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

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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.

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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.

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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

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The Election winners for the 2025/2026 Director Term

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

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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.

The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors respectfully submit the following slate for the 2025/2026 Officers and Directors Annual Election. Elections will begin electronically on June 21st and run through the 28th.

President-Elect
Claudia Zaker

Secretary / Treasurer
Michael Dullea

Directors (Vote for 5 Two-Year Seats)
Mike Anderson
Robert Cromer
David Fletes
Valerie Gardner (Second Term)
Jose Payne King
Oscar Vega

Affiliate Director
Phana Par
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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.

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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.

 

 

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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.

 

 

Find all your REcenterhub resources gathered together
Access your webinar recording and other helpful guides

Adjusting to change – even change for the better – can take a little time. As you get familiar with your new REcenterhub dashboard and all its features, here is a collection of the resources you can consult for guidance:

• REcenterhub webinar recording
  • Recording of one of our comprehensive live webinars
• REcenterhub Resource Center
  • Dedicated collection of crucial REcenterhub resources
• REcenterhub User Guide
  • Detailed guide to several main REcenterhub features
• How to Log In
  • Step-by-step instructions for logging into the dashboard
• REcenterhub FAQs
  • Answers to commonly asked questions
• REcenterhub Info Flyer
  • A one-sheet overview of REcenterhub's benefits

2024 President-Elect
Yvonne Cromer

 

2024 Secretary / Treasurer
Sam Calvano

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2024/2025 Directors

Affiliate Director

Martha Garcia

The current Board of Directors and Officers will remain in their posts and continue to serve PSAR until December 31st, 2023.

Board of Directors (2024)

Laurie MacDonald, 2024 President

Yvonne Cromer, 2024 President-Elect

Sam Calvano, 2024 Secretary-Treasurer

Jason Lopez, Immediate Past President

Jim O'Donnell, 2024/2025 Director

Charmaine Orcino-Gonzales, 2024/2025 Director

Merrie Espina, 2023/2024 Director

Valerie Gardner, 2023/2024 Director

Paula Gonzalez, 2024/2025 Director

Monica Greenwood, 2024/2025 Director

Rafael Perez, 2023/2024 Director

Amy Ruiz, 2023/2024 Director

Norma Scantlin, 2024/2025 Director

Amber Tannehill, 2023/2024 Director

Martha Garcia, 2023/2024 Affiliate Director

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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.

We remain thankful to those who were nominated to lead PSAR. We are looking forward to great things from both the elected candidates and those who will continue to serve in our committee leadership roster.

The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors respectfully submit the following nominees for the 2024/2025 Officers and Directors Annual Election.

Online Elections will begin Friday, June 23rd, and continue through Friday, June 30th, 2023.

Download the Bylaws here:

 

Candidates for PSAR President-Elect

Candidate for Secretary / Treasurer

Sam Calvano

 

Candidates for Director Pick Up to Five (5 Two-Year Seats)

 

Online Elections will begin Friday, June 23rd, and continue through Friday, June 30th, 2023.

We know that tour data availability is vital in one's business as a realtor, and CRMLS delivers!

Effective immediately, CRMLS Paragon and Matrix users now have equal access to tour data provided by San Diego MLS. So that you know – the system has been automatically updated; no change is needed on your end. Furthermore, San Diego MLS can now access the CRMLS tour data creating a new two-way exchange. 

You can learn more about the tour data in Matrix and Paragon here.

This new data sharing data will bring more realtors the information you need to conduct your business successfully.

A complete list of changes is available on the CRMLS Knowledge Base page. Click here to see the updates.

STOP California's Legislature from Taxing Families
out of Homeownership

PSAR OPPOSES Senate Bill 1105 (Hueso) and Senate Bill 679 (Kamlager) each of which creates an unelected agency with the power to impose a range of new property taxes.  Those taxes would make keeping and getting into a home more expensive and difficult, potentially taxing people out of their homes and pushing homeownership out of reach for many of California's working families. Homeowners need YOUR help to STOP these bills!  Please ask your clients to TAKE ACTION NOW!

SB 1105 grants vast, unchecked, taxing and bonding authority to an unelected Housing Agency Board in San Diego which would consist of 6 appointed representatives, serving 4-year terms that can by resolution, or initiative, impose: 

• special taxes on real property,
• a parcel tax,
• a gross receipts business license tax,
• a special business tax,
• a documentary transfer tax,
• a special land value windfall tax, or
• a commercial linkage fee.

The proposed Agency requires revenues generated to assist in the construction of housing broadly defined. Revenue could go to large developers of rental homes and no restrictions on the agency purchasing single-family homes which could then further limit the opportunities for home ownership. The costs of solving California’s housing problems should not be placed on working Californians struggling to stay afloat and keep their homes in a tough economic environment, especially when there is a 97 billion dollar state surplus.
 
Similar to SB 1105, SB 679 would establish a local Housing Agency in LA with a 19-member “governing board” to raise revenues through: 

• a parcel tax
• gross receipts business license tax
• a document transfer tax, or
• the issuance of bonds to fund affordable housing preservation (acquiring, rehabilitating, deed restricting, etc.).

Here’s how you can help:
  
Ask your clients, friends, and family to TAKE ACTION and continue posting on social media!

We are stronger together, and your voice will help us defeat SB 1105 and SB 679.

For questions, please contact realtorparty@car.org.