tours & Open Houses
  • Views of competing properties

| Check the Calendar for the next training session >

CCAR Education logoChris Dickson
Education Coordinator
Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm
(925) 295-9210
[email protected]

Jan 2026 Feature Class - Online Success + Ai

January 2026 Classes

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

Zoom | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Learn everything you need to know to get started with Paragon MLS: homepage navigation, customizing your profile and settings, search, adding/managing contacts, Collaboration Center, Paragon Connect (mobile MLS), and more. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 7:00 – 8:00 am | FREE | Learn how to create and apply templates in the new Transaction Management System, Transact, plus how to create a to-do list, plus much more. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 10:40 am | FREE | Stand out with sellers, buyers, and homeowners. With Cloud CMA. 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. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Learn  the essential steps for entering, managing, and maintaining listings: Best practices for pre-marketing, pricing, photos, syndication, and resolving errors, and how to manage listings from new to sold—including from your mobile device. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – Noon | FREE | CubiCasa is the go-to app used by thousands of real estate pros. In this class you’ll learn about the benefits of adding floor plans to your listing media, and how the technology works. | VIEW // REGISTER >

Virtual | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | $240 | Non-Members: $480 | The 2-day SRES® designation course prepares real estate pros to better serve today’s home buyers and sellers age 50-plus. You’ll gain specialized knowledge in senior-focused marketing, generational demographics, tax/estate considerations, and client counseling—while earning a designation that sets you apart and includes listing in the referral database. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Zoom | 9:00 – 10:00 am | FREE | Instructor: Leah Wetzel of RentSpree | Learn how rentals can create more consistent income and a stronger client pipeline. This webinar covers simple systems for managing rental transactions, attracting qualified tenants, and building repeat and referral business, plus a live demo of RentSpree.com to show how to streamline the process from application to lease. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | $240 | Non-Members: $480 | The 2-day SRES® designation course prepares real estate pros to better serve today’s home buyers and sellers age 50-plus. You’ll gain specialized knowledge in senior-focused marketing, generational demographics, tax/estate considerations, and client counseling—while earning a designation that sets you apart and includes listing in the referral database. | VIEW – 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 provides the quickest/easiest way to renew any real estate license. Includes a review of correspondence course study material to prep for finals. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 10:40 am | Prove your value and win more listings with Cloud CMA, the leading CMA software solution for real estate agents and a CCAR member benefit! Learn how to generate new leads, plus how to share your landing page, and how to send market updates. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Paragon’s Collaboration Center lets you manage your business and work with clients in real time from any device. In this class, you’ll learn how to set up and customize client portals, receive instant feedback and notifications, and help buyers interact with listings so you can build stronger, more responsive relationships. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 8:00 – 9:00 am | FREE | This quick training covers everything you need to easily schedule, manage, and suggest new showing times as well as efficiently search, share, and book. Plus learn how to set up/use your BrokerBay account from the MLS dashboard + more. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – Noon | FREE | Join the inspiring monthly Zoom sessions featuring industry updates, community highlights, and interviews with powerful leaders. Each event offers engaging content, meaningful connections, and insights designed to empower, educate, and inspire. |  VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | This live session shows you how to become the go-to local expert by combining community involvement with purposeful content. You’ll learn how to build trust, showcase your knowledge, and stay top of mind for long-term growth and referrals. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | This introductory class gives you access to powerful property data clients cannot find on their own. You’ll learn how to use RPR® tools to create branded reports, build compelling CMAs, research properties and neighborhoods, and leverage mobile features to support stronger listing presentations and prospecting. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | FREE | Learn how to use Cloud CMA, a free CCAR member benefit, to create polished, professional CMA reports that help you win more listings. You’ll learn how to price properties, build buyer/seller presentations, generate leads, and use powerful tools like CMA Live to present virtually from anywhere. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 8:30 – 9:00 am | FREE | Instructor: Steve Anapol | Learn to take full advantage of all of the free realtor.com tools and resources. Tour the agent dashboard and explore the best techniques for using it to build your personal brand and build relationships. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | This high-energy class is designed to energize your business and help you grow with confidence. You’ll learn proven strategies for lead generation, relationship nurturing, social media, video marketing, AI tools, and SEO to boost your visibility and results. | VIEW – REGISTER >

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link

New Member Power Tools

by

New Member Power Tools Masthead

Education @ Your Fingertips

core skills training

Your Launchpad For Success Starts Here

Starting out as a new REALTOR® can feel overwhelming, but your 3-way membership gives you a roadmap and support system from day one.

hand with three fingers pointing up (3)CCAR provides MLS access, training and mentorship opportunities so you can hit the ground running. C.A.R. gives you confidence with standardized contracts and a Legal Hotline when questions come up. And NAR gives you instant credibility with clients, a Code of Ethics that sets you apart, and designations that help you stand out in a competitive field. You’re not building your career alone–you’ve got the whole industry behind you.

This online kit includes access to free training on core skills technology, online Code of Ethics coursework and webinars–all designed to help you build a strong, informed, and ethical foundation for your real estate business.

CCAR provides a complete series of FREE core curriculum courses to help you build a solid foundation for your growing real estate business. You will learn to navigate all the necessary technical tools and applications + master important skills in an easy step-by-step process:

Your Transaction Management System
Write C.A.R. contracts with ease using Lone Wolf Transactions zipForm Edition. The course includes information on how to set up your profile, start new transactions for buyers and sellers, create time-saving templates, manage transaction details, send forms to clients, and more. | Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Cloud CMA helps you stand out with polished, compelling Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) reports that showcase your value and help you win more listings. This FREE CCAR member class teaches you how to create professional CMA reports, set listing and offer price ranges, and use CMAs for valuation needs. Plus additional features, including quick property reports and flyers, advanced search tools, impressive Buyer Tour packets, and CMA Live for virtual listing presentations. | Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Your 1-Stop Shop to Property Searches, Stats, Reports & More

Learn how REALTORS® Property Resource provides you with the data you need to meet the demands of clients in today’s “age of information” market. You will learn how to brand your Profile/reports, search, filter, utilize mapping tools and layers, create cutting edge CMA reports, winning listing presentations, and more. | Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Specific topics covered in this Intro to Paragon MLS class include:

  • Customizing your profile and settings to reflect your branding and preferences
  • Homepage navigation
  • Different ways to search, and working with the results
  • Customization
  • Adding and managing your contacts
  • Collaboration Center
  • Integrations & Additional Benefits
  • Paragon Connect (mobile MLS)

| Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Specific topics covered in this How to Add & Maintain Your Listing class include:

  • Staying in compliance with MLS Rules and Regulations
  • Pre-marketing with COMING SOON listings and Clear Cooperation
  • Input tips and tools: CRS Tax Autofill and Pricing Analysis Tool
  • Partial vs. Live Listings: what’s the difference?
  • Uploading and editing listing photos
  • Sharing via Social Media, Email or Text
  • Syndication options to maximize listing visibility and exposure
  • Resolving listing errors and warnings
  • Maintaining your listing from NEW to SOLD
  • Add/Maintain listings from your mobile device

| Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Using Paragon’s Collaboration Center

Need a Client Concierge? Paragon’s Collaboration Center is a feature-rich MLS portal that enables you to manage your business and collaborate with clients online in real time from any device. In this class you’ll learn how to set up your Collaboration Center in Paragon so your clients will be automatically notified of new listings. The Collaboration Center keeps you and your client in touch and allows you to build responsive relationships with buyers and sellers.

Specific topics covered in this Collaboration Center class include:

  • How to create a Collaboration account for your clients
  • Allow your buyers to interact with their search results, marking them as favorites, possible, or rejected
  • Receive immediate notifications of buyers reactions, comments, or showing requests to your emails
  • Personalize each buyers portal and be aware of their property searches   
  • Learn to navigate the buyers personal website to better assist them when they have questions
  • Allow your buyers to create their own searches, and be notified when they do.

The Collaboration Center also includes seller-personalized portals so agents can stay in constant communication with clients about listing activity. Sellers get the transparency, information and communication they want with:

  • Activity notifications
  • Agent recommendations
  • Buyer-search matches
  • Social shares
  • Broker Tours & Open Houses
  • Views of competing properties

| Check the Calendar for the next training session >

Help icon + link to Member Services emailMembership Services
Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm
(925) 295-1270
[email protected]

Paragon Connect Logo + link to access

A mobile and desktop application that simplifies MLS workflows and property searches on any device.

LEARN MORE >

realreports logo
AI-driven property reports consolidate 60+ data sources, including permits, zoning, liens, climate risk, valuations, and more for faster, in-depth client prep.

LEARN MORE >


RPR logoInstant property data and analytics
from a national platform—
valuations, reports, and insights
ready for every client meeting.

LEARN MORE >

Rentspree logo

A mobile-friendly platform with rental applications and screening tools that streamline your workflow—at home, in the office, or on the go.

LEARN MORE >

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link