Escrow Closure Efficiency - Avoid Compensation Delays!

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Sep 17, 2025 9:00:00 AM

blogbanner_20250722_Get Your Escrow in On Time-1

Get Paid Faster: Strategies for Rapid Real Estate Compensation

Waiting on commission checks is time-consuming, drains cash flow, and adds stress. This class equips REALTORS® with the methods to speed up compensation so focus stays on closing the next deal, not chasing the last check.

Learn how to:

  • Drive commissions from escrow to payout using proven practices
  • Boost client trust with a smooth compensation process
  • Apply top-producer tools to keep cash flow steady

Walk away ready to make every transaction pay off faster!

Thursday, October 9th
9:00 - 11:00
Live via 
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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 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

Lights, Camera, Edit! Video Tools for Agents

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Sep 15, 2025 3:45:00 PM
Social Media Instruction from Amanda Renzi
Take your real estate videos from basic to scroll-stopping! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to edit with green screen effects, add captions and trending hooks, and use simple apps like CapCut and Canva to create professional-looking Reels, TikToks, and listing videos that get noticed.

What agents will learn in this class:

  • How to use green screen effects to change backgrounds

  • Adding captions, text overlays & trending hooks to boost engagement

  • Quick tricks to edit for Instagram Reels, TikTok & YouTube Shorts

Two Classes: one Zoom and one In-Person

September 26
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
ZOOM

September 30
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
In-Person
PSAR South County Office

Zoom Registration

Renzi Social Co.

_______________________________________

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

What’s Next Following the C.A.R. Fall Meetings? Join the San Diego Broker Breakfast

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Sep 8, 2025 9:00:00 AM

Broker Breakfast October 1st

 

Join fellow San Diego Brokers for a morning of networking, collaboration, and timely updates.
• Build connections with brokers from across the county
• Hear the latest updates from the C.A.R. Fall Meetings
• Learn practical solutions to today’s challenges
• Discuss issues brokers are facing with the DRE
• Engage in roundtable conversations in small groups

The Broker Breakfast is an opportunity to share insights, strategies, and experiences in a collaborative setting with your peers.

Register today to reserve your spot at this important broker event.

Wednesday, October 1st
Full breakfast at 9:00 
Followed by the program from 9:30 to 11:00

RSVP HERE

$10 to Register
(Limited to San Diego County Brokers and Office Managers)
 

 

Topics: Education, Brokers/Managers, Leadership

Avoid litigation: Disclosure Practices that Keep you and Your Clients out of Court

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

Robert Brand - Avoid Litigation

REALTORS® can face issues stemming from inadequate disclosure practices-- for example, ambiguous disclosure language, undisclosed red flag property issues like roof leaks or structural defects, and neighborhood nuisances– all of which can lead to litigation risks from clients who feel they were not properly informed about the property.

This one-hour session includes a set of practical REALTOR® tools for proper disclosure practices:

  • Updated TDS/AVID disclosure strategies for Fall 2025 – ensuring compliance with the latest requirements.
  • Proven disclosure language examples that minimize liability and reduce the likelihood of disputes.
  • Recognition of “major red flags” so REALTORS® know exactly when to dig deeper, document more, or seek expert input.

At  the end of this class, REALTORS® will:

  • Know how to write disclosures that protect both clients and themselves from legal exposure.
  • Gain the ability to spot and respond to property issues before they escalate into lawsuits.
  • Strengthen their confidence in navigating conversations with buyers and sellers about sensitive property conditions.
  • Be known as a top professional agent who practices transparency, compliance, and gains client trust.

Don’t leave you, your business, and your clients legally exposed—acquire the means to protect all 3!

Thursday, September 25th
10:00 - 11:00
Live via 
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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

The 411 on the Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Sep 1, 2025 9:00:00 AM

blogbanner_20250616_BRBC with Mike Shenkman

Secure Your Income & Thrive in the New Market! 

The real estate landscape has shifted, and agents are facing a new set of challenges. Are you finding yourself asking these critical questions?

  • How do I guarantee I get paid for my work? With changes to commission rules, the uncertainty around compensation is a major concern.
  • How can I effectively communicate my value? Explaining your expertise, negotiation skills, and market knowledge to buyers becomes both more crucial and more challenging than ever before.
  • How do I secure client loyalty? A buyer may use your time and expertise for weeks, only to switch to another agent at the last minute to write an offer.
  • Am I compliant with the new NAR rules? Navigating the new requirements can feel overwhelming, and the risk of non-compliance is real.
 
The key to answering these questions lies in mastering the Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement (BRBC). This form is your most powerful tool for protecting your business, and we'll show you exactly how to use it.
 
Join Forms expert Michael Shenkman for this eye-opening, no-cost class that will leave attendees with the confidence to effectively execute a dynamic BRBC!.
 
Monday, September 8th
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM 
PSAR Chula Vista Office 

 

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

Housing Providers Forum

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Aug 25, 2025 4:00:00 PM

Property Management Update

Attention Property Managers! The 2025 real estate legislation review has been completed.  To keep your business compliant and competitive, attend this forum and listen to updates directly from property management specialists covering the laws and other updates that impact your day-to-day operations.

Why attend this session: To protect your business - stay current on housing laws! 

These important topics will be discussed:

  • SB 721 Balcony Inspections Law
  • EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule & SB 1076
  • I.C.E. Raids & Tenant Protections
  • AB 863 Residential Rental Properties (Multilingual Summons Form)
  • SB 267 – “Ability to Pay” Screening for Section 8 Tenants
  • Updated Federal Housing Inspections
  • Plus your requests! To submit a panel topic, please email  communication@psar.org.

Wednesday, September 24th
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Live in the PSAR El Cajon 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

Molly Kirkland - Southern California Rental Housing Association


Event Sponsors:

KernKey Services

Dathan and Julie Kern

Marcco flood restoration

Marco Calderon

_____________________________________________________

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 REALTORSNATIONAL 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

Learn how to stay safe, aware and prepared

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Aug 22, 2025 8:45:00 AM
Stay Safe, Stay Prepared: Find Out How in this Safety Training Class!

Real-Life Alert (July 2025): In Pearl, Mississippi, another REALTOR® was threatened at gunpoint during an open house. The attacker assaulted her and stole her belongings. What began as a normal day, showing a home, turned into a nightmare - because she wasn’t prepared for the danger that walked through the door.

Situations like this are rare, but they are real. REALTORS® enter vacant properties, meet strangers, and face risks every day. The right awareness and preparation can mean the difference between safety and harm.

September is REALTOR® Safety Month! PSAR is bringing in two specialists: Angela Gaines, a former Police Community Relations Specialist, and Jim Bolwerk, a former lieutenant with over 30 years of experience in law enforcement.

These two experienced professionals will share real-world strategies to keep REALTORS® safe on the job. Every open house, vacant property, and client meeting carries some level of risk if the right precautions aren’t in place.

Why REALTORS® Should Attend?
  • Awareness: Recognize threats, master situational awareness, and respond to unsafe encounters.
  • Be Prepared: Develop good habits and create mental action plans for unexpected situations.
  • Safety Beyond Work: The skills gained here can also help protect family, colleagues, and clients.

Wednesday, September 3rd
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
Live at the PSAR El Cajon Office  

Meet the speakers: 

Angela and Jim

Jim Bolwerk has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement. A former Lieutenant with the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, Jim managed patrol substations, and specialized investigative units, and served as a Department Spokesperson. His deep understanding of safety protocols, coupled with his experience in high-pressure situations, makes him an authority on personal safety and risk management.

Jim has spent the past eight years as a Licensed REALTOR®  successfully navigating the complexities of residential and commercial transactions. His combined expertise in law enforcement and real estate positions him perfectly to provide REALTORS®  with practical, actionable safety strategies that are tailored to the unique challenges of the profession.

Angela Gaines is a retired Police Community Relations Specialist with over 18 years of dedicated service at the Chula Vista Police Department. In her role within the Community Relations Unit, Angela has been instrumental in fostering strong ties between law enforcement and the community, promoting trust, and enhancing public safety. With a background in psychology from San Diego State University, she brings a deep understanding of human behavior to her work, enabling her to effectively address community concerns and develop outreach programs. Angela is also a published author, further demonstrating her commitment to communication and education within her field.

_____________________

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

Key RPA Updates & Clear Client Communication Strategies

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Aug 11, 2025 9:37:40 AM

Understanding the RPA Mike Shenkman

The Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA) can be a daunting 17-page document, accompanied by 9 additional pages of critical forms. With the real estate market constantly changing, agents need to stay ahead of the curve. Understanding the nuances of each provision and being able to explain them to clients clearly is more important than ever.

In this class, Mike Shenkman will break down the changes from the June 2025 RPA update. He uses real-life examples to demonstrate how to effectively interpret and communicate the various provisions of the RPA, ensuring agents are well-prepared to guide their clients through each step of the transaction.

 

Wednesday, August 27th
1:00 - 3:00 
PSAR Clairemont Office
LUNCH PROVIDED BY  VAREP San Diego Logo

Class Testimonials:
 
"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

About the speaker:

Mike Shenkman Photo

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).

 

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

_________________________________________

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

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.

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

October 6th | 1:00 PM

Register

 Paragon Quick Tips

Duration: 1 hour

Teaching Style: Instructor-Led Lecture or Web Conference

Description: In this busy industry, how fast you satisfy your clients’ needs can be the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity. Learn how to quickly access the right listings and comparable properties in CRMLS Paragon. This course covers essential skills such as utilizing enhanced search templates, adjusting your default settings, and mastering advanced searching techniques.

Topics include:

  • Customizing and optimizing your search results spreadsheet
  • Using Power Search
  • Searching with Maps
  • Using your homepage widgets
  • Making Hotsheets
  • Setting up Tours
  • Conducting Open Houses

October 20th | 1:00 PM

Register

 CRMLS Marketing Solutions

Duration: 1 hour

Teaching Style: Instructor-Led Lecture or Web Conference

Description: This course covers some of the marketing tools CRMLS has to offer. With these products, you can boost your brand and increase your listings’ reach. 

Topics include:

  • Cloud CMA
  • REALTORS Property Resource (RPR)
  • Down Payment Resource
  • ListReports
  • RatePlug
  • …and more.

October 27th | 1:00 PM

Register

 Paragon: Managing Listings

Duration: 1.5 hour

Teaching Style: Instructor-Led Lecture or Web Conference

Description: Creating top-quality listings in CRMLS Paragon is crucial to your success. Accurate and engaging listings not only increase your chance of making sales, but also help you avoid common violations. This course covers basic and advanced techniques for entering, updating, and managing listings, as well as improves your understanding of the MLS Rules and Policies. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this course can benefit you.

Topics include:

  • Using CRS Tax data to autofill and maintain listings
  • Creating an Open House
  • Registered Listings
  • Coming Soon listings
  • Reverse Prospecting: see searches where your listing(s) appeared
  • Compliance best practices and insight

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