California’s Department of Real Estate (DRE) is urging consumers to stay alert for an increase in real estate and mortgage scams targeting homebuyers, homeowners, and investors across the state.

Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, including email hacks, forged deeds, and mortgage fraud, to exploit the complexity of real estate transactions and California’s high property values. Even honest individuals can unknowingly become involved in these crimes if they fail to recognize warning signs.

The DRE outlines nine of the most common scams and provides clear steps to help consumers protect themselves. Homebuyers and property owners are encouraged to verify credentials, stay cautious during transactions, and report suspicious activity immediately.

San Diego County residents can also take an extra step to safeguard their property. The County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk provides a free Owner Alert program that notifies property owners of any changes to property records.  It is an effective way to detect potential deed or title fraud early. Learn more and register here: Owner Alert

Read the full article from the DRE to learn how to protect yourself and your clients: Link to California DRE article

TODAY: A Powerful New Productivity Tool for All CRMLS Agents (FREE for Subscribers!)

By popular demand, Rayse, the leading app for tracking all the value you bring to your clients’ real estate journeys, is now available for all CRMLS users to use at no additional cost.

Providing your clients with a comprehensive overview of everything you do for them, big or small, is an effective way to communicate the diverse value you deliver. From the initial meeting all the way through close, every action taken is logged in real time, Rayse generates agendas, timelines, and records to demystify the representation process, driving a new, more transparent level of client relations.

And that’s just the tip of the Rayse iceberg!  It also has tools for creating presentations, collaboration, and more.

Access Rayse via your REcore dashboard.

How to access Rayse:

* Free for PSAR subscribers of CRMLS

The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) recently released a Consumer Alert outlining the most common enforcement violations and how to prevent them. These reminders are critical for REALTORS® to protect their clients, their businesses, and their licenses.

The DRE identified six key areas where violations most often occur:

• Trust Fund Handling & Record Keeping – Commingling funds or failing to reconcile accounts can lead to serious penalties.
• Failure to Supervise – Brokers must ensure proper oversight of all licensed and unlicensed activities.
• Unlicensed Activity – Only properly credentialed individuals may perform licensed real estate activities.
• Misrepresentation – Failing to disclose or providing inaccurate information puts both consumers and licenses at risk.
• Criminal Convictions – Licensees must report certain convictions or disciplinary actions within 30 days.
• Advertising & Team Names – Ads must include proper disclosures, license numbers, and broker association.

What this means for REALTORS®:
Maintaining compliance requires diligence in record-keeping, transparency in communications, strong supervision practices, and careful attention to advertising rules.

PSAR encourages all members to read the full DRE Consumer Alert to stay current and avoid costly mistakes.

Read the full alert here: DRE Consumer Alert – August 26, 2025

2026 President-Elect
Jim O'Donnell

2026 Secretary / Treasurer
Michael Dullea

The Election Winners for the 2026/2027 Director Term

Jaimie Kurtz	Alma Coogan	Monica Greenwood
Jim Long	Mike Shenkman

The 2025 Board of Directors and Officers will remain and serve PSAR until December 31st, 2025.

Your Board of Directors Team for 2026

Claudia Zaker, 2026 President

Jim O'Donnell, 2026 President-Elect

Michael Dullea, 2026 Secretary-Treasurer

Yvonne Cromer, Immediate Past President

Mike Anderson, 2025/2026 Director

Robert Cromer, 2025/2026 Director

David Fletes, 2025/2026 Director

Valerie Gardner, 2025/2026 Director

Oscar Vega, 2025/2026 Director

Jamie Kurtz, 2026/2027 Director

Alma Coogan, 2026/2027 Director

Monica Greenwood, 2026/2027 Director

Jim Long, 2026/2027 Director

Mike Shenkman, 2026/2027 Director

Phana Par, 2025/2026 Affiliate Director

________________________________________________

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.

Thank you to those who were nominated to lead PSAR. Great things are expected from the elected candidates and those serving on PSAR's committee leadership roster.

The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors respectfully submit the following slate for the 2026/2027 Officers and Directors Annual Election. Elections will begin electronically on June 20th and end on June 27th at 5 p.m..

President-Elect
Jim O'Donnell

Secretary / Treasurer
Michael Dullea

Directors (Vote for 5 Two-Year Seats)
Alma Coogan
Monica Greenwood
Jaimie Kurtz Prowse
Jim Long
Mike Shenkman
Abraham Vargas
___________________________________________

PSAR Board of Directors & CAR Director 2026 / 2027 Nominations

What is the ideal profile of an Officer or Director?

• An experienced agent or broker manager who will represent PSAR's members.
• Has specific skills that will help our organization be more relevant in today's marketplace
• A desire to “give back” to the REALTOR® community 
• Has the ability to guide others in developing their leadership capabilities
• A community volunteer who inspires others to contribute their time as well
• A strong belief in PSAR and the willingness to contribute to its greater success

As a PSAR director, you will have the opportunity to work with influential and highly capable industry and community leaders. Board members are the face of the organization and are industry leaders as well.  Our Board members expand their network, grow in professional stature, and influence initiatives that empower REALTORS®.  Join an elite team of real estate leaders and be a difference-maker in your Association.

Becoming an Officer or Director.

PSAR's Nominating Committee is seeking nominees for:

• President-Elect
• Secretary/Treasurer
• Director (There are 5 Director positions available)
  
  Deadline for Submission of Nomination: April 30th (5 PM). Send the nomination forms to ceo@psar.org. 

______________________________________________________________

Are you interested in becoming a Director of the California Association of REALTORS^® representing PSAR in 2026?

• Are you active in the Real Estate industry?
• Are you a successful agent, manager, or Broker/Owner?
• Are you active in residential resale, commercial sales, or property management?
• Have you served at least one year on a PSAR committee?
  
  This is an opportunity to leverage your knowledge and experience to make a difference!
  
  Deadline for Submission of nomination: April 30th (5 PM). Send the nomination forms to ceo@psar.org. 

C.A.R. UPDATES   |   NAR UPDATES   | CRMLS UPDATES

Be prepared for major changes in Real Estate transactions and buyer representation that roll out this summer.
Updated July 31st, 2024.

Why will the Practice Change on August 17, 2024?

PSAR, CAR, and NAR offer educational resources to Realtors that target their need to quickly learn about policy and procedural changes and how to conduct business in the real estate marketplace after August 17 of this year. (Note: NAR or CAR login is required to access many of these member benefits)

The post-settlement contracts are finalized and Michael Shenkman is conducting a series of classes to explain the use of the new contracts from both sides of a transaction.
In this three-part series, Mr. Shenkman explains how the post-settlement changes integrate with the form groups (BRBC, RLA, RPA) in different stages of the real estate process.  Classes will be held at PSAR's Central Office.  August 13th: BRBC   |  August 15th: RLA  | August 20th: RPA

Get up to speed on C.A.R. forms updates and how to utilize the revised versions in your business transactions.

CAR Town Hall Meetings (Recording Available)

CAR Form Training Free for members use code FORMS49   (Register Here)

C.A.R. New Forms & Business Practice Resources (Updated August 9, 2024)

• Forms and resources
• News and Statements
• Legal Presentations & Townhalls
• Courses & Training Video
• Designated Email Address for Forms Questions: july2024forms@car.org

July 10, 2024 Forms release List of new & revised FORMS RELEASE: 
(note: items with an asterisk indicate new forms)

• • Broker Compensation Advisory (BCA)
  • Buyer Financial and Personal Information (BFPI)*
  • Buyer Identification of Preferences and Priorities (BIPP)*
  • Buyer Material Issues for a Specific Property (BMI-SP)*
  • Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement (BRBC)
  • Cancellation of Buyer Representation (COBR)
  • Modification of Terms – Buyer Representation Agreement (MT-BR)*
  • Modification of Terms – Listing Agreement (MT-LA)*
  • Multiple Listing Service Addendum (MLS)*
  • Notice of Broker Involved Properties (NBIP)
  • Open House Visitor Non-Agency Disclosure and Sign-In (OHNA-SI)*
  • Property Showing and Representation Agreement (PSRA)*
  • Residential Listing Agreement (RLA)
  • Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA)
  • Seller Payment to Buyer’s Broker (SPBB)
  • Tenant Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement (TRBC)*
  • Other listing agreements and purchase agreements have also been conformed to the changes to the RLA and RPA, respectively.

Latest updates from NAR

• NAR Settlement FAQs: More info.

Fine-tune your knowledge and skill set by attending a FREE Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) class.

If you missed the live PSAR l ABR class, the NAR offers two free alternatives:
 

• • • Schedule a live instructor-led online ABR class. Select <ABR Designation> as the course title, and <Instructor Led> as the Delivery Format here. This usually paid-for class is FREE until the end of 2024; the cost returns to $110 in 2025.
      
      
    • Take a Free self-paced 12-hour online course.  Access it here.

    ---

Latest updates from CRMLS

• CRMLS resources, policy changes, Concessions Field, and a video from the CRMLS General Counsel: More info.
• Compensation is to be removed from CRMLS on August 13th.
• A summary of information about the NEW CRMLS Concessions Field from PSAR is here.
• CiP Field
  • As of 7/30, the Concessions in Price (CiP) fields containing the ($) and (%) options have been removed from all CRMLS systems. The only field that remains is the "Seller Consider Concessions? Y/N", and this field will continue to be an option for listing input going forward.
• SUPER IMPORTANT FAQ
  • It’s a one-stop shop for tying a lot of the floating pieces together. Some scenarios are included! HERE 

Live Webinar with Art Carter & Ed Zorn - CRMLS Industry Updates & MLS Changes
Join CRMLS CEO Art Carter and VP & General Counsel Ed Zorn for a special update about the new world of real estate. Registration is free but space is limited, so sign up now!

• Tuesday, August 20^th | 2:30pm-3:30pm | REGISTER  

These topics and more:
-Important rule changes effective 8/13
-New violations and fines
-Use of new/revised C.A.R. forms
-How to navigate common transaction scenarios 

2025 President-Elect
Claudia Zaker

2025 Secretary / Treasurer
Michael Dullea

The Election winners for the 2025/2026 Director Term

David Fletes	Mike Anderson	Valerie Gardner
Robert Cromer	Oscar Vega	Phana Par Affiliate Director

The 2024 Board of Directors and Officers will remain and serve PSAR until December 31st, 2024.

Your Board of Director Team for 2025

Yvonne Cromer, 2025 President

Claudia Zaker, 2025 President-Elect

Michael Dullea, 2025 Secretary-Treasurer

Laurie MacDonald, Immediate Past President

Mike Anderson, 2025/2026 Director

Robert Cromer, 2025/2026 Director

David Fletes, 2025/2026 Director

Valerie Gardner, 2025/2026 Director

Charmaine Orcino-Gonzales, 2024/2025 Director

Paula Gonzalez, 2024/2025 Director

Monica Greenwood, 2024/2025 Director

Jim O'Donnell, 2024/2025 Director

Norma Scantlin, 2024/2025 Director

Oscar Vega, 2025/2026 Director

Phana Par, 2025/2026 Affiliate Director

________________________________________________

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.

Thank you to those who were nominated to lead PSAR. Great things are expected from the elected candidates and those serving on PSAR's committee leadership roster.

A recent forum at the PSAR East County Events Center addressed California’s homeowner's insurance crisis. Experts shared insights and discussed ongoing efforts to improve the situation. Key takeaways include:

• Legislative Efforts: Legislators and state officials are actively working to solve insurance problems.
• Appeal Process: Consumers can appeal insurance cancellations through the California Department of Insurance.
• Regulatory Changes: The California Department of Insurance is considering regulations for forward-looking risk modeling to facilitate policy writing.
• Rate Hikes: State regulators may approve double-digit rate hikes as part of the Sustainable Insurance Strategy.
• HOA Challenges: Homeowners associations face significant increases in master policy prices.
• Early Shopping: Members’ clients should start shopping early for homeowners insurance due to rising costs.
• Cal Fire Resources: Cal Fire offers maps, home inspection resources, and suggestions for creating defensible space.
• Economic Realities: Factors like home age, and age of electrical, plumbing, and roofing systems contribute to higher rates. Inflation and increased home values also drive premium surges.
• Catastrophe Modeling: Allowing insurers to use future risk assessments with historical data might reduce reliance on the FAIR Plan, the insurer of last resort.
• FAIR Plan Safety Net: The FAIR Plan is crucial for many Californians amid climate-related threats.
• Legislative Insights: Insights into legislative efforts to control insurance costs were provided by Chris Jonsmyr from Assemblymember David Alvarez’s office.

The panelists included: Cal Fire Battalion Chief Alex Elward, Sharon Smith - California Department of Insurance, 
Maureen Moran - PSAR Member & Insurance Agent, Bob Hillard - PSAR Member & Insurance Agent, and Chris Jonsmyr - Office of Assemblymember David Alvarez

Thank you to Kay LeMenager - PSAR Broker, Organizer of the Forum, and Chair of PSAR’s Government Affairs Committee who worked with the East San Diego County Government Affairs Sub-Committee to host this informative event.  

Please see this link for an FAQ from the California Commissioner of Insurance.

Did you know that Paragon Connect now allows you to easily ADD/EDIT listings? This capability was introduced in the most recent major update of Paragon Connect in CRMLS. Paragon Connect functions as an extension of Paragon MLS, tailored for use on mobile phones, tablets, and computers. Notably, Paragon Connect is not a standalone app; it ensures a consistent experience across all your devices.

Simplified Listing Entry with Paragon Connect

Why should you consider using Paragon Connect for your listing entry needs? The interface offers a fresh, modern look while retaining the familiar input fields. Whether you're enthusiastic about leveraging new technology or prefer the convenience of accessing the MLS on-the-go, Paragon Connect accommodates your preferences seamlessly.

Efficiency at Your Fingertips: Partial Entry and Multi-Device Workflow

Curious about starting a listing entry on your computer and finishing it on your phone? With Paragon Connect, this transition is effortless. In the Connect interface, a partial listing is indicated as "Unavailable," while existing editable listings are marked as "Available." This streamlined process enables smooth movement between devices without missing a beat.

Paragon Connect presents a simplified and unified approach to listing entry. Its user-friendly design and compatibility across various devices make it an invaluable tool for real estate professionals looking to enhance their listing management practices.

How do I get to Paragon Connect? In the new CRMLS Dashboard, on the right hand side, click on the plus sign and add it to your Dash for next time.

Learn more about the Add/Edit ability of Paragon Connect and gain the ability to do business on your mobile device. Check out the video below.