Hermila "Mila" Cesena was born on April 7, 1943, in Mazatlán, Mexico, to Maria Consuelo Alvarado and Jesus Raymundo Galdeano. She was the mother-in-law of PSAR Committee member Juliette Montoya-Cesena, was an agent with Berkshire Hathaway, and was a member of PSAR since 1978.

She grew up and attended school in Mazatlán before moving to Tijuana at age 15. There, she met her future husband, Jesus Cesena, and they remained married for 61 years. Together, they had two sons, Jesus and Carlos, and also raised Mila’s younger brothers, Alvin, William, and Edward, after their mother passed away from lupus. She joined PSAR in 1978 and worked with Berkshire Hathaway.

In the early 1970s, Mila earned her real estate license.  Real estate became her passion and lifelong career. She was dedicated to helping her clients achieve homeownership, counseling them to pay off their home mortgages as soon as possible. She cherished hearing from clients who had achieved the goal of complete homeownership. 

Mila had a vibrant personality and was known as the life of the party, brightening the mood of those around her. She loved to dance and create a fun environment for everyone, going out of her way to raise the spirits of those who seemed down.

Family was very important to Mila. She enjoyed family vacations and cherished time spent with her loved ones. Fond family memories include summer vacations to Mexico with her sister-in-law and her boys.   Mila also found peace in long walks on the beach, taking in the sights and sounds of the ocean that imparted a sense of tranquility and peace of mind.

Hermila Cesena's mass will be held on 7/26/24 at
Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Bonita at 12 noon
Followed by interment at Glen Abbey Memorial at 2:00 PM.

If you are looking to Chat or File a Ticket with CRMLS Compliance or Support, it's moved.  Here is a quick video Tutorial on where to look.

Click here to see a quick video on where to look.  

Picture a frantic call from a potential renter who's just realized they've been scammed using your property's listing.

Scammers are increasingly targeting properties listed for sale, marketing them as rentals on platforms like Craigslist and Zillow. This alarming trend not only undermines trust in real estate transactions but also creates significant issues for property owners and REALTORS®. As REALTORS®, it's crucial to be vigilant and take proactive measures to protect your listings. Here’s how you can stay ahead of these scams and what to do if it happens to you.

Understanding the Scam

A typical scam involves a fraudster picking up a "For Sale" property and posting it as a rental. They solicit application fees and deposits from unsuspecting renters, claiming to be the owner. One such incident involved a scammer posting a rental listing on Craigslist and Zillow, soliciting an application fee. The scam is usually identified when a potential renter contacts the legitimate listing agent or the homeowner.

The Impact on Agents and Owners

While tenants can lose money, the repercussions for property owners and agents can be equally as severe. A defrauded tenant might move into the property, and due to California’s tenant protection laws, removing them can be a lengthy and complex process for both the tenant and the owner. This situation creates legal and financial challenges for the property owner, the tenant, and the REALTOR® managing the listing.

Steps to Prevent Scams

1. Regular Monitoring:

   • Frequently check platforms like Craigslist, Zillow, and others for unauthorized rental listings of your properties.
   • Set up Google Alerts for your property addresses to receive notifications if they are mentioned online.  Here are instructions for doing so.

2. Clear Communication:

   • Inform your clients about the potential for scams and advise them to contact you if they receive any suspicious inquiries.
   • Ensure your contact information is prominently displayed on your listings and signage.

3. Educate Your Clients:

   • Inform sellers about the scam and encourage them to report any suspicious activity they encounter.
   • Provide them with a list of red flags to look for, such as requests for payment before seeing the property or communications from email addresses that do not match the legitimate owner’s contact information.

What to Do If Your Property Is Scammed

1. Report Immediately:

   • Contact the platform where the fraudulent listing is posted (e.g., Craigslist, Zillow) and request immediate removal.
   • Report the scam to local police, the County Sheriff, and the District Attorney’s office.
   • Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Attorney General’s office.
   • Here is a list of contacts provided by the San Diego DA

2. Inform All Parties:

   • Notify your seller and any legitimate tenants about the scam.
   • Advise them to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

3. Document Everything:

   • Keep detailed records of the fraudulent listing, including screenshots, communication with the scammer, and any reports filed with authorities.

4. Legal Considerations:

   • Consult with legal professionals to understand the implications of a defrauded tenant occupying the property.
   • Prepare for possible eviction proceedings, which may require legal assistance due to California’s tenant protection laws.
5. Secure the Property
   • Change the locks to prevent unauthorized access.
   • Add security cameras to notify you of unauthorized access.
   • Consider removing lockbox access.
   • Consider private security.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your listings being targeted by scammers. Stay vigilant and proactive to protect your clients and your reputation in the real estate market.

How to Set Up a Property Alert Using Google Alerts

Setting up Google Alerts is an effective way to monitor your property addresses and stay informed about any unauthorized listings or mentions online. Here’s a step-by-step guide to create a Google Alert for a property address:

1. Go to Google Alerts:

   • Open your web browser and go to Google Alerts.

2. Enter the Property Address:

   • In the search box at the top of the page, enter the property address you want to monitor. Use quotation marks around the address for more precise results (e.g., "123 Main Street, San Diego, CA").

3. Customize Your Alert:

   • Click on “Show options” to customize your alert settings:
     • Frequency: Choose how often you want to receive alerts (e.g., as-it-happens, once a day, once a week).
     • Sources: Select the sources you want to include (e.g., news, blogs, web, video).
     • Language: Set the language for your alerts.
     • Region: Specify the region to refine your results.
     • How many: Choose between "Only the best results" or "All results" based on your preference.

4. Set Up Notifications:

   • Enter your email address to receive the alerts. If you are signed in to your Google account, it will automatically use your account email.

5. Create Alert:

   • Click on “Create Alert” to finalize the setup. You will start receiving notifications according to your specified preferences.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you are promptly informed about any online activity related to your property listings, allowing you to take swift action if unauthorized listings or mentions are detected.

Effective August 13:

1. Removal of Compensation Fields
   • From Matrix, Paragon, and Flexmls.
   • CRMLS Rules and Policy changes go into effect.
   • The concession field at Close will include a category list.

Key Points:

• Reason for Removal:

  • NAR settled the Sitzer/Burnett case regarding MLS commissions.
  • Compliance with the settlement requires MLS systems to remove all Compensation fields.

• Impact on Active Listings:

  • Compensation fields for Coming Soon, Active, Hold, and Withdrawn listings will be removed.

• Historical Listings:

  • Compensation fields for Active Under Contract, Pending, Closed, Expired, and Cancelled listings will remain but cannot be edited.

• C.A.R. Forms:

  • Release of updated forms postponed. Updates will be provided.

• Payment Methods Post-Removal:

  • Buyer's Broker compensation can be included in the buyer's offer.
  • Payment details can be included in the Escrow Instructions if using the C.A.R. Residential Purchase Agreement.

• CRMLS Rules & Policy Changes:

  • Rule 7.15: Renamed to No Offers of Compensation in the MLS.
  • Rule 7.19: Renamed to No Disclosure of Listing Broker Total Commission.
  • Rule 9.1: Renamed to Showings.
  • A signed Buyer Broker Agreement is required before showing a property.
  • View all changes here.

• Reporting Seller Concessions at Close:

  • New required fields: Closing Costs, Property Improvements, Financing Costs, Buyer Broker Fee, Other, and Total Calculated.

• Difference Between Concessions and Compensation:

  • Concessions allow buyers to choose how money is spent, supporting a consumer-centric model. Watch the Concessions vs. Compensation video for more information.

• Staying Updated:

  • Visit the CRMLS Resource Center frequently for updates and information.

As of June 24th, the Access by Appointment (ABA) setting is now available for Sentrilock users. LIcensees can now restrict access to their lockboxes, allowing entry only to agents with an approved appointment on SentriKey. This feature can be easily enabled using either the SentriKey Real Estate (SKRE) app or the SentriKey website. 

Enabling ABA ensures that only approved licensees can access your property’s lockbox, enhancing security and control. Follow these simple steps to get started and secure your listings effectively.

What is Access by Appointment?

Access by Appointment (ABA) is a feature that requires REALTORS® to have an approved appointment in the SentriKey system to access the lockbox assigned to a listing. This feature adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that only those with scheduled access can enter the property.

How to Enable ABA on the SentriKey Real Estate App:

1. Open the SKRE App: Start by opening the SentriKey Real Estate app on your smartphone.

2. Access the Menu: From your Home Screen, tap the Menu icon in the upper left-hand corner.

3. Select My Lockboxes: Navigate to 'My Lockboxes'.

4. Assign the Lockbox: If the lockbox is not already assigned to a property, select 'Assign/Unassign Property' and complete the assignment process. If the lockbox is already assigned, proceed to 'Property Access Settings' and choose the listing.

5. Enable ABA: Select' More Settings' once the lockbox is assigned. Here, you can turn on the ABA feature.

How to Enable ABA on the SentriKey Website:

1. Log In to SentriKey: Visit the SentriKey website and log in to your account.

2. Go to Listings: Select 'Listings' from the toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen.

3. Select Your Listing: Click on the Ellipses (three dots) on the right-hand side of the listing you wish to manage.

4. Enable ABA: Choose 'Enable ABA' from the dropdown menu.

By following these steps, you can easily manage property access and ensure that only approved REALTORS® can enter your listings.

Stay Informed and Secure

Keeping your properties secure is crucial. SentriLock’s ABA feature provides peace of mind by adding layer of control over who can access your listings. For more tips and tutorials on managing your properties effectively, subscribe to our blog and stay updated with the latest real estate technology insights.

Let’s unlock success together!

Key Changes:

1. New Concession Fields (CiP):

   • Added to the MLS on May 29.
   • Concessions are now formally introduced at the listing level.

2. Removal of Compensation Fields:

   • Effective August 13, compensation fields will be removed from the MLS.

How It Works:

• Concessions:

  • The seller may agree to pay the buyer for concessions, such as closing costs or loan points.
  • These concessions must be included in the purchase agreement and negotiated between the buyer and seller.
  • The buyer can allocate concession amounts to various costs, including reducing the purchase price, covering loan points, or paying for title and escrow fees.

• Buyer Representation Agreements:

  • Starting in August, the fee for the Buyer’s Broker will be set in a mandatory buyer representation agreement before property tours.
  • This ensures that the Buyer’s Broker’s fee is predetermined and not influenced by concessions.

Benefits:

• For Buyers:

  • More flexibility in how to use concession amounts.
  • Greater transparency in the costs associated with purchasing a property.

• For Sellers:

  • Flexibility to offer concessions without specifying exact amounts.
  • It helps buyers craft more tailored offers.

CRMLS Adjustment Period:

• As these new practices are implemented, there will be a period of adjustment.
• CRMLS is committed to transparency and efficiency as users adapt to these changes.

This new approach aims to provide more flexible options for buyers and sellers in real estate transactions.

Questions? 

Chat with CRMLS Compliance Here

As of May 29, all CRMLS Paragon and Matrix now feature optional "Concessions in Price" (CiP) fields. These fields help communicate the seller's willingness to offer concessions, providing sellers an edge and giving buyers a clearer idea of a property's total cost. Learn how to navigate the CiP fields in this guide and find them in your MLS system here:

Last year, nearly 40% of CRMLS closed listings included some form of concession, such as broker fee payments or repair costs. Previously, this information was only available after a listing closed. Now, active listings will display concession details, motivating sales and making it easier to find the perfect property.

For sellers, the new fields allow highlighting a willingness to offer concessions. For buyers, identifying listings with potential incentives helps overcome financial obstacles. The CiP fields benefit everyone.

New Concessions in Price (CiP) Fields:

• Concessions in Price: A text box for numerical input only, representing the total potential concessions.
• Concessions in Price Type: Classify the amount as either a dollar amount ($) or a percentage (%).
• Seller Consider Concessions?: A simple Y or N field. If "Y," additional information appears when hovering over the help (?) icon, indicating that the seller may consider a buyer concession in an offer.

By CRMLS launching these optional fields before the deadline, subscribers will gain valuable real-world implementation experience. This early access allows for necessary adjustments based on practical feedback, ensuring a smoother transition when the fields become mandatory.

For questions, please refer to the FAQ.

Remember, the CiP fields are optional, and concessions are not mandatory.

Starting May 29, users will have access to the optional Concessions in Price (CiP) fields when creating a listing. 

The facts:

• In 2023, nearly 40% of closed residential listings included some form of concessions, including the seller paying for escrow and title fees, loan discount points, and repair and/or upgrade costs.
• 15% of those closed residential listings in 2023 had some sort of advertisement for Concessions being offered in the Private Remarks section of the listing.

With such a large amount of our user base actively offering concessions, we saw an opportunity to create a specific set of dedicated fields for the benefit of our users and their clients. These new CiP fields will allow agents to convey their willingness to offer concessions at the listing level, thus allowing for clearer communication and cooperation between agents and brokers. 

The new fields benefit all parties:

• Listing agents and sellers
  Will gain a dedicated space to advertise/market their willingness to consider concessions at the listing input level
• Buyer's agents
  Will be able to better serve their clients with up-front information on which listings will consider concessions to assist in transaction fees 
• Homebuyers
  Enhanced transparency on which listings are willing to consider concessions to assist with their financial needs  

What's changing?
Currently, concessions are recorded only at the close of a transaction with a mandatory requirement to state the amount of any concession. The new, more descriptive CiP fields will be available for input at the listing level.

To be clear, the new CiP fields will be optional and only reflect a client's willingness to consider concessions. Details regarding the concessions that may be offered must be discussed outside of the MLS and after a written agreement is signed.

The new fields will be titled: 

• Concessions in Price: a text box for numerical input only. This amount should include any and all potential concessions in a single total amount.
• Concessions in Price Type: classify the number above as either $ or %
• Seller Consider Concessions?: either Yes or No. If Yes, then the listing will include the phrase “A Seller may consider a buyer concession if made in an offer.”  

As of May 29, the new fields in your Matrix system will appear here:

Additional CiP Resources
FAQs
The Facts About Concessions Infographic
Concessions in Price Infographic

In the wake of emergencies, the real estate industry in California faces unique challenges. Understanding the state's anti-price gouging laws is crucial whether you're a sales agent, broker, or property manager. These laws not only protect consumers during crises but also guide professionals in maintaining ethical standards.

Here's what you need to know: 

The Essence of Price Gouging in Real Estate
Price gouging occurs when prices for housing, rentals, or other essential services are significantly increased to exploit an emergency. For real estate professionals, this typically relates to the pricing of rentals, homes for sale, and emergency lodging. The goal is to prevent undue strain on those affected by disasters, ensuring access to housing remains fair and equitable.

California’s Stance on Price Gouging
California law, specifically Penal Code Section 396, restricts increasing the price of housing and other essential services by more than 10% following an emergency declaration. This applies to sales, rentals, and services across the board, ensuring that real estate professionals are aligned with legal and ethical pricing standards during critical times.

Timing and Application of the Law
These protections activate immediately upon an emergency declaration by federal, state, or local authorities and are initially set for 30 days. For real estate-related services, like reconstruction and cleanup, the period extends to 180 days. Importantly, officials can extend these timeframes to meet ongoing needs, affecting how properties are marketed and managed.

Staying Informed on Declarations
Real estate professionals should closely monitor emergency declarations to comply with legal requirements. This includes staying updated through the Governor's website and local government channels. Awareness of state and local declarations is key to ensuring your practices align with current regulations. The following locations are under price gouging protections.

Who and What Is Covered?
The statute broadly applies to all entities within the real estate sector, including individuals and companies involved in selling, renting, or managing properties. It covers a wide range of necessities, notably including rental housing, hotels, and motels, ensuring that the industry's response to emergencies is comprehensive and compliant.

Addressing Cost Increases and Violations
If your costs increase due to supplier price hikes, the law allows the cost to be factored into pricing, provided it can be justified. However, compliance with the statute is closely monitored, and violations can lead to severe penalties, including fines and criminal charges. Ensuring transparency and fairness in pricing is crucial to avoid legal repercussions.

Role of Real Estate Professionals in Compliance
As gatekeepers of housing and essential services, real estate professionals have a pivotal role in upholding these laws. This involves adhering to pricing regulations and advising clients and the community on their rights and protections. Your guidance can help navigate the complexities of emergencies, ensuring access to housing remains fair and stable.

Conclusion
For real estate professionals in California, understanding and complying with anti-price gouging laws is essential. These regulations ensure that during emergencies, the industry acts with integrity, maintaining fair pricing and access to housing. By staying informed and adhering to these laws, you play a vital role in supporting communities during their most vulnerable times, reinforcing the ethical standards that define the real estate profession.

This link provides useful guidance for identifying if a state of emergency affecting price gouging in rental housing is in effect. Simply locate your rental property's county on the list and note the code (a letter in parentheses) next to it. Then, refer to the explanations at the bottom of the page to understand which price gouging laws apply to your situation

Important Disclosure
Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Real estate laws and regulations can be complex and subject to change. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the content to your specific situation.

As a real estate professional, it's essential to understand your actions' legal implications, especially in emergencies and price-gouging laws. Therefore, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified attorney or legal expert to obtain advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Doing so will ensure you navigate these challenges with the utmost compliance and integrity, safeguarding your professional practice and the communities you serve.

Katie Johnson NAR's General Council shared an update today regarding the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Statement of Interest in the ongoing lawsuit, Nosalek v. MLS PIN, which scrutinizes the practice of cooperative compensation between listing and buyer brokers.

MLS PIN, not fully owned by REALTOR® associations and not bound by NAR's guidelines, mandates that listing brokers offer compensation to buyer brokers. The DOJ challenges this tradition, suggesting that listing brokers and sellers should not offer compensation to buyer brokers, aiming to change longstanding practices in real estate transactions in the U.S.

Johnson argues that the DOJ's stance could harm consumers by making it more expensive for buyers to obtain representation and limit access to housing, noting the DOJ's lack of new analysis to back its claims. She emphasizes that such DOJ interventions overlook the potential negative impacts on homebuyers, including those buying for the first time or belonging to minority groups, and could disrupt the housing market.

Despite these challenges, NAR remains committed to defending free market competition and ensuring fair home ownership access. Johnson urges members to fully understand the DOJ's position, highlighting its implications for cooperative compensation practices and the broader real estate market. She asserts NAR's dedication to navigating these issues, aiming for outcomes that support property owners and real estate professionals across America.

Hee entire update may be found on the Realtor Hub Here.

Read the DOJ,'s Statement of Interest Here