Kevin McElroy

Recent Posts

It's All About ADUs

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Aug 6, 2025 10:00:00 AM

Global All About ADUs

The ADU Get Together: An event for California REALTORS® to network and learn.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are reshaping California’s housing market and creating new opportunities for REALTORS® to help clients maximize value, generate income, and navigate shifting property laws. 

Whether it's a backyard cottage, garage conversion, or attached unit, ADUs are new opportunities for today’s buyers, sellers, and investors.

Two guest speakers will touch on the following topics:

Understanding AB1033: Turning ADUs into separate, sellable assets

  • Construction Costs, Permits, and Legal Landscape
  • Realistic cost breakdowns for ADU construction in 2025
  • How permit processes differ by city and what delays deals
  • Updates on California ADU laws
  • Compliance pitfalls that kill projects before they start

Tax Strategies & Valuation Insights

  • ADU tax segregation: What it is and how it helps your clients
  • How ADUs affect property taxes and long-term financial planning

The PSAR Global Council brings you a mixer for REALTORS® to learn and network.
Seats are limited. Register now!

Thursday, August 21st
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
PSAR Chula Vista
880 Canarios Court, Chula Vista 91910

Enjoy complimentary appetizers and drinks

Meet the speakers:

GREC Speakers Profile Picture (1)

Jeff Discher has had an illustrious 20-year career and a successful
General Contractor focused on progressive construction projects.His experience extends to managing multiple rehabs, flip projects, and ground-up ADUs in San Diego,  consistently maximizing returns for top-dollar. He is a General Contractor with Fiscal Dynamics West LLC specializing in rehab properties, complete rehabs and remodels, and ground-up ADU builds, including design, permit, and build.
(READ MORE)

 

James harnsbergerJames Harnsberger, EA, CP, FNTPI 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.

 

CLASS SPONSOR
 
Dina Heredia
image (13)
 
ANNUAL SPONSORS:Premium Mortgage The Bridge to your front door__________________________________
 
 For questions, please contact Victor Herrera at 619-271-5897 / email victor@psar.org.
 
Brought to you by: 
 Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS Global Council

 

Topics: Education, Global Real Estate Council, Market Information, Industry

Grow Your Business with CRMLS Classes

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Aug 4, 2025 9:00:00 AM

Grow Your Business with CRMLS Classes
CRMLS has put together classrooms on Zoom to help teach some of the free tools our members have access to as part of PSAR. These are small class sizes that are scheduled for PSAR Members. Becoming proficient with these tools can help you build your business.

July 7th | 1:00 PM

Register

Paragon: Collaboration Center

Connect with your clients through CRMLS Paragon’s Collaboration Center, a mobile-friendly website you can customize with your personal branding. The Collaboration Center has no third-party vendors or agents – just you and your contacts.

Topics include:

  • Setting up automatic notifications and invites for your clients
  • Customizing your Preferences and About Me pages
  • Using Paragon Connect on the go
  • Viewing your contacts’ saved searches, comments, and Favorite and Rejected properties
    …and more.

July 21st | 1:00 PM

Register

 

Cloud CMA

Duration: 1 hour

Teaching Style: Instructor-Led Lecture or Web Conference

Description: Create comprehensive, personalized, and interactive reports for your buyers and sellers with Cloud CMA, an online comparative market analysis (CMA) report generator. Featuring built-in integration with Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet, you can give presentations to anyone, anywhere, anytime.

This course will teach you how to create:

  • CMAs
  • Buyer tours
  • Single property reports
  • Property flyers
  • …and more.

July 28th | 1:00 PM

Register

 

Paragon Connect

Duration: 1 hour

Teaching Style: Instructor-Led Lecture or Web Conference

Description: This course introduces Paragon Connect, the mobile-friendly version of CRMLS Paragon that can still be access via desktop.

Topics include:

  • Logging into Paragon Connect
  • A tour of the Paragon Connect home page
  • An overview of your Contact Manager
  • Creating and saving searches
  • …and much more.

August 4th | 1:00 PM

Register

 

 ShowingTime for the MLS

Duration: 1 hour

Teaching Style: Instructor-Led Lecture or Web Conference

Description: Track and maximize your showings with ShowingTime, the online scheduling and management solution. With full MLS integration, online scheduling, 24/7 system access, and immediate appointment confirmation, you can maximize your showings and make them hassle-free.

Topics include:

  • Accessing ShowingTime from a desktop or mobile device
  • Setting up showing schedules for your listing and submit a request as a buyer’s agent
  • Adding Showing Carts and Tours
  • Receiving and reviewing showing requests via email, call, and text
  • Confirming appointments and setting up Driving Directions
  • …and more

August 18th | 1:00 PM

Register

 

 Paragon Intro to CRS Tax

Duration: 1 hour

Teaching Style: Instructor-Led Lecture or Web Conference

Description: The MLS Tax Suite powered by CRS Data, or “CRS Tax” for short, is your source for accurate tax and public record data. In this introductory course, learn how to easily find information about properties in California, including their sales history, tax details, mortgage information, and more.

Topics include:

  • Setting up your profile and branding
  • Creating basic, map, and default searches
  • Searching for and farming foreclosure information
  • Generating CMAs with just a few clicks

August 25th | 1:00 PM

Register

 

 Down Payment Resource

Duration: 1 hour

Teaching Style: Instructor-Led Lecture or Web Conference

Description: Learn how to use Down Payment Resource (DPR) to scan over 2,000 home ownership programs from housing finance agency partners to find the right down payment assistance programs for your clients.

Topics include:

  • Accessing Down Payment Resource
  • How clients can use Down Payment Resource in their portals
  • An overview of Down Payment Resource Connect
  • …and more.

September 8th | 1:00 PM

Register

 

 

 Paragon: Agent Essentials

Duration: 1 hour

Teaching Style: Instructor-Led Lecture or Web Conference

Description: Master the foundational skills to succeed in real estate with this comprehensive course. Whether you’re just beginning your career, restarting it, or you’re looking to expand your expertise in CRMLS Paragon, this course has what you need.

Topics include:

  • The CRMLS Paragon landing page
  • Search techniques
  • Setting up your email signature, agent photos, and messages
  • Printing and emailing listings

September 22nd | 1:00 PM

Register

 

 

 Realtors® Property Resource®

Duration: 1 hour

Teaching Style: Instructor-Led Lecture or Web Conference

Description: REALTORS Property Resource® (RPR) makes it easy to impress your clients by offering comprehensive data, powerful analytics, and dynamic reports that cover 160 million properties.

Topics include:

  • School reports
  • Historic data
  • Geographic details (such as flood and heat maps)
  • …and more.

September 29th | 1:00 PM

Register

 

 

 Paragon: CRS Tax Advanced

Duration: 1 hour

Teaching Style: Instructor-Led Lecture or Web Conference

Description: For those who are already familiar with the basics of CRS Tax and want to learn its more sophisticated capabilities. Discover how to uncover detailed information to gain a competitive advantage.

Topics include:

  • Advanced searching by map, criteria, and school layers
  • Power Prospecting through targeted marketing
  • Locating Assessor Maps
  • Customizing your CMAs in CRS Tax

Find More CRMLS Webinars Here

________________________________________________

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.

Topics: Education

Knowledge of Living Trusts and Wills increases agent value!

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Jul 29, 2025 8:00:00 AM

Trusts and Wills

Help your clients protect their largest investment!

Join this one-hour seminar designed for real estate professionals who want to better guide clients through estate-related decisions. Gain a working understanding of how estate planning impacts property ownership, sales, transfers, and family dynamics. Discover how to enhance your service by identifying potential issues and referring clients to the most suitable resources.

Topics include:

  • Wills, Trusts, and Key Documents: What every homeowner should have—and how to spot when they don’t.
  • Protecting the Home: How estate planning helps clients secure their most valuable asset.
  • Planning for the Unexpected: Understand how incapacity or sudden life events can affect real estate.
  • Avoiding Probate: Tips to help your clients prevent delays and added costs.
  • Title and Ownership: Why the way a property is titled matters—and how it can impact future transactions.
  • Reducing Risk of Disputes: Help clients avoid common family conflicts over property.

Speaker attorney Dawn Allenby has been in practice for over 20 years, specializing in smart estate planning to keep families out of court and out of conflict.

Wednesday, August 20th
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
PSAR El Cajon Office
Lunch will be provided
 

Dawn Allenby 2

Speaker:
Dawn Allenby is an experienced estate planning and asset protection attorney in San Diego. She specializes in creating comprehensive estate plans and asset protection strategies for individuals, families, and businesses. With nearly two decades of legal experience, Allenby helps clients prepare estate planning documents such as living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. She also serves as a consultant for real estate companies and is actively involved in educating groups on estate planning. Ms. Allenby holds a Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law. She is a member of prestigious legal associations, including the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

 

Lunch provided by event class sponsor:

Class Sponsor: Michael Fossler w/ Mutual of Omaha Mortage

________________________________________________________________________________

PSAR's mission is to empower real estate professionals.

Topics: Education

How The RPA Protects You and Your Clients

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Jul 10, 2025 1:00:00 PM

Understanding the Residential Listing Agreement (RLA)

The Residential Purchase Agreement spans 17 pages, with 9 accompanying pages forming the traditional bundle - a significant amount of information to manage. As the market evolves, it’s essential to understand the meaning of each provision and communicate it clearly to clients.

Practice changes implemented since August 17, 2024, have reshaped key standards. Staying current is critical to protecting clients and maintaining professional credibility.

This fast-paced course covers the entire RPA contract and bundled forms, offering practical insights into each paragraph. Gain the confidence to navigate transactions effectively and reduce risk.

Wednesday, July 23rd
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Live at the PSAR Chula Vista Office


Questions?  Contact education@psar.org or call (619) 421-7811. 

 

Nikki Coppa

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.

Testimonials from Nikki's Past Classes

Nikki does a fantastic job at a great pace and is very easy to understand. I will go every time she has a class as she makes it engaging enough where even though the content is dry as toast i can still stay awake. - Mayra Swanson

Nikki has a thorough understanding of all forms, both new and existing. Her knowledge enables her to provide a concise and comprehensive explanation of what we need to do to comply with CAR and other legal requirements. Thanks Nikki for sharing your time with us. - Joe Garzanelli


Class Sponsored by:

Michelle Hickin from

Live Smart Escrow
_________________________________________

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 & development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.

Topics: Education

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Wealth Mastery

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Jul 2, 2025 4:16:18 PM

blogbanner_250715_ADU_Wealth Mastery

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.

Join this live webinar and master one of the fastest-growing trends in housing.

Discover how top agents are winning listings and closing deals with ADU insight.

  • Understanding the different types of ADUs.
  • How each impacts value and cash flow.
  • How traditional valuations (comps) fall short
  • Know the rent, not just the range
  • How AB1033 turns ADUs into marketable assets

If your next client asks about ADUs, be the REALTOR® who has the answers 

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

 

James harnsberger
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.

 

 

Topics: Education

New Benefit - RealReports - 'Carfax for homes'

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Jul 2, 2025 3:15:00 PM

RealReports: AI-powered 'Carfax for homes'

'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  

RealReports Education Hub
(Helpful Links / FAQ / Past Webinars / Instructional Videos)


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.

 

 

Topics: Announcements

Escrow Closure Efficiency - Avoid Compensation Delays!

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Jun 30, 2025 12:36:42 PM

blogbanner_20250722_Get Your Escrow in On Time-1

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 

 

Tuesday, July 22nd
1:00 - 3:00
Live at PSAR Chula Vista Service Center

 

Lupe SotoGet 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.

______________________________________

PSAR's mission is to empower Realtors.

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.

Topics: Education

How to be Fair in Fair housing w/ Mike Shenkman

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Jun 19, 2025 9:00:00 AM

Fair Housing For all

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!

Wednesday, July 9th
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Live via 
zoom-png-logo-download-transparent-202

THIS CLASS IS FREE OF CHARGE

 

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
   

Michael Shenkman (1)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).

 

Topics: Education

Contract Education, know your C.A.R. Forms

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Jun 16, 2025 9:00:00 AM

Contract Education, know your C.A.R. Forms

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. 

 

Tuesday, July 8th
10:00 - 11:30
Live at the PSAR El Cajon Service Center
  This class is offered FREE of Charge!
 
 

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"

NikkicoppaSideView2024-socialMediaColor

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.

 

__________________________

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.

Topics: Education

REALTOR® Tax Essentials: Maximize Deductions and Avoid Common Tax Errors

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Jun 2, 2025 9:00:00 AM

blogbanner_250624_ Tech Lunch and Learn Tax-2

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
Wednesday, June 25th
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

This is a live zoom Logo 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.

Topics: Education