Richard D'Ascoli

Richard D'Ascoli
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New Guidelines released for Best Practices During COVID-19

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Mar 31, 2020 5:38:24 AM

The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® offers Best Practices Guidelines to assist agents in the safe practice of real estate. Following these guidelines will enable REALTORS® to demonstrate care for the health and well-being of clients, colleagues and the greater public welfare in reducing the risk of exposure to, and spread of, COVID-19, while providing the essential services of residential and commercial real estate recognized by the Department of Homeland Security as being necessary for the maintenance of America’s Critical Infrastructure. 

These guidelines reflect C.A.R.'s understanding of Governor Newsom’s stay-at-home order issued March 19, as updated by the “Advisory Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response” from March 28, 2020, which expressly includes residential and commercial real estate, including settlement services, as essential services. These guidelines are being updates regularly as more information becomes available.

 

Topics: Announcements, Brokers/Managers, Marketing, Industry

Financial Help Is Here

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Mar 30, 2020 9:26:03 AM

Here is a list of some of the companies offering assistance and what
you can expect from them.

Financial help and infromation

Are you are worried about making payments now or in the near future?

Now is a good time to conserve resources for your family to weather this crisis for the foreseeable future.

NOW is the time for you to CONTACT your service providers! There is Coronavirus Mortgage, Rental, Credit Card, Auto and Personal Loan Relief but you have to ask for it!  - CLICK HERE -

REALTOR®s who have specific questions about the CARE act, unemployment or other COVID-19 benefits, call  C.A.R.’s COVID Relief Hotline by calling 1+(213) 351 8450,  Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

 

Topics: Announcements, Brokers/Managers, Market Information, Industry

The Feds & State Determine Real Estate is Essential

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Mar 29, 2020 12:00:18 PM

 

Copy of Copy of Untitled

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA updated its list of essential services during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis and expressly included residential real estate. Since Governor Newsom’s March 4, 2020 order incorporates this list, the order now includes residential and commercial real estate, including settlement services as essential services in California. However, if a city or county has an order with a more restrictive standard regarding what qualifies as an essential service, or more restrictions on activities, those guidelines will still govern the activities of a licensee. Notwithstanding this new development, all real estate licensees must take into account the health and safety of their clients and fellow licensees and follow the protocols that exist for protecting against the spread of COVID-19. If such heath safeguards and protocols are not followed, the rule for the state could easily change to stop or restrict all real estate activity.

To that end, in conformity with current health guidelines, real estate licensees should follow all CDC and local health mandates. This includes the following: 1. No open houses should be held. (CRMLS has removed the option of holding Open Houses) 2. Showings should be done virtually.

Read more from C.A.R. here.

Topics: Brokers/Managers, Market Information, Industry

How does the (CARES) act provide Relief for Realtors?

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Mar 26, 2020 11:05:51 AM

The Senate has just passed the Coronavirus aid, relief and economic security (CARES) Act, a stimulus package that will provide assistants to Realtors.   C.A.R. is closely monitoring the legislation.   Review CAR's update here.

CARES act provide Relief for Realtors?

 

Topics: Announcements, Brokers/Managers, Market Information, Industry

FHFA to Grant Flexibilities for Appraisal and Employment Verifications

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Mar 25, 2020 2:49:06 PM
Federal Housing Finance Agency

FHFA Directs Enterprises to Grant Flexibilities for Appraisal and Employment Verifications
To facilitate liquidity in the mortgage market during the corona virus national emergency, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) to provide alternative flexibilities to satisfy appraisal requirements and employment verification requirements through....(click here)

Federal Housing Finance Agency

Topics: Announcements, Brokers/Managers, Market Information, Industry

Temporary Feature – “Ask DRE Licensing” By Email

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Mar 25, 2020 1:27:56 PM
California Department of Real Estate
 

Temporary Feature – “Ask DRE Licensing” By Email

 

In addition to our public phone line, DRE is temporarily answering Licensing related questions by email at Ask.DRELicensing@dre.ca.gov.

Staff responding to these emails will have access to limited information and can only answer general licensing and examination questions, such as how do I apply for a license or what are the requirements to renew a license, etc. This email feature cannot provide information about individual applicant statuses, such as when will my renewal be processed, when will my exam be scheduled or why did I get a deficiency letter. For specific questions about application statuses, please contact Licensing at (877) 373-4542.

Emails will be answered in the order they are received. Please expect a 48 hour turn around for an emailed response. Also, be sure to check your spam or junk folders for responses.

Thank you,
Department of Real Estate
Licensing Program

CA D.R.E. UPDATES

Topics: Announcements, Brokers/Managers, Market Information, Industry

C.A.R.'s Issues Guidance on Governor's Stay-at-Home Order

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Mar 21, 2020 5:09:42 PM

C.A.R. has issued guidance on the Governor's stay at home order.  This is not guidance from PSAR or our Board of Directors.  CAR has a legal team that is qualified to interpret and opine on legal matters.  Please consult your own legal council for advice and consult.  PSAR, CAR and NAR leaders continue to communicate with officials to educate them about the real estate business in this time of crisis.  

 

For more information please follow this link: 

car banner

 

Topics: Announcements, Brokers/Managers, Market Information, Industry

The DRE closes offices. PSAR offers more online services.

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Mar 20, 2020 1:57:21 PM

PSAR Online Services
Service information can be found here.

DRE Closes Offices

All DRE offices are closed to the public until further notice in compliance with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-33-20, issued March 19, 2020, ordering all California residents to shelter in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

PSAR Changes Services 

PSAR Launches New Temporary Processes to comply with the Governor's order. 

PSAR will support sale of  lockboxes and retail merchandise via pre-payment over the phone and pickup by appointment only.  Boxes that need repairs, replacement, or new batteries will be exchanged  for refurbished boxes following a pre-scheduled troubleshooting session.

Offices are closed, but member support will be provided by phone, chat, email or video call.  The PSAR staff is ready to provide full support to our realty community while adhering to the mandated state guidelines. 

We, like you, are working through this challenge by adapting to a dynamic environment.  If you would like to express any concerns or comments, please email support@psar.org.

PSAR updates during Covid-19

Topics: Announcements

Coronavirus covid-19 landing page

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Mar 16, 2020 12:48:51 PM

Please check PSAR's landing page for the latest updates regarding the CVOD-19 situation including cancellations and resources.  Updates will be posted here:

https://info.psar.org/covid19

webpage_covid 19

 

Topics: Industry

Postponement of this month's R.E.A.L. Awards to a future date

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Mar 13, 2020 4:52:33 PM

The R.E.A.L. Awards program to honor PSAR’s top producing agents will be postponed.

Due to concern for public safety as a result of COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus and in recognition of state health officials’ recommendations, PSAR will delay the inaugural Real Estate Achievement and Leadership (R.E.A.L.) awards event, originally scheduled for Friday, March 27, at Viejas Casino and Resort. The event will be rescheduled to a future date.

Earlier this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom joined state health officials from the California Department of Public Health in recommending the cancellation of gatherings of 250 or more people across the entire state, escalating efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

All who purchased tickets to the March 27 event will be given the option of attending the future event or receive a refund.

Of course, we’re disappointed about the delay of this exciting event. However, the health, safety, and well-being of the entire PSAR community is the top priority for the Association leadership. I can assure you that your Association will continue to closely monitor this public health crisis and stay in contact with local, state and federal health experts to ensure that best practices are being followed and if additional precautions are advised. Some other PSAR meetings may be cancelled while others will be held remotely.

Over the next two weeks we will take time to regroup, and when the storm passes, put on an amazing event. The R.E.A.L. awards will be a celebration, with over 400 real estate professionals, of the successes we have respectively had in our businesses. Nobody is more disappointed in the delay than each of our dedicated group of volunteers who worked diligently during the past two months to make this event a memorable experience.

The R.E.A.L. Awards Committee members include Yvonne Cromer, Reshia Guarnotta, Amber Tannahill, Lupe Soto, Laurie Mac Donald, Carey Guthrie and Tony Santiago.  

The R.E.A.L. awards programs will honor PSAR’s top producing agents and provide a platform on which to be recognized for their hard work and dedication by their associates, other professional peers and PSAR. Award recipients are agents and brokers who have achieved excellence through production and industry leadership. Awards are based on either sales volume dollars or units sold, including listings or sales units entered in the MLS, and closed in 2019.


For information about other PSAR rescheduled programs (click here).


The virus, which causes a respiratory disease known as COVID-19, first appeared in Wuhan, China, last year.. Cases have been recorded in more than 100 countries and on every continent except Antarctica. More than 4,717 people have died and more than 128,000 others have been infected, many of whom are in China. In the U.S., more than 1,700 people have been infected across at least 46 states with at least 41 deaths, and 31 of them were elderly people from the state of Washington.

As the virus spreads, causing the shutdown of offices and schools across the U.S., many people are understandably on edge. However, the same preventative measures recommended to prevent the spread of influenza are also effective in reducing the risk of contracting or spreading coronavirus. Here are some recommended actions that will reduce the risk of contracting and spreading coronavirus:

• Stay home and do not travel if you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath or any other cold or flu-like symptom.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use    an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve 
• Call ahead to your doctor before visiting

PSAR Covid-19 updates

Topics: Announcements, Industry