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

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 
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

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

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

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

From Curb Appeal To Clicks: How To Sell the Full Story Of A Home

Posted by Communications on Jul 10, 2025 9:00:00 AM

How To Sell the Full Story Of A Home

In the real estate marketplace, enabling a listing to stand apart from others is a marketing must! Today’s buyers aren’t just looking for a home - they are buying into a lifestyle with a vision of what their next chapter could look like.

Find out how to energize real estate listings in San Diego from top experts in photography, drone videography, and social media marketing. Attendees will be empowered to market not only the property, but also the lifestyle that truly defines it.

A light lunch will be provided at both sessions.

Tuesday, July 29th
11:30 - 1:00
PSAR El Cajon
 
Wednesday, July 30th
11:30 - 1:00 
PSAR Chula Vista

This workshop brings together four experts who deliver practical tools for describing the story behind and the promise of a listing to prospective homebuyers.

2-Jul-03-2025-08-28-36-1333-PM
Elizabeth Ireland of Elizabeth Ireland Photography will share how strong listing photos can tell a home’s story and create an emotional pull for buyers.


 

 

3-Jul-03-2025-08-28-37-8101-PM

 

Karen Buelterman from Bridge To Your Front Door will highlight how drone and neighborhood videos can showcase the lifestyle surrounding a property.

 

 

 

1-Jul-03-2025-08-28-37-8400-PM

 

Amanda Renzi from Renzi Social Co will show how to turn visual content into real visibility through social media and digital platforms.

 

 

 

4-3

 

Bess Ouahidi from Yellow Rose Home Staging will share visual storytelling for real estate and transform properties into spaces that buyers can emotionally connect with.

 

 

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

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

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