The latest update features new widgets, updated email layouts, and other enhancements to Paragon and Paragon Connect.

Sharing Listings

In Paragon Connect, there are two options to share a listing:

1. Share with public
   This option uses CollabLink to share listings with the same public-safe options as before. It includes a reminder to users that it only displays publicly permitted fields.

1. Share with members

This new section is designed for sharing with other authorized Paragon Connect users. Features include:

• Email
  Send listing reports directly to other agents. Emails sent this way include a Lookup button in the recipient fields (To, CC, and BCC), support selecting one or more agents, and will appear in the Message History for both the sender and related member.
• Copy Link
  Automatically copy a link to share the Paragon Connect detail view of the listing(s). A confirmation message will appear after copying.

New Widget – Sell Side Tracking

The new Sell Side Tracker widget monitors buyer interest and activity. Add up to three Sell Side Tracker widgets per listing on the dashboard.

The widget tracks:

• Contact: Assigned contact for the listing
• Status: Current listing status
• Days on Market: How long the property has been active
• Possible/Rejected/Undecided: Buyer interest indicators
• Total Agent Views: Number of times the agent viewed the listing
• Unique Agent Views: Individual unique agent views
• Total Client Views: Total consumer views
• Unique Client Views: Individual unique consumer views
• Recommended: Number of times the listing was recommended
• Open Houses: Scheduled open house count
• Tours: Number of property tours scheduled
• Agent Comments: Number of times an agent commented on the listing
• Buyer Comments: Number of times a buyer commented on the listing
• Shares via Email: Number of times the listing was shared via email
• Shares via Facebook: Number of times the listing was shared on Facebook
• Showing Requests: Number of requested showings

The Sell Side Tracker widget refreshes every 24 hours. Green + indicators highlight new activity.

Redesigned Listing Thumbnail Results

Use the updated thumbnail cards to see more details and listings on the results page.

Unpublished Listings

Scan and manage multiple listings with the new thumbnail layout.

Published Listings

Maintain listings more easily with the enhanced published listing thumbnails.

Thumbnails include:

• Seller Contact Management: Assign or unassign a seller contact
• Quick Access Buttons: Launch the listing insights report, edit option, and media gallery directly from the thumbnail photo

Option to Disable Help Tips

Disable help tips from the overflow menu during listing maintenance.

Listing Form Container Behavior

The listing form now expands all containers automatically. Use the search bar to move up specific fields to the top of the page.

Simplified Filtering for Published Listings

Use the listing filter to search and filter specific listings based on select criteria.

Copying Unpublished Listings

The copy listing feature now extends to unpublished listings.

More Recognizable Icons for Opening Search/Listing Modals

The UI now has a magnifying glass icon to open modules and clearly distinguishes dropdowns from modals for advanced search or content selection.

Agent Notification – Emails

Agent notification emails now have an updated look and format.

Email Update – Comments Sent to Agent

When a contact makes a comment, agents receive an automatic dedicated email notification. In the Paragon Connect app, the email notification button links directly to the comments page. In the Paragon Connect, the link opens to the same page in the web-based version of the system.

Categorized Listings Email

Receive an email summary of new categorized listings from the past 7 or 30 days (frequency based on notification settings). For easy identification, each email is labeled with the contact’s name.

Create/Modified Searches for Contacts

When a contact creates or modifies a search, it triggers a standalone email containing the contact’s details, name, and full search criteria. Click the view search button for instant access.

Agent Preview Listing Approval

In Paragon Connect, agents receive an Agent Preview Listing Approval email that displays the number of changes at the top of the page and highlights contact details. Click the Review Listings button for instant access to approve or decline new listings in the client’s search.

Enhanced Document Display in Detail Report & Media Gallery 

In Paragon Connect, distinguish between public and private documents with new labels in the updated Detail Report and Media Gallery, both featuring cleaner layouts.

Open House & Tour Multi-Date Selection

Use the updated calendar to select multiple individual dates when creating tours or scheduling multiple open houses. Note: The individual dates selected do not have to be consecutive.

Collaboration Center – Dashboard Widget Updates

Access widgets more intuitively with the collaboration center dashboard’s new, cleaner layout.

Seamless Deep Linking to the Paragon Connect Mobile App

Click the email link to automatically to see which listings are set to expire in the mobile app.

Save Agent Contacts on Mobile

Save agent contact details directly from the listing detail report page in Paragon Connect. Click the Save to Phone button to open the application with all relevant contact information completed.

Read Paragon's Knowledgebase article for a full list of recent updates

CRMLS offers a variety of resources to educate you on our products and services. Click above to visit the CRMLS training center.

If you need MLS support, please click above or call (800) 925-1525

Your listing data is safe, clean, and accurate. Click above to chat live with a CRMLS Compliance representative.

Read Paragon's Knowledgebase article for a full list of updates.

The San Diego City Council is moving rapidly to place a punitive "Empty Homes Tax" on the June 2026 ballot. While the news often portrays this as a "second home tax" targeting wealthy speculators, the reality buried in the ordinance is far more alarming: this is a universal audit mandate that affects EVERY homeowner in San Diego.

The "Guilty Until Proven Innocent" Reality

The language of the ordinance applies to all residential family dwellings—including condominiums, townhomes, and duplexes. Because the City must identify which homes are "vacant" for more than 183 days, the administrative burden falls on every homeowner to prove they don’t owe the tax. 

Under this "guilty until proven innocent" framework:

• Annual Substantiation: You are required to proactively prove to the City Treasurer every year that your home was occupied.
• Government Surveillance: The City Treasurer is granted the power to inspect your private records at "all reasonable times" and apply "auditing procedures" to verify your residency.
• 10-Year Record Keeping: You are legally mandated to retain all records necessary to prove your residency for a full decade.
• Rebuttable Presumption: If the City decides to assess a tax against you, its estimate is legally presumed to be correct. The burden is entirely on you, the homeowner, to prove them wrong.

What It Will Cost You

This isn't just a fee; it is a massive financial penalty designed to increase every year.

• The Price Tag: $8,000 in 2027, rising to $10,000 per year in 2028.
• Automatic Inflation: Starting in 2029, the tax will increase automatically every year based on the Consumer Price Index.
• The Delinquency Trap: If you fail to prove your exemption by April 1st, you are automatically delinquent, triggering an immediate 10% penalty on top of the tax.

Who Gets Hurt?

The current draft lacks critical common-sense exemptions, putting families in impossible situations:

• Sellers in Escrow: There is no exemption for a home that is vacant simply because it is on the market or in the process of being sold.
• Military Families: Service members deployed overseas must navigate complex annual paperwork to prove a "Qualifying Military Service Period" or face the tax.
• The Elderly & Ill: Residents who must temporarily relocate for long-term medical care or rehabilitation must file "Owner in Care" documentation to avoid being taxed for being sick. Imagine being on your deathbed, considering filing complicated city bureaucratic paperwork.
• Criminal Charges: Willfully failing to remit the tax or refusing to allow an audit is a misdemeanor, punishable by fines and up to six months in jail.

A Pattern of "Bait and Switch"

We’ve seen this before. When the City asked for the "trash fee" (Measure B), voters were promised one thing. Today, the reality is far different, with fees already significantly higher than what the ballot initiative originally stated.

This ordinance explicitly allows the City to deposit these funds into the General Fund for "general municipal services". It is a revenue grab that creates a permanent audit department to monitor where you sleep.

ACTION REQUIRED: CONTACT YOUR COUNCIL MEMBER TODAY, OR DO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING

What can you do?

1. Call or email your city council member using the contact information below. Express your opposition to this ordinance, and if possible, why.
2. Click on the following link and scroll to item S501 S501: Consideration of an Empty Homes Tax Ballot Measure Proposal by Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera. (Added 2/26/26), Click on

   Click Here to Submit a Comment

   1. Press the radio button next to: "City Council Comment "
   2. For Agenda Item Number (for Agenda items that are preceded by an S, please drop the S and simply insert the three-digit number in the field below) type 501
3. Attend the meeting live at the City Administration Building, 202 C Street, San Diego, CA 92101. The meeting starts at 10:00 AM and continues at 2:00 PM. It is likely, although not certain, that this item will be heard in the afternoon.

Find your Council District Here

The full City Council votes this Tuesday, March 3rd, at 2:00 PM. We need every PSAR member and their clients to flood these offices with opposition.

Tell them: "No on the Empty Homes Tax. Stop the universal audit mandate!"

The ICE (formerly Black Knight) team is coming to town for the REAL Awards, and they are arriving a day early to host a special session just for PSAR members.

If you are still using "Classic" Paragon, you’re missing out on the power of a truly mobile-optimized business.  Paragon Connect is a true web application, not just a mobile solution, allowing you to use the program on almost any device. Paragon Connect includes a host of options: full property search, contact manager, hotsheet search, and more. 

Why Switch to Paragon Connect?

Paragon Connect isn’t just a mobile version of the software you know - it’s a faster, more intuitive way to manage your business on the go. The team will walk you through the newest tools designed to simplify your daily tasks:

• Robust Search: Pinpoint local properties with precision using an interface built for speed.
• Simple CMAs: Generate professional Comparative Market Analysis reports in seconds from your phone or tablet.
• On-the-Go Management: Maintain accurate listing data and organize client conversations from a single, easy-to-use interface.
• Maximum Efficiency: Customizable solutions designed to reduce administrative time and keep you in the field.
• Mobile Friendly App: Add, edit, and full MLS functionality on mobile devices.

Download for Apple or Android

For years, one of the biggest frustrations for homeowners has been the lack of control over their property’s online presence. Once a house is sold, interior photos—showing everything from the primary bedroom to the home’s security layout—often remain searchable on the internet indefinitely.

Starting February 17, 2026, a new policy is finally putting the curtains back up. The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® (PSAR) is proud to announce a technical solution that will automatically remove interior photos from public search sites once a property sale is finalized.

The power of our partnership with CRMLS

This significant shift in privacy is made possible by CRMLS, the nation’s largest and most recognized MLS. By updating their rules and infrastructure, CRMLS has paved the way for this automated solution. This change ensures that the data being shared with public-facing websites remains relevant to active listings, rather than becoming a permanent archive of a private residence.

As a PSAR member, you and your homeowners benefit directly from the industry-leading standards and technical innovation that CRMLS brings to the San Diego market.

The problem: private homes, publicly searchable

Most homeowners assume that when they buy a house, the marketing photos disappear. However, due to how data is shared through IDX (Internet Data Exchange), those photos often stay live on thousands of real estate websites long after the new owners move in.

For residents, this is a legitimate security and privacy concern:

• Home security: Interior photos can act as a blueprint for bad actors, identifying entry points and the location of valuables.
• Family privacy: Families are often uncomfortable knowing anyone can virtually walk through their private living spaces via an old listing.
• Online fraud: Scammers frequently use these persistent photos to create fake rental listings, leading to strangers showing up at a homeowner’s door.

A new standard for San Diego

"We believe that once a house is sold, it stops being a listing and starts being a home," says Claudia Zaker, President of the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS®.

Through the leadership of CRMLS and our local partnership, homeowners will now have their privacy protected automatically. Starting in the first quarter of 2026, the data feed used by PSAR members will remove photos as soon as a sale closes.

The result: Every interior photo will be scrubbed from the public data feed. Only the primary exterior shot will remain on record to ensure there is a "front door" photo for historical property records and appraisals, while keeping the inside of the home private.

What this means for PSAR members

This is a first-of-its-kind feature for San Diego, moving the responsibility of data privacy from the homeowner to the professionals. By being a REALTOR® with PSAR, you provide your homeowners with:

• Automated privacy: They no longer have to spend hours requesting various websites to remove photos of bedrooms or living areas.
• Increased security: A home's private layout is no longer a public map.
• Digital closure: Once the sale is over, the public tour officially ends.

"PSAR and CRMLS are taking the lead in San Diego to ensure private data stays private," says Zaker. "We are proud to bring this level of digital protection to our community."

Background and technical rule change

For those interested in the specific regulatory language, Rule 19.2.4 - Display Content (IDX) has been revised. While the rule is now official, it will not be enforced until CRMLS completes the technological project of removing non-primary photos from the IDX payload and notifying all IDX vendors of these changes.

The revised rule now states:

Display Content. Participants and Subscribers shall not display confidential information fields, as determined by the MLS in the MLS’s sole discretion, such as that information intended for Buyer Brokers rather than consumers. Participants and Subscribers shall not display any photo or media other than the Primary Photo for any CRMLS Listing Record in a status of Closed/Leased, Expired, or Canceled.

California’s housing market has long felt like a "closed-door" policy for the middle class. However, a significant new initiative, the California Middle-Class Homeownership and Family Home Construction Act of 2026 (#25-0013), is aiming for the November 2026 ballot to change that narrative.

Proposed as a self-sustaining program with no cost to taxpayers, this initiative seeks to bridge the massive gap between renting and owning through a $25 billion revenue bond program. Here is how this landmark proposal could reshape the Golden State’s landscape for buyers, sellers, and the economy at large.

1. A Lifeline for Home Buyers and Sellers
The initiative targets the "missing middle"—families who earn too much for traditional low-income assistance but are priced out of the current market.

• For Buyers: The core of the Act is a second mortgage program administered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

  • Lower Entry Barriers: Borrowers only need a 3% down payment. The program provides a secondary loan covering up to 17% of the purchase price, effectively helping families reach a 20% equity stake immediately.

  • Inclusivity: It expands eligibility to those with "thin" credit files by requiring lenders to use cash flow underwriting (evaluating bank statements and rental history) if a traditional credit score falls short.

  • Affordability: Loans are required to be fixed-rate with no early payment penalties, protecting buyers from predatory lending.

• For Sellers (Builders): By stimulating demand specifically for newly constructed homes, the Act provides a guaranteed pool of qualified buyers. The "Qualified Builder Option" allows developers to certify their projects, making them more attractive to lenders and prospective homeowners.

2. Fueling the California Economy

This isn't just a social program; it's an economic engine. By authorizing $25 billion in revenue bonds, the initiative injects massive liquidity into the construction sector without dipping into the state’s general fund.

• Job Creation: The emphasis on "Family Home Construction" incentivizes the building of stand-alone homes, townhouses, and row houses. This creates a steady stream of high-paying construction jobs.

• Social Impact Investment: The program encourages "social impact investment" through low-interest bonds that qualify for Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) credit, bringing private banking capital back into local California neighborhoods.

• Market Stability: By increasing the supply of "Qualified New Homes"—including repurposed nonresidential buildings—the Act addresses the chronic inventory shortage that drives volatile price spikes.

3. Why REALTORS® Should Rally

For California REALTORS®, this initiative removes the two biggest hurdles to closing a sale: the down payment and inventory.

• Expanded Client Base: With income eligibility up to 200% of the Area Median Income (AMI), a vast majority of working California families suddenly become viable clients.

• Guaranteed Professional Involvement: In a win for the industry, the Act requires applicants to retain a licensed California real estate agent or broker to ensure consumer protection throughout the process.

• Streamlined Disputes: The "Right to Repair" provisions and limits on attorney contingency fees (capped at 30%) are designed to resolve construction disputes quickly through mediation or repair rather than years of stalled litigation, keeping the market moving.

The Politics: Who is Behind the Move?

The initiative is championed by Robert M. Hertzberg, a prominent figure in California politics and former Majority Leader of the State Senate.

The Strategy:

• The "No Taxpayer Cost" Angle: By using revenue bonds—where the loans are repaid by the homeowners, not the public—proponents are framing this as a fiscally responsible way to tackle the housing crisis.

• Labor Alignment: The Act includes robust labor enforcement standards, allowing joint labor-management committees to sue for violations like improper worker classification. This is a strategic move to gain support from organized labor.

• Legislative Flexibility: Uniquely, the Act allows the Legislature to amend the statute with a 60% vote to further its goals, ensuring the program can evolve without needing a new ballot measure every few years.

As the 2026 election approaches, expect this to be a centerpiece of the housing debate. It’s a bold attempt to prove that the California Dream of homeownership isn't dead—it just needs a better financing model.

The full text of the initiative can be read here.

For Carlos and Shannon, community service is not merely a side project or a corporate responsibility; it is the core of their business philosophy, rooted in the belief that a business should serve the people around it rather than just operating within them.

Carlos’s dedication to East County is seen through a wide range of impactful initiatives that address both immediate crises and long-term community needs. Together with his partner Shannon Harris, they have notably led the restoration of the Grossmont High School band trailer, ensuring local students have the resources necessary to pursue their musical talents. His commitment to environmental stewardship is equally impressive, spanning from organized East County cleanups to a convenient annual Christmas tree pickup service. Furthermore, his ongoing partnership as a trash sponsor for the Coldwell Banker West Foundation ensures that local charitable efforts remain clean, organized, and effective.

Beyond logistical support, Carlos has proven to be a pillar of strength during San Diego’s most challenging moments. Following the 2020 La Mesa riots, he stepped up to provide vital crisis response, helping the community navigate the path toward recovery and rebuilding. This spirit of care extends into his work with the Junk Medics Community Food Pantry, where he provides a consistent safety net for residents facing food insecurity. To Carlos and Shannon, these projects are deeply personal and serve as a way to give back to the community that helped shape his own journey. His tireless work serves as a powerful testament to the positive impact one individual can have on the well-being of an entire region.

Carlos "CJ" Granados

Shannon Harris

Learn more about the PSAR Good Neighbor Award and submit nominations HERE

Nada Benny exemplifies the spirit of advocacy by her deep-rooted commitment to East County and her passion for educational equity. For Nada, community service is a personal mission inspired by her own journey as an El Cajon Valley High School alumna. Living by the philosophy that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” she has dedicated herself to ensuring that the next generation of leaders has the support they need to succeed without the crushing burden of debt.

Eight years ago, Nada turned a personal promise into a reality by founding the Nada Benny Scholarship at El Cajon Valley High School. What began as a small initiative has flourished into a significant community pillar, having provided financial assistance to 52 sensational students to date. Nada’s motivation stems from a desire to see young people pursue higher education, whether to become doctors, lawyers, or engineers, without compromising their future financial stability or their ability to eventually achieve the dream of homeownership. She is also proud of her scholars who have gone to trade school route and have been doing excellently. By easing the weight of student loans, she is helping her scholars build a foundation for lifelong success.

Beyond the financial support, Nada’s advocacy is rooted in a deep admiration for the resilience of her scholarship recipients. Many of these students serve as translators for their parents or parental figures for their younger siblings, all while maintaining high academic standards and participating in extracurricular activities. Her heart for the community extends even further through her ongoing efforts to collect food and clothing for low-income families, addressing the immediate needs of East County residents. By showing up for her community in both grand gestures and quiet, consistent acts of service, Nada has inspired colleagues and friends to follow her lead, proving that one person’s commitment to "paying it forward" can create a lasting ripple effect of hope.

Learn more about the PSAR Good Neighbor Award and submit nominations HERE

Mike Anderson serves as a premier example of a decades-long track record of volunteerism that has woven him into the very fabric of the East County community. For Mike, volunteering isn't just an occasional commitment; it is a way of life. He operates on the principle that the most dedicated volunteers will always find a way to show up and help, regardless of how busy their professional lives may be.

Mike’s most visible impact can be seen through his 30-year tenure as the Chairman of Oktoberfest in El Cajon for the German American Societies of San Diego. Under his leadership, the event has grown into one of the largest and most beloved family-friendly traditions in East County, recently celebrating its 50th anniversary. Through Oktoberfest, Mike has fostered a long-standing partnership with St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, providing them with financial support and a public platform to showcase their artists, while also personally volunteering his time to support their annual Artwalk event.

His influence is equally profound in the business and civic sectors of Lakeside. Having served nearly 30 years as a member, Director, and two-time President of the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, he also serves on the San Diego County Assessment Appeals Board. Mike has been instrumental in organizing cornerstone community events like the Western Days Parade, the Spirit of Christmas, and Touch-a-Truck. His commitment to civic health also included four years as an elected member of the Lakeside Community Planning Group and extensive advocacy work within the REALTOR® community. Whether he is hosting monthly mixers to connect local business owners or volunteering at the Lakeside Optimist Club’s Bulls Only Rodeo, Mike’s 25-plus years of service represent a tireless investment in the people and prosperity of San Diego.

Learn more about the PSAR Good Neighbor Award and submit nominations HERE

Calling for Nominations!!!

Do you know a fantastic PSAR REALTOR^®, Broker/Office Manager, or Affiliate? Now is the time to give them the recognition they deserve.  Award Recipients will be announced at the REAL Awards on February 27th, 2026.

Nominations must be received by Monday, February 2nd, 5 pm.
______________________________

PSAR shall recognize a REALTOR^®, Broker, and Affiliate who fulfill the following criteria: 

REALTOR® of the Year award criteria

• Outstanding loyalty and devotion to the advancement and success of the Association and the Real Estate Profession through attendance at meetings and services on committees, either as a member or chairperson.
• Committee participation should be heavily weighted.
• Conduct of Candidates’ real estate business and practices, in the judgment of candidates’ colleagues, in the most ethical manner at all times, representing the professional image, and true spirit of REALTORS®.
• Promotion and practice of the Real Estate Code of Ethics and Standard of Practices.
• Participation in Association-sponsored activities.
• Participation in civic and community activities.
• Participation in CAR and NAR.
• The past recipient of the REALTOR® of the Year may be asked to present the award to the new recipient.
• The immediate President shall not be considered for the REALTOR® of the Year award.

Broker/ Office Manager of the Year award criteria

• Outstanding loyalty and devotion to the advancement of the Association and the Real Estate Profession.
• Must exemplify the REALTOR® image and have an enviable record of service to the real estate profession and to the association.
• Must demonstrate skill, expertise, and productivity in the role of a residential qualifying broker or manager, as well as a high rate of ethical conduct and professionalism.
• The past recipient of the Broker Manager of the Year award shall present the award to the new recipient.
• Special Recognition: The Board of Directors and or Executive Committee will also honor and recognize members who have demonstrated excellence in their commitment to the Association and/or the real estate profession.

Affiliate of the Year award criteria

• Outstanding loyalty and devotion to the advancement of the Association and the Real Estate Profession.
• Attendance at meetings and service on committees.
• Conduct of candidates’ real estate-related business and practices.
• Participation in Association-sponsored activities.
• Participation in civic and community activities.
• The past recipient of the Affiliate of the Year award shall present the award to the new recipient.

___________________________

PSAR's Mission is to empower Real Estate Professionals

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 California Department of Real Estate (DRE) recently released several critical updates that every REALTOR® should review to start the new year informed and protected. From annual performance data to urgent fraud warnings, here is what you need to know.

Fall 2025 bulletin highlights (Released December 19th)

The Fall 2025 Real Estate Bulletin provides a comprehensive look at the DRE's activities over the past fiscal year.

Notable statistics from the report include:

• Audit findings: The DRE closed 347 audits, uncovering trust fund shortages totaling more than $15 million. Property management activities accounted for 89% of these shortages.
  +2
• Enforcement actions: The department received 5,542 complaints and referred 909 cases for legal action. During this period, the DRE revoked 206 licenses and suspended 78 others.
  +2
• Licensing trends: The total license population now stands at 424,188, a slight 2% decrease from the previous year.
• Consumer recovery: The Consumer Recovery Account paid out $379,495 to victims of real estate fraud.

Read Bulletin Here

Urgent advisory: vacant land scams

On December 30, 2025, the DRE issued a serious warning regarding bad actors posing as owners of vacant land. These scammers target REALTORS® to help sell property they do not own, often using fake identification.

Red flags to watch for:

• Requests to list property significantly below market value.
• Requirements for "no sign" on the property. Strong preference for cash buyers and quick closings.
• Refusal to meet in person or via video call.
• Insistence on using a specific, outside notary.
• How to protect yourself and your members: Verify the owner's identity by requesting a recent tax or utility bill.
• Conduct independent online searches to find the owner's contact information and send listing documents to the address of record via certified mail.

Read the full advisory here

2026 Real Estate Law update

The 2026 edition of the Real Estate Law is now live on the DRE website. This update incorporates all legislative changes effective as of January 1, 2026. We encourage all members to download the latest version to ensure full compliance with new regulations, including those involving buyer-broker agreements and digital image disclosures.

Stay vigilant and continue to provide the professional service our community expects from a REALTOR®.

See the updated Real Estate Law Information Here

California Department of Real Estate Takes Disciplinary Action Against Lance McHarg and Real Estate Education Provider Real Estate Trainers, Inc.