After much debate in the industry, the National Association of REALTORS Board of Directors overwhelmingly supported this new policy that will govern what it means to be part of an MLS. 

From a very high level, this new policy creates rules that will require agents to cooperate and get their clients the very highest price in the market.  It will discourage "double-ending" transactions without market exposure. There were lots of reasons not to create this policy, but none of the individual issues made a strong enough argument in the eyes of the Realtors on the NAR Board of Directors to overcome the good that this policy will do for cooperation.  

NAR's mandatory policy reads like this: 

Within one (1) business day of marketing a property to the public, the listing broker must submit the listing to the MLS for cooperation with other MLS participants. Public marketing includes, but is not limited to, flyers displayed in windows, yard signs, digital marketing on public facing websites, brokerage website displays (including IDX and VOW), digital communications marketing (email blasts), multi-brokerage listing sharing networks, and applications available to the general public.

This policy has an implementation deadline of May 1st, 2020

CRMLS has been collecting input from members since November will finalize the rules for this policy by April 1, 2020.  PSAR has had representatives from CRMLS here three times to present and get feedback from our members and Brokers.  We are doing our best to roll this policy out in a way that will be least disruptive, but it will be incumbent on our members to adhere to these rules when they are rolled out.

Download this flyer to post and share in your office meetings:

Here is a brief video from CRMLS CEO Art Carter:

For deeper knowledge into the background and development of this policy, check the National Association of REALTORS page dedicated to this issue:  https://www.nar.realtor/about-nar/policies/mls-clear-cooperation-policy

Have training in your office.  PSAR & CRMLS will help.

• Three trainers available to train in San Diego
• Trainers will come to your office
• PSAR offers meeting space for free to host office meetings.
• Free training on 33 benefits that will make your team better.
• Office training also available on PSAR's exclusive benefit called Savvycard.

As a Broker, what is your value proposition?  Brokers looking to improve agent productivity, professionalism and retention, should bring training and resources to their agents in-house. Brokers who show agents how to use these tools, provide added value.  As members of CRMLS, firms have many free or enhanced tools to choose from.  These tools help agents do a better job serving their clients.

When PSAR joined CRMLS, the CEO of Sandicor, and many important staff including three of the four Sandicor trainers became full time employees of CRMLS.  This knowledge is deep and it remains part of our organization.  These trainers are located here in San Diego to educate and support our Realtor members.  They will even train your team locally right in your office. Regular training and coaching can help your agents grow as professionals and enhance your broker/agent relationship. 

Some brokerages don't have the facilities to train all of their agents in one space. If this is an issue for you, PSAR will provide you with free meeting space to train your own at an office meeting hosted in our location?  In return, we only request the opportunity to spend two minutes outlining the benefits of being a PSAR Realtors.

Here are some of the topics CRMLS will train on.  All of these tools are included for PSAR/CRMLS subscribers at no additional cost to agents or the brokerage. Savvy Card and Glide are two programs offered by PSAR.  PSAR staff can direct brokers to training resources for these benefits.  PSAR can also help brokers identify training for Zipforms and other CAR and NAR programs.

For a syllabus, class length and description, please check out more detailed information here.

• Cloud Agent Suite 
• Cloud CMA 
• Cloud Streams
• CRMLS Apps
• CRMLS Marketing Tools
• CRMLS System and Products Overview
• Homesnap Pro App
• Infosparks Market Statistic
• Infosparks Marketview
• LionDesk CRM
• Matrix: Agent Essentials
• Matrix: Broker Office Admin
• Matrix: Creating a CMA in Matrix
• Matrix: Realist Tax 2.0
• Matrix: Searching 101
• Matrix: System Updates
• Matrix: Time-Saving Tips
• MLS-Touch App
• Paragon: Advanced Searching
• Paragon: Agent Essentials
• Paragon: Broker Office Admin
• Paragon: Collaboration Center
• Paragon: Creating a CMA in Paragon
• Paragon: CRS Tax 101
• Paragon: Hot Sheets/Tours/Open Houses
• Paragon: Managing Listings in Paragon
• Paragon: Searching 101
• Paragon: ShowingTime for the MLS
• Paragon: System Updates
• Paragon: Time-Saving Tips
• REALTORS® Property Resource®
• Remine

Want to improve MLS rules compliance and avoid citations and fines?  

• CRMLS Compliance Top Violations Overview is a great class.

Do you have a boutique office, or need a smaller training session?

Brokers with fewer than ten agents, are welcome to bring their team to training hosted at PSAR each month in each of our three offices.  Bring your entire office to any of these training sessions. Check out our education calendar and register your entire office for training.

Not using SavvyCard for lead generation and property marketing?  You should be.

PSAR also offers Savvy Card.  This is a unique marketing platform that includes Seller Share, Free Property websites and much more.  Savvy Card will train in your office as well!  Just email support@psar.org and request office training on Savvycard. Learn more about Savvy Card here.

Need more information, or have a question? Please comment in the form below and a friendly PSAR service member will get back to you!

CRMLS HAS NOT adopted the NAR mandated "Clear Cooperation" policy YET. (As of January 29th, 2020) 

While CRMLS is taking a lead position in developing implementation policies, there is more vetting to go through to make sure that an equitable and fair policy is developed.  Look for a policy to be adopted prior to May 2020.

What does this mean to listing agents for now?

When filling out the CAR Seller Exclusion, you DO NOT need to check this box.  This will change when CRMLS adopts the new policy.

It is my honor to serve you as PSAR’s CEO. I am very much looking forward to the future with PSAR. As we look ahead to the year 2020, the future of our Association is strong and solid.

I must admit it, our industry is in a state of change. Different business models are introduced every day. Billions of Wall Street dollars are invading the industry as technology companies disrupt and attempt to shake-up the traditional business model of buying and selling with the assistance of an experienced REALTOR®. Critics compare our industry to that of a dinosaur.

For example, the phenomenon of iBuying is a recent pressing concern. However, as you know, real estate is strongly based on relationships. The truth is that most home buyers and sellers need some advice about how much to offer, whether to include an inspection, how to arrange financing and a host of other issues involved in the real estate transaction process. Residential buyers and sellers are making the largest investment decisions of their lifetimes. And, without REALTORS®, consumers wouldn’t have the MLS marketplace or the market transparency that exists today. There will always be a need for people with outstanding character, work ethic and professionalism. At PSAR, you will always be highly valued and considered assets to our industry.

2019 was a very successful year for PSAR on several fronts. Early in the year, we opened a new PSAR Central Service Center located in San Diego’s Clairemont Mesa region. The new PSAR Service Center at 4340 Genesee Ave., Suite 203, San Diego, provides MLS training, educational classes and a full-service retail store that offers signage, SentriLock and Supra lock boxes and much more.

Also this year, we re-launched our new weekly property marketing pitch meeting, called “City Pitch,” at our PSAR Central San Diego Service Center. The event for brokers and sales agents begins at 9 a.m. every Tuesday morning. The focus is on properties in the following zip codes: 92102, 92104, 92105, 92108, 92111, 92115, 92116, 92123, 92124, and 92120. All San Diego-area REALTORS® are invited to attend to pitch their properties, network and put deals together.

Also this year, we created a new Local Area Disclosures (LAD) publication covering San Diego County. A joint effort with the North San Diego County Association of REALTORS ® (NSDCAR), this new LAD publication is helping REALTOR® members give consumers a deeper understanding of the properties in San Diego County communities where they are purchasing. It contains vital information relating to all local communities in the San Diego region. The new LAD is the latest member benefit and is demonstrating a dedication and commitment to address the local needs of our PSAR REALTOR® members.

CRMLS announced that Matrix Subscribers will gain access to data from Terminus Sistema Global, Mexico's leading MLS.  Starting on October 2nd, 2019, CRMLS Matrix users may access data from Mexico's Leading MLS via a reciprocal link in the Matrix Links page. Licensed agents in San Diego, with their Broker's permission may now join PSAR and gain access to Matrix regardless of what association they belong to.  Existing PSAR members may either change from Paragon to Matrix for no additional cost, or PSAR Paragon MLS subscribers can add Matrix as a second MLS for only $6 per month . The tool is new, but the number of listings is growing each day.

Here is how PSAR's CRMLS Matrix users can gain access to Mexican listings. Use the "Links" menu option in Matrix.

NOW Real estate professionals on both sides of the border will have more access to listing data than ever, along with a greater capacity to share their listing information with their peers.

This "Links" menu item will provide access to a page that looks like this.

You are in!  The Terminus interface is powered by the familiar MLS system called Matrix.  

According the press release, CRMLS CEO Art Carter stated "Some people worry that a data sharing agreement means that someone will come 'over the hill' and start selling your listings," said Carter. "Remember, only professionals licensed to sell real estate in California can do so. This agreement is about viewing data, growing connections, and making referrals. It does not suddenly give Mexico agents California real estate licenses or vice versa."

Click here to read the full CRMLS press release for additional details. Check with your Broker and attorney to ensure you are following all applicable laws.

Back in March of 2019 Terminus Sistema Global and the State Board of Real Estate for Baja California (CEPIBC) announce their partnership for the deployment of the MLS for their members. By partnering with Terminus Sistema Global, CEPIBC has been able to introduce the concept of an MLS to their 10 regional associations which include AMPI Mexicali,  API Mexicali,  AMPI Tijuana,  API Tijuana, ASAI Tijuana, AMPI Rosarito, API Rosarito, AMPI Ensenada, API Ensenada and AMPI San Felipe.

The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® (PSAR) and the North San Diego County Association of REALTORS® (NSDCAR), two real estate trade associations for San Diego-area REALTORS®, are proud to jointly announce the availability of a new Local Area Disclosures (LAD) publication covering San Diego County.

This new LAD publication will help REALTOR® members give consumers a deeper understanding of the properties in San Diego County communities where they are purchasing. It contains vital information relating to all local communities in the San Diego region. The new LAD is the latest member benefit and is demonstrating a dedication and commitment to address the local needs of REALTOR® members.

NSDCAR and PSAR leading brokers and legal counsel worked together to create this new version that will provide REALTORS® with a disclosure document that focuses on items that may concern their clients and that are especially, and in many cases, unique to San Diego County.

For consumers, this new LAD will provide important information on all pertinent issues relating to a property they are interested in. It also will help buyers not rely solely on information received from sellers and agents.

“It was a very rewarding, collaborative experience working with our REALTORS® on this LAD project,” said Rich D’Ascoli, CEO, PSAR. “Our team members developed close bonds with a sense of expertise and camaraderie on this project, all with the goal of empowering our members to succeed.”

“Brokers want to provide their clients with accurate and current information,” said Tommy Thompson, CEO, NSDCAR. “Real estate dealings come with potential legal risk. So, disclosure of information is key to our jobs of informing buyers about the exact condition of a property before they agree to purchase it. Keeping tabs on legal concerns in day-to-day dealings help our members safeguard their reputations, businesses and careers.”

Disclosures are one of the most important areas in today’s real estate industry. Full disclosure provides parties with the information needed to properly negotiate price and assess the property’s suitability for their needs.

All sellers are required to disclose certain information and material facts, including information on the property including known hazards and defects that could have an effect on a buyer’s decision to enter into the deal.

In addition, all REALTORS® are required to have a thorough knowledge of California real estate disclosure laws. A real estate professional has a fiduciary duty to disclosure any information that might impact the value of a sale. It is always in your best interest to disclosure all known and suspected hazards. If information is withheld, the buyer or seller may be entitled to damages.

The new LAD publication is presented in easy-to-read format with chapter sections with such titles as “General Disclosures,” “Environmental Disclosures,” “Traffic, Roads and Transportation Disclosures” and “Air Traffic and Airport Disclosures.” Another section called “Specific Area Disclosures” includes specific information on particular communities in San Diego County, including coastal and desert areas, as well as North County, East County, South County, City of San Diego areas.

Topics for the sections include the following:

-- General Disclosures: County of San Diego General Plan Update, Homeowner Associations, High Wind and Flooding areas, Prison and Jails, Attractions and Amusement Parks, Casinos, Historic Districts, Short-term Rental Restrictions, Parking Restrictions, Soil Conditions, Gas Pipelines, Proposition 65.

-- Environmental Disclosures: Hazardous Materials, Coastal Cliffs, Electrical and Magnetic Fields, Flooding Valleys, Landfills, Lead-based Paint, Nuclear Materials, Agricultural Lands, Toxic Mold Advisory.

-- Traffic, Roads and Transportation: Major Freeways, Mass Transit, Buses.

-- Air Traffic and Airport Disclosures: Aircraft Noise, Airport Sites and Runway Expansion, Military Airfield Restrictions.

A variety of topics are mentioned on the pages about specific San Diego County communities, including information about off-road vehicles activity, nearby farms and agricultural odors, equestrian areas, sewage plants, groundwater seepage, landslide incidents, military ordinances in canyons, quarry noise and facilities for homeless and transients.

The new LAD publication will be available to members on the PSAR and NSDCAR websites.

About PSAR
The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® (PSAR), a 3,100-member trade group for San Diego-area REALTORS®, offers CRMLS multiple listing services, educational training, advocacy and other resources to its REALTOR® members. Founded in 1928, PSAR has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth and development of greater San Diego County. The Association maintains a leadership role in the industry, empowering REALTORS® by leveraging our collective strength so they may serve homebuyers and sellers and the greater community. PSAR offices are located in Clairemont, Chula Vista, and El Cajon. PSAR Service Centers provide Sentrilock, Supra, retail store, MLS training and REALTOR® education, networking and much more. For more information, visit www.PSAR.org.  

About NSDCAR
The North San Diego County Association of REALTORS® (NSDCAR), a 7,000-member trade group for San Diego-area REALTORS®, offers San Diego County REALTORS® access to the California Regional MLS (CRMLS) service, along with educational training, advocacy and other services and resources. NSDCAR is the largest trade association in San Diego’s North County Region. Service centers are located in Vista, Carmel Valley, Carlsbad, Escondido, Fallbrook and Kearny Mesa. NSDCAR was founded in 1994 when several small boards of REALTORS® joined forces to better serve REALTORS® and real estate consumers in the rapidly growing areas of North San Diego County. For more information on NSDCAR, visit www.NSDCAR.com.

Imperial Beach Code Enforcement is reminding San Diego County Realtors who are placing signs in the public right of way is against state law in all municipalities that don't have an exception.  California PENAL CODE SECTION 556-556.4 states: 

It is a misdemeanor for any person to place or maintain, or cause to be placed or maintained without lawful permission upon any property of the State, or of a city or of a county, any sign, picture, transparency, advertisement, or mechanical device which is used for the purpose of advertising or which advertises or brings to notice any person, article of merchandise, business or profession, or anything that is to be or has been sold, bartered, or given away.

The public right of way is "Real property or an interest in real property offered to and accepted by the City for public use."  Sidewalks are part of the public right-of-way.  While a couple of cities have limited specific exceptions to this rule, these exceptions usually involve city permits and payment.  Agents who place signs on sidewalks are likely violating state and local laws.

Imperial Beach will be fining agents $100 per sign when they place these signs on sidewalks.  

Here is a link to a letter from the IB Assistant Fire Marshal who is in charge of this.

Update and Q&A with Department of Real Estate District Manager Veronica Kilpatrick

Plus

Risk Management recap from recent C.A.R. Meetings will cover new and recurring legal claims to be aware of and the hottest C.A.R. Legal Hotline questions.

This meeting is open to REALTOR BROKERS ONLY AND THEIR OFFICE MANAGERS

Date: Thursday, October 3, 2019

Time: 1 PM to 2:30 PM

Location:  4330 Genesee Ave, #203, San Diego, CA 92117. 

Access to the Clairemont Facility is on the 2nd Floor in the rear of the building. The best parking is also in the rear of the building. As you go up the stairs the office is on the right.

Open to all Realtor Brokers from any association. Working together to reduce liability is important to Brokers Across the County.  

Save the Dates for 2020 Broker Meetings on:

• Thursday, February 13th, 2020, 1 PM to 2:30 PM, El Cajon Office
• Thursday, May 28, 2020, 1 PM to 2:30 PM, Chula Vista Office
• Thursday, October 22, 2020, 1 PM to 2:30 PM, Clairemont Office

REALTORS®, please check your email for a RedAlert from C.A.R. Government Affairs. We’re OPPOSING AB1482, a bill that creates restrictive rent caps and “just cause” evictions, because it discourages the creation of rental housing. Fewer housing units will result in higher rent. #AB1482, #caleg, @CAREALTORS

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact DeAnn Kerr for more information at deannk@car.org.