Kevin McElroy

Recent Posts

Accredited Buyer's Representative. (ABR®) Designation

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Sep 6, 2024 4:00:00 PM

Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®) Designation

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.

FIND ABR FREE CLASSES-1

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.

________________________________

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. 

__________________________________________

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 & development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.

Topics: Education

trade in your old non-bluetooth lockbox for 20% off the newest box!

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Jul 11, 2024 9:08:16 AM

Old Sentri Lockboxes will be out of date

Updated October 25th, 2024

PSAR's CRMLS subscribers can exchange registered old Gen 1 and Gen 2 lockboxes for new ones at a discounted price of $126 while supplies last!

With the sunsetting of Sentrikey cards by Sentrilock back in March, these features are no longer available on the non-BlueTooth lockboxes:

  • Non-Bluetooth lockboxes should not be bought or sold, as ownership cannot be transferred

  • If one of these boxes has been inactive/not accessed for over a year and needs an internal clock reset, that action cannot be performed, which means the box will no longer function.

PSAR urges members not to dispose of old boxes in the trash but to drop them off at PSAR for recycling-- and for a 20% discount off the price of a new Sentriguard box if you need to replace it!

For more information, contact PSAR at support@psar.org, call: (619) 421-7811, or visit one of our offices.

sentrilock

 

 

Topics: Education

Interested in Representing PSAR's Members in Leadership?

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Apr 5, 2024 2:14:07 PM

2025 PSAR and CAR Nomination

    Sign up, and be a part of PSAR’s Leadership by becoming an Officer or Director.

The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® (PSAR) is seeking dedicated real estate professionals who have been active on a committee to step up and run for a position on the 2025/26 Board of Directors. Play a vital role in shaping the future of the association and the real estate industry in the region.

Why Get Involved? Contributing your time and leadership to PSAR is an incredible way to give back to the REALTOR® community that helps sustain your business. Have the opportunity to:

  • Influence important decisions that impact real estate professionals.
  • Stay ahead of the curve on legislative issues, new laws, and industry trends.
  • Expand your network by working alongside other high-caliber leaders.
  • Gain valuable experience in association governance and leadership.
  • Raise your profile and reputation among peers.

The deadline for Submission is Friday, April 26, 2024 (5 PM) for the following positions on the 2025 Board of Directors:

  • President-Elect
  • Secretary/Treasurer
  • Directors (5 positions)

Make your voice heard and help uphold the professional standards and ethical values that incentivize REALTORS® to remain in the business. Submit your nomination today!

Click on the link to access the nomination forms: 

2025/2026 Board and Officer Nomination Form

2025 CAR Director Application

2025 Affiliate Director Nomination

 

Topics: Leadership, Industry

The Central Pitch is Back!

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Mar 1, 2024 11:34:57 AM

PSAR Central Pitch

Link to:  Location and Direction | Pitch Details | Property Coverage | Agenda | How To Pitch

 

To enter a property for a PSAR pitch session, use this link: "Request Pitch".

Join REALTORS® Trish Nuñez & Karina Souza as they moderate the Central Pitch!

Showcase listings, receive live feedback, network with fellow local agents. Coverage includes Bay Ho, Clairemont,   La Jolla, Linda Vista, Mission Beach, Mission Hills, Morena, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, & Point Loma  There's nothing like person-to-person interaction!

PSAR's Central Pitch will deliver these benefits: 

  • Live listing Pitch: Promote your listings to a room full of engaged and motivated local agents
  • Improve Your Marketing: Gain valuable insights through the interactive Q&A session that will help you market your listings more effectively.
  • Network: Meet, mingle, and build important relationships with fellow top-producing agents who can bring qualified buyers to your listings.

Tuesday| March 12th, 2024
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
...and every Tuesday thereafter at 9:30 AM
There will be coffee and some breakfast nosh items available as well!

 

PSAR Central Office in Clairemont
4340 Genesee Ave, San Diego, Suite 203*

*Located on the second floor. Please enter through the rear entrance of the building. Signage will direct you to the correct room once you reach the office.

PSAR Central Office

Pitch Details

Great listing exposure! The property will be listed in the "pitch email" sent to agents in corresponding areas of the county the evening prior. This email has a consistently high open rate. 

At this time, pitched properties are not required to be held open after the pitch session, but it is encouraged due to the momentum generated at the session.

Here are the pitch guidelines:

  • Properties "Coming Soon" and "Active" properties can be pitched. Coming soon properties may not be shown  Here are the rules.

  • Only "Active" properties may be part of the broker's open.

  • If the listing agent cannot come in and pitch, no need to worry as you can assign another MLS subscriber to make the pitch for you. Make sure to indicate it in the pitch form!

  • Cancellations must be received by 12:00 pm the night before via email (pitch@psar.org), or you will be considered a "No Show." No Shows without an email cancellation will be suspended from the Pitch Session for 90 days.

  • All MLS subscribers are welcome regardless of association affiliation. Those marketing properties must be licensed subscribers or participants in an MLS.

  • PSAR affiliate members are welcome to participate and network. More information is available on sponsoring a pitch session and addressing attendees.

Registration & Questions:

  • Call 619-421-7811 or email pitch@psar.org with any questions.

  • To enter a property for a PSAR pitch session, use the "Request Pitch" form.

  • Pitches MUST be submitted by 3:00 pm the day before the meeting (Monday) to be included.

Coverage Area

Properties in the following zip codes may be included: Bay Ho, Clairemont,   La Jolla, Linda Vista, Mission Beach, Mission Hills, Morena, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Point Loma   (92037, 92103, 92107, 92108, 92110, 92111, 92121, 92122, 92123,92037.)  (Out-of-area pitches are allowed as time permits)

Caravan Tour Number To Come

 

Pitch Agenda

  • Host introductions

  • We request the attendees to keep mobile phones silent as a courtesy to the pitch speaker

  • Introduce this week's sponsor: Pitch session begins: each agent pitches their property (2 minutes each)

  • Coming soon properties: agents highlight listings coming soon

  • Price changes: agents announce recent price changes

  • Additional announcements: relevant industry news/updates

  • Upcoming PSAR events and classes

  • Reminder of open houses: agents state if they are holding opens after the pitch

Meeting announcements / Market Update

Pitch sessions provide a valuable platform to gain insights from industry experts on current real estate trends, vital updates and announcements for REALTORS® in the county, that could impact their business.

  • Meeting announcements: cover any PSAR updates/news

  • Market update: provide an overview of the latest market trends and statistic

How to Pitch Your Property

When it's your turn to pitch:

  • Walk to the front of the room

  • State your name, company, and phone number clearly and slowly

  • We will display photos while you provide key property details:

    • Address

    • Property type (e.g. single-family home, condo, etc.)

    • Asking price

    • Brief description

    • Key features and details

    • Why agents should see this property

    • Will you be holding an open house after the pitch session?

  • Wrap up the pitch by repeating:

    • Your name

    • Company

    • Phone number (slowly and clearly)

  • Allow agents to ask questions after your pitch

  • Limit pitch to 2 minutes maximum

Topics: Education, Events, Market Information

Nominate Candidates for the 2023 REALTOR®, Service Awards

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Jan 5, 2024 4:10:08 PM

GoogleFormsBanner - ROY_Awards_2023

Call for Nominations!!!

Do you know a fantastic PSAR volunteer who deserves recognition? Now is the time to get them the recognition they deserve.

     Nomination Form     

Nominations must be received by Friday, February 2nd, 5:00 pm.

PSAR shall recognize a

REALTOR® Of the Year is recognized for outstanding loyalty and devotion to the advancement and success of the Association and the Real Estate Profession through volunteerism and advocacy.

Broker Of the Year is honored for their exceptional leadership in the brokerage industry, and devotion to the advancement of the Association and the Real Estate Profession.

Affiliate Of the Year is recognized for loyalty and devotion to the advancement of the Association and the Real Estate Profession through PSAR programming.

PSAR Friend of the Industry Award.  This award is given to a non-Realtor.  It could be an Affiliate, it could be an elected official, or another non-member.  This special award may or may not be given out every year.  This award is given to someone who has made considerable contributions in service to the industry over many years.
 
PSAR Distinguished Service Award. The ultimate recognition for the dedicated PSAR REALTOR® who has always set themselves apart as a leader. REALTORS® who receive the award have shown exceptionally meritorious service to PSAR for at least 10 years and have been recognized as local leaders whose performance and involvement in political, educational, and community activities have been extraordinary.  This award will not be granted yearly because the bar is set that high.
______________________________
 
 
The Recognition Committee will accept all nominations from the public, PSAR Members, and or PSAR Staff. The names of individuals making nominations will remain confidential. The number of nominations shall not create an advantage for nominees.  Award winners may NOT be the sitting President of the Association and may NOT be past recipients of the specific award won.

The Recognition Committee will consist of The past recipients of REALTOR® of the Year, the Broker Manager of the Year and Affiliate of the Year, the Affiliate Director, members of the Association Council, the Chair of Professional Standards, and the Chair of the Grievance Committee. 

Save the date! Winners will be announced at the REAL Awards on March 1st, 2024 at the Sycuan Casino Resort. At least one runner-up will be announced.

___________________________

Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS

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.

Topics: Announcements, Events, Leadership

CRMLS: Public Remarks fields may no longer contain external links

Posted by Kevin McElroy on May 4, 2022 3:04:04 PM

Links to virtual showings, tours, and open houses are no longer exempt blog_220126_CRMLS_rules

Due to recent lifts to COVID restrictions in our service area, we have lifted the exceptions to CRMLS Rule 12.5 that we implemented in March 2020. These exceptions allowed listing agents and brokers to place links to virtual showings, virtual tours, and virtual open houses into public remarks fields.

CRMLS has returned to enforcing the original definition of the rule, which reads in part:

12.5 Misuse of Public Remarks.

Information in the public remarks shall only relate to the description, features, and condition of the property and related amenities. The following types of information may not be included in the public remarks:

  • Contact information of any kind;
  • Branded content;
  • Links to external websites of any kind, including but not limited to, agent or broker sites, video tours, virtual showing or open house tools, vendor sites, or offer submission/application/auction platforms;
  • Showing instructions or open house information;
  • Information regarding lockboxes, alarms, gate or other security codes, or occupancy status of the property (a statement that the property shall be delivered vacant is not a violation of this section);
  • Information deemed to create an unsafe or unsecure circumstance related to the listed property, property occupants, real estate practitioners, or the public;
  • Information directed toward agents or brokers, including but not limited to, references to compensation or bonuses;
  • Solicitations or invitations for the public to contact the listing agent or broker or any third parties affiliated with the listing agent or broker, and;
  • Content that violates Fair Housing law or that is deemed discriminatory, illegal, defamatory, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate. CRMLS reserves the right to remove and issue citations for any inappropriate content.

Violations to this rule may result in a citation and associated fine. Visit https://go.crmls.org/crmls-rules-and-regulations/ to read the full text of Rule 12.5. For further information or to chat with a Compliance Analyst, please contact us via the Compliance page on CRMLS.org.

 

Education

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

Support

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

Compliance

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

 

Topics: Announcements, CRMLS, Paragon

A big change to Sentrilock Key Cards is coming soon!

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Mar 16, 2022 10:00:00 AM

SentriLock Deprecates SentriCard

By March 30, 2022, SentriCard key cards will no longer open lockbox key compartments (unless you own the lockbox)!

The SentriKey phone application must be used by non-lockbox owners to open key compartments!

How do I open the key compartment?

If you own a lockbox, you will still be able to use your SentriCard to open the key compartment and/or release the shackle of your lockbox.  The SentriKey® phone app performs the same functions.

All others accessing a lockbox-- Showing agents, agents that use their broker’s lockboxes, team members, and assistants-- must use the SentriKey® app to open the key compartment using a Mobile Access Code sent by the app.

 

Showing in a remote area not using a Bluetooth® lockbox,

The SentriKey® Real Estate app can detect low or no cell coverage and a Mobile Access Code will be presented in the app. No card needed, no Bluetooth® needed!.

  1. From SKRE Home Screen > Select View Nearby Properties
  2. A message will pop up indicating that this feature is not available
    when offline. (If the lockbox uses Bluetooth, go to the home screen
    then press ENT on the lockbox.) If non-BLE, continue to step 3.
  3. Select Get Code
  4. Enter the Lockbox Serial Number
  5. Select Get Code
  6. Use Biometrics or PIN
  7. Your Access Code will display

 

How do I remove customization and borrowed lockboxes?

Lockboxes that are borrowed or customized require the lockbox owner’s SentriCard® to be inserted into the lockbox to release the shackle. This will set the lockbox back to its default settings and remove any customization.

 

Lockbox Sharing

Brokers sharing their Lockboxes will need to enable the ability for agents to view all lockboxes and access logs to generate one-day codes, release the shackle and assign lockboxes to listings. If this feature is disabled, an Office Staff or Broker office individual will need to assign the lockbox to an agent’s listing first in order to perform these functions.

 

How do I set the lockbox clock?

All lockboxes below an NXT Wireless (Blue Box) 24.34 version must use the lockbox owner’s SentriCard® to set the clock on a lockbox for the time to update.

 

How do I release the shackle?

Lockbox owners can use the SentriKey® app to generate a shackle release code, or owners can use their SentriCard® to release the shackle. If you are using a lockbox that is owned by another user, you will use the SentriKey® app to release the shackle by using a shackle code.

 

How do I recalibrate the lockbox?

With assistance from our Support department, the lockbox owner’s SentriCard® will be able to recalibrate the motor.

 

How do I customize a lockbox to another region?

By using the lockbox owner’s SentriCard®, the lockbox owner can customize a lockbox to a different region, enable/disable CBS, and enable/disable contractor mode for a non-BLE lockbox.

 


Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions May Be Found Here.

 

Or Email SentriLock at support@sentrilock.com

Call SentriLock: 513-618-5800

SentriLock-Logo-thumbnail-p4ssbnc9vybs202m3jscwh0kmxwqvp3xzco0p5swps

 

Topics: Education, YPN

R.E.A.L. AWARDS Gala, April 30th @ viejas casino

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Feb 9, 2022 10:00:00 AM

blogBanner - 2021 REAL AWARDS-1

Congratulations to the PSAR REALTOR® members who are expected to be honored with a PSAR 2021 Real Estate Achievement and Leadership (R.E.A.L.) award.

Celebrate your 2021 achievements with your peers. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, and dancing at Viejas Casino. 

A Night of
Glitter and Glam REAL Awards Event

 Saturday, April 30th, 2022
5:30pm - 11:00 pm
Viejas Casino
5000 Willows Rd, Alpine, CA 91901
Cocktail Attire Recommended

 RSVP and Purchase Your Tickets Now!
Individual Tickets - $100*   or   A Table (8 Tickets) $800*

 PSAR Members        Eventbrite Registration

Eventbrite charges a transaction fee.  Avoid it by using the PSAR Member's Link. Non-members may create a billing account for free.
*Ticket costs will go up on April 1st ($125 and $1000)

Have questions? Need help?  Contact PSAR at - support@psar.org or 619-579-0333

Sponsorship Opportunities can be found here

The PSAR R.E.A.L. Awards program recognizes PSAR's top producing agents as compared to all other agents based in San Diego County.  Recipients achieved excellence through units or volume production sold in 2021. 

___________________________

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.

Topics: Announcements, Events, Leadership

R.E.A.L. Awards Celebration

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Mar 12, 2021 10:05:08 AM

REAL Awards Celebration

R.E.A.L. Awards Celebration!
Thursday, March 18th
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
This event has it all and all are welcome!

Don't miss all of the entertainment, cocktails, and opportunity drawings we have planned! You'll also have the chance to network with some of the best fellow real estate professionals in the business. Join us in congratulating and toasting the recipients of the 2020 R.E.A.L. Awards!.

      REGISTER NOW      

award

Nominees and winners of the 2020

Affiliate, Broker and REALTOR®
of the year will be announced at the event!

 

Eric

 

Tune in for some much needed Real Estate Laughs with Eric Gillman!
@EricRidesForHope

Adam

 

 

Our on-call mixologist, Adam Wild, will be showing us how to make some drinks to toast the award winners, so be ready with the following ingredients to follow along and bring your glass!                                                                   @drinksbywild

wine glass

Breakfast Sour

• 2oz Irish Whiskey
• 3/4oz Lemon Juice
• 1tbsp of your favorite Jam

wine glass

French 75

• 1/2oz Lemon Juice
• 1/2oz Simple Syrup
• 1oz Gin
• Top with Champagne

On the call there will be a people's choice award for the
most creative, unique, unusual, drink container!

and....

money

Opportunity Drawing!     
We will have several drawings during the event! To be automatically entered, you must register by Thursday, March 18th at 11am*    
Grand Prize $500 Cash-Money!     

To enter the drawing for the grand prize, you need to go to the @psar_ypn Instagram account or the PSAR YPN Facebook page and find the OPPORTUNITY DRAWING POST (will say in the first line of the caption) and do the following 3 things:

- Like the post
- Tag 3 friends
- Register and attend the event
 
*Grand prize winner MUST be present at the time of the drawing to win.

        What are you waiting for?
      REGISTER NOW      
_________________________________________________________

Event Sponsor
Valerie Gardner Insurance

Platinum Sponsors
California Preferred         RanchoTed       Guaranteed Rate

 

Topics: Announcements, Events, Leadership

Get a $1250 Gift Card for your First Time Homebuyer (out of Funds)

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Dec 30, 2020 11:59:16 AM

First Time Home Buyer Program

Starting January 8th 2021 (ran out of funds mid January), you can apply on behalf of your clients for the California Association of REALTORS® Housing Affordability Fund (HAF) Home Essentials Program 

So, what exactly is the HAF’s Home Essentials Program:
C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund’s Home Essentials Program will provide qualified first-time California homebuyers a $1,250 Lowe’s Gift Card to purchase appliances for their new home. Due to limited availability, funds will be distributed on a first come/first served basis.
 
Launch Date: January 8, 2021 (applications will be available beginning January 8th) 
 
How to Qualify:
  • Be a first-time homebuyer
  • Homebuyers must use a California REALTOR® in the transaction
  • Purchase a primary single-family residence in California with the intent to occupy the property as a primary residence
  • The conforming loan amount on the single-family residence must be at or below the FHA conforming loan limit
  • The purchase of the single-family residence must use financing. All-cash purchases do not qualify

HAF must receive all program requirements below no later than thirty (30) days after closing escrow:
1. Home Essentials Program Application and Home Essentials Certification Form
2. Purchase Contract
3. Closing Disclosure Form
 
How to Apply:
REALTORS® must complete a Home Essentials Program application and Home Essentials Program Certification form on behalf of their client. The Home Essentials Program application form along with rules and conditions for HAF’s Home Essentials Program are available HERE.
 
PLEASE NOTE: Link for application will be available January 08, 2021 at www.carhaf.org 
HAF Home Essentials Program

Topics: Announcements, Brokers/Managers, Industry