CCARToday - Contra Costa Association of REALTORS

Moves You Forward.

How Your Board Represents You

by

CCAR represents a diverse membership across six geographical “districts.” To ensure strong, balanced representation and clear communication, the Board of Directors rotates district liaison assignments each year.

Each Board member is assigned to a different district annually, allowing them to better understand the unique needs and perspectives across our entire region. This rotation strengthens member representation, improves communication, and supports more informed decision-making at the leadership level.

Your district’s Board representative is your direct connection to CCAR leadership. They are here to listen, share updates, and bring your feedback forward throughout the year.

Coming soon: This week, you will receive your first district newsletter of the year, featuring updates from your Board representative, along with important association and industry news.

When your newsletter arrives, take a moment to review it, get to know your Board representative, and reach out with questions, ideas, or feedback—they want to hear from you!

2026 Board of Directors

John Fondnazio, President
Zina F. Hall, Past-President
Donna Souza, President-Elect
Judy Myers, Treasurer

District 99:

Represents members conducting business outside Contra Costa County

Valerie Crowell
Brendan Moran

District 1:

Represents members conducting business in Walnut Creek + Rossmoor

Stephen Wondolowski

District 2:

Represents members conducting business in LAMORINDA Area

Diane Ramirez
Cherry Wade

District 3:

Represents members conducting business in (Central County) Clayton + Clyde, Concord + Martinez + Pacheco + Pleasant Hill

Joe Stokley
Rolanda Wilson

District 4:

Represents members conducting business in (San Ramon Valley) Alamo + Blackhawk + Danville + Diablo + San Ramon

Victor Reyes

District 5:

Represents members conducting business in (West County) Crocket/Port Costa + El Cerrito + El Sobrante + Hercules + Richmond + Rodeo + San Pablo

Donna Davis

All

Represents all affiliate members

District 99 Fondnazio – Jan 26

by

John Fondnazio masthead + link to email

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Welcome to your first District update of the year. I am John Fondnazio, your CCAR President and Board Liaison, representing those of you who conduct business outside of Contra Costa County. 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,

John

CAR Legal Hotline Ad
CA Housing Market: Navigating Rates, Demand and Change Virtual Panel Discussion ad + Link to register

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:

Plan ahead and seek the assistance of insurance agents – Start shopping for insurance early! It takes time to complete applications and obtain quotes. When contacting agents, check to see if they work exclusively with one insurance company or has access to multiple carriers. Keep track of which insurance companies are being contacted to make sure there is a thorough search of all options. Use this tool from the California Department of Insurance for finding an agent or broker near you. 

Check for policies written by admitted insurance companies. It is only admitted insurance companies that are backed by the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA). They must file their rates and policy forms with the California Department of Insurance (DOI) and, most importantly, they are part of CIGA, which provides protections if the carrier becomes insolvent. The DOI has a list of admitted insurance companies >. 

Compare types and limits of coverage, and feel free to ask questions. You can compare the types of coverage and limits using the DOI coverage comparison tool. Also remember to check whether the insurance company will lower the quote for fire hardening (e.g., clearing trees or brush around the perimeter, or having fire-resistant roof materials).

If coverage isn’t available through an admitted carrier, consider surplus lines (non-admitted) insurance. These carriers don’t file rates or forms with the DOI and aren’t part of CIGA, meaning no CIGA protection if the carrier becomes insolvent. However, they often offer more flexible options. Be sure to evaluate the carrier’s financial strength using a service such such as A.M. Best to determine whether it offers the best solution.

The Fair Plan is available as a last resort. If there are no other options, you or your insurance agent should contact California FAIR Plan at 1 (800) 339-4099. The FAIR Plan policy can be expensive, and it only covers certain losses caused by fire and smoke. For other perils such as theft and liability, consumers will need to buy Differences in Conditions (DIC) insurance to fill the gaps. List of DIC carriers >.

New CA Real Estate Laws Effective Jan 2026

A collection of new laws have been passed by the California Legislature that may affect REALTORS® in 2026. Following are the summaries of the most noteworthy among them. For the full text of a law, click on the C.A.R. link below.

HOA Balcony Inspection Disclosures (SB 410) Condo associations must include the most recent balcony inspection report in the standard HOA disclosure package, improving transparency and helping buyers meet lender requirements.

Digitally Altered Images in Advertising (AB 723) New rules apply when using digitally altered images in real estate advertising, including listings, mobile homes, and leases over one year.

Buyer Representation Agreement Regulations Buyer representation agreements and renewals are now limited to 90 days. Agreements exceeding 90 days are void and unenforceable, though the start date may be deferred.

Thirdhand Smoke Disclosure (AB 455)
Sellers must disclose actual knowledge of tobacco or nicotine residue and any history of smoking on the property.

Rental Habitability: Refrigerators & Stoves (AB 628) Landlords must provide working refrigerators + stoves with limited exceptions (for leases entered into, amended, or extended on or after Jan-1-26).

| REVIEW LAWS >

New Referral Fee Disclosure Form, Tools & Resources

To support clear and consistent disclosure, C.A.R. released new and updated forms, including the revised REALTOR® Acknowledgement and Disclosure Form (RAD). The updated form provides a standardized way to disclose referral-related compensation and other required disclosures.

To help members navigate these changes, C.A.R. also launched new support resources, including:

  • A Legal FAQ
  • Quick Guides
  • Legal Live Webinar videos

These tools explain when the RAD should be used, what must be disclosed, and how the updates align with current legal requirements. | LEARN MORE >

New Insurance Rules available + link

CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS

LeadHax logo/link

Calendar test

by

On December 15, 2025, the City Council and the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Pablo approved the Mobile Home Assistance Program, a new initiative to support local residents.

The program provides one-time grants of $1,000 per household to help pay for mobile home rental space for eligible San Pablo residents. Funding is limited to 150 households.

Application Window:
January 6, 2026 – January 20, 2026

Who is eligible?

  • Must own and occupy a mobile home in the incorporated City of San Pablo
  • One application per household
  • Applicant must be a legal resident
  • Household income must meet program income limits based on household size

How to apply:
Visit: https://www.sanpabloca.gov/2739/Housing

Questions?
Contact the City of San Pablo at 510-215-3000 or [email protected]

Please see the flyer to the right for full program details and eligibility requirements.

https://ims.ccartoday.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=IMS&PRGNAME=IMSMemberLogin&ARGUMENTS=-ACCAR&SessionType=M&ServiceName=EDCA&NotLogin=Y&FramingOption=BFXS 
				
					console.log( 'Code is Poetry' );https://ims.ccartoday.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=IMS&PRGNAME=IMSMemberLogin&ARGUMENTS=-ACCAR&SessionType=M&ServiceName=EDCA&NotLogin=Y&FramingOption=BFXS

City of San Pablo Mobile Home Assistance Program Now Open

by

On December 15, 2025, the City Council and the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Pablo approved the Mobile Home Assistance Program, a new initiative to support local residents.

The program provides one-time grants of $1,000 per household to help pay for mobile home rental space for eligible San Pablo residents. Funding is limited to 150 households.

Application Window:
January 6, 2026 – January 20, 2026

Who is eligible?

  • Must own and occupy a mobile home in the incorporated City of San Pablo
  • One application per household
  • Applicant must be a legal resident
  • Household income must meet program income limits based on household size

How to apply:
Visit: https://www.sanpabloca.gov/2739/Housing

Questions?
Contact the City of San Pablo at 510-215-3000 or [email protected]

Please see the flyer to the right for full program details and eligibility requirements.

Education Highlights – Feb 2026

by

February 2026 Education & Events Masthead

How to Sell Houses When Co-Owners Disagree

Partition Actions: A Powerful Tool for Every REALTOR’S® Toolbox

Join us via Zoom on Wed, Feb 25th when Eli Underwood of Underwood Law will explain partition lawsuits, which force the sale of co-owned property when one party wants to sell and another does not. The course will show how understanding partition actions can help you convert leads, gain advanced real estate knowledge, and unlock opportunities involving co-owners such as siblings, ex-partners, couples, or business partners. | LEARN MORE – REGISTER >

Underwood Law Firm course ad + link to registration

February 2026 Classes

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

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Join Padi Goodspeed once a month to address the truth behind the headlines and interpret the news in a way that matters most, for you and your clients. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – Noon | FREE | This course introduces the RPR Mobile AI CMA, showing how to create fast, client-ready CMAs directly from your phone. Learn how AI surfaces and scores comps, supports smart pricing strategies, and lets you stay in control while delivering polished, branded reports—perfect for listing appointments, buyer consultations, and on-the-go opportunities. | 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 | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | We’ll break down AI in a simple, easy-to-understand way and explore how it’s being applied across the real estate industry today. You’ll learn how AI can enhance your marketing efforts, help you reach the right audiences more effectively, attract higher-quality leads, and work more efficiently without adding complexity to your workflow–practical, real-world strategies you can start using right away to support your business goals. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | FREE | Meet with C.A.R. Leadership, staff, and brokers throughout the state to discuss the latest information impacting real estate brokerages legal, market and legislative issues. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 8:00 – 9:00 am | FREE | Instructor: Michael McCall | Over 1 million people search Realtor.com for an agent every month—make sure they find you. Learn how to claim and optimize your free profile and turn it into a lead magnet. You’ll discover how to showcase your brand with a strong bio, highlight reviews and testimonials, make your profile shine in search results, and how to connect your profile. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 9:00 – 10:00 am | FREE | This course explores how RPR supports commercial real estate professionals with tools to find listings, analyze consumer and demographic data, evaluate points of interest, and guide informed client decisions. Learn how to use RPR’s commercial data, AI tools, public records, and client-ready reports to grow your commercial business—whether you’re new to the sector or an experienced practitioner. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Attorney Eli Underwood of Underwood Law will explain partition lawsuits, which force the sale of co-owned property when one party wants to sell and another does not. The course will show how understanding partition actions can help you convert leads, gain advanced real estate knowledge, and unlock opportunities involving co-owners such as siblings, ex-partners, couples, or business partners. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | Learn how to access CRS Data’s MLS Tax Suite from your MLS and navigate the platform with confidence. During this session, we’ll guide you through the MLS Tax Suite, covering simple searching skills to get you started, advanced and map searching techniques to sharpen your expertise, key features of the Property Report highlight the many layers of information contained and linked to the report, maps and layers. We’ll also show you powerful customization options. | 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 | 11:00 am – Noon | FREE | This course highlights RPR’s advanced commercial tools that help agents support smarter business and investment decisions. Learn how to use site selection, commercial comps, valuation analysis, and risk assessment tools to identify strong locations, evaluate opportunities, and deliver deeper insights beyond basic listing data. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | FREE | This course shows how to position yourself as a trusted local expert by combining community involvement with purposeful content. Learn how to build credibility, showcase market knowledge, and stay top of mind with buyers and sellers through authentic connections that drive long-term referrals and growth. | 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 | 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. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 am | This course covers how to create accurate CMAs using Custom and Quick CMA tools, while leveraging MLS data and property insights. You’ll also learn how to prospect like a pro with the MLS Tax Suite by using filters, maps, and advanced tools to refine results, create mailing lists, and export data with ease. | VIEW – REGISTER >

Bingo Night Ad + link to flyer

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

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 >

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 >

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

LeadHax logo/link