Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are transforming California real estate, offering REALTORS® new ways to help clients unlock income, increase property value, and tap into hidden equity. Whether it’s a converted garage, backyard cottage, or basement suite, ADUs give buyers and investors exactly what they want: flexibility, rental potential, and long-term value.

Tuesday, July 15th
10:00 am - 11:30 am
ZOOM WEBINAR

Meet the Speaker: James Harnsberger, EA, CP, FNTPI
James Harnsberger is a seasoned tax strategist, real estate consultant, and Managing Director of SMIB Management, Inc., where he leads the integration of advanced tax planning and strategic consulting for business owners, real estate investors, and digital asset clients. As an Enrolled Agent (EA), Certified Paralegal (CP), and Fellow of the National Tax Practice Institute (FNTPI), James brings over 25 years of experience designing proactive solutions that maximize profitability, reduce tax exposure, and create sustainable financial growth.

'RealReports' is now a PSAR Member Benefit available in REcore (CRMLS dashboard), RealReports is the "Carfax for homes", an AI-powered tool that delivers in-depth property data, analyzes documents, generates leads, and helps agents make faster, smarter decisions.

Get full access to RealReports at no cost ($120/year value). Instantly pull property insights, answer client questions, and gain a competitive edge using AI-powered tools.

What You Get:

• Unlimited Snapshot-tier reports
• 33% off Buyer & Seller reports
• AI features: doc/photo analysis, client collaboration
• Auto reports when you list a property
• Agent-branded reports

How to Activate

• Log in to REcenterhub
• Click the red “+” icon and add RealReports (or follow this 26 sec. video)
• Click the star to pin it, then launch  

Register for the Launch Webinar
Thursday, July 10th at 1:00 pm

PSAR now provides RealReports as a member benefit because it empowers agents with fast, reliable property insights that help them succeed in today’s market. The tool gives agents an edge through accurate data and AI-powered support.

The Best Strategies for Ensuring Rapid Real Estate Compensation Payments!

Taking the right steps in the escrow process will protect compensation income and create delighted clients, thereby enhancing professional credibility. 

What You’ll Learn:

• How to protect income and improve cash flow
• Steps to guarantee that compensation is processed without delays
• How smooth compensation handling improves client satisfaction
• Tools and practices top producers use 

Get to know the speaker: 

Lupe Soto, a distinguished figure in real estate, has garnered numerous accolades, including being named Realtor of the Year twice, Manager of the Year three times, and earning the Board Instructor Award and Service Award. Recognized by CAR as a leading Latina businesswoman, she also dedicates time to volunteering.

Academic Credentials: M.S., Science of Education, University of Southern California, B.A., University of Southern California, Magna Cum Laude Professional Contributions: Vice Chair, C.A.R. Standard Forms Advisory Committee, Member, Consumer Protection, Membership, Multiple Listing Service, and Educational Services Committees, Regional Representative for Education, Residential Education Sub-Committee.

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Advocate for fair housing for all!

REALTORS® are expected to uphold equity in all professional interactions and apply strong ethical principles when it comes to Fair Housing. This means providing equal service to all clients and avoiding actions that may unfairly limit access to housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

This session will cover the legal and ethical responsibilities under Fair Housing laws and offer practical tips to help you recognize and prevent discriminatory practices in sales, rentals, mortgage lending, and housing-related services.

Class instructor Mike Shenkman will cover:  

• Fair Housing basics 
• Best Fair Housing practices for building stronger relationships 
• Dealing with buyers, sellers, and the community

A high level of professionalism and ethical conduct benefits everyone!

THIS CLASS IS FREE OF CHARGE

About the Instructor:

A Southern California native, Mike Shenkman boasts a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the real estate industry. His extensive experience includes roles in training, development, and management in some of Southern California's leading real estate firms. Beyond his expertise in sales and management, Mike's background encompasses affordable housing, community development, property management, redevelopment, and mortgage finance.

Mike is actively involved in the San Diego real estate community and frequently instructs agents at various career stages. He co-hosted the “First Home California” podcast for the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) in 2023, serves as a transportation policy liaison for the California chapter of the American Planning Association (APACA), and has contributed to real estate legislative policy for both the city & county of San Diego and the state of California. His professional designations include Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource (SFR), Property Management Certification (PMC), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), and Military Relocation Professional (MRP).

Contract Education– Know your C.A.R. contract forms!

Staying updated on forms isn't just good practice - it's essential to business success. This class will instill confidence in attendees when using the most current versions in their transactions.

The June 2025 forms release includes over 95 forms that have been added, changed, or retired. The good news is that 52 of the “changes” do not require new learning. Join us for a fast-paced jaunt as we review the 11 new forms and the 32 substantively revised forms. The Big 3 – RLA, BRBC, and RPA all have been updated, so it is important to learn these changes so you are properly prepared to write your next contract!

Why This Review Matters:   
Knowledge of the latest business forms iterations is a requirement for effective transactions. 

Testimonials from Nikki's Past Classes

"Nikki does such a thorough job i love taking her class. She is the best facilitator for this, she really shines in the class"

"Thank you for providing the platform for someone like Nikki Coppa to share her knowledge with us. We are better because of it. Keeping the REALTOR bar high."

"Nikki Coppa is absolutely THE BEST. We're SO SO SO SO lucky to have her do this for us PSAR members."

"Nikki was great and easy to understand"

About the Speaker: 

Broker Nikki Coppa, C.A.R. Treasurer (2026 - 2027), Vice-Chair of the C.A.R. Standard Forms Advisory Committee, brings her depth of knowledge and expertise to bear in this class. As a C.A.R. and N.A.R. Director, she has a broad-based understanding of the industry's regulations and best practices.

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The information provided in this training session is intended for educational purposes only. The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® (PSAR) does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented. The instructors are not providing legal advice, and attendees should consult their brokers, attorneys, or the California Association of REALTORS® Legal Hotline for legal guidance. PSAR is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this session. Attendance at this session does not create a broker-client relationship.

For REALTORS®, mastering tax and business strategies isn’t just smart - it’s core to long-term success. Mike White (PSAR Technology Committee Chair), together with guest speaker Vidal Espinosa, MBA from Invictus Advisors, shares actionable insights that will enable real estate professionals to optimize their financial status and plan with confidence.

Session attendees will leave with this knowledge set:

• Understanding REALTOR® specific deductions
• Mastering expense trackers
• Avoiding common REALTOR® tax pitfalls
• Optimizing business structure
• Planning for the future

This is a live class

Get to know the guest speaker:

Vidal “The Shark CFO” Espinosa is a powerhouse in cross-border finance and tax strategy, known for helping entrepreneurs scale with precision. As founder of Invictus Advisors, he leads a bi-national firm empowering U.S. and Latin American businesses to grow profitably and stay IRS-proof. With over 25 years of experience and a background from KPMG and Loyola, Vidal is the go-to CFO for smart, aggressive financial planning. He’s also the voice behind the podcast Lunch with The Shark and Happy Hour with The Shark, where money meets bold strategy.

PSAR's mission is to empower real estate professionals.

Michael Shenkman will conduct a class on the Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement (BRBC) post-settlement. Discover how to leverage the BRBC to create professional, transparent transactions that protect all parties.

BRBC Class Highlights:

• Understanding the BRBC and its importance in buyer-broker relationships
• In-depth review of the agreement
• Exploration of compensation models
• Practical applications with real-life transactions
• Addressing common buyer concerns effectively

Cost: This class is offered at no charge 

About the Instructor:

A Southern California native, Mike Shenkman boasts a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the real estate industry. His extensive experience includes roles in training, development, and management in some of Southern California's leading real estate firms. Beyond his expertise in sales and management, Mike's background encompasses affordable housing, community development, property management, redevelopment, and mortgage finance.

Mike is actively involved in the San Diego real estate community and frequently instructs agents at various career stages. He co-hosted the “First Home California” podcast for the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) in 2023, serves as a transportation policy liaison for the California chapter of the American Planning Association (APACA), and has contributed to real estate legislative policy for both the city & county of San Diego and the state of California. His professional designations include Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource (SFR), Property Management Certification (PMC), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), and Military Relocation Professional (MRP).

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Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting, the risk of litigation is real—and growing. This one-hour webinar, “Staying Out of Court,  ” will equip REALTORS® with the knowledge to not only survive but also thrive in today’s real estate climate. And here’s the best news: Attendees will learn how to head off lawsuits before they even start—and protect their businesses in the process!  

The presenter at this event,  Robert Brand, is a leading expert in real estate risk management. Mr. Brand will cover these key topics:

• How to Stay Protected in a Changing Market - Strategies to reduce legal risk when market conditions shift.
• AVID Strategies You Can Apply Immediately - Practical steps to properly complete Agent Visual Inspection Disclosures and minimize liability.
• Clear Guidance on the RPA - A comprehensive exploration of high-risk areas in the current Residential Purchase Agreement.
• Social Media Liability - Examples of common online posting mistakes that can lead to legal issues, and how to avoid them. 
• Top 5 Disclosure Questions Answered - Straightforward answers to the most common and confusing disclosure questions agents face.

Thursday, June 12th
10:00 - 11:00
Live via 

About the Speaker: 

Robert Brand, renowned for leading California's top seminars on property condition disclosure strategies, is a speaker known for his practical approach. He expertly translates courtroom strategies into real-world applications for real estate professionals. Formerly a licensed general contractor, Brand has inspected thousands of residential properties. His current roles include working as a litigation consultant, contributing to REALTOR magazine, and speaking about effective disclosure techniques. His presentations have been well-received by thousands of real estate agents, who have benefited from his insights.

Why attend the class?

• Master the RLA
  Avoid errors that lead to disputes. Gain a full understanding of what it means, how to explain it, and how to apply it effectively
•  Stand Out in Listings
  Leverage contract expertise as a competitive advantage during listing presentations and negotiations
•  Build Client Trust
  Demonstrating fluency in the RLA reinforces a reputation for professionalism and reliability—key traits that earn client confidence and referrals
  
  

Have a good time while learning with PSAR

Wednesday, May 28th
9:00 - 11:00
Live in the PSAR Clairemont Office
4340 Genesee Ave. #203, San Diego, CA 92117

Testimonials from Mike's Past Classes:
"This was the first time I heard this speaker. He was very knowledgeable on the subject and provided valuable insights on how agents can improve in the future. As a broker, I appreciated hearing these suggestions. It was an excellent learning tool, and I valued his teaching style, which kept us informed throughout the entire class."
- Mayra Swanson, Chula Vista Broker

"Mike is a very engaging and informative personality who makes the class interesting." 
- Gio Alegrado, San Diego Agent

"Mike is straight to the point, keeps it moving, keeps it interesting, time does go by quickly, and yet I feel as though I learned and reinforced my understanding of the new rules. GREAT TEACHER." 

About the Instructor:

A Southern California native, Mike Shenkman boasts a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the real estate industry. His extensive experience includes roles in training, development, and management in some of Southern California's leading real estate firms. Beyond his expertise in sales and management, Mike's background encompasses affordable housing, community development, property management, redevelopment, and mortgage finance.
Mike is actively involved in the San Diego real estate community and frequently instructs agents at various career stages. He co-hosted the “First Home California” podcast for the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) in 2023, serves as a transportation policy liaison for the California chapter of the American Planning Association (APACA), and has contributed to real estate legislative policy for both the city & county of San Diego and the state of California. His professional designations include Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource (SFR), Property Management Certification (PMC), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), and Military Relocation Professional (MRP).

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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.

Every Sick Child Deserves Their Family by Their Side. 

PSAR Teams Up for Red Shoe Day 2025 -  May 21st!

Support the annual Red Shoe Day fundraiser benefiting San Diego's Ronald McDonald House.  PSAR’s Team has been in the top 5 for contribution amounts in the past several years, thanks to your support.  Let’s do it again!

Say hello to our team on May 21st, from 7:00–9:30 AM!  PSAR volunteers will take to two major intersections to collect donations and spread hope.

• Telegraph Canyon Road / Otay Lakes Road
• H Street / Otay Lakes Road

See pictures from the past HERE

Follow the PSAR's Red Shoe Day to see who is registering and donating!

The Cause: Keeping Families Close
When a child is hospitalized, their loved ones become their strongest support system and ally in healing. Unfortunately, many families can't afford lodging near the hospital during this difficult time. Ronald McDonald House provides a "home away from home" so families can stay close to their sick children without enduring financial strain.