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
ETHICS COMPLAINTS DON’T START WITH VILLAINS. THEY START WITH…
BEWARE: A SEEMINGLY MINOR OVERSIGHT COULD LEAD TO A COMPLAINT ($ 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.
Trends in Code of Ethics Violations
Recent disciplinary actions published by C.A.R. reveal a few consistent patterns in member ethics violations. They generally center on Articles 1, 2, and 12: poor transparency, careless communication, insufficient supervision, incomplete disclosure, and weak understanding of how the Code of Ethics applies in non-traditional roles. The dominant pattern across these cases is not malicious intent, but lack of understanding. The most severe fines–up to $7,000–were associated with concealment of property defects and improper handling of client funds.
How to Protect Your Business
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.
CCAR ANNUAL SPONSORS
Platinum Partner, NAR Corporate Ally Program
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