Zillow appears to be in the process of becoming a REALTOR brokerage. The story has been evolving during 2020.  As Zillow transitions from being a listing distribution or advertising platform to a REALTOR (member of NAR, CAR and also some local local Associations,) they will receive the same rights and benefits as other brokerages.

Among these rights is the right to access IDX (Internet Data Exchange) feeds.  

Today, Zillow receives listing data from brokers instructing CRMLS to provide their listing information through a specifically tailored listing distribution feed called a syndication feed. Once Zillow becomes a brokerage in the CRMLS area, they will access listings through the same feeds that brokers receive on their web pages today.

What could this change mean for agents and brokers?

Listing distribution control changes: 
The CRMLS system currently permits brokers to control which listing distribution partners receive their listings, including Realtor.com, Homes.com, Apartments.com, and Zillow. Those options will soon change. As Zillow will be a participating brokerage instead of a listing distribution partner, brokers will not be able to specifically exclude Zillow from receiving their listings. 

Changes to how listings display on Zillow
Because of the switch to IDX feeds, listing data will display on Zillow differently than it does today. Full details are still forthcoming. CRMLS shared, however, that their IDX licensing agreement does not permit advertising in the way you may be used to on Zillow.  Zillow will update its current listing displays to comply with CRMLS IDX standards, the same as any brokerage that uses that same IDX listing data feed. IDX rules can be found in section 12.16 of the CRMLS Rules and Regulations.

Changes to rental listing search on Zillow
You may have heard rumors that Zillow plans to start charging fees for rental listings. (In fact, per Zillow, Zillow has charged fees for rental listings for “about a year,” except for MLS-sourced listings.) As outlined above, Zillow is also moving to IDX feeds. It’s reasonable to wonder how these two things can coexist.

CRMLS reached out to Zillow and confirmed that Zillow will no longer combine rental and for-sale properties in the same search. In other words, their IDX feed for MLS-sourced for sale listings will not comingle with their feeds for rental listings.

Per Zillow, “None of the fees… will be implemented until Jan 2021 and will not be on any listings under [Zillow’s] current syndication license.”

Zillow continued: “Under IDX, [Zillow] will not be pulling or displaying any [rental] listings under the IDX license. The rentals search will be a completely separate search experience on the site.”

DRE ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF REVISED LANDLORD/TENANT GUIDEBOOK

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) announced today that it has completed a major revision to the widely used resource guidebook titled, California Tenants – A Guide To Residential Tenants' and landlords' Rights and Responsibilities.

The Department of Consumer Affairs last published the guidebook in 2012. Since then, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, many new laws addressing landlords and tenants. Recognizing the need to update this guidebook, DRE revised it to reflect the addition of new laws, including the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) and the
Tenant, Homeowner and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act (AB 3088), which includes the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act of 2020. These updates are critically important to landlords and tenants, especially during this time of economic uncertainty.  “Equipping tenants and landlords with detailed and timely information to help them make
informed decisions was DRE’s main focus with this project,” Real Estate Commissioner Doug McCauley said. “Keeping Californians housed is crucial in the public health climate and this resource will provide much-needed clarity on key rental issues.”

Relevant and detailed revised chapters in the guidebook include but are not limited to: Before You Agree to Rent, Dealing with Problems, Terminations and Evictions, Tenant Protection Act of 2019, Resolving Problems, Getting Help from a Third Party, and a Glossary.

This guidebook and other useful information for landlords and tenants can be found at the DRE-created website HousingisKey.com. The online version of the guidebook can be easily translated into other languages using the google translate function on the website.

Printed copies will be available later this year.  Here is a link to the downloadable PDF version of the document.

The DRE released is fall bulletin.  In it see  articles including:

• Commissioner’s Message
• Licensing: Speed and Simplicity
• Loan Modifications and Advance Fees
• Lesser-Known Mortgage Loan Related Violations
• Helpful or Illegal? When helping clients crosses the line
• Compensating Balances and Other Considerations Received in Trust Accounts

Check out the links, video and details below for the facts about the CRMLS Paragon upgrade. 

• CRMLS subscriber's contacts and  saved searches will migrate over to the upgraded version of Paragon. 
• Since the national data standard is different, some searches may need to be edited. 
• CRMLS subscribers see the listing information from the 145,000 agents who share listings right through CRMLS. 
• This upgrade provides agents with service from the biggest and most advanced MLS in the Country.

 

CRMLS is launching a major upgrade to the Paragon system on September 21st. You will get more photos, more listing distribution control, and more input on how your version of Paragon works.

• NO LISTING INPUT or Add/edit Sept 17th until 8 am on Sept 21
• Rules changes
• Better, faster, more features

To help prepare you for the upgrade, CRMLS launched a Paragon Upgrade Resources page full of valuable information on the differences between the old and new systems.

Check out the San Diego Paragon Resources Center here.

While it already contains FAQs and a guide to critical rules differences between systems, it will be expanded to contain even more critical information and action items in the coming weeks.

Pro Tips: 

Other AOR's listing in San Diego: Agents around the state who use CRMLS Matrix will still be listing in San Diego during the upgrade.  Agents who list through CRMLS data-share partners will still be listing in San Diego. 

Absolutely Need to List?: PSAR also is a provider of Matrix for $6.50/month as a second MLS.  Matrix will be still active while the MLS is inactive.  This might be a good time to try it out.

See New Listings: While Paragon is being updated, tools like Homesnap-Pro will continue to be updated and searchable. Agents can see confidential remarks and search new listings from agents listing using systems other than Paragon. 

 

Important Training

Pre-recorded Video, watch or listen here on YouTube.

Live Webinars were hosted on the these days days.

Tuesday 9/8	Tuesday 9/15
9am-10am (Register Here) 1pm-2pm (Register Here)	10am-11am (Register Here 2pm-3pm (Register Here)

Monday 9/14
Broker, Office-Manager, IT & Broker Support Staff Discussion
3pm-4pm (Register Here)

 

Important Dates:

Thursday, September 17 at 12:00pm until Monday, September 21, 8:00 am The CRMLS system Goes into Read Only Mode.  All input locked out, contacts, saved searches available, changes made at this time will not transfer. 

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When the system Goes Live on 9/21, CRMLS will have Live Support via Zoom
CRMLS staff will be live and available to answer your questions in real time.
Please have your name, email and username ready so we can assist you with your questions.
These will be live forums to help you with any issues you may be having, not a presentation.
You can join anytime and leave at your leisure.

Monday, September 21st, 8:30am - 5:00pm (Join Here)

Tuesday, September 22nd, 8:30am - 5:00pm (Join Here)

Wednesday, September 23rd, 8:30am - 5:00pm (Join Here)

Friday, September 25th, 8:30am - 5:00pm (Join Here)

Monday Sep. 28th - Friday Oct. 2nd @ 12:00pm  (Register Here)

Thursday, October 15th, 12:00pm (Join Here)

Monday, October 19th, 2:00pm (Join Here)

Wednesday, October 28th, 2:00pm (Join Here)
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Can't make it to the live training? Here is the Recorded Training.

Also two classes on the Upgraded Paragon Enhancements

Thursday, September 24th, 10:00am - 11:00am (Join Here)

Thursday, September 24th, 2:00pm - 3:00pm (Join Here)

We are upgrading this system to get a faster, more modern MLS engine for your business.  CRMLS and PSAR continue to grow listing inventory, and technology to empower Realtors by providing more tools, more data, wider coverage while protecting Realtor data.  This upgrade furthers PSAR’s mission to empower you. This is one of the reasons that PSAR is the fastest growing Realtor Association in San Diego County.

FAQ will be updated continuously: California Regional Multiple Listing Service

What will and will not carry over: California Regional Multiple Listing Service

Paragon Differences: https://go.crmls.org/paragon-key-differences/

Rules Differences: https://go.crmls.org/san-diego-paragon-vs-crmls-paragon/

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PSAR's Mission is to empower Realtors to flourish while being accountable to
each other,our clients, and our community.

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. Workshops are open to all REALTORS® and Affiliated Members. This class is free of charge.

 

COVID-19 has resulted in countless challenges for agents across California. Perhaps chief among them are the new compliance requirements for showings, namely the Coronavirus Property Entry Advisory and Declaration - Visitor (PEAD-V) form. Given that each visitor to a property must sign a PEAD-V form and deliver it electronically to the listing agent in advance of a visit, it creates a significant burden for agents on both sides of a transaction.
To help solve this problem, Glide has created the first-of-its-kind integrated system that allows you to create, send, and manage PEAD-V forms across all of your listings and clients in a single place. Key benefits of using this tool include:

• Save Time: Eliminate duplicate entry and and quickly generate new forms for reach property your clients want to visit.
• Reduce Errors: Automatically pull in all property info from our MLS partners and connect directly to your DocuSign and ZipForm accounts to send to clients.
• Protect Your Clients (and Yourself!): Don’t expose home sellers to unnecessary risk and ensure all visitors are free of COVID-19 symptoms. If an issue does arise, all of your forms are in a single location.
  

Zoom Class, Dates and Times

Classes are offered several times a week

Glide is developed based on feedback from agents across the state, Glide’s tool gives you access to a number of features that make your life easier while ensuring full compliance:

• Visitor Log: Share your personal PEAD-V listing URL with all visitors to generate and track forms for signature on-the-go without the hassle of manual coordination.
• Reusable Parties: Don’t waste time re-typing by reusing previously entered buyers, agents, or other visitors/vendors.
• Reduced Clutter in ZipForm: Keep your ZipForm account clean and uncluttered. Buyer Prospects and PEADs you create in Glide do not interfere with your transactions list in ZipForm.
• One-Click Creation from MLS: When you create a PEAD-V directly from an MLS listing page, Glide will automatically pull all of your listing information to the form - saving you time and hassle.
• Integration with DocuSign®: Send your PEAD-V forms using DocuSign and Digital Ink, complete with the signature and initial tabbing auto-placed for all visitors. Includes basic support for Digital Ink.

Or Get started today at glide.com/pead.

Best of all, it’s free to agents who belong to the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS^® and takes less than a minute to create your first form.  Glide is a PSAR member benefit. The program is usable now. It is also currently integrated with CRMLS Matrix.  Paragon integration is coming soon.  We are told it should be available within a week or so.

.

_______________________________________________

PSAR Mission is to empower Realtors to flourish while being accountable to
each other,our clients, and our community.

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. Workshops are open to all REALTORS® and Affiliated Members. This class is free of charge.

 

The Department of Real Estate (DRE) updated a number of its publications.

• Spring Bulletin
• Fraud Warnings
• New License Applicants
• Loan Modifications
• 2020 REAL ESTATE Law Book

Updates from the Spring 2020 Real Estate Bulletin

• Governor Newsom's Real Estate Commissioner appointee Doug McCauley was appointed on April 2nd.

• Learn about the difference between citations and formal discipline and the programs progress after six years.  How do citations work? How can they be contested?  What happens if the citation has not been satisfied?

• Developers are required to obtain a public report from the DRE prior to marketing homes in a common interest development (CID). Learn more about  Informing the DRE About Material Changes in Subdivision Public Reports.  

• The California Franchise Tax Board also includes an interesting write up about Property Managers and California Withholding. 

• The DRE may audit continuing education records of licensees. When requested applicants need to submit certificates of attendance or certified copies from sponsors of approved offerings as proof of training.  A licensee who fails to provide DRE with course completion certificates, as required, may be subject to a fine or potential disciplinary action.

DRE Flyer for Consumers: Fraud Warnings for California Homeowners in Financial Distress Provides an overview of home loan modifications and where to find free foreclosure avoidance counseling.

 

Instructions to License Applicants Provides information about how to obtain and maintain a California Real Estate License, a Prepaid Rental Listing Service License, and a Mortgage Loan Originator License Endorsement.

 

Loan Modification Self-Help Guide  The DRE has produced a self help guide for individuals to obtain their own loan modification.  Review this step by step guide to doing your own loan modification. 

The 2020 Real Estate Law Book Statutes and regulations with which real estate practitioners should be familiar. It is divided into four parts by subject matter as follows: Real Estate Law and Subdivided Lands Law, Business and Professions Code Sections 10000 through 11288 Regulations of the Real Estate Commissioner, Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code Sections 11500 through 11528 Pertinent Excerpts from the California Codes, Various other code sections applicable to real estate including additional sections of the Business and Professions Code and Government Code.  Please note, the 2020 Real Estate Law does not contain all laws relevant to real estate. The 29 Codes which comprise California law are available in their entirety at the official website for California legislative information.

The following statement from PSAR CEO Rich D’Ascoli is in response to the riots, looting and protests following the death of George Floyd, a black man while in the custody of Minneapolis police:

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The shocking, senseless death of George Floyd is tragic. Our deepest sympathies are with the Floyd family and others, who through four hundred years of abuse, understand and feel this pain and grief like nobody else can.

As longtime champions of fair housing, equality and inclusion are among our most cherished values. PSAR is committed to leading the way on policies that address racial injustice and that build safe and inclusive communities. We remain committed to supporting the dignity and worth of all individuals, and to work vigorously to defend policies that bring justice, opportunity and security for all. We stand in support of racial equality and all those who search for it. We’re hoping this breakdown will ultimately turn into a breakthrough. Building the future begins with equal access to housing and opportunity for all.

Many of us are looking for ways to stand up for what we believe. We cannot remain disengaged and hope that this will go away. As a community of professionals working and living through extraordinarily challenging times, we must work together and remain committed to a better world for everyone, not just a few. Honesty, transparency, and empathy go a long way toward building trust and influencing change. Now is the time to listen, seek to understand, and speak up.

We appreciate all you do as REALTORS® to listen, learn and work with others to be part of the solution. As leaders in your communities, REALTORS® are active participants in promoting equality, inclusion and acceptance. Thank you for your support of PSAR.

If you have 15 minutes, please consider watching this video by Valerie Alexander on Unconscious Bias. I saw her speak at a CAR meeting in October with other CEOs from around California.  She helped me understand our biases, including my own, in a way that I hadn’t before.

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Make a Great First Impression with your CMA

First impressions are everything. When your prospective clients give you the opportunity to wow them with how hard you will work to sell their home – don’t let the opportunity pass you by! It’s your chance to make it happen and win the listing. Having the very best in real estate comparative market analysis (CMA) software will ensure that you have everything your client needs all in one simple, effective, and beautiful presentation.

How Can You Make a Good Impression with a Cloud CMA Presentation?

Cloud CMA presentations make it easy for you to look awesome. In just minutes, you can have a client-ready report in hand and win that listing on the spot! So, how can you expect to impress your clients with a Cloud CMA presentation?

One of the first questions your client may have is, “What is a CMA?” followed by questions pertaining to the data and what it’s supposed to convey. Each CMA created with our software begins with an explanation of the contents and the purpose of the information. This will help solidify your position as an authority on local real estate trends and prices, as well as build a trusted and secure relationship with the client.

In addition to this valuable introduction, you will be able to provide your clients with report pages covering the following information:

• Your photo and contact information will be displayed so each client knows that you are the real estate professional who has provided them with the very best information.
• QR code allows clients to download the entire PDF report on their smartphone or tablet.
• Explanation of short sales and foreclosures and how they affect sale prices in your client’s neighborhood.
• Information on what goes into calculating the value of a home.
• Map of the comparable listings in the client’s area.
• List of comparable properties in the client’s area with listing status and price.
• Listing information and photos for all properties in the report used for comparison.
• Property analysis for active, expired, canceled and sold listings.
• The suggested listing price for the client’s listing.
• Commission breakdown.
• Additional information on why your client needs a real estate agent, strategic pricing and timing, and why first impressions with their property are important.

 

Customization and Mobile Access

You can customize your report in any way you like to communicate this information to your prospective clients. Choose your colors, fonts, page layout, and even create your own custom pages.

You can also create and send reports instantly. Just send an email from your computer, tablet, or smartphone and let us do the work!

Presentations can be shared via email, Twitter or Facebook, and work on all popular mobile devices, including the iPad®.

MLS Connection

Above all, Cloud CMA makes it easy to generate beautiful client reports by connecting directly with Paragon or Matrix. Cloud CMA pulls data directly from your MLS as well as top websites to create a winning real estate CMA with current listing information. Cloud CMA eliminates the guesswork for you, saves you time, and makes you look awesome.

 

PSAR Members access Cloud CMA along with many other tools from the login screen in Paragon or Matrix. 

Don't belong wot PSAR or CRMLS?  CloudCMA is available for $45/month.

 

Yes, Really!  Marketing Prior to a securing a listing agreement.

The CRMLS Board of Directors made a rules change this week.  The added language is in red below. Read it closely because the change is more significant than it may look at first glance. 

7.9 Mandatory Submission upon Marketing. Within one (1) business day of marketing or advertising a residential property to any member of the public, for sale which contains one to four units, or is a residential vacant land lot which is subject to any exclusive right to sell or seller reserved listing agreement, the Listing Broker must submit the property into the MLS for cooperation with other CRMLS participants. Marketing and advertising includes but is not limited to, any information about the property or its availability for sale displayed on any: signs, websites, social media, brokerage or franchise-operated websites, communications (verbal or written), multi-brokerage or franchise listing sharing networks, flyers or written material, or on any applications available to the public, or by conducting an open house. Any individual or entity that has signed within the previous year a Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationship form in compliance with CA Civil Code section 2079.16 that identifies the Listing Broker shall not be considered a “member of the public” under this rule.  

The change is to Rule 7.9, “Mandatory Submission Upon Marketing.” This rule governs listing brokers’ submission of properties into the MLS. The previous version of this rule detailed how within one business day of marketing a property to the public, the listing broker must submit the property into the MLS. 

This new version makes clear that the listing broker must submit a property into the MLS within one day of marketing only if an exclusive listing contract exists.  If there is no contract, agents can talk about the listing that they "may secure."  Agents should use caution when discussing a listing prior to securing a listing contract.  The listing still remains open for a competitor to list with.  

The San Diego Old Paragon doesn't have "Hold" Yet.  Can I market a property when it's "Withdrawn?" 

The answer is YES!  The definition of the Withdrawn status does state that a property cannot be marketed or advertised, while remaining in our "old Paragon" system. But CRMLS will not be enforcing that aspect of the Rule until we actually get the CRMLS "Hold" status that is enjoyed by CRMLS Matrix users. CRMLS will allow marketing and advertising to occur the same as Hold listings in Matrix. A property in the status of "Withdrawn" can be marketed and advertised but cannot be shown.

The Withdrawn status in San Diego Paragon allows you to temporarily remove your listing from an “Active” status, without having to cancel it. This feature will allow you to place your listing in Withdrawn for a specified period of time. Marketing and Advertising as defined in Rule 7.5.1 is permitted. However, no showings are allowed, consistent with Rule 9.8.

To update your listing’s status to Withdrawn, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Navigate to your listings by clicking on the Listings tab and clicking on Maintain Listings.

 

Step 2: Enter the MLS#, then click Go, or, enter the property address, then click Search. In the search results, click on the listing’s MLS# or Select an Action, then click on Maintain Listing.

 

Step 3: Update the status to Withdrawn Then click Save Listing.