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Picture a frantic call from a potential renter who's just realized they've been scammed using your property's listing.
Scammers are increasingly targeting properties listed for sale, marketing them as rentals on platforms like Craigslist and Zillow. This alarming trend not only undermines trust in real estate transactions but also creates significant issues for property owners and REALTORS®. As REALTORS®, it's crucial to be vigilant and take proactive measures to protect your listings. Here’s how you can stay ahead of these scams and what to do if it happens to you.
Understanding the Scam
A typical scam involves a fraudster picking up a "For Sale" property and posting it as a rental. They solicit application fees and deposits from unsuspecting renters, claiming to be the owner. One such incident involved a scammer posting a rental listing on Craigslist and Zillow, soliciting an application fee. The scam is usually identified when a potential renter contacts the legitimate listing agent or the homeowner.
The Impact on Agents and Owners
While tenants can lose money, the repercussions for property owners and agents can be equally as severe. A defrauded tenant might move into the property, and due to California’s tenant protection laws, removing them can be a lengthy and complex process for both the tenant and the owner. This situation creates legal and financial challenges for the property owner, the tenant, and the REALTOR® managing the listing.
Steps to Prevent Scams
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Regular Monitoring:
- Frequently check platforms like Craigslist, Zillow, and others for unauthorized rental listings of your properties.
- Set up Google Alerts for your property addresses to receive notifications if they are mentioned online. Here are instructions for doing so.
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Clear Communication:
- Inform your clients about the potential for scams and advise them to contact you if they receive any suspicious inquiries.
- Ensure your contact information is prominently displayed on your listings and signage.
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Educate Your Clients:
- Inform sellers about the scam and encourage them to report any suspicious activity they encounter.
- Provide them with a list of red flags to look for, such as requests for payment before seeing the property or communications from email addresses that do not match the legitimate owner’s contact information.
What to Do If Your Property Is Scammed
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Report Immediately:
- Contact the platform where the fraudulent listing is posted (e.g., Craigslist, Zillow) and request immediate removal.
- Report the scam to local police, the County Sheriff, and the District Attorney’s office.
- Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Attorney General’s office.
- Here is a list of contacts provided by the San Diego DA
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Inform All Parties:
- Notify your seller and any legitimate tenants about the scam.
- Advise them to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
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Document Everything:
- Keep detailed records of the fraudulent listing, including screenshots, communication with the scammer, and any reports filed with authorities.
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Legal Considerations:
- Consult with legal professionals to understand the implications of a defrauded tenant occupying the property.
- Prepare for possible eviction proceedings, which may require legal assistance due to California’s tenant protection laws.
- Secure the Property
- Change the locks to prevent unauthorized access.
- Add security cameras to notify you of unauthorized access.
- Consider removing lockbox access.
- Consider private security.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your listings being targeted by scammers. Stay vigilant and proactive to protect your clients and your reputation in the real estate market.
How to Set Up a Property Alert Using Google Alerts
Setting up Google Alerts is an effective way to monitor your property addresses and stay informed about any unauthorized listings or mentions online. Here’s a step-by-step guide to create a Google Alert for a property address:
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Go to Google Alerts:
- Open your web browser and go to Google Alerts.
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Enter the Property Address:
- In the search box at the top of the page, enter the property address you want to monitor. Use quotation marks around the address for more precise results (e.g., "123 Main Street, San Diego, CA").
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Customize Your Alert:
- Click on “Show options” to customize your alert settings:
- Frequency: Choose how often you want to receive alerts (e.g., as-it-happens, once a day, once a week).
- Sources: Select the sources you want to include (e.g., news, blogs, web, video).
- Language: Set the language for your alerts.
- Region: Specify the region to refine your results.
- How many: Choose between "Only the best results" or "All results" based on your preference.
- Click on “Show options” to customize your alert settings:
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Set Up Notifications:
- Enter your email address to receive the alerts. If you are signed in to your Google account, it will automatically use your account email.
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Create Alert:
- Click on “Create Alert” to finalize the setup. You will start receiving notifications according to your specified preferences.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you are promptly informed about any online activity related to your property listings, allowing you to take swift action if unauthorized listings or mentions are detected.
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Topics: Industry
PSAR congratulates PSAR broker Amy Saflar for being named a finalist for the Champions of Home Impact Award by the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.).
Amy was selected for her dedication to the Alpine Woman’s Club, which has 100 members. Her roles have included board secretary, trustee, luncheon hostess, and grant writer. From January 2023 to February 2024, Amy contributed more than 340 volunteer hours, impacting approximately 15,500 people.
Over the past 12 years, Amy’s grant writing has secured over $126,000 in grants for the Woman’s Club. These grants, from San Diego Gas & Electric and the County of San Diego’s Community Enhancement program with support from District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson have been used to maintain the Alpine Historic Town Hall and provide scholarships for graduating high school seniors in Alpine.
“I have a service heart and love to volunteer,” Amy said. “I’ve supported food nonprofits, Soroptimist International, and school PTAs, but my longest service has been with the Woman’s Club.”
Amy’s nomination included this testimonial:
Amy Saflar’s steadfast dedication over the past 12 years has enhanced our community. Her efforts in preserving and improving the Historic Town Hall of Alpine. A pivotal hub for community engagement, have been instrumental. Her leadership and commitment to the Alpine Woman’s Club have ensured the sustained maintenance of this cherished landmark.
Amy’s resourcefulness in securing funding has made the Town Hall a vibrant center of activity and a source of community pride. She has strengthened the bonds that unite Alpine’s residents, enriching the community for generations to come.”
The Champions of Home Impact Award honors California REALTORS® who significantly impact their communities through volunteer efforts. This year, C.A.R. received 75 nominations, and Amy is one of nine finalists. One winner and two honorees will be selected and announced in mid-August.
The winner will receive a $5,000 donation for their nonprofit, a trophy, and will be featured in California Real Estate magazine. The two runner-ups will receive a $1,000 donation for their nonprofits, framed certificates, and will also be featured in the magazine. All three will have their travel expenses covered for C.A.R.’s REimagine Conference, the annual fall real estate conference and expo.
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Topics: Announcements, Leadership
Updated October 25th, 2024
PSAR's CRMLS subscribers can exchange registered old Gen 1 and Gen 2 lockboxes for new ones at a discounted price of $139 while supplies last!
With the sunsetting of Sentrikey cards by Sentrilock back in March, these features are no longer available on the non-Bluetooth lockboxes:
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Non-Bluetooth lockboxes should not be bought or sold, as ownership cannot be transferred
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If one of these boxes has been inactive/not accessed for over a year and needs an internal clock reset, that action cannot be performed, which means the box will no longer function.
For more information, contact PSAR at support@psar.org, call: (619) 421-7811, or visit one of our offices.
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Topics: Education, Industry, Sentrilock
Effective August 13:
- Removal of Compensation Fields
- From Matrix, Paragon, and Flexmls.
- CRMLS Rules and Policy changes go into effect.
- The concession field at Close will include a category list.
Key Points:
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Reason for Removal:
- NAR settled the Sitzer/Burnett case regarding MLS commissions.
- Compliance with the settlement requires MLS systems to remove all Compensation fields.
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Impact on Active Listings:
- Compensation fields for Coming Soon, Active, Hold, and Withdrawn listings will be removed.
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Historical Listings:
- Compensation fields for Active Under Contract, Pending, Closed, Expired, and Cancelled listings will remain but cannot be edited.
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C.A.R. Forms:
- Release of updated forms postponed. Updates will be provided.
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Payment Methods Post-Removal:
- Buyer's Broker compensation can be included in the buyer's offer.
- Payment details can be included in the Escrow Instructions if using the C.A.R. Residential Purchase Agreement.
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CRMLS Rules & Policy Changes:
- Rule 7.15: Renamed to No Offers of Compensation in the MLS.
- Rule 7.19: Renamed to No Disclosure of Listing Broker Total Commission.
- Rule 9.1: Renamed to Showings.
- A signed Buyer Broker Agreement is required before showing a property.
- View all changes here.
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Reporting Seller Concessions at Close:
- New required fields: Closing Costs, Property Improvements, Financing Costs, Buyer Broker Fee, Other, and Total Calculated.
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Difference Between Concessions and Compensation:
- Concessions allow buyers to choose how money is spent, supporting a consumer-centric model. Watch the Concessions vs. Compensation video for more information.
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Staying Updated:
- Visit the CRMLS Resource Center frequently for updates and information.
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Topics: CRMLS
2025 President-Elect
Claudia Zaker
2025 Secretary / Treasurer
Michael Dullea
The Election winners for the 2025/2026 Director Term
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David Fletes
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Mike Anderson
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Valerie Gardner
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Robert Cromer 
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Oscar Vega
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Phana Par Affiliate Director |
The 2024 Board of Directors and Officers will remain and serve PSAR until December 31st, 2024.
Your Board of Director Team for 2025
Yvonne Cromer, 2025 President
Claudia Zaker, 2025 President-Elect
Michael Dullea, 2025 Secretary-Treasurer
Laurie MacDonald, Immediate Past President
Mike Anderson, 2025/2026 Director
Robert Cromer, 2025/2026 Director
David Fletes, 2025/2026 Director
Valerie Gardner, 2025/2026 Director
Charmaine Orcino-Gonzales, 2024/2025 Director
Paula Gonzalez, 2024/2025 Director
Monica Greenwood, 2024/2025 Director
Jim O'Donnell, 2024/2025 Director
Norma Scantlin, 2024/2025 Director
Oscar Vega, 2025/2026 Director
Phana Par, 2025/2026 Affiliate Director
________________________________________________
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.
Thank you to those who were nominated to lead PSAR. Great things are expected from the elected candidates and those serving on PSAR's committee leadership roster.
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Topics: Leadership
As of June 24th, the Access by Appointment (ABA) setting is now available for Sentrilock users. LIcensees can now restrict access to their lockboxes, allowing entry only to agents with an approved appointment on SentriKey. This feature can be easily enabled using either the SentriKey Real Estate (SKRE) app or the SentriKey website.
Enabling ABA ensures that only approved licensees can access your property’s lockbox, enhancing security and control. Follow these simple steps to get started and secure your listings effectively.
What is Access by Appointment?
Access by Appointment (ABA) is a feature that requires REALTORS® to have an approved appointment in the SentriKey system to access the lockbox assigned to a listing. This feature adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that only those with scheduled access can enter the property.
How to Enable ABA on the SentriKey Real Estate App:
- Open the SKRE App: Start by opening the SentriKey Real Estate app on your smartphone.
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Access the Menu: From your Home Screen, tap the Menu icon in the upper left-hand corner.
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Select My Lockboxes: Navigate to 'My Lockboxes'.
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Assign the Lockbox: If the lockbox is not already assigned to a property, select 'Assign/Unassign Property' and complete the assignment process. If the lockbox is already assigned, proceed to 'Property Access Settings' and choose the listing.
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Enable ABA: Select' More Settings' once the lockbox is assigned. Here, you can turn on the ABA feature.
How to Enable ABA on the SentriKey Website:
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Log In to SentriKey: Visit the SentriKey website and log in to your account.
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Go to Listings: Select 'Listings' from the toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen.
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Select Your Listing: Click on the Ellipses (three dots) on the right-hand side of the listing you wish to manage.
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Enable ABA: Choose 'Enable ABA' from the dropdown menu.
By following these steps, you can easily manage property access and ensure that only approved REALTORS® can enter your listings.
Stay Informed and Secure
Keeping your properties secure is crucial. SentriLock’s ABA feature provides peace of mind by adding layer of control over who can access your listings. For more tips and tutorials on managing your properties effectively, subscribe to our blog and stay updated with the latest real estate technology insights.
Let’s unlock success together!
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Topics: Announcements, Sentrilock
Key Changes:
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New Concession Fields (CiP):
- Added to the MLS on May 29.
- Concessions are now formally introduced at the listing level.
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Removal of Compensation Fields:
- Effective August 13, compensation fields will be removed from the MLS.
How It Works:
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Concessions:
- The seller may agree to pay the buyer for concessions, such as closing costs or loan points.
- These concessions must be included in the purchase agreement and negotiated between the buyer and seller.
- The buyer can allocate concession amounts to various costs, including reducing the purchase price, covering loan points, or paying for title and escrow fees.
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Buyer Representation Agreements:
- Starting in August, the fee for the Buyer’s Broker will be set in a mandatory buyer representation agreement before property tours.
- This ensures that the Buyer’s Broker’s fee is predetermined and not influenced by concessions.
Benefits:
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For Buyers:
- More flexibility in how to use concession amounts.
- Greater transparency in the costs associated with purchasing a property.
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For Sellers:
- Flexibility to offer concessions without specifying exact amounts.
- It helps buyers craft more tailored offers.
CRMLS Adjustment Period:
- As these new practices are implemented, there will be a period of adjustment.
- CRMLS is committed to transparency and efficiency as users adapt to these changes.
This new approach aims to provide more flexible options for buyers and sellers in real estate transactions.
Questions?
Chat with CRMLS Compliance Here
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Congratulations to PSAR REALTOR® Tracy Giordano, a recipient of a PSAR Good Neighbor award.
Volunteering and serving her community isn’t an obligation for Tracy. Rather, it’s her passion. “It gives me a sense of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that I’m making a positive impact on the lives of other people,” she said.
Tracy was born and raised in La Mesa. She is a fourth-generation San Diegan. Family members relocated from Nova Scotia and Boston to San Diego in 1909, the same year Tracy’s great-grandmother was born in San Diego.
Tracy has deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to its well-being, as seen in her involvement as a volunteer with several organizations.
Tracy graduated from Helix Charter High School in 1998 (her husband Gabriel, a business consultant, graduated from Helix in 1994). Since 2021, Tracy has served as a board member on the Helix Charter High School Foundation. For the past two years, she has chaired the Foundation’s largest fundraiser, a golf tournament that recently raised $13,000 for scholarships.
From 2010 to 2022, when her three children were attending St. Martin of Tours Academy in La Mesa, Tracy supported the K-through-8th-grade school’s fundraising activities and served as a school board member for eight consecutive years, including as president her final year. For six years, from 2015 to 2021, she chaired the school’s Walkathon fundraiser. She also chaired the school’s 2014 Gala which raised more than $75,000.
In 2022, Tracy became a member of the La Mesa Village Association, a non-profit organization of local business owners. In 2023, she furthered her commitment as a board member and currently serves as membership officer and community liaison.
She works closely with village business owners and community members to foster collaboration and enhance the local area while supporting small businesses. She also organizes several community networking mixers in the Village, as well as weekly spotlight interviews to showcase local business owners (you can find all her interviews on Instagram, @lamesavillageassoc.
The La Mesa Village Association organizes several annual community events, including the La Mesa Car Show, the weekly Farmer’s Market, and Holiday in the Village. In addition, the La Mesa Village Association also sponsors several local events and foundations, including Octoberfest, La Mesa Parks and Recreation Foundation, and the Mt. Helix Park Foundation
Earlier this year, Tracy joined the Mt. Helix Park Foundation board of directors. The Foundation is responsible for preserving and enhancing the park that includes an outdoor amphitheater with a 1,600-person capacity and cross memorial on top of Mt. Helix. The Foundation was formed in 1999 to maintain the preserve of Mt. Helix Park, a registered California Point of Historical interest.
“As a child, I remember climbing the amphitheater’s stone rows and admiring the cross,” said Tracy. “The preservation of this historic landmark is something that is very important to me. So, it was a no-brainer for me to join the board and give my direct support to the Mt. Helix Park Foundation.”
In 2018, Tracy earned her California real estate sales license. As a REALTOR®, she represents clients with both residential and commercial property transactions.
“I love real estate because it’s a relationship-type business,” she said. “I’ve been successful with referrals from previous satisfied clients.”
Tracy’s involvement with PSAR has included supporting YPN events and attending weekly pitch sessions. “I also appreciate the educational events, which help all of us gain more knowledge and extend our expertise as REALTORS®. Our association feels like family to me.”
The PSAR Good Neighbor awards are intended to recognize individuals, not associations or companies.
Nominees must be REALTOR® or Affiliate members and an active licensed practitioner in good standing with PSAR.
Judging of nominees will be based on the level of personal contribution, especially volunteer (unpaid) hours, though contributions of money and other resources also will be considered.
Some portion of the nominee’s work must have taken place within the 12 months before the nomination rolling deadline of the last business day of each month.
If an individual within your company can be singled out as instrumental to the success of a group effort, then he or she is eligible. If the achievements of two people (such as a married couple or co-founders of an organization) cannot be separated, then they can enter as a pair and their entry will be considered as one.
Nominations for a quarterly PSAR Good Neighbor award can be submitted by emailing Sally Valdez, PSAR VP of Operations, at sally@psar.org.
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Topics: Announcements, Leadership
As of May 29, all CRMLS Paragon and Matrix now feature optional "Concessions in Price" (CiP) fields. These fields help communicate the seller's willingness to offer concessions, providing sellers an edge and giving buyers a clearer idea of a property's total cost. Learn how to navigate the CiP fields in this guide and find them in your MLS system here:
Last year, nearly 40% of CRMLS closed listings included some form of concession, such as broker fee payments or repair costs. Previously, this information was only available after a listing closed. Now, active listings will display concession details, motivating sales and making it easier to find the perfect property.
For sellers, the new fields allow highlighting a willingness to offer concessions. For buyers, identifying listings with potential incentives helps overcome financial obstacles. The CiP fields benefit everyone.
New Concessions in Price (CiP) Fields:
- Concessions in Price: A text box for numerical input only, representing the total potential concessions.
- Concessions in Price Type: Classify the amount as either a dollar amount ($) or a percentage (%).
- Seller Consider Concessions?: A simple Y or N field. If "Y," additional information appears when hovering over the help (?) icon, indicating that the seller may consider a buyer concession in an offer.
By CRMLS launching these optional fields before the deadline, subscribers will gain valuable real-world implementation experience. This early access allows for necessary adjustments based on practical feedback, ensuring a smoother transition when the fields become mandatory.
For questions, please refer to the FAQ.
Remember, the CiP fields are optional, and concessions are not mandatory.
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Topics: CRMLS