PSAR has endorsed the following candidates for the November 2024 General Election.

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Measures and Propositions

National City
Vote NO on Measure R - Parcel Tax

Chula Vista
Vote YES on Measure P

California
Vote NO on Prop 33 - Rent Control

No on Prop 33 Video

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PSAR's mission is to empower REALTORS®.

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth, and development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) implemented the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) in May 2020, which mandates that listings be submitted to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) within one business day of being publicly marketed. This policy, designed to ensure fairness and transparency, has sparked a heated debate within the real estate industry. Two influential voices in this discussion are Robert Reffkin, CEO of Compass, and James Dwiggins, CEO of NextHome. While Reffkin advocates for consumer choice and agent flexibility, Dwiggins argues that maximizing market exposure through the MLS is essential for ensuring sellers get the highest price for their homes. Recently Zillow also weighed on the side of Dwiggins calling out Fairhousing issues. Redfin's CEO also sided with Dwiggins while Anywhere's spokesperson called for changes to the policy.

Robert Reffkin, as the CEO of Compass, opposes the Clear Cooperation Policy, emphasizing the importance of consumer choice in how homes are marketed. He believes that before the CCP, agents had greater flexibility to act in the best interest of their clients, allowing them to tailor marketing strategies according to their client's unique needs without being restricted by MLS rules.

Reffkin argues that some sellers value privacy over broad exposure, and the CCP forces these clients to market their homes publicly even when they would prefer not to. He highlights situations where privacy is a priority, such as when sellers are dealing with personal issues like illness or divorce. In such cases, Reffkin asserts that the policy compromises the agent's ability to act in the client's best interest by mandating public marketing, which may not align with the seller's preferences.

Additionally, Reffkin challenges the assumption that more exposure always results in a higher price. He points out that many clients, including home builders, have successfully sold properties off the MLS, suggesting that not every seller believes maximum exposure is essential. Reffkin argues that consumer choice should take precedence, allowing sellers to decide how much exposure their property receives and how they want their home to be marketed.

James Dwiggins' Position: Maximizing Exposure for Better Outcomes

James Dwiggins, CEO of NextHome, presents a contrasting viewpoint. He defends the Clear Cooperation Policy, arguing that its purpose is to ensure that all listings receive maximum exposure, which he contends is crucial for sellers to achieve the best price for their homes. According to Dwiggins, the MLS system levels the playing field by making listings available to the entire marketplace, benefiting both consumers and the real estate industry as a whole.

Dwiggins stresses that before the CCP, large brokerages often held back listings for internal promotion, limiting the competition that benefits sellers. By keeping listings off the MLS, these firms reduced the pool of potential buyers, often leading to lower sale prices for homeowners. Dwiggins argues that market exposure through the MLS ensures that listings reach the widest possible audience, which creates a competitive environment and drives prices up.

While Reffkin advocates for consumer choice, Dwiggins emphasizes that most sellers—around 99%, by his estimate—want to maximize the value of their home. He highlights studies showing that homes sold off-MLS can lose anywhere from 5% to 17% of their potential value compared to homes listed on the MLS. For Dwiggins, the key to protecting consumers' financial interests lies in ensuring their property is seen by as many potential buyers as possible, rather than limiting exposure for the sake of privacy or exclusivity.

Dwiggins also warns of the legal and reputational risks of eliminating the CCP. He points to previous lawsuits filed by sellers who felt misled by agents into keeping their homes off the MLS, only to discover later that they could have received a better price by listing publicly. Without the CCP, Dwiggins argues, large brokerages would revert to promoting exclusive listings internally, hurting consumers and the industry's reputation in the long run.

Comparing Consumer Choice and Market Exposure

At the core of this debate is a fundamental difference in how Reffkin and Dwiggins view the best way to serve consumers. Reffkin prioritizes consumer choice, arguing that sellers should have the flexibility to decide how their homes are marketed. He believes that forcing all listings onto the MLS, as the CCP requires, limits a seller’s ability to manage personal and financial concerns on their own terms. In Reffkin’s view, the Clear Cooperation Policy reduces the options available to both sellers and agents, particularly for those who value discretion and privacy.

On the other hand, Dwiggins focuses on ensuring that consumers get the highest price for their homes through maximum market exposure. He believes the CCP prevents large brokerages from monopolizing listings for internal gain and protects consumers by ensuring their property is marketed to the largest possible audience. For Dwiggins, the CCP is essential to safeguarding sellers' financial outcomes, as broad exposure leads to more competition and higher offers. He sees the MLS as the most effective tool for creating a fair and transparent marketplace, and while he acknowledges the policy can be improved, Dwiggins insists that its core purpose—guaranteeing market access—must remain intact.

Conclusion: Consumer Choice vs. Market Exposure

The debate over the Clear Cooperation Policy ultimately comes down to a question of how best to serve consumers: Is it more important to prioritize consumer choice, or is maximizing market exposure the best way to protect homeowners’ financial interests?

Reffkin argues that sellers should have the freedom to choose how their home is marketed, particularly when privacy or personal concerns are at play. He views the CCP as a rigid policy that limits both sellers’ and agents’ ability to navigate complex situations in a flexible manner.

Dwiggins, in contrast, contends that the true benefit to consumers lies in giving their homes maximum exposure to the marketplace, ensuring they receive the highest possible price. He argues that the CCP protects sellers by preventing exclusive, off-MLS listings that often result in lower sales prices. For Dwiggins, market exposure is critical to safeguarding consumers' financial outcomes.

As the real estate industry continues to debate the future of the Clear Cooperation Policy, the central question remains: Should the industry prioritize consumer choice or market exposure? Both perspectives highlight important considerations, but the answer will ultimately shape the future of real estate transactions and the value sellers receive from their homes.

Home sales slowed in San Diego County and across the state in September 2024, despite the lowest interest rates since spring, according to the latest home sales and price report from the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.).

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 253,010 in September 2024, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2024 if sales maintained the September pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.

California sales decreased 3.4% in September 2024 from August 2024, when 262,050 homes were sold on an annualized basis. Home sales statewide hit the lowest level in nine months.

In a year-over-year comparison, the statewide sales pace was up 5.1% in September 2024, compared with September 2023, when 240,840 homes were sold on an annualized basis.

The sales pace has remained below the 300,000-threshold for the past two years, while year-to-date home sales for 2024 edged up 0.9 percent compared to the first nine months of 2023.

The sales pace for home sales in San Diego County decreased by 14.6% in September 2024, compared to August 2024. In a year-over-year comparison, the sales pace was 9.4% higher compared to September 2023.

“The inventory of homes for sale has steadily improved in recent months as the market moves into the typical off-peak home-buying season,” said C.A.R. President Melanie Barker, a Yosemite REALTOR®. “With home prices likely to moderate further in the coming months, the fourth quarter could offer an opportunity for potential buyers who have been waiting to re-enter the market, especially as interest rates gradually return to historical averages.”

Regarding home sales prices, September’s statewide median price declined 2.3% from $888,740 in August 2024 to $868,150 in September 2024. The September 2024 figure was 2.9% higher than the revised $843,500 recorded in September 2023. The statewide year-over-year gain was the 15th straight month of annual price increases. 

September 2024 County Sales and Price Activity

Home prices could soften further in the coming months as the market enters the traditional off-season but should continue to post year-over-year growth for the remainder of the year.In San Diego County, the average price for an existing, single-family detached home was $1 million in September 2024. The median price in August 2024 was $1,010,000, a 1.0% difference with September 2024. A year ago, in September 2024, the median price for a San Diego home was $973,100, a 2.8% difference.

It was the seventh consecutive month the median monthly price for a San Diego County home has been $1 million or higher.

Sales in higher-priced market segments continued to have an effect on the mix of sales, but the impact on the statewide median price growth has tapered in recent months. While the sales pace for the $1 million-and-higher price segment remained moderately low in September at 3.9%, sales in the sub-$500,000 market continued to underperform, dropping 8.6% from a year ago. Moderation in the median price growth could be observed in the coming months if the share of homes priced at or above $1 million continues to shrink in the fall.

“Economic uncertainty and hopes for lower interest rates may have caused many buyers to hold off on a home purchase,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. “As a result, home sales declined for the second consecutive month, reaching their lowest level this year. However, the recent rebound in bond yields is a reminder that rates will continue to fluctuate, and waiting may not be the best strategy when it comes to homebuying.”

Other key points from C.A.R.’s September 2024 resale housing report include:

• At the regional level, home sales in Southern California increased 1.1% in September 2024 when compared to last year’s sales level.
  
  
• At the regional level, median home prices in Southern California experienced a 3.7% increase in September 2024, compared to September 2023.
  
  
• Home prices in September 2024 continued to grow on a year-over-year basis on a county level throughout the state, with median sales prices in 38 counties rising from a year ago.
  
  
• The statewide unsold inventory index, which measures the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate, increased in both month-over-month and year-over-year comparisons. The index was 3.6 months in September 2024, up from 3.2 months in August 2024 and up from 2.8 months in September 2023.

September 2024 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market

• The unsold inventory index of available existing homes for sale in San Diego County was at 3.2 months in September 2024, compared to 2.8 months in August 2024, 2.6 months in July 2024, 2.7 months in June 2024 and 2.5 months in September 2023. The index measures the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate.

• Total active listings at the state level rose 36% on a year-over-year basis. It was the eighth consecutive annual gain in for-sale properties and the seventh straight month of double-digit active listing increases.
  
  
• With the market entering the off-season and housing demand likely to improve in the next couple months, housing inventory could begin to tighten up as we move further into the fall. 
  
  
• New active listings at the state level improved from a year ago for the ninth consecutive month, with eight of them recording a double-digit increase. Despite a decelerating growth rate in listings in September 2024 for the second straight month, new listings increasing by double-digits this late in the year continues to be an encouraging sign for the supply side.
  
  
• The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 24 days in September 2024, up from 22 days in August 2024 and 18 days in September 2023.
  
  
• In San Diego, the median number of days it took to sell an existing, single-family home was 18 days in September 2024, compared to 17 days in August 2024 and 14 day sin September 2023. For previous months in 2024, the figures were 16 days in July, 14 days in June and 12 days in May, April and March. The median represents the time when half the homes sell above it and half below it.
  
  
• C.A.R.’s statewide sales-price-to-list-price ratio was 100.0 percent in September 2024 and 100.0 percent in September 2023.
  
  
• The statewide median price per square foot for an existing single-family home was $424 in September 2024, up from $416 in September a year ago.
  
  
• The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 6.18 percent in September, down from 7.20 percent in September 2023, according to C.A.R.’s calculations based on Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage survey data.

The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation is for real estate professionals passionate about working with buyer clients and who want to acquire enhanced business skills that lead to service-level excellence.

Who Should Consider the ABR® Designation?
This prestigious designation is tailored to real estate buyers' agents committed to enhancing their expertise in assisting buyer-clients throughout the home-buying process. REALTORS® who achieve the ABR Designation will stand out in a competitive market.

What Benefits Does the ABR® Designation Offer?

1. Advanced Education

Embarking on the ABR® designation journey enriches your understanding and skills, making you a more competent agent in the eyes of potential home buyers. This program offers a robust educational experience focusing on the needs and trends relevant to home buyers, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle various buyer scenarios effectively.

2. Exclusive Resources and Tools

As an ABR® designee, you gain exclusive access to members-only publications, marketing tools, and comprehensive resources crucial for remaining in the forefront of a fast-evolving real estate marketplace. These are tools that will enable you to market your services more effectively and efficiently.

3. Networking and Referrals

Joining the ABR® community opens up networking opportunities with other real estate professionals. Relationships lead to referrals and collaborative prospects, expanding your business reach and potential client base.

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How to Earn the ABR® Designation

• Take this two-day Core Designation Course (free to PSAR Members*)
  
• Complete one of the ABR® elective classes
• Document five completed transactions in which you acted solely as a buyer representative. (These transactions do not need to fall within a specific period of time.)
• Membership in good standing in the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
• Membership in good standing in REBAC

Application Process and Future Cost

• Submit the application and documentation of five completed buyer-agent transactions.
• The first year of REBAC membership is free
• The second year is $110, but prorated based on the month you joined REBAC
• $110 per year thereafter

The ABR® Designation is earned only by completing a series of achievement benchmarks, each of which demonstrates your superior skill set and advanced knowledge. 

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PSAR's mission is to empower real estate professionals.

Home sales were lower in San Diego County, as well as in California, in August 2024 as buyers held out and adopted a “wait-and-see” approach, despite interest rates at the lowest level since spring, according to the latest home sales and price report from the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.).

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 262,050 in August 2024, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2024 if sales maintained the August pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.

Statewide, the August 2024 sales pace fell 6.3%, compared to the 279,810 homes sold in July 2024. Home sales were up 2.8% from a year ago in August 2023, when a revised 254,820 homes were sold on an annualized basis. The sales pace has remained below the 300,000-threshold for 23 consecutive months.

Year-to-date statewide home sales through August 2024 edged up 0.5%, compared to the same period last year.

In San Diego County, the sales pace for home sales decreased by 4.7% in August 2024 from July 2024. Year-over-year sales between August 2024 and August 2023 were 3.2% higher.

“Home price growth in California continued to moderate in August as the market neared the end of the traditional home buying season,” said C.A.R. President Melanie Barker, a Yosemite REALTOR®. “With the Federal Reserve signaling it will lower interest rates soon, mortgage rates are expected to ease well below their recent peaks. As such, housing affordability will improve in the fall, and buyers will benefit from lower costs of borrowing in the coming months.”

Regarding home prices, the statewide median price was essentially flat, inching up 0.2% from $886,560 in July 2024 to $888,740 in August 2024. California’s median home price was 3.4% higher than the revised $859,670 recorded in August 2023. The year-over-year gain was the 14th straight month of annual price increases, albeit the smallest since September 2023. 

August 2024 County Sales and Price Activity
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

Home prices could soften further in the coming months but should continue to register year-over-year growth for the rest of the year.

Sales in higher-priced market segments continued to influence the mix of sales, but the impact on the state-wide median price growth has been reduced in recent months. While the sales pace for the $1 million-and-higher price segment decelerated in August to 3.6%, sales in the sub-$500,000 market also had a lackluster performance, dropping 9.0% below the year-ago level. Moderation in the median price growth could be observed in the coming months if the share of homes priced at or above $1 million continues to shrink in the fall.

In San Diego County, the average price for an existing, single-family detached home exceeded $1 million in August 2024. It was the sixth consecutive month the median price has remained at more than $1 million.

The median sales price in San Diego for August 2024 was $1,010,000, a 1.0% decrease from the $1,020,000 posted in July 2024. A year ago, in August 2023, the median price for a San Diego home was $1 million.

“Despite a slightly better lending environment in recent weeks, closed home sales pulled back in August as buyers evaluated whether to wait for the Federal Reserve to cut rates before entering the market,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. “Pending sales, along with mortgage application trends, however, suggest that housing demand has been slowly improving in the past few weeks. If mortgage rates remain at their current low or dip further in the coming weeks, home sales should rise steadily as we move toward the end of the year.”

Other key points from C.A.R.’s August 2024 resale housing report include:

• At the regional level, home sales in Southern California fell 2.3% when compared to last year’s sales level.
  
  
• At the regional level, median home prices experienced a 4% increase in August 2024, compared to August 2023.
  
  
• Home prices continued to grow on a year-over-year basis throughout the state, with median sales prices in 36 counties registering price increases in August 2024, compared to median sales prices a year ago in August 2023.
  
  
• The statewide unsold inventory index, which measures the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate, increased both month-over-month and year-over-year. The index was 3.2 months in August, up from 2.9 months in July and up from 2.4 months in August 2023.

August 2024 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

• The unsold inventory index of available existing homes for sale in San Diego County was at 2.8 months in August 2024, compared to 2.6 months in July 2024, 2.7 months in June 2024 and 1.9 months in August 2023. The index measures the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate.
  
  
• Active listings at the state level rose more than 39% from the year-ago level. It was the seventh straight month of annual gains in for-sale properties.
  
  
• New active listings at the state level improved from a year ago for the eighth consecutive month in August 2024. Despite a decelerating growth rate in August, the increase in new listings at the tail end of the buying season is an encouraging sign that supply conditions in California will continue to improve in the coming months. 
  
  
• The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 22 days in August, up from a revised 17.5 days in August 2023.
  
  
• In San Diego, the median number of days it took to sell an existing, single-family home was 17 days in August 2024, compared to 16 days in July 2024, 14 days in June 2024 and 13 days in August 2023. For previous 2024 months, the figures were 12 days in May, April and March. The median represents the time when half the homes sell above it and half below it.
  
  
• C.A.R.’s statewide sales price-to-list-price ratio was 100% in August 2024 and 100% in August 2023. Sales-to-list-price ratio is an indicator that reflects the negotiation power of home buyers and home sellers under current market conditions. The ratio is calculated by dividing the final sales price of a property by its original list price and is expressed as a percentage. A sales-to-list ratio with 100% or above suggests that the property sold for more than the list price, and a ratio below 100% indicates that the price sold below the asking price.
  
  
• The statewide median price per square foot for an existing single-family home was $427, up from $416 in August a year ago.
  
  
• The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 6.50% in August, down from 7.07% in August 2023, according to C.A.R.’s calculations based on Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage survey data.

Understanding Rent Control and Proposition 33

Rent control policies, such as those proposed under Proposition 33, aim to limit the amount landlords can charge for rent. While these policies are often introduced to protect renters, they can lead to unintended and harmful consequences for renters, property owners, and the broader housing market. Proposition 33, in particular, seeks to expand rent control by eliminating the protections provided under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which currently exempts single-family homes and new construction from local rent control ordinances.

Distortion of Supply and Demand

Rent control disrupts the natural balance of housing supply and demand. By capping rents, developers and property owners lose the financial incentive to build or maintain rental properties, leading to a reduction in the overall supply of housing. As the supply decreases, demand continues to rise, particularly in high-demand areas, resulting in a housing shortage. This shortage makes it increasingly difficult for renters to find available units, driving up competition and ultimately exacerbating the very affordability issues rent control aims to address.

Impact on Single-Family Homes and Property Owners

Proposition 33 would remove the current protections for single-family homes under Costa-Hawkins, allowing local governments to impose rent control on these properties. This change would have far-reaching effects on homeowners, including retirees, service members, and others who might want to return to their homes after renting them out. These homeowners could be restricted from setting their own rental rates, limiting their ability to use or sell their properties as they see fit.

For property owners looking to sell their rental properties, Proposition 33 would further complicate matters. Under rent control, the value of these properties may decrease, limiting the pool of potential buyers. Instead of selling to first-time homebuyers or middle-class families, owners may be forced to sell to wealthy investors who can navigate the complexities of rent-controlled properties. This dynamic could further exacerbate housing inequality and reduce homeownership opportunities for many Californians.

Does Rent Control Truly Benefit the Poor?

While rent control is often marketed as a tool to help low-income renters, it does not require that applicants pass a means test to qualify for these benefits. As a result, rent-controlled units are sometimes occupied by higher-income tenants who do not need the financial assistance intended for the poor. This situation creates an unfair advantage for wealthier individuals who secure these below-market rents at the expense of property owners, who are forced to subsidize these tenants.

Moreover, wealthier individuals living in rent-controlled units are unlikely to leave, as they continue to benefit from artificially low rents. This reduces turnover and makes it more difficult for new residents, especially those from low-income backgrounds, to find affordable housing. In some cases, these individuals can even maintain their rent-controlled units while subletting them to others at higher rates, further distorting the market and benefiting those who do not need the help.

This inequity highlights a fundamental flaw in rent control policies: they do not necessarily target those most in need of housing assistance. Instead, they can provide significant benefits to those who are already financially secure, exacerbating the challenges faced by low-income renters who are unable to compete in a market with limited affordable housing options.

Landlords Targeting “Better” Tenants

Another unintended consequence of rent control is that it incentivizes landlords to be more selective about the tenants they accept. Knowing that they could be stuck with a tenant indefinitely, landlords may prioritize applicants with higher incomes, stable jobs, and strong credit histories, effectively shutting out lower-income renters. This selective process can deepen inequalities in the housing market, making it even harder for vulnerable populations to secure housing.

In some cases, landlords may even choose to convert rental units into condominiums or sell their properties to avoid the restrictions of rent control altogether. This further reduces the availability of rental housing and can contribute to gentrification, where lower-income residents are displaced from their neighborhoods.

Impact on Local Governments

The ripple effects of Proposition 33 extend to local governments as well. As property values decline due to the reduced profitability of rent-controlled properties, so too does the property tax revenue that local governments rely on to fund essential services like public safety, education, and infrastructure. In cities where rent control is widely implemented, these reductions in revenue can lead to budget shortfalls, forcing cuts to critical services that impact the entire community.

Additionally, as the rental housing market contracts, the housing shortage could worsen, leading to increased homelessness and placing further strain on government resources. Local governments may find themselves in the difficult position of having to address the unintended social consequences of rent control, from increased demand for social services to the need for more affordable housing construction, which itself may be hampered by the disincentives created by Proposition 33.

Conclusion

Proposition 33 and the expansion of rent control might seem like a solution to California’s housing crisis, but they are more likely to exacerbate existing problems. Rent control distorts the housing market by reducing supply and increasing demand, often failing to benefit the low-income renters it is supposed to help, and encourages landlords to be more selective, shutting out those most in need of affordable housing. Additionally, the policy threatens to reduce property tax revenues, which could lead to cuts in essential public services and worsen the state’s housing shortage.

Furthermore, by allowing rent control on single-family homes, Proposition 33 risks harming retirees, service members, and other homeowners who may wish to return to or sell their properties. It also limits opportunities for first-time homebuyers, favoring wealthy investors who can navigate the complexities of rent-controlled properties. The opposition from leaders like Senator Toni Atkins and Mayor Todd Gloria underscores the potential damage this proposition could do to housing development and affordability.

Moreover, rent control does not require means testing, which can lead to situations where wealthier individuals benefit from below-market rents at the expense of property owners and those who truly need affordable housing. This lack of targeting makes rent control not only ineffective but also unfair, as it can allow wealthier tenants to remain in rent-controlled units indefinitely, further reducing opportunities for low-income renters.

For these reasons, it is crucial to oppose Proposition 33. Instead of expanding rent control, California needs policies that encourage the development of more housing, improve the quality of existing rental units, and truly address the needs of low-income renters. Only by addressing the root causes of the housing crisis can we create a more stable and equitable housing market for all Californians.

BEST Practice

Once a property is sold, in both SDMLS and in CRMLS, to make your listing to be available for comparables, input the entire Concession Amount into the Concession Comment Field so agents in both MLS systems know what it is.  It is critical that agents list all concession amounts and what they were allocated towards so that other agents know what was given as a buyer concession vs a commission concession.  Find out why by reading this post.

Key Differences Between SDMLS and CRMLS when Researching Comparables Post Settlement. These Fields are available to complete after a property has sold and is being moved from pending to sold status.

SDMLS Approach:
SDMLS has specific guidelines regarding the disclosure of seller concessions. According to their Q&A on policy changes post-settlement:

“Seller-offered concessions should be mentioned in the Confidential Remarks field with the instruction to contact the listing agent for details.”

In SDMLS, agents can use the “Concessions Comments” field to input details about seller concessions. This field allows for flexibility, with comments that may include text descriptions or numeric values. For example, agents might see comments like:

• • “$2,990 for wood-destroying pest repairs”
  • “Closing costs covered by the seller”
  • “$5,700 Seller Credit”

While these comments provide valuable information, they can be inconsistent in format and detail, which may complicate property comparisons.

CRMLS Approach:
CRMLS still includes the flexible comment section and this is the field that will be shown in the SDMLS system, but CRMLS takes a different approach to reporting concessions. The CRMLS system provides a breakdown of seller concessions at the close of a transaction, with the mandatory fields categorized as follows:

• • Closing Costs (e.g., escrow and title fees)
  • Property Improvements (e.g., repairs and upgrades)
  • Financing Costs (e.g., loan origination fees, discount points)
  • Buyer Broker Fee (amount the seller paid directly to the buyer’s broker)
  • Other

This breakdown ensures that agents and their clients have a clear understanding of how concessions, were applied.

Viewing Concessions Across the Two Systems

When navigating concessions in the dual MLS marketplace, agents will see different displays depending on the MLS they are accessing.

For CRMLS subscribers, the report for CRMLS listings will include a detailed breakdown of concessions by category (circled in red.) The example below shows how these details are presented. If an SDMLS agent included a remark in the “Concessions Comments” field, those details will appear in the highlighted sections shown in yellow here:

CRMLS Paragon View (Actual PSAR listing)

For SDMLS users viewing CRMLS listings, the screen (below) will display the structured concession breakdown on the right side, while any SDMLS-specific remarks will be visible on the left:

SDMLS Paragon View (Same Actual PSAR listing)

CRMLS Paragon View (Actual SDMLS sold listing)

SDMLS Paragon View (Actual SDMLS sold listing)

Understanding these distinctions is essential for agents who need to pull comps from both MLS systems. Accurate comparisons require not only the ability to see the numbers but also to understand the context in which they’re reported.

Navigating the Differences

For agents working in either MLS system, it’s important to recognize how each handles concession disclosures and reporting. When pulling comps, take note of the differences between SDMLS’s more flexible comments and CRMLS’s detailed breakdown. Adjusting for these variances allows you to deliver more precise market analyses to your clients, ultimately helping them make better-informed decisions in San Diego’s dynamic real estate market.

TRACY MORGAN HOLLINGWORTH

PSAR GOV’T AFFAIRS DIRECTOR (1956-2024)

(Services)

The PSAR family is heartbroken at this time following the sudden passing of Tracy Morgan Hollingworth, who held PSAR’s Government Affairs Director position for the past 21 years. According to husband Andrew Hollingworth, Tracy passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 5. She was 68 at the time of her passing.

Considered the dean of real estate lobbyists in San Diego County, Tracy was greatly loved and admired. No one in San Diego had worked longer in real estate government affairs than Tracy. She was proud of her record of longevity in government affairs services among Realtors in California-based REALTOR® associations.

Tracy was more than just a colleague. She was a pillar of the community, a dedicated leader, and a true friend to many. She served on many boards and commissions in service of her community and as recently as July 23, she attended a meeting between members of the PSAR Government Affairs Committee and California State Senator Brian Jones. Over the years, her savvy political advocacy efforts contributed to the prevention of passage of many state laws deemed detrimental to the best business interests of PSAR members.

Rich D’Ascoli, PSAR CEO, commented, “As a REALTOR® advocate for PSAR, Tracy was instrumental in defeating rent control in National City, a critical victory for property owners. She also played a key role in protecting private property rights in East County by helping as an opposition member to downzoning efforts. Her advocacy extended to the county level, where she worked on several land use initiatives, including the General Plan update, to ensure the interests of private property owners were represented and protected.”

PSAR member Mike Anderson, a long-time participant on the PSAR Government Affairs Committee, stated, “Tracy’s governmental updates for the GA committee were always thorough and enlightening, and she was invaluable during our GA meetings and on our annual Sacramento Legislation Day trips.”

A San Diego native, Tracy was born Jan. 2, 1956. She grew up in the East County and attended Flying Hills Elementary School in El Cajon and Cajon Valley Junior High. Her grandfather had moved with his family from Illinois to the Bostonia area of El Cajon in 1911, so her East County roots ran deep. She graduated from Santana High School in Santee. At Santana, she organized school assemblies and served as a peer counselor, confidentially assisting other students with personal problems ranging from family issues to drug addiction.

As a summer job, she worked in the Kings Canyon National Park, where she met actors Tim Conway and Harvey Korman, alums of the long-running TV show "The Carol Burnett Show", who were traveling with their families.  After summer's end, she was awarded a scholarship and attended Mount Vernon College, a women’s college in northwestern Washington, D.C., from 1976 through 1977. There, she studied international law and worked alongside professors who helped craft legislation for members of Congress. She also took a “Comparative Politics” course, for which she traveled to Rome and London and met with national lawmakers.

In 1977, Tracy landed a staff position with California U.S. Senator S.I. “Sam” Hayakawa. Tracy assisted in the drafting of legislation that helped San Diego’s tuna fishing industry stay competitive with fishing fleets in other countries. Later, while completing her bachelor’s degree in political science and economics at San Diego State University, she worked to implement those policy recommendations.

An economics professor encouraged her to join an internship program at the state Capitol in Sacramento.  While there, she earned a master’s degree from California State University, Sacramento. She spent 10 years working at the state Capitol for members of the California State Assembly, the League of California Cities, and other governmental bodies. During her time with the State Assembly, Tracy worked with key policy staff to draft legislation designed to create the California Welfare to Work Program, the first and only tax surplus rebate to state taxpayers. She also helped the California Association of REALTORS® carry a bill that expanded the C.A.R. Legal Action Fund.

Tracy met her husband Andrew "Andy" Hollingworth while both were working late hours analyzing committee bills for hearings. Before the age of PCs, the state had developed a cumbersome computer network that Andy had mastered. Andy, who was working as an advisor to four legislative committees, instructed Tracy on how to search for key bill information that showed legislators what special interest groups were supporting certain legislation and what organizations supported or opposed the legislation. Tracy and Andy dated four years before Andy proposed on one knee in the snow during a trip to Lake Tahoe.

Tracy’s work in the Legislature led to her serving 13 years with the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® (1988-2001). She then spent 21 total years serving the East San Diego County Association of REALTORS® (ESDCAR) and Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS®  following the merger of the two associations.

In 2002, she started her own association management consulting firm. In addition to PSAR members, her clients over the years included the American Society of Landscape Architects San Diego Chapter, California Council of the American Society of Landscape Architects, East Otay Mesa Property Owners Association, California Municipal Managers Association, ACE Mentor, Urban Land Institute and several other land-use organizations.

Tracy is survived by her husband of 35 years Andrew Hollingworth, sisters Kathleen Morgan and Mary Ellen Morgan, and their 90-year-old mother Diane Morgan. Andrew stated that he was Tracy’s confidant as well as business partner. “We collaborated on everything, Tracy was a wonderful spouse and partner. She was the smartest person I know of in terms of land use real estate policy and politics. She has mentored many real estate lobbyists and elected officials. Tracy lived and breathed real estate.” In March of this year, Tracy and Andrew participated in a formal marriage recommitment ceremony officiated by County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Jordan Z. Marks.

“Tracy was fiercely loyal to her friends in good times and bad, and friendly and helpful to everyone,” said Andrew. “Once you were her friend you remained so for life.”

Services 

The family has planned the following public events to celebrate Tracy’s life:

A viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Aug 26, at Glen Abbey Mortuary’s La Jolla Chapel facility in Pacific Beach, located at 4710 Cass St., at the corner of Cass and Diamond Streets.

Burial and prayers will follow at 2 p.m. at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, located at 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, at La Jolla Presbyterian Church sanctuary, located at  7715 Draper Ave., La Jolla. The parking garage entrance is on Kline Street. A reception will follow in the church Fellowship Hall located across the courtyard.

For more information about these public events, contact Kathleen Morgan at katinparis03@yahoo.com.

PSAR expresses our sincere condolences to the Hollingworth family at this time. Cards and notes can be mailed to the PSAR offices.

Home sales were higher in San Diego County as well as in California, reaching a five-month high statewide in July 2024, according to the latest home sales and price report from the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.).

Fueled by the lowest interest rates since spring, closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 279,810 in July, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2024 if sales maintained the July pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.

July 2024’s statewide sales pace rose 3.6% from the revised 270,200 homes sold in June 2024 and increased 4.1% from a year ago in July 2023, when a revised 268,840 homes were sold on an annualized basis. The sales pace has remained below the 300,000 threshold for 22 consecutive months, and year-to-date home sales edged up 0.2% from the first seven months of 2023. Year-to-date statewide home sales inched up 0.2%.

In San Diego County, the sales pace for home sales increased in July 2024 in both monthly and year-over-year comparisons. Sales of existing, single-family homes in San Diego County increased in July by 11.8% from June 2024, and 11.1% from July 2023.

“California’s housing market kicked off the second half of the year with a moderate increase in home sales in July as interest rates continued their downward trend,” said C.A.R. President Melanie Barker, a Yosemite REALTOR®. “Despite transitioning into the off-season, the market should remain vibrant in the coming months if the availability of homes for sale continues to improve, and mortgage rates moderate further in the third and fourth quarters.”

Regarding home prices, the statewide median price slipped in July 2024 for the second month in a row, after setting a record high in May 2023. July’s median price dipped 1.6% from $900,720 in June 2024 to $886,560 in July 2024. California’s median home price in July 2024 was 6.5% higher than the $832,530 recorded in July 2023. 

July 2024 County Sales and Price Activity
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

The year-over-year gain in July 2024 was the 13th straight month of annual price increases, albeit the smallest since January 2024. Home prices could soften further in the coming months but should continue to register moderate year-over-year growth for the rest of the year.

Stronger sales momentum in the higher-priced market segment on a statewide basis continued to contribute to median price growth, especially because homes priced at $1 million and above have been selling faster than lower-priced homes.

The $1 million-and-higher segment rose year-over-year in July 2024 by 24.5%, while sales in the sub-$500,000 segment dropped 1.6%. While sales of homes priced above $1 million were down for the second straight month, they accounted for 35.4% of all sales in July 2024, near the recent high recorded in May 2024. California easily boasts the most cities with million-dollar-priced homes, followed by New York and New Jersey. 

In San Diego County, the average price for an existing, single-family detached home in San Diego lingered at more than $1 million in July 2024. It was the fifth consecutive month the median price exceeded $1 million.

The median sales price in July 2024 was $1,020,000, a slight 3.2% decrease from the $1,054,180 posted in June 2024. A year ago, in July 2023, the median price for a San Diego home was $969,020, a 5.3% difference with July 2024.

“As the economy showed more signs of cooling in the past couple of months, mortgage rates continued to come down, reaching the lowest level in 15 months,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. “This improvement in lower borrowing costs could motivate homebuyers on the sideline to reenter the market, especially since home prices began to soften at the tail end of the homebuying season.”  

Other key points from C.A.R.’s July 2024 resale housing report include:

• At the regional level, home sales in nearly all major regions bounced back and rose higher than year-ago levels in July 2024. The San Francisco Bay Area (19.2%) increased the most, followed by Southern California (11.4%) and the Central Valley (10.3%) regions.
  
  
• At the regional level, all major regions experienced an increase in their median price from a year ago in July. The Central Coast posted the biggest price jump on a year-over-year basis, increasing 8.0% from a year ago, followed by Southern California at 6.1%.
  
  
• The statewide unsold inventory index, which measures the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate, was mixed. The index was at 2.9 months in July 2024, down from 3.0 months in June 2024 and up from 2.5 months in July 2023.

July 2024 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

• The unsold inventory index of available existing homes for sale in San Diego County was at 2.6 months in July 2024, compared to 2.7 months in June 2024 and 2.0 months in July 2023. The index measures the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate.
  
  
• Active listings statewide rose 39.0% on a year-over-year basis. It was the sixth straight month of annual gains in for-sale properties and the highest since January of last year.
  
  With mortgage rates likely to moderate in the coming months, further improvement in the supply side could be observed in the market for the rest of the year as the lock-in effect continues to ease.
  
  
• New active listings at the state level increased from a year ago for the seventh consecutive month. With mortgage rates moderating throughout the month, the pace of growth accelerated in July 2024 (19.5%) after slowing to a single-digit growth rate in June 2024.
  
  
• The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 20 days in July and 16 days in July 2023.
  
  
• In San Diego, the median number of days it took to sell an existing, single-family home was 16 days in July 2024, compared to 14 days in June 2024 and 12 days in July 2023. The figures for the previous 2024 months were 12 days in May, April, and March. The median represents the time when half the homes sell above it and half below it.
  
  
• C.A.R.’s statewide sales-price-to-list-price ratio was 100.0% in July 2023 and 100.0% in July 2023. The sales-to-list-price ratio is an indicator that reflects the negotiation power of home buyers and home sellers under current market conditions. The ratio is calculated by dividing the final sales price of a property by its original list price and is expressed as a percentage. A sales-to-list ratio of 100% or above suggests that the property sold for more than the list price, and a ratio below 100% indicates that the price sold below the asking price.
  
  
• The statewide average price per square foot for an existing single-family home was $437, up from $408 in July a year ago.
  
  
• The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 6.85% in July, up from 6.71% in July 2023, according to C.A.R.’s calculations based on Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage survey data.

Recently, PSAR members met with California State Senator Brian Jones, who has represented the 40th Senate District since 2018. He is currently serving as Senate Minority Leader.

The major topic discussed at the meeting with Jones is the housing shortage. High home prices and mortgage rates have created a chilling effect on the housing market, frustrating aspiring first-time buyers and homeowners looking to move. Adding to the misery, the low housing supply has kept prices up, even as elevated borrowing fees bite into purchasing power and affect affordability. 

Also, prospective sellers are deterred over concerns about the mortgage rate they would incur with their next home, creating a “lock-in effect” that constrains the market. The lock-in effect occurs when homeowners who secured ultra-cheap mortgages when interest rates were low now feel trapped in their current property and reluctant to relocate, thus, limiting the number of existing homes available for sale.

Sen. Jones told PSAR members he believes there are ways to increase the inventory of single-family homes to first-time buyers by making it easier for older homeowners looking to downsize.

In addition, PSAR members heard Jones's request for the Association’s assistance with researching San Diego County homeowners, ages 55 and older, who might be interested in downsizing.

Jones said he believes more homeowners would be receptive to relocating to smaller homes, giving more options to first-time buyers, if benefits were available that still offered attractive living amenities.

One idea is to examine the incentives currently available for subsidized rentals and then apply those same incentives toward the creation of entry-level ownership housing. Another idea is to make it easier for developers to build entry-level homes by offering the same programs that benefit for-profit and non-profit builders of rental housing.

Overall, PSAR members described the meeting with Jones as “productive” and “enlightening.” PSAR members thanked the Senator for his continued partnership in looking for solutions to the housing shortage. 

The 40th California State Senate District includes more than 1 million residents of East and North San Diego County. The 40th Senate District includes the cities of Escondido, Poway, San Marcos, Santee and San Diego City communities of Carmel Mountain Ranch, Mira Mesa, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Peñasquitos, Scripps Ranch, Sorrento Valley and University City, along with the San Diego County unincorporated communities of 4S Ranch, Alpine, Bonsall, Fallbrook, Lakeside, Pine Valley, Rainbow, Ramona and Valley Center.

Jones grew up in the 40th District. He attended Santee Elementary, Cajon Park Middle School, and Santana High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Jones served eight years on the Santee City Council followed by three terms (2010-2016) in the State Assembly before his first election to the Senate in 2018. PSAR endorsed Jones in his 2022 reelection bid.