District 99 Fondnazio – Apr 26

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

Dear 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

CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan +

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 >

CalHFA My Home Assistance Program +

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 >

Black Wealth Builders (BWB) Fund +

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 >

GSFA Down Payment Assistance Programs +

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 >

Pathway to Home Closing Cost Assistance +

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 >

Contra Costa Down Payment Assistance Program +

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 Affiliate Lender

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Cinco de Mayo Affiliate Faire Next Wed – May 6

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.

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.)

SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES

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

Thank you to our sponsors!

Broker.1.1 – Apr 2026

< APRIL 2026 : MARCH MARKET RECAP | QUICK LINKS TO STATS | NEWS & INFORMATION | TOP TOOLS TO POWER YOUR BUSINESS <

Introducing the CCAR Broker Brief

Running a brokerage today requires clarity, adaptability, and the ability to make the right decisions in a changing market.

We’re launching the CCAR Broker Brief as a new way to stay more connected with you—bringing focused, local insight into what’s happening in your market and what it means for your business.

Each issue will highlight what’s changing, why it matters, and what you can do to lead your agents and stay competitive.

As your local partner, CCAR is here to support you with the tools, education, and resources you rely on every day to run and grow your brokerage—and to stay more engaged with you as your business evolves.

We’re excited to share the first issue and continue building this resource for you.

Please take a few minutes to respond to this short survey so we can better understand and address your most pressing business needs:

MARCH 2026 | MONTHLY MARKET rECAP

Inventory still tight: 1.95 mo-supply ( ↑ 8.33% MoM )
Selling above ask: 11.6% avg. S/L $ ( ↑ 2.2% MoM )
Speed of sales: avg. 14 DOM ( 0% MoM )

Median sold price: $780,000 ( ↑ 4% MoM )
Median list price up: $795,000 ( ↑ 3.25% MoM )
Short-term pricing stabilizing; slightly below last year

| VIEW / DOWNLOAD MARCH 2026 MARKET RECAP REPORT >

QUICK LINKS

News & Views

Turn Market Pressure Into Opportunity

Recent indicators reflect a mix of opportunity and pressure for real estate brokerages. Inventory is improving in some areas, but pricing sensitivity remains high. Buyers are active, but more selective, while sellers are entering the market with expectations that don’t always align with current conditions. C.A.R. housing updates continue to point to affordability constraints and uneven demand shaping buyer behavior across California. | MORE >

Winning Listings In A Complex Marketplace

Agents who lead with solid pricing strategy and market positioning are winning more business. Many listing presentations still focus heavily on marketing. But today, sellers are more sensitive to outcomes like time on market, price reductions, and net proceeds. Brokers can help support agents by coaching them on pricing conversations, reviewing listing strategies before presentations, and sharing local examples of what is/is not working. | Learn about NAR’s Self-Paced Pricing Strategies Certification. >

Increase Agent Productivity with Consistent Coaching and Education

With fewer “easy” transactions, success is coming from agents who are focused, consistent, and intentional in how they generate business. Brokers can help by conducting regular check-ins and pipeline reviews. Ongoing education and skill development play a critical role in helping agents navigate pricing decisions with confidence, ensuring they can provide clear, data-driven guidance that serves their clients’ best interests. | Share the CCAR monthly Education Calendar with your team today. >

Top Tools to power Up Your Business

JOEY MASTERS, cCAR MLS dIRECTOR

Whether you’re winning new clients, managing transactions, or building your brand, CCAR benefits are designed to save you time, reduce risk, and strengthen your business.

| UNLOCK THE FULL POWER OF MEMBERSHIP with the CCAR Products & Services Guide >

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Coming Soon Status Update – Effective March 30, 2026

Preserving your seller’s choice in how they want to market their property is a priority for CCAR MLS. Effective March 30, the Coming Soon Status can be syndicated.

Based on your client’s preference, you will have control over whether Coming Soon listings are syndicated out of the MLS via the Internet Site (Yes/No) and related fields at the time of listing entry. Agents are reminded that the distribution of Coming Soon listings must be in alignment with their broker’s policies and/or their client’s instructions.

Existing Coming Soon Listings: Will default to Internet Site = No (not syndicated). To enable syndication, update the applicable fields to Yes and select the appropriate distribution options (e.g., “Yes-All Sites, Full address”).
New Coming Soon Listings: Select your syndication options at the time of entry, consistent with your broker’s policies and your client’s direction.

The MLS Rules will be updated accordingly to reflect this change. This update provides greater flexibility to align with your client’s preferences.

FAQs

What triggers MLS rules?
A signed exclusive listing agreement triggers MLS rules. Without a fully executed agreement, MLS requirements do not apply.
When must a listing be submitted to the MLS?
Listings must be submitted to the MLS within three (3) days of the listing agreement’s effective date. If a listing is publicly marketed before being entered into the MLS, Clear Cooperation requirements are triggered, and the listing must be submitted within one (1) business day.
What are the requirements for Office Exclusive listings?
Sellers must sign a disclosure form, and public marketing is not permitted. If public marketing occurs, the listing must be entered into the MLS within one (1) business day.
How long can a listing remain in Coming Soon status?
Coming Soon status may remain in the MLS for up to 30 days. After that, the listing will automatically change to Coming Soon Cancelled.
How are Coming Soon listings syndicated?
Coming Soon listings are shared with MLSs participating in our data-share. For public portals and websites, syndication is controlled by the agent or broker based on the client’s preference selected during listing entry.
How are MLS rules enforced?
All MLS rules are enforced locally. Suspected violations should be reported using the Correction button in the MLS or by emailing [email protected].

MLS Rules Changes Effective March 30.

10.1 Status

Coming Soon – “Coming Soon” is defined as a temporary, optional starting status that can be selected by listing agent. This applies if publicly marketed.

10.1.1 Coming Soon Listings. It shall be the responsibility of the Broker Participant (Section 4.1.1) and Real Estate Subscriber (Section 4.2.1) to follow said rules when placing a property in the Coming Soon section of the multiple listings service (MLS). Broker Participant and Real Estate Subscriber shall only place a property in the Coming Soon section of the MLS if the Participant/Subscriber has met the necessary criteria for MLS input as described in Sections 7.5, 7.6, and 8.1.

Important information surrounding Coming Soon listings:

It is optional to place your listing into the Coming Soon Status.
Listing agent must have a signed written listing agreement in place to enter a “Coming Soon” listing which explains the limitations of the “Coming Soon” status.
Coming Soon listings will be viewable to all MLS Participants.
Coming Soon listings will not be syndicated out to other websites.
Coming Soon listings will not be included in the IDX and data feeds.
Coming Soon listings are not allowed to be placed into open houses or tour modules within the MLS.
Coming Soon listings are only searchable within the Paragon MLS.
Once an agent changes a listing from Coming Soon to New/Active status, it cannot be reverted to Coming Soon status.
Days on Market (DOM) resets when status is changed to New/Active
Agent showing is allowed
Coming Soon Status must clearly state in the Confidential Remarks the seller’s instruction as to whether showings will be permitted or not.
Once Coming Soon status is entered, public marketing is allowed.
Upon request, All Paragon MLS Coming Soon data can be are included in Broker back office data feeds. However, Coming Soon listings may not be displayed or integrated into any public-facing products or websites, except for listings belonging to the listing brokerage.
Photos are optional.
The Coming Soon listing will be automatically placed in a “Cancelled – Coming Soon” status after thirty (30) days of entry.

12.16 Use of Listing Information on Internet. [Also known as Internet Data Exchange (“IDX”)] “Internet Data Exchange” (“IDX”) is a means by which listing brokers permit limited electronic display and delivery of their Active, Pending and sold listing data, in accordance with the IDX rules set forth herein, by other participating Broker Participants and R.E. Subscribers via the following authorized mediums under said Broker Participants and R.E. Subscribers control: websites, mobile apps and audio devices. As used throughout this policy, “display” includes “delivery” of such listings.

Authorization. Subject to paragraphs (b) through below, and subject to an executed IDX Access Agreement with the MLS, notwithstanding anything in these rules and regulations to the contrary, Broker Participants and R.E. Subscribers may electronically display aggregated MLS active, pending and sold listing information through either downloading or by framing such information on the MLS or association public access website (if such a site is available). The MLS’s download will include publicly accessible sold listing data starting from January 1, 2012. “Publicly accessible” sold information as used in the IDX policy and rules, means data that is available electronically or in hard copy to the public from city, county, state, and other government records. [Note: Listings in Coming Soon Status are not authorized for display by this rule.]

Section 12.19.15: A Participant’s VOW may not make available for search by, or display to, Registrants any of the following information:

Coming Soon, Expired or withdrawn listings (Hold, Cancelled).
The type of listing agreement, i.e., exclusive right to sell or seller reserve.
The seller’s and occupant’s name(s), phone number(s), or e-mail address(es).
Instructions or remarks intended for buyer brokers only, such as those regarding showings or security of listed property.

District 3 Wade – Mar 26

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,

Cherry

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:

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

(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.