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

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
PSAR El Cajon Office

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

Open the Door to Homeownership: Attend the Community Home Buyer Fair 2025

Posted by Communications on Jun 17, 2025 9:00:00 AM

blogbanner_250621_HomeBuying Expo

 

The Community Home Buyer Fair 2025 is a FREE event for the public focused on empowering first-time buyers with the knowledge, tools, and support to navigate today’s housing market.

In this singular event, attendees can obtain the knowledge to:

  • Understand the Home Buying Process
  • Discover Grants and Assistance Programs
  • Build Financial Literacy for Homeownership

Whether potential buyers are just beginning to explore options or ready to make a move, this fair is the perfect place to connect with real estate professionals, lenders, and community resources, all in one location.

REALTORS® are encouraged to invite clients and prospects to take part in this educational experience.

Saturday, June 21st
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
875 Hotel Cir S, San Diego, CA 92108

Open to the General Public (FREE*)
*REALTORS® Pay $20 |
REALTORS® will receive training kits

Light snacks will be served at the event.

For more information, contact education@psar.org.

 
AREAA San Diego BMO Bank CHASE Bank Equal Housing Opportunity
Citi Bank FARMERS Insurance First American Title Fiscal Dynamic West LLC
Foregfront Escrow Habitat for Humanity HomeGuard Incorporated i2i Mortgage
Homeowner Prep LISC San Diego Mr Maintenance VAREP San Diego
World Financial Group WELLS FARGO urban League San Diego County website_PSAR New Logo-medium-withPSAR

______________________________________________

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, Global Real Estate Council

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.

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PSAR's mission is to empower real estate professionals.

Topics: Education

The Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement Explained

Posted by Kevin McElroy on May 30, 2025 9:00:00 AM

blogbanner_20250616_BRBC with Mike Shenkman

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
Monday, June 16th
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
PSAR Chula Vista Office

Cost: This class is offered at no 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).

______________________________________

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

Disclosures, AVID & Social Media: What Gets REALTORS® Into Trouble?

Posted by Kevin McElroy on May 27, 2025 9:00:00 AM

blogbanner_250612_Litigation Avoidance Class with Robert Brand blogbanner

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 
zoom-png-logo-download-transparent-202

 

Robert Brand

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.

 

 

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

Master the Residential Listing Agreement (RLA): The Key to Listing Success

Posted by Kevin McElroy on May 20, 2025 9:00:00 AM

blogbanner_250528RLA (Residential Listing Agreement) with Mike Shenkman

The Residential Listing Agreement (RLA) is the backbone of every seller-side transaction. Yet many REALTORS® face costly mistakes simply because they don’t fully understand the form. This class will break down the RLA line by line, giving REALTORS® the tools to explain, enforce, and leverage the contract with confidence.

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:

Mike Shenkman PhotoA 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).

_____________________________________________________

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

Become an Ethics Advocate - Training Class hosted by C.a.r.

Posted by Kevin McElroy on May 9, 2025 5:06:00 PM

Learn how to support REALTORS® involved in ethics complaints and strengthen professionalism in the industry. This training prepares you to serve as an Ethics Advocate (EA) - a volunteer role similar to a non-lawyer representative in the disciplinary process.

As an EA, you will:

  • Help members draft ethics complaints or responses
  • Prepare parties for their hearing by organizing forms and evidence
  • Represent members at hearings by making opening/closing statements and examining witnesses
  • Guide members through each step of the process with professionalism and care

There is no cost for members to request an EA, and no legal background is required to serve. You’ll receive special training and be part of a select group helping to uphold the Code of Ethics.

This is a great opportunity for REALTORS® interested in leadership, governance, or simply giving back to the industry by helping fellow members navigate the ethics process.

Ethics Advocate Training – Wednesday, June 11 from 9:30am-12:00pm.
For volunteers who are interested in becoming ethics advocates.

Code of Ethics Training for PS Volunteers – Thursday, June 12 from 9:30am-12:30pm.
This session is recommended but not mandatory for additional Code of Ethics training for volunteers. 

Topics: Education

Spring Housing Providers Forum

Posted by Kevin McElroy on May 6, 2025 9:00:00 AM

Property Management Update

Attention Property Managers! The Spring Housing Providers Forum presents a comprehensive review of 2025 real estate legislation affecting business, delivered by an expert panel of speakers.

Leading authorities explain new property management laws and regulations. PSAR, SCRHA, and NARPM members are encouraged to participate actively in this session by sharing challenges, concerns, and collaborating on practical solutions.

Thursday, May 29th
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Live in the South County Office
A light lunch will be provided.
 

Meet the panel of experts:

Mark Scott - Broker, Past President of PSAR & CA Chapter of NARPM

Eric Sutton - Warwick & Sutton Properties

Peter Carlseen - Broker, Praecelsus Property Management

 

Event Sponsors:

Farmers_Insurance_Group_logo-new-50percent

Bob Hillard

Marcco flood restoration

Marco Calderon

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This forum is for the benefit of PSAR housing providers, members of the Southern California Rental Housing Association, and members of the National Association of Residential Property Managers.  We respect differences in opinions on any subject matter.

Out of respect to our guest speakers and other participants, we reserve the right to remove anyone from the meeting who is determined to be disruptive.

Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGERS              Southern California Rental Housing Association

SDCRHA Provides a Robust Library of PM Forms Designed for the San Diego Area

Local Rental Forms

 

 

Topics: Education