SACRAMENTO – On April 16, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-52-20 which, among other things, extends several Department of Real Estate (DRE) statutory deadlines by 60 days.
Highlights of the Executive Order that relate to DRE stakeholders include extending the
following for 60 days:

• time-frames associated with examination application expiration dates
• time-frames associated with license expiration dates
• deadlines related to the payment of license application fees
• deadlines related to the payment of license renewal fees
• deadlines related to completing continuing education requirements for expiring licensees
• deadlines specified in existing Orders issued by the Real Estate Commissioner

DRE understands that right now licensees are focused on keeping themselves and their families safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the signing of this most recent Executive Order providing for extensions of licensing deadlines, licensees can continue focusing on their safety and well-being.
Frequently asked questions about the Executive Order are provided on DRE’s website.

Additionally, DRE published the most recent Consumer Alert titled, “Consumer Alert- Fraud Warnings for California Homeowners in Financial Distress” in Spanish today. The Spanish copy can be accessed on DRE’s website on the Consumer Alerts page.

In its latest step to mitigate the challenge of the Covid-19 real estate environment, PSAR has launched a virtual version of its weekly “City Pitch” and “Rally and Ride” property pitch sessions.  REALTOR® members will market and pitch their listed properties in an online setting, along with adding contacts to their network and discussing potential deals.

“PSAR members have been meeting to market property to one another going all the way back to 1928,” said Rich D’Ascoli, PSAR’s Chief Executive Officer. “At this crucial point in time due to Covid-19, the counsel of a REALTOR® is especially critical. REALTORS® need to also engage with one another even more to help their clients buy and sell property. Markets go up and down, but life continues and people need housing.”

“Like any successful REALTOR®, we have altered our approach in a changed environment said D’Ascoli. “The coronavirus has caused your Association to leverage digital tools and other resources to help navigate the changing landscape. We’ve made the necessary pivots and are delivering what our members need from us: calmness, clarity and leadership.”

Prior to the COVID-19 lockdown, three PSAR pitch sessions were held weekly at 9:00 a.m. one each. at PSAR’s three Service Centers: “City Pitch” on Tuesdays at the Clairemont office, “Rally and Ride Too” on Wednesdays at the Chula Vista office and “Rally and Ride” on Thursdays at the El Cajon office. The virtual pitch sessions are now available on the Zoom online meeting platform at the same time on the same days for each event as before.

“In this new normal of social distancing, we all benefit from more interaction in whatever form. So, our virtual pitch sessions offer a “safe place” in which fellow members can meet and share experiences, ideas and tactics for growing business in today’s marketplace.” said D’Ascoli.

“While the number of new listing may have dropped a bit in San Diego County in March in year-over-year comparisons, mortgage rates are low and property is still selling. March saw no drop in sales. I am very proud of our members who experiencing success while taking necessary safety precautions. Our members are still helping their clients meet their needs.”

Tuesday’s virtual “City Pitch” event will focus on properties located in the following zip codes: 92103, 92104, 92108, 92109, 92110, 92111, 92115, 92116, 92117, 92120, 92123, 92124.

Wednesday’s virtual “Rally and Ride Too” event will focus on properties located in the following zip codes: 92135, 92118, 92155, 91932, 92154, 92173, 91910, 91911, 91913, 91914, 91915, 91950, 92139, 91902, 92114.

Thursday’s virtual “Rally and Ride event will focus on properties located in the following zip codes: 91901, 91906, 91942, 91935, 91962, 92019, 92020, 92021, 92040, 92071, 91941, 91977, 91978, 92119, 91945.

Property pitches should be no more than four minutes in length. While a realtor pitches the property, a facilitator will present a Paragon slide show of listing photographs. To request a pitch opportunity, Click Here, or have questions, call 619-421-7811 or 858-286-6080.

Facilitators for the weekly pitch sessions include Jason Lopez and Rafael Perez on Tuesdays, Dennis Ryan on Wednesdays and Sean Hillier on Thursdays.

A new addition to each pitch session will be a virtual Town Hall segment, hosted by Rich D’Ascoli, which runs from 8:45 am until the start of the pitch at 9:00 am. Covid-19 related business updates, information and insights for realtors and brokers and a Q & A forum are included.

All local San Diego County REALTORS® and brokers are invited to join the PSAR “City Pitch” and “Rally and Ride” pitch sessions, including the town hall segment. Zoom membership is not required for participation.

“While the pandemic has given us a jolt, it’s also bringing out the best in us. It’s a horrible thing going on in the world, but it’s a beautiful thing to see people helping others in so many ways,” said D’Ascoli. “So, we’re finding out that staying apart is the best way to stay united. Social distancing works to flatten the curve. A little space makes us all safer together.”

Congratulations to the more than 345 PSAR REALTORs® who have been honored with a PSAR 2020 Real Estate Achievement and Leadership (R.E.A.L.) award!

Award recipients were informed earlier this week about the honor. The PSAR R.E.A.L. awards program recognizes some of San Diego County's top producing agents who achieved excellence in sales production and industry leadership.

The 2020 PSAR R.E.A.L. Awards Committee members include:

Yvonne Cromer Chair
Reshia Guarnotta
Carey Guthrie
Laurie MacDonald
Amber Tannehill
Lupe Soto
Tony Santiago,
Paul Trudel-Payne
James Usrey
Robert Cromer

PSAR staff members assisting the committee include Rich D’Ascoli, Kevin McElroy and Sally Valdez.

An awards dinner where recipients of the inaugural R.E.A.L. awards was scheduled, but later cancelled due to event restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19.  This was, of course, a disappointment, but the health and safety of all was the primary concern of PSAR leadership.

The names of the R.E.A.L. award recipients are listed in a full-page ad to be published in the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper. The ad can be viewed by clicking this pdf (Kevin, insert the pdf address here).  Again, congratulations to all of our winners!

Awards are based on either sales volume dollars or units sold, including listings or sales units entered into the MLS, and closed in 2019. Both individuals and teams are eligible. Top 1%, over 31 sides and $26,130,000 in volume, Top 3%, over 19 sides and $13,667,755 in volume, Top 5%, over 14 sides and $9,920,000 in volume, Top 10%, over 9 sides and $6,134,179 in volume.

Licenses for drivers younger than 70 that expire between March and May 2020 are now valid through May 31, 2020.

All commercial driver licenses, endorsements and certificates expiring between March and June 2020 are now valid through June 30, 2020, aligning with a recent emergency declaration from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The extension does not include medical certificates for commercial drivers, which requires additional administrative actions scheduled in the near future.

The DMV has alerted California law enforcement of the extensions. Californians with a suspended license are not eligible.

The DMV continues to review and process online renewals, and encourages drivers who are eligible to renew their license online to do so.

The extensions require no individual action on the part of drivers. These drivers will not receive a new card or an extension in the mail. As an option, these drivers can  request a free temporary paper extension online through DMV’s Virtual Field Office to document their extension.

The Virtual Field Office, virtual.dmv.ca.gov, builds on the other  online services already available to DMV customers at  dmv.ca.gov, including driver license renewals.
The temporary extensions are in addition to other steps the DMV announced earlier this month to  help Californians with expiring licenses, including:

• A 120-day extension for drivers age 70 and older. Drivers age 70 and older with expiring noncommercial licenses are receiving an extension in the mail automatically. 
• Temporarily waiving required in-person renewals for eligible driver license and identification cardholders with expirations in March, April, and May 2020. Individuals who meet the criteria are able to renew online or by mail.
  
  

The DMV continues to provide essential services via mail, online, kiosks, its call center, available business partners and now virtually to process critical transactions, including eligible driver license and vehicle registration renewals, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers can use the Services Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.
The measures to help Californians with expiring driver licenses are the latest DMV actions during the coronavirus pandemic, including:

• Temporarily closing field offices. Following deep cleaning, expansion of virtual services and development of new protocols, the DMV soon will offer in-person services in each region. Information on office openings will be announced by DMV in the near future.
• Canceling all behind-the-wheel drive tests to honor social distancing guidelines. 
• Suspending extended office hours and Saturday service.

Two weeks ago, the federal economic stimulus package known as the CARES Act was signed into law. Starting this week, Economic Impact Payments - often called "stimulus checks" - will show up in some Americans' bank accounts.

Who is eligible for the Economic Impact Payment?

U.S. citizens or resident aliens who:

• Have a valid Social Security number,
• Could not be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer, and
• Had adjusted gross income under certain limits.

Most eligible U.S. taxpayers will automatically receive their Economic Impact Payments without having to take any extra steps, including:

• Individuals who filed a federal income tax for 2018 or 2019
• Individuals who receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits
• Individuals who receive Railroad Retirement benefits

How do I get a stimulus check from the IRS if I did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019?

The IRS has launched a new we portal for people who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019 but are eligible for stimulus checks. This new web portal is easy to use, safe, secure, and free. Individuals who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019 should use this tool, including:

• People who did not make enough money to require filing. This may include single filers who made under $12,200 and married couples making less than $24,400 in 2019.
• People receiving veterans beneficiary payments and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.

What if I receive Social Security payments (65 years +) or social security disability payments?

You do not need to file a tax return to receive stimulus money. According to the IRS, you will automatically receive $1,200 Economic Impact Payments. However, you may want to file a tax return if you have qualifying children under 17 years of age. In that case, you may receive up to $500 per child.

What will I need to file?

• Full name, current mailing address and an email address
• Date of birth and valid Social Security number
• Bank account number, type and routing number, if you have one
• An Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) if you received from the IRS earlier this year.  
• Driver's license or state-issued ID, if you have one.
• For each qualifying child: name, Social Security number or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number and their relationship to you or your spouse

When will my check be delivered?

The IRS is sending out direct deposits and paper checks starting with the lowest income earners. The IRS began depositing money on April 9. If you received prior tax refunds via direct deposit, funds will likely be automatically deposited into your bank account. The IRS will begin sending paper stimulus checks on April 24, 2020. The plan is to send paper stimulus checks to taxpayers with the lowest adjusted gross income first. Therefore, taxpayers who earned less than $10,000 will receive a paper check first.

On Friday, April 17, the IRS will release a new tool for tracking your payment status online and confirming whether your payment type will be direct deposit or check.

The California Labor Secretary released a letter called the "Open Letter to Californians Regarding Unemployment Insurance (UI) Payments and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Timeline" on April 14th.  CAR will be releasing and FAQ on this within the next day or two.

Here is a summary of the facts:

• The Employment Development Department (EDD) computer systems are not crashing.
• Californians eligible for certification on April 12 began to see the $600/week additional payments provided for under the federal CARES Act today.
• The CARES Act also created a special program for this crisis called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA.
• PUA provides federally funded benefits distinct from the UI program for certain individuals out of work or partially unemployed due to the COVID-19 crisis, including the self-employed, individuals who lack sufficient work history, and independent contractors. Federal guidelines on how to administer PUA came out on April 5 and include gig workers as an example of those eligible for PUA.
• Since April 5th, the EDD has been helping Californians get what they are entitled to under PUA.
• There will be a one-stop shop for applying for UI and PUA. Individuals will be able to go to UI Online to self-certify that they meet the COVID-19-related criteria for PUA. The EDD will make clear in the self-certification that certification of eligibility for PUA does not affect determinations of employee status under state law for other protections and benefits.
• Under PUA, individuals can receive weekly unemployment assistance that may be equivalent to what individuals would get under UI (depending on their earnings and whether earnings can be verified).
• Those who get PUA also get the $600/per week additional payment added to UI for weeks they are unemployed from March 29 until the end of July.
• PUA benefits can cover people unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 from January 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020 depending on date of actual impact. (In other words, it is retroactive to the time before the federal stimulus bill was passed and before funding was made available.)
• When you apply and your application is approved, you will get PUA benefits going back to the first full week of February as long as you can show that your inability to work was COVID-19 related.
• A new system will be able to pay individuals within 24 to 48 hours of their application. The EDD needs two weeks to create this new system.
• 

The Department of Real Estate (DRE) posted FAQ’s for business practices on the DRE's COVID-19 Updates page. The DRE also recently launched an “Ask DRE Licensing” email feature.

In addition to real time updates provided on DRE’s website, you can also subscribe to their Twitter and Facebook pages for important alerts.

In particular, this page on Business Practices is of particular importance.

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Past leaders can teach us a great deal about handling adversity. Historians say that lessons learned by past leaders during tough times are often ignored or forgotten because people often view their current circumstances as different from those faced by people historically.

The truth is that for all that has changed throughout history, human nature remains remarkably the same . There are principles of individuals’ behavior that are constant over time,  especially when facing hardship. It’s also true that well-timed motivational words of encouragement and inspiration can lift morale during such times of crisis.

In spirit, we reached out to past PSAR presidents  from as long as 15 years ago for their “we-will-get-through-this-pandemic-together” thoughts.

So if you will take a few minutes and find a comfortable spot to read the following quotes, you may find that the words from these past leaders will resonate in this time of crisis and encourage you to believe that we will all not only make it through, we  will have gained something from the experience.

-- Robert Calloway (2019) 
“We will get through this tough time as we have done in the past. Continue to work with your past clients and update them on what’s happening in the real estate market. Also, please remain safe during the shelter in place, as there is no amount of money that can replace you or a loved one.”

-- Jan Farley (2018)
“We lived through the crisis of 2008. In every crisis and hardship, there is something good that comes out of it either by what we learn, or how we change the process, to make us better, smarter and stronger. That will absolutely be the case this time, too.”

-- Sarah Heck (2017)
“This too shall pass. This may be the catalyst for us as agents to find new ways to add value to our clients. Take this time to fine tune your processes, touch base with your sphere and practice self care. It can be easy to get swallowed up in the fear that comes from the valleys of a real estate career. Instead, focus on the peaks and how we are going to climb to the next one. I challenge you to look at this time as an opportunity to review and improve the foundation of your business so that you can grow stronger through today’s challenges.”

-- Anthony Andaya (2016)
“During uncertain times like these, some of the best things you can do are double down on your efforts to build relationships when folks are most receptive; triple down on your active listening and avoid sharing general opinions; quadruple down on your compassion and empathy for those you are speaking with. We are all in this together and together is the only way we will get through times like these. If you're going to quit on anything during these difficult times, then quit being lazy, quit making excuses, and quit waiting for the right time. Remember consistency is key in all you do especially in these trying times.” 

-- Carey Guthrie (2015)
“I think it’s a terrific time for REALTORS® to shine. I manage about 200 agents and I immediately ordered gloves, booties and masks for agents. During this crisis, I see a variety of things happening. My advice: don’t fall out of a regular routine; play by the rules, be safe and keep your clients safe; what you do now will contribute to success now and referrals down the road; provide the correct forms and the latest information daily to whoever needs it; keep a positive attitude for all.”

-- Bob Olivieri (2014)
“Just like past challenges we have experienced in PSAR’s 92-year history, we will get through this. Not only will we survive, our industry is in a position to thrive when this is over. Those of us who continue to work and keep in close contact with our friends, clients and prospects will reap the tremendous benefits that will come when we reach the slowdown of this pandemic.”

-- Peter Mendiola (2012)
“Your response to the current crisis is very important. How you react to any adversity and your attitude towards it will dictate your level of success for the days, weeks, and even years ahead. Many people will see the situation we are in, as completely doom and gloom, with a tone that the world is ending. I believe this is a fantastic opportunity for real estate professionals everywhere to stick to the basics, reach-out to as many people as possible and ask people how they’re doing. I’m extremely fortunate to be surrounded by very smart, optimistic people.
This is an incredible opportunity for all of us to lay the groundwork for an incredible increase in our production now and especially when the crisis is over. Having a positive attitude will give you a head-start and get you further ahead than many people who are unfortunately in a fearful place, and who are putting their heads in the sand.  It’s times like this that reshape our industry for the best and should remind everyone of the importance of being a professional well-informed Realtor. Stay positive and be a positive influence in peoples’ lives. Pick up your phone and start making phone calls!”  

-- Nikki Coppa (2011)
“I have no doubt that REALTORS® can make it through this pandemic and come out stronger than before. Every transaction a REALTOR® goes through has crazy twists and turns and it is our job to figure out how to help our clients navigate each one. Although a pandemic is a new twist, every day I watch the resilient adapt, move forward and close sales. When stay-at-home orders are lifted, `home’ will have a deeper meaning for most. The agents that push themselves out of their comfort zones now and reach out to their friends, family, clients and neighbors repeatedly will likely enjoy substantial benefits once we are all on the streets again.”

-- Pat Russiano (2009)
“During my real estate career which spans nearly three decades, I’ve helped buyers and sellers navigate many up-and-down markets and trying times. Statistics label the ups-and-downs, but every market’s challenges must be met and can be met with continued belief in yourself and surrounding yourself with professional mentors and peers. This particular period in history, like all others, has very unique issues that require our problem-solving skills. When times seem toughest, it is not the time to withdraw. Engage with your industry leaders and you will realize there are resources and answers if you look and ask. It is just as important to engage and help where your talents can be used the most. The actual delivery of our services is requiring the most thought, the most care, the most caution. But we can do this. We are learning a lot and I’m certain the lessons learned will make us stronger for it. Focus on the problem to get your bearings. Then focus on the solution on how we can keep helping the families that we’ve always found ways to help using the safety protocols in all ways that this particular market requires.”

-- Barbara Brown Hahn (2008)
“Hang in there! Tough times teach you so much, lessons you’ll use throughout your careers. And they give you great stories to tell! Keep your sense of humor.”

 -- Susan Olivier (2007)
“I know that we are all going through a tough time now. But we will make it through. Keep your eyes on what you do have, such as your own wellbeing, your family and friends, your fur babies, all you've accomplished. Take time to reflect on all the positives in your life and before you know it, this will pass.”

-- Mark Scott (2006)
“Now is a time that you can show your value by implementing best practice safety measures while still going to work every day. The great recession required a level of professionalism that until then was unprecedented in our lifetime. This is no different. Reach out to your friends, family and sphere of influence and you can come out of this stronger than when this pandemic started. Stay safe and go to work.”

-- Suzanne Yavorsky (2005)  
“Tie a knot on the end of the rope and hang on for the ride as this too will pass. The sun will shine again and keep the faith.”

-- Isabel Hall (2002)
“I love real estate agents, because they are first and foremost optimists. That optimism in this time is essential. Through this challenge, make the most of your optimism. This situation is not going to last for years and years; it’s going to last for several months. And when those months have passed, the recovery will be amazing to watch. Meanwhile, exercise daily for endorphins, make the most of this time with your families, and stay safe so you can enjoy the incredible recovery.”

ShowingTime, available to CRMLS users at no additional cost, has made it easy to conduct showings virtually with its latest update.

Simply select “Virtual Showing” as the appointment type when verifying appointment details:

The showing agent may also add a note for the listing agent indicating which video conferencing solution they’d like to use for the showing.

Listing agents may also set their preferred appointment type to Virtual Showing.

For a full walkthrough of the Virtual Showing feature, visit the CRMLS Knowledgebase article.

PSAR launches Property Management Resource Page
PSAR will provide links and resources to property managers and landlords to help with information as we navigate the COVID-19 Crisis. It can be found here.

Judicial Council Suspends Evictions and Foreclosures
Among the actions the council approved, to go into effect immediately: Suspend the entry of defaults in eviction cases & Suspend judicial foreclosures. More information here.

CAR Releases two New Property Management Forms 4/6/2020
Form NTAP (Notice to Tenant of Ability to Pay Rent During Coronavirus Pandemic) is an informational notice that a landlord can send to a tenant for the purpose of starting a dialogue with the tenant regarding the payment of rent during the coronavirus pandemic.
Form RPD (Coronavirus Rent Payment Delay and Repayment) is an addendum to a residential lease or rental agreement that, when agreed to and signed by the landlord and tenant, documents the tenant’s claim that the tenant is unable to pay rent and the reason for the inability; proof of the inability to pay; the amount of the rent not being paid; and a plan to pay it in the future.