MEET JIM O’DONNELL, NEW PSAR BOARD MEMBER, PART OF A `VIBRANT CULTURE'

Posted by Rick Griffin on Mar 7, 2024 10:00:00 AM

Jim ODonnell

Meet REALTOR® Jim O’Donnell, who was recently elected to serve a two-year term (2024-2025) on the PSAR board of directors.

Real estate sales is a second career for Jim, a Long Island native. He previously spent 27 years working in the banking industry in New York and San Diego with Bank of America and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. His jobs in banking included talent acquisition, recruiting military veterans, and various training and human resources assignments.

One of his favorite roles in banking consisted of creating homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate-income families by serving as a program manager for a community revitalization program. The program featured the bank re-gifting foreclosed homes to nonprofit organizations. Then, the nonprofits would remodel the homes and keep the proceeds from the home sale.

“It was the best job in the bank to give away homes to nonprofits,” said Jim. “It was a win-win opportunity for all parties. Building community partnerships that transformed neighborhoods was just so incredibly rewarding.”

Jim left the banking industry in 2017 and started his full-time real estate sales career in August 2018. The Mount Helix resident has lived in San Diego County since 1996.

“I really love real estate because we’re helping everyday people with the biggest investment of their lives, matching the right buyer to the right seller,” said Jim. “Homeownership is an investment that will lead to preserving and growth wealth over generations.”

Jim is known by the vehicle he drives, a recognizable 1965 Volkswagen bus, sometimes called a “hippie bus” made popular during its heyday as a counterculture icon of the 1960s.

“I see people smile when they see me driving down the road,” said Jim. “Other drivers honk their horns and give me the peace sign.”

Jim, also continues to serve as a member of PSAR’s Government Affairs Committee and Grievance Committee.

“I like to be engaged in the conversation and have a seat at the table when it comes to advocacy, which is why I enjoyed Government Affairs,” said Jim. “Also, the Grievance Committee was a natural for me with my human resources background.”

Jim admires PSAR and appreciates the family's feelings at PSAR events.

“At every PSAR meeting, I notice a sense of community, open communication, a welcoming team spirit, and support for each other,” he said. “I’ve been around long enough to size up the culture of an organization because I’ve seen how a vibrant culture can make everyone more successful.”

One of Jim’s new roles at PSAR is co-hosting the PSAR East County Pitch, a weekly marketing pitch session held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursdays at the PSAR East County Event Center, 1150 Broadway, El Cajon. Laurie MacDonald, 2024 PSAR President, is the other co-host.  

“PSAR values its members, who, in turn, value their clients,” he said. “When you put your client’s best interests first, then your personal needs will be realized beyond your greatest expectations.”

Topics: Announcements, Leadership

The Central Pitch is Back!

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Mar 1, 2024 11:34:57 AM

PSAR Central Pitch

Link to:  Location and Direction | Pitch Details | Property Coverage | Agenda | How To Pitch

 

To enter a property for a PSAR pitch session, use this link: "Request Pitch".

Join REALTORS® Trish Nuñez & Karina Souza as they moderate the Central Pitch!

Showcase listings, receive live feedback, network with fellow local agents. Coverage includes Bay Ho, Clairemont,   La Jolla, Linda Vista, Mission Beach, Mission Hills, Morena, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, & Point Loma  There's nothing like person-to-person interaction!

PSAR's Central Pitch will deliver these benefits: 

  • Live listing Pitch: Promote your listings to a room full of engaged and motivated local agents
  • Improve Your Marketing: Gain valuable insights through the interactive Q&A session that will help you market your listings more effectively.
  • Network: Meet, mingle, and build important relationships with fellow top-producing agents who can bring qualified buyers to your listings.

Tuesday| March 12th, 2024
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
...and every Tuesday thereafter at 9:30 AM
There will be coffee and some breakfast nosh items available as well!

 

PSAR Central Office in Clairemont
4340 Genesee Ave, San Diego, Suite 203*

*Located on the second floor. Please enter through the rear entrance of the building. Signage will direct you to the correct room once you reach the office.

PSAR Central Office

Pitch Details

Great listing exposure! The property will be listed in the "pitch email" sent to agents in corresponding areas of the county the evening prior. This email has a consistently high open rate. 

At this time, pitched properties are not required to be held open after the pitch session, but it is encouraged due to the momentum generated at the session.

Here are the pitch guidelines:

  • Properties "Coming Soon" and "Active" properties can be pitched. Coming soon properties may not be shown  Here are the rules.

  • Only "Active" properties may be part of the broker's open.

  • If the listing agent cannot come in and pitch, no need to worry as you can assign another MLS subscriber to make the pitch for you. Make sure to indicate it in the pitch form!

  • Cancellations must be received by 12:00 pm the night before via email (pitch@psar.org), or you will be considered a "No Show." No Shows without an email cancellation will be suspended from the Pitch Session for 90 days.

  • All MLS subscribers are welcome regardless of association affiliation. Those marketing properties must be licensed subscribers or participants in an MLS.

  • PSAR affiliate members are welcome to participate and network. More information is available on sponsoring a pitch session and addressing attendees.

Registration & Questions:

  • Call 619-421-7811 or email pitch@psar.org with any questions.

  • To enter a property for a PSAR pitch session, use the "Request Pitch" form.

  • Pitches MUST be submitted by 3:00 pm the day before the meeting (Monday) to be included.

Coverage Area

Properties in the following zip codes may be included: Bay Ho, Clairemont,   La Jolla, Linda Vista, Mission Beach, Mission Hills, Morena, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Point Loma   (92037, 92103, 92107, 92108, 92110, 92111, 92121, 92122, 92123,92037.)  (Out-of-area pitches are allowed as time permits)

Caravan Tour Number To Come

 

Pitch Agenda

  • Host introductions

  • We request the attendees to keep mobile phones silent as a courtesy to the pitch speaker

  • Introduce this week's sponsor: Pitch session begins: each agent pitches their property (2 minutes each)

  • Coming soon properties: agents highlight listings coming soon

  • Price changes: agents announce recent price changes

  • Additional announcements: relevant industry news/updates

  • Upcoming PSAR events and classes

  • Reminder of open houses: agents state if they are holding opens after the pitch

Meeting announcements / Market Update

Pitch sessions provide a valuable platform to gain insights from industry experts on current real estate trends, vital updates and announcements for REALTORS® in the county, that could impact their business.

  • Meeting announcements: cover any PSAR updates/news

  • Market update: provide an overview of the latest market trends and statistic

How to Pitch Your Property

When it's your turn to pitch:

  • Walk to the front of the room

  • State your name, company, and phone number clearly and slowly

  • We will display photos while you provide key property details:

    • Address

    • Property type (e.g. single-family home, condo, etc.)

    • Asking price

    • Brief description

    • Key features and details

    • Why agents should see this property

    • Will you be holding an open house after the pitch session?

  • Wrap up the pitch by repeating:

    • Your name

    • Company

    • Phone number (slowly and clearly)

  • Allow agents to ask questions after your pitch

  • Limit pitch to 2 minutes maximum

Topics: Education, Events, Market Information

Update regarding the DOJ Statement of Interest in the PIN Case.

Posted by Communications on Feb 16, 2024 10:16:19 PM

Katie Johnson NAR's General Council shared an update today regarding the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Statement of Interest in the ongoing lawsuit, Nosalek v. MLS PIN, which scrutinizes the practice of cooperative compensation between listing and buyer brokers.

MLS PIN, not fully owned by REALTOR® associations and not bound by NAR's guidelines, mandates that listing brokers offer compensation to buyer brokers. The DOJ challenges this tradition, suggesting that listing brokers and sellers should not offer compensation to buyer brokers, aiming to change longstanding practices in real estate transactions in the U.S.

Johnson argues that the DOJ's stance could harm consumers by making it more expensive for buyers to obtain representation and limit access to housing, noting the DOJ's lack of new analysis to back its claims. She emphasizes that such DOJ interventions overlook the potential negative impacts on homebuyers, including those buying for the first time or belonging to minority groups, and could disrupt the housing market.

Despite these challenges, NAR remains committed to defending free market competition and ensuring fair home ownership access. Johnson urges members to fully understand the DOJ's position, highlighting its implications for cooperative compensation practices and the broader real estate market. She asserts NAR's dedication to navigating these issues, aiming for outcomes that support property owners and real estate professionals across America.

Hee entire update may be found on the Realtor Hub Here.

Read the DOJ,'s Statement of Interest Here

Topics: Announcements, Brokers/Managers, Industry

Nominate Candidates for the 2023 REALTOR®, Service Awards

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Jan 5, 2024 4:10:08 PM

GoogleFormsBanner - ROY_Awards_2023

Call for Nominations!!!

Do you know a fantastic PSAR volunteer who deserves recognition? Now is the time to get them the recognition they deserve.

     Nomination Form     

Nominations must be received by Friday, February 2nd, 5:00 pm.

PSAR shall recognize a

REALTOR® Of the Year is recognized for outstanding loyalty and devotion to the advancement and success of the Association and the Real Estate Profession through volunteerism and advocacy.

Broker Of the Year is honored for their exceptional leadership in the brokerage industry, and devotion to the advancement of the Association and the Real Estate Profession.

Affiliate Of the Year is recognized for loyalty and devotion to the advancement of the Association and the Real Estate Profession through PSAR programming.

PSAR Friend of the Industry Award.  This award is given to a non-Realtor.  It could be an Affiliate, it could be an elected official, or another non-member.  This special award may or may not be given out every year.  This award is given to someone who has made considerable contributions in service to the industry over many years.
 
PSAR Distinguished Service Award. The ultimate recognition for the dedicated PSAR REALTOR® who has always set themselves apart as a leader. REALTORS® who receive the award have shown exceptionally meritorious service to PSAR for at least 10 years and have been recognized as local leaders whose performance and involvement in political, educational, and community activities have been extraordinary.  This award will not be granted yearly because the bar is set that high.
______________________________
 
 
The Recognition Committee will accept all nominations from the public, PSAR Members, and or PSAR Staff. The names of individuals making nominations will remain confidential. The number of nominations shall not create an advantage for nominees.  Award winners may NOT be the sitting President of the Association and may NOT be past recipients of the specific award won.

The Recognition Committee will consist of The past recipients of REALTOR® of the Year, the Broker Manager of the Year and Affiliate of the Year, the Affiliate Director, members of the Association Council, the Chair of Professional Standards, and the Chair of the Grievance Committee. 

Save the date! Winners will be announced at the REAL Awards on March 1st, 2024 at the Sycuan Casino Resort. At least one runner-up will be announced.

___________________________

Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS

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: Announcements, Events, Leadership

Isela Robles-Puentes, REALTOR®, Caffe Tazza owner (1973-2023)

Posted by Rick Griffin on Nov 20, 2023 11:15:03 AM

Isela Robles Puentes

The PSAR family extends its deepest sympathies to the family and close personal friends of Isela Robles-Puentes who passed on Nov. 5. She was 50 years old at the time of her passing..

A PSAR member since 1994, Isela worked in real estate for more than 30 years and served many clients as a realtor for more than 25 years. She started working in a real estate office as an assistant while attending high school. She was affiliated with a number of brokerages throughout her real estate career and assisted many people with their property transactions. Many of her clients considered Isela a favorite member of their family. 

With her entrepreneurial drive, she wore many business hats with a spirit that made her shine. In addition to working in real estate, over the past 15 years she owned and operated Caffe Tazza, a coffee house, deli and wine bar located in the Terra Nova Plaza retail center.  Caffe Tazza has been a favorite venue for many PSAR networking and socializing events, including Young Professional Network (YPN) gatherings. She also fournd the time to become a business partner in a linen rental service company.

Isela (pronounced E-sell-AH) was a Chula Vista native. She attended Robert E. Lee Elementary School in Paradise Hills (the school is now called Lee Elementary), Chula Vista Middle School, Chula Vista High School and and graduated from San Diego State University.

She was a beloved member of the Chula Vista community. Her family described Isela as an amazing mother and wife, a wonderful and loving daughter, a caring and giving sister and inspiring aunt. She was strong, smart, passionate, courageous and generous. She had a beautiful smile and a charming, inspirational, spirit . She went the extra mile in helping many people in their professional and private lives. Her laughter and vivacious personality were infectious.

Isela is survived by husband Caesar Puentes (they shared 18 years together) and a daughter Alexandra, 13, who is known as “Ali”,  her parents, Arturo and Rosa Robles, and two older sisters, Diana and Myrna. She is also missed  by her five nephews and one niece.

A celebration of life mass was held Wednesday morning, Nov. 15th, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, followed by her interment at Glenn Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary in Bonita. Cards and notes may be mailed to Caffe Tazza, 374 East “H” St., Chula Vista, CA., 91910.

Topics: Announcements

Home Buyers and Sellers Profile Draws National Media

Posted by Communications on Nov 13, 2023 7:00:00 AM

blog banner_231112_ Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

The National Association of REALTORS® released its 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers this morning, garnering coverage in a wide range of national media outlets, including CNN , Bloomberg and The Washington Post.

For most home buyers, the purchase of real estate is one of the largest financial transactions they will make. Buyers purchase a home not only for the desire to own a home of their own, but also because of changes in jobs, family situations, and the need for a smaller or larger living area. This annual survey was conducted by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® of recent home buyers. Download Highlights (PDF 7 MB) | Get the Full Report(link is external) | News Release

Read additional highlights of the report in REALTOR® Magazine’s “12 Trends That Explain Your Clients’ Real Estate Journey.”

The annual report, which NAR has been conducting since 1981, covers demographics, preferences, and experiences of recent buyers and sellers across the United States. Data was collected from a nationally representative sample of home buyers who purchased a primary residence in the 12-month period between July 2022 and June 2023.

This year’s report shows that reliance on real estate professionals remains strong. Although 100% of respondents said they used the Internet in the home search process, a vast majority—89% of both buyers and sellers—said they worked with a real estate professional on their sale or purchase. Only 5% of sellers cited the “agent’s commission” as an important factor in choosing their agent: The reputation of the agent, whether the agent was “honest and trustworthy,” and knowledge of the neighborhood ranked as the most important factors.

Household annual income among buyers was 22% higher than last year, an indication that high sales prices and rising interest rates have eroded lower-income households’ ability to purchase a home. Among buyers who financed their purchase, the median down payment amount was also up. In this year’s report, it was 8% for first-time buyers, 19% for repeat buyers, and 15% for all buyers.

After several years of losing share in the homebuying market, first-time buyers are making headway. They made up 32% of the market, according to this year’s report—still below the historical rate of 38% but notably higher than last year’s rate of 26%.

As in past years, buyers and sellers report satisfaction with the service provided by their real estate professionals. Ninety percent of buyers said they would definitely (75%) or probably (15%) use their agent again or recommend their agent to others. Eighty-seven percent of sellers said they would definitely (73%) or probably (14%) recommend their agent for future services.

Highlights From the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

Topics: Brokers/Managers, Market Information, Industry

HomeSnap-Pro Becomes Homes-Pro

Posted by Communications on Oct 13, 2023 4:46:10 PM

Homesnap pro is on the way out

The Homesnap app, which is a listing search product for both listing and buyer agents, will be changed to the Homes Pro app, a LISTING-Agent search and advertising platform. While Homesnap is still currently available, the Homesnap app will fully become the Homes Pro app on October 23.   

This update comes from Homesnap: Most elements of Homesnap will forward to the Homes Pro app or redirect to Homes.com, regardless of whether or not you're a CRMLS user. In fact, many MLSs that had relied upon Homesnaphomespro app have already made the transition to Homes Pro, so we're hoping for an easy change to the different platforms. 

When opening the Homesnap app or accessing the website, you'll see this splash screen informing you of the switch taking place on 10/23.

CoStar's business model is to steer all leads to the listing broker or agent and not to the buyer's agent working with a client. The business plan is to see advertising to the listing agents. 

Finding a suitable replacement for a familiar tool can be a daunting task, and the process of replacing it is no easy feat. However, below is a comprehensive list of comparable product solutions tailored to your particular MLS system. Carefully review each offer and determine whether the Homes Pro app or another CRMLS core product is a better fit for you.  Advantages of these tools include the client portal, the ability to Add/Edit, 

Paragon App Comparison
Matrix App Comparison

Learn more about the Paragon Connect Moblie Web Site

Learn more about MLS Touch
Learn more about the CRMLS App

CoStar's move to discontinue Homesnap came nearly three years after CoStar acquired Homesnap for $250 million in 2020, initially intending to enter the residential real estate market. In 2021, CoStar acquired Homes.com for $156 million and decided to make it their primary consumer brand. 

By the end of the year, Homesnap's website will redirect home searchers to Homes.com, and eventually, Homesnap will be completely phased out.

For now, Homes Pro will remain free for agents and multiple listing services (MLSs).

 

Topics: CRMLS, PSAR Benefits, Industry, Paragon

CAR RED ALERT: Attack ON Prop 13

Posted by PSAR Government Affairs on Aug 28, 2023 10:56:05 AM

Red Alert

C.A.R. strongly opposes ACA 13, a proposed state constitutional amendment. This proposal aims to make it harder for California voters to bring about changes through initiatives by increasing the percentage of votes needed to pass state and local measures. C.A.R. is against ACA 13 because it would weaken Proposition 13, potentially leading to higher taxes on homeowners and restricting their ability to prevent tax increases.

C.A.R. has issued a Red Alert, urging all California REALTORS® to contact their Assemblymembers and ask them to vote against ACA 13.

Look for the email sent to you from realtorparty@car.org with the subject line "RED ALERT: Protect Prop 13 and Voter Rights."  If you don't see it, please check your spam.

Currently, voter initiatives and constitutional amendments (except for certain taxes) require a simple majority to pass. ACA 13 seeks to change this by requiring any measure attempting to increase the vote percentage for passing local or state ballot measures to meet the same increased percentage requirement. This would impact citizen-led initiatives and not measures referred by the Legislature, creating an uneven playing field.

C.A.R. opposes ACA 13 because:

  1. It could raise the cost of buying and owning homes by weakening Proposition 13 protections. ACA 13 wants to undo safeguards set by Proposition 13, which set a 2/3 vote requirement for local governments to raise various homeowner taxes. Passing ACA 13 would make it tougher for homeowners to defend against unjust taxes.

  2. It would diminish the power of California's voters. Changing rules solely to avoid certain outcomes goes against the principles of fairness.

  3. ACA 13 would exacerbate difficulties for working families to afford homes. A recent report showed that California's housing affordability hit a 16-year low. Higher property taxes could intensify challenges for first-time buyers, hindering their transition from renting to owning. This is crucial for narrowing the state's wealth gap and aiding the diverse population in achieving homeownership and building savings.

 

PLEASE HELP DEFEAT ACA 13 – CONTACT YOUR ASSEMBLYMEMBER TODAY

Look for C.A.R.’s Red Alert email from realtorparty@car.org

With a subject line that says:
“RED ALERT: Protect Prop 13 and Voter Rights”

Topics: Government Affairs

Effortless Listing Entry with Paragon Connect

Posted by PSAR Communication on Aug 24, 2023 4:25:16 PM

paragonconnectDid you know that Paragon Connect now allows you to easily ADD/EDIT listings? This capability was introduced in the most recent major update of Paragon Connect in CRMLS. Paragon Connect functions as an extension of Paragon MLS, tailored for use on mobile phones, tablets, and computers. Notably, Paragon Connect is not a standalone app; it ensures a consistent experience across all your devices.

Simplified Listing Entry with Paragon Connect

Why should you consider using Paragon Connect for your listing entry needs? The interface offers a fresh, modern look while retaining the familiar input fields. Whether you're enthusiastic about leveraging new technology or prefer the convenience of accessing the MLS on-the-go, Paragon Connect accommodates your preferences seamlessly.

Efficiency at Your Fingertips: Partial Entry and Multi-Device Workflow

Curious about starting a listing entry on your computer and finishing it on your phone? With Paragon Connect, this transition is effortless. In the Connect interface, a partial listing is indicated as "Unavailable," while existing editable listings are marked as "Available." This streamlined process enables smooth movement between devices without missing a beat.

Paragon Connect presents a simplified and unified approach to listing entry. Its user-friendly design and compatibility across various devices make it an invaluable tool for real estate professionals looking to enhance their listing management practices.


How do I get to Paragon Connect? In the new CRMLS Dashboard, on the right hand side, click on the plus sign and add it to your Dash for next time.

 

 


Learn more about the Add/Edit ability of Paragon Connect and gain the ability to do business on your mobile device. Check out the video below.

 

 

CRMLS UPDATES - Get to know the NEW CRMLS Dashboard - REcenterhub

Posted by PSAR Communication on Jul 22, 2023 10:00:00 AM

REcetnerhub the new CRMLS dashboard

Find all your REcenterhub resources gathered together
Access your webinar recording and other helpful guides

Adjusting to change – even change for the better – can take a little time. As you get familiar with your new REcenterhub dashboard and all its features, here is a collection of the resources you can consult for guidance: