Beyond San Diego: Retire and Live Abroad – Panama

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Apr 17, 2026 9:00:00 AM

Retire and Live Abroad in Panama

Panama is a top choice for retirees because of its tax-friendly environment for foreign income. Clients are already exploring options, and they need a professional REALTOR® to guide them. Gain the specific knowledge and industry contacts required to manage these leads and close deals abroad, over snacks, and with guest speaker Dr. John Payne King

Why Attend?

  • Get direct access to modern projects that you can share with your clients
  • Understand the specific appeal of new developments in Panama to eco-conscious San Diego buyers
  • Gain insights into the Panama Pensionado program and how it saves your clients thousands on living costs
  • Review market analysis on high-growth areas to share with your investor database
Thursday, April 30th
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
PSAR Chula Vista
880 Canarios Court, Chula Vista 91910

Enjoy complimentary empanadas and drinks

Meet our speaker:

Jose Payne King (1)

Dr. Jose Payne King is a highly accomplished real estate broker with a career spanning over 30 years. A graduate with distinction from REALTOR® University and an alumnus of Southern Illinois University, he holds prestigious designations including Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) and Certified Real Estate Investment Associate. 
 
Beyond his local expertise in San Diego, Jose serves as a vital link in international real estate, notably serving as the NAR Global Ambassador to Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he acts as a liaison to foreign real estate associations, fostering ethical business practices and cross-border investment opportunities. Jose is passionate about mentoring others and empowering his clients through an experience he describes as "enlightening and encouraging." Whether navigating complex commercial deals or advocating for veteran housing, he remains dedicated to expanding the horizons of the real estate profession through education, community outreach, and global collaboration.
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 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 Apr 1, 2026 9:00:00 AM

PSAR Exclusive CRMLS Classes
CRMLS has set up Zoom classrooms to teach some of the free tools our members have access to as part of PSAR. These are small classes scheduled for PSAR Members. Becoming proficient with these tools can help you build your business.

April 13th | 1:00 PM

Register

 

Work Smarter and Faster with Expert Paragon Shortcuts 

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.

April 20th | 1:00 PM

Register

 

 

Outshine Other Agents Using Deep Property Analytics 

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.

April 27th | 1:00 PM

Register

Build Winning CMA Presentations in Minutes 

Paragon: Creating a CMA

Duration: 1 hour

Teaching Style: Instructor-Led Lecture or Web Conference

Description: Comparative Market Analyses (CMAs) are easy-to-read reports that provide your clients with a better understanding of the current market. Learning how to create CMAs in CRMLS Paragon will not only go a long way towards impressing your clients, but also will ensure you’re caught up with the latest market trends to stay on top of the real estate industry.

May 4th | 1:00 PM

Register

Sell the Vision and Close Properties Using AI Staging 

REImagineHome AI: Instant, AI-Assisted Virtual Staging

Duration: 1 hour

Teaching Style: Instructor-Led Lecture or Web Conference

Description: ReimagineHome is a new and powerful artificial intelligence tool for customizing property photos – helping you sell not just a property, but a client’s vision.

From virtual staging to room clearing to landscaping and exteriors, ReimagineHome helps create photos to your client’s style preferences and offer them unique value that only you can provide.

May 18th | 1:00 PM

Register

Learn CRS Tax's More Sophisticated Capabilities

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.

May 26th | 1:00 PM

Register

 

Command Authority Using Live Housing Data Graphs 

InfoSparks Market Statistics

Duration: 1 hour

Teaching Style: Web Conference Only

Description: InfoSparks’s accessible market statistics translates local geographical information and housing variables into easy-to-understand graphs and charts. This class covers how to use InfoSparks within all CRMLS MLS systems. 

June 1st | 1:00 PM

Register

 

Eliminate Fines and Optimize Your San Diego Listings 

Paragon: Managing Listings

Duration: 1.5 hours

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 improving your understanding of the MLS Rules and Policies. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this course can benefit you.

June 15th | 1:00 PM

Register

 

Boost Your Real Estate Network via Instant Digital Sharing 

SavvyCard: Personalized, Digital Business Cards 

Duration: 30 minutes

Teaching Style: Web Conference Only

Description: Strengthen your online presence with SavvyCard’s online marketing. With personalized “SavvyCards” for you and your properties, you can generate leads and expand your network with the push of a button.

June 29th | 1:00 PM

Register

 

Expand your expertise in CRMLS Paragon

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.

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

Differentiate yourself! An ABR® designation matters

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Mar 25, 2026 4:30:00 PM

Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®) Designation Course

 Due to low registration, this course has been postponed. 

In today’s competitive real estate market, clearly articulating your value to buyers is more important than ever. If you're looking for a way to stand out and refine your expertise, earning your Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation is one of the smartest strategic moves you can make. 

For a deeply discounted $175 (typically $310 with an exam), you gain the skills to secure your commission.

Benefits of Becoming an ABR®

  • Boost Your Brand Authority: The ABR® logo signals expertise, builds trust through proven experience, and gives access to customizable marketing tools
  • Valuable real estate education: Lead effective buyer consultations, secure agreements faster, negotiate stronger offers that elevate your skills and knowledge in the eyes of home buyers.

  • Ongoing specialized information:  Access to members-only publications, marketing tools, and resources that keep you knowledgeable on the issues and trends facing home buyers.

  • Tap Into Referral Opportunities: Nationwide directory of ABR® agents for valuable referrals. Networking and referral opportunities

  • Turn a small investment into a massive career ROI Join PSAR for the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation course. 

Due to low registration, this course has been postponed. To join the waitlist for future dates, please call (619) 421-7811 or email education@psar.org.

This is a TWO-DAY Class (Must attend both complete days for credit)

April 20th to 21st, Monday and Tuesday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
PSAR Chula Vista Office
 
 $175 for PSAR Members | $200+fees for Non-Members
(ABR 200+page Instruction Book Included)
 

Lunch Add-on: For an additional $15/day ($30 total), enjoy a fresh lunch from Urbane Cafe (Salad or Sandwich). We will call you to confirm your choice for each day, or bring your own lunch (We have a refrigerator and a microwave).

Questions Email: education@psar.org or Call: (619) 421-7811

The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation Course is more than just the first step towards earning your designation, as it aims to provide you with valuable insights and information to make you a better real estate professional. 

How to Earn Your Accredited Buyer’s
Representative (ABR®) Designation Step-By-Step


Personal Instructor

webpage_Board_Members_Mike_ShenkmanMike Shenkman
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 is a professor and lecturer at UCSD and USD. 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).

The ABR® Designation Course Description and Outline

 

Topics: Education

Reclaim the Garage!  Invite Your Clients to PSAR’s Free Recycling Event - You’re Invited Too.

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Mar 11, 2026 9:00:00 AM

Everyone Bring your Shredding & ELECTRONIC Recycling to PSAR for FREE!

FREE Shredding and Electronic Recycling Event

 Electronics and sensitive files piling up in your garage?  Don’t risk identity theft or fines for tossing them in the trash.  Bring them to PSAR’s Free Recycling Event! ♻️ 

This is your easiest win of the month. Instead of a generic check-in, offer your clients a high-value service for $0.  When you solve their "how do I get rid of this?" problem, you aren't just a REALTOR®, you're their most resourceful partner.

What’s in it for you and your clients?

  • Total Identity Protection: Professional shredding for those old tax returns and bank statements.
  • Eco-Friendly Disposal: A safe home for the "tech graveyard" (old laptops, monitors, and tangled cables).
  • Zero Cost: Professional shredding and e-recycling services usually cost a fortune. You're giving it to them for free.

The Details You Need

Just drive up, drop off, and go!  Stay in your car until the drop-off point and let the pros take care of the heavy lifting. 

Thursday, April 23rd
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
FREE and open to PSAR members and their clients
Bring your shredding and electronic recycling to:
PSAR Chula Vista Parking Lot

ACCEPTED SHREDDING - 10 FILE/LEDGER BOXES MAXIMUM
(per company or business)

All Paper • File Folders • Hanging Files • Checkbooks • Magazines • Notepads • Envelopes

For larger shredding needs, ProShred will offer a discount rate at the Convoy location on the event day.
Arrangements must be made in advance. There will be no exceptions at the event. 


ACCEPTED ELECTRONICS

 TVs & Monitors  |  Desktop computers   |  Laptops  |  Servers  |  All In One Computers  |  Tablets  |  Smartphones  |  Radio & VCRs | Routers & Switches  |  Cameras  |  Printers & Scanners  |  Video Gaming Consoles |  CDs & Floppy Disks  |  keyboards & Mice  |  Telephones  |  Stereo Systems  |  Cables & Plugs  |  Hard Drives | Small appliances | Anything with cable or plug

We WILL NOT accept fluorescent light bulbs, large appliances like washing machines or stoves, or other hazardous waste such as paint and liquids at this event. Batteries will not be accepted. 

Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS 

ProShred Security San Diego                            dream-electronics-recycling

Thank you to our Spring Shredding Sponsors
(They will be handing out treats and info as you pass by)

Farmers Insurance Bob Hillard

Bob Hillard

Aftermath Exterminating Inc

Marcco Flood Restoration

Morrison Plus Property Inspections

RanchoTed

 

Old Republic Home Protection

 

Marina Vista Escrow

 


Photo by Elsa

 

_____________________

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

Drop the Mic: YPN Presents Hip Hop Bingo!

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Mar 2, 2026 9:00:00 AM

Drop the Mic: YPN Presents Hip Hop Bingo!

Get your playlist ready! PSAR’s Your Professionals Network (YPN) is shaking up the traditional game night. We’re heading to Novo Brazil for an evening of Hip Hop Bingo, where the numbers are replaced by the beats you love.

Whether you're a '90s boom head or a fan of modern chart-toppers, this is the networking event of the season. Come for the vibes, stay for the prizes, and connect with the industry's finest.

Every registration includes: one round of drinks, light appetizers, and 2 Hip Hop Bingo cards.

Thursday, March 19th
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Novo Brazil
Novo Brazil Restaurant and Brewery Mission Valley
1640 Camino del Río N, suite 341, San Diego, CA 92108
 
ONLINE SALES HAVE ENDED, BUT TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR
 
PSAR Members: $25 | Non-PSAR Members: $30
   

How it works:  A live DJ will be spinning hip-hop tunes throughout the night. Each bingo square on your sheet corresponds to a song title. Mark your card when you hear the DJ play a title on your card, and get ready to win fantastic bingo prizes!


 

Thank you to our Event SponsorPoint Mortgage 

Thank you to YPN Annual Sponsors

     

  ______________________________________

 

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


YPN Color

 

Topics: Education, YPN

Direct Access to C.A.R. Leadership, Exclusively for Brokers | Owners | Leadership (Managers) | Team Leads ‘BOLT’

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Jan 22, 2026 9:00:00 AM

PSAR Broker Breakfast

The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® is bringing the C.A.R. executive team to San Diego for the BOLT (Brokers, Owners, Leadership, and Team Leaders) Consortium. This event offers an opportunity to engage with the decision-makers who shape the California real estate landscape. Attendees will walk away with knowledge of the legislative shifts and economic trends specifically affecting San Diego County. The goal is to bring industry leaders together three times a year to strengthen ties, promote higher-level industry relationships, and help you be the best leaders for your group.

Direct Access to State Leadership

Tamara Suminski | 2026 C.A.R. President 
President Suminski will outline the primary goals for the 2026 leadership team. She will provide a deep dive into key political advocacy initiatives that protect your business and your clients in Southern California.

Nikki Coppa | 2026 C.A.R. Treasurer 
As the Chair of the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee, Nikki will reveal C.A.R.’s major investments for the next three years. Understanding where the organization is putting its resources helps you align your brokerage for long-term stability.

Jordan Levine | C.A.R. Chief Economist 
Jordan will deliver an essential 2026 forecast focused on brokerage and industry data. You will receive the most current economic projections to help you advise your agents and clients with confidence as the market evolves.

Sara Sutachan | C.A.R. Chief Strategist 
Sara will help facilitate brokerage roundtable discussions and show us all the brokerage industry trends we need to remain relevant.

This is an exclusive event for ALL Brokers, Owners, Leadership (Managers), and Team Leaders (BOLT) in San Diego County. All content is high-level real estate geared towards industry leaders. 

February 11th | Wednesday
8:30 Breakfast
9:00-11:00 Program
At the Riverwalk Golf Course
If you know of anyone who belongs in the audience of Brokers/Owners/Leaders/Team Leads (BOLT) who should be attending this event, please contact Charmaine Orcino-Gonzales, Director of Broker Services with PSAR, at charmaine@psar.org.

Save the date for our upcoming BOLT Consortium Events:
May 13th in El Cajon : Pre-Register HERE
October 1st in Chula Vista : Pre-Register HERE

Topics: Education, Brokers/Managers, Leadership

New Laws: Gov Hutchinson, C.A.R. Assistant General Counsel

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Jan 9, 2026 10:00:00 AM

Gov Hutchinson_Legal Update

REALTOR® success depends on industry knowledge. For local agents, that includes understanding the real estate legal changes in 2026 and incorporating them into your business practice accordingly.

Gov Hutchinson, Assistant General Counsel for the California Association of REALTORS®, will review the new legislation and explain the impacts it will have on your transactions.

Topics include disclosure requirements for AI-generated marketing images and best practices for executing mandatory written buyer representation agreements - helping protect both commissions and clients.

Ensure your business aligns with the latest state laws and professional standards.

Thursday, January 22nd
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
PSAR Chula Vista

Lunch provided by class sponsor Don Anderson of Insight Photos

insightphotos logo

 
Gov HutchinsonSpeaker:
Gov. Hutchinson, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of the California Association of REALTORS®, is a leading expert in California real estate law. As head of Member Legal Services for the California Association of REALTORS®, he oversees the "Hotline," which provides legal guidance and training to Realtors® across the state. Gov's deep understanding of the law combined with his engaging teaching style make his classes invaluable for REALTORS® at all levels.
  
 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PSAR's Mission is to empower Real Estate Professionals

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in the history, growth, and development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.

Topics: Education

December 2025 Forms Release: 54 Updates REALTORS® need to know

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

4 Updates You Need to Know

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

Current forms knowledge isn't just a “nice to have" - it’s essential to your fiduciary duty. Over 54 forms were added, changed, or retired in the December 2025 release, which means getting up to speed on these changes now or running the risk of using outdated contracts.

Session Deliverables:

  • A comprehensive review of the updates needed to write your next contract confidently.
  • The Big 3: Critical updates to the RLA, BRBC, and RPA.
  • The RAD Form: A deep dive into the new REALTOR® Acknowledgement & Disclosure form currently making headlines.

Choose Your Learning Format: PSAR is offering two distinct presentation formats for these updates. Choose the instructor and format that fits your schedule:

In-Person

Speaker: Mike Shenkman
Thursday, December 11th
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
PSAR Clairemont 

 

Online

Speaker: Nikki Coppa
Friday, December 19th
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
via Zoom

Additional Resources: C.A.R. Legal Townhall: Need reinforcement? C.A.R. is hosting webinars specifically on the new Referral Disclosure requirements. It is strongly encouraged you register for one of the following sessions to review these changes and receive additional guidance.

December 11th | Thursday | 1:30 PM | Zoom

December 16th | Tuesday | 9:00 AM | Zoom

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

_________________________________________________

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, Industry

Action Required: New Referral Fee Process

Posted by Communications on Dec 3, 2025 8:31:41 AM
As real estate professionals, we know that consumer trust is the foundation of every successful transaction. Ensuring that clients understand exactly how their real estate professionals are compensated is central to protecting their interests and reinforcing that trust.
NEW REFERRAL FEE PROCESS

What is Changing?

C.A.R. has finalized revisions to standard forms to provide a standardized method for disclosing both the receipt and payment of referral fees. Because several forms were already undergoing revisions, this was the ideal time to incorporate these important modifications.

Agents should prepare for changes in the following documents:

  • BRBC and RLA Forms: These forms will now include specific references to referral fees.
  • New Disclosure Mechanics: The updates are designed to make it easier for REALTORS® to make appropriate disclosures, ensuring consumers are fully aware of all sources of compensation.

Why You Need to Attend the Training

When clients understand whether and how referral fees are involved, they are empowered to make informed decisions and ask the right questions. As an agent, your ability to explain these forms clearly is essential to your professionalism.

To ensure you are fully informed and prepared for when these forms go live, C.A.R. is offering a suite of educational resources and town halls. These sessions will focus on the practical application of the forms so you can continue to serve your clients with the highest level of transparency.

 

Upcoming Town Hall Schedule

It is strongly encourage you register for one of the following sessions to review these changes and receive additional guidance:

  • Thursday, Dec. 4: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Register here
  • Thursday, Dec. 11: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Register here
  • Tuesday, Dec. 16: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Register here

 

Resources

Forms Preview: Click here for the forms release with this week’s revisions.  (C.A.R. log-in required) 

By staying ahead of these changes, we demonstrate that transparency and consumer trust remain at the core of our mission. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming town hall.

Topics: Education, Announcements, Brokers/Managers, Industry

Maximizing Social Media for Prospecting: Turn Likes Into Clients

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Nov 25, 2025 9:00:00 AM

Maximizing Social Media for Prospecting: Turn Likes Into Clients

Social media is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways for REALTORS® to build a prospect pipeline. The agents winning in today’s market can convert post responses into viable prospects.

Join Tech Chair, Mike White, and Media expert Amanda Renzi. Amanda will impart the fastest methods for REALTORS® to attract potential clients using social media as a lead generator. This class shows you how to turn Stories, Reels, and targeted ads into solid inquiries that result in securing appointments.

Here are the tools you will acquire in this class:

  • Simple lead-funnel strategy using Stories, Reels, and ads to move followers from watching to contacting you.
  • A repeatable content plan you can use every week to stay consistent and visible.
  • How to measure results and adjust strategy accordingly
  • An edge over competitors by using social media with targeted intent instead of randomly posting

Use every social media platform feature to your advantage after attending this class!


Wednesday, December 3rd
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

This is a live zoom Logo class

__________________________________________

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, CRMLS, Technology