PSAR Voter Guide - Endorsements for 2020 General Election

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Sep 30, 2020 7:30:00 AM

PSAR has endorsed the following candidates for the 2020 General Election

PSAR would like to remind you to please register and vote in this upcoming election.  PSAR is endorsing the candidates listed below and has taken positions on the ballot measures and propositions listed at the bottom.  The candidates below have demonstrated to PSAR their understanding of our industry and have indicated their commitment to home-ownership and housing.  PSAR's Government Affairs Committee also reviewed the ballot measures and propositions listed below and PSAR is taking the positions listed based on the impacts these items would have on our industry.   
 
In the midst of the current housing crisis, it is imperative that we elect leaders and enact policies that will protect and promote home-ownership.  Click on each candidate to find out how you can support them.

Sara Jacobs Juan Vargas Ben Hueso Joel Anderson Jerry Jones
John Minto Mike Diaz Steve Padilla Humbert Cabrera Phil Ortiz
Colin Parent Kristine Alessio Laura Lothian Ditas Yamane Joe Leventhal
Stephen Whitburn Will Moore Mara Elliot Armando Farias Laurie Humphrey
Adrian Arancibia David Johnston Mark Robak Mitch Thompson  

Measures and Propositions

Santee
Vote No on Measure N which would limit new housing and add to traffic.

City of San Diego
Vote Yes on Measure E which removes an overly burdensome height limit
in the Midway District.

California
Vote NO on the Prop 15 Property Tax Increase 
Vote NO on the Prop 21 More Rent Control 

_______________________________________________

PSAR's Mission is to empower Realtors to flourish while being accountable to
each other, our clients, and our community.

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, Government Affairs

Governor Releases Industry Guidance on Real Estate Transactions

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on May 7, 2020 6:57:26 PM

Today, May 7th, Governor Newsom released updated industry guidance to begin reopening with modifications that reduce risk and establish a safer environment for workers and customers. This guidance includes, among other things, information pertaining to real estate transactions.  Use these guidelines to responsibly plan and reopen for business.

The California Department of Real Estate advises all licensees to review the newly posted "COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Real Estate Transactions" and "COVID-19 General Checklist for Real Estate Transactions" found in the links below.

The Resilience Roadmap is a plan for modifying the statewide stay at home order to gradually reopen. When modifications are advanced and the state’s six indicators show we’ve made enough progress, we can move to the next stage of the roadmap. We are now moving into Stage 2, where some lower-risk workplaces can gradually open with adaptations.

This Guidance for Real Estate Document  provides guidance for businesses operating in the real estate industry including sales and rentals of single-family, multi-family, apartment, commercial, and industrial properties to support a safe, clean environment for workers.

For workplaces and showing property, it contains:
  • Specific plan
  • Physical distancing
  • Cleaning and disinfecting protocols for workplaces

It also has topics for employee training and individual control measures and screening, 

The COVID-19 General Checklist for Real Estate Transactions
This checklist is intended to help people involved in real estate transactions implement their plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace and is supplemental to the Guidance for Real Estate Transactions. This checklist is a summary and contains shorthand for some parts of the guidance; familiarize yourself with the guidance before using this checklist.

real estate industry guidance

Topics: Education, Brokers/Managers, Government Affairs, Industry

Red Alert AB 828

Posted by PSAR Communication on Apr 27, 2020 8:15:00 PM

 

 

C.A.R. RED ALERT

C.A.R. RED ALERT

OPPOSE AB 828 – UNCONSTITUTIONAL RENT REDUCTION BILL
CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR TODAY!

C.A.R. OPPOSES AB 828 (Ting), a bill that, among other things, effectively forces a 25 percent reduction in rents. C.A.R. opposes the bill because it is unconstitutional and provides no financial protection for mom-and-pop property owners who still must pay their mortgages and have a legal obligation to repair and maintain their properties.

ab 828

Background

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Judicial Council of California has halted all eviction lawsuits – otherwise known as “unlawful detainer” lawsuits – statewide. Additionally, Governor Newsom’s March 27th Executive Order, among other things, allows tenants to delay payment of rent due to the COVID-19 crisis. Lastly, many local governments have enacted ordinances that freeze rents and halt the issuance of eviction notices of any kind during the pandemic.

On top of these existing COVID-19 state and local tenant protections, AB 828 creates a court-ordered reduction of rent by 25% for 12 months for tenants who claim they cannot pay due to the COVID-19 crisis. There is no way for property owners to recoup this court-ordered lost rental amount, even though they are still legally obligated to continue paying their mortgage, taxes, and insurance and maintain and repair the property.

C.A.R. Opposes AB 828 Because:

It is unconstitutional. AB 828 FORCES courts to interfere with existing contracts in violation of both the California and U.S. Constitution. Not even a pandemic should undermine the California and U.S. Constitution.

It is unnecessary. The state and/or local governments have already acted to limit evictions and rent increases and impose temporary payment moratoria during this emergency, protecting tenants from uncertainty.

It does not require any real demonstration of hardship. AB 828 only calls for a tenant to show “increased costs for household necessities OR reduced household earnings” without establishing a reasonable threshold for the financial impact.  Furthermore, if the increased costs or reduced earnings happened during March 4, 2020 and March 4, 2021, the court must assume that was caused by the Covid-19 crisis; meaning, the tenant has no obligation to show the linkage in the change of circumstances to the Covid-19 crisis.

It places undue financial hardship on property owners without providing any assistance. Property owners are given no recourse to recoup this lost rental income, even though they are still legally obligated to continue paying their mortgage, taxes, and insurance and repair and maintain their properties. Legislators should keep in mind that many rental housing owners are retirees who count on rental income to cover the expenses associated with providing rental housing as well as their own personal income, which may already be limited due to existing emergency measures.

It discourages investment in the building of new housing. Adding more uncertainty to the rental housing market discourages builders from investing in the creation of desperately needed rental housing. That unmet need will NOT go away with this pandemic.

It creates additional costs for state and local governments when tax revenues will already be dramatically reduced. Courts, local housing authorities, and other agencies will either incur new costs or see reduced revenue if AB 828 is enacted.

For more information, please email realtorparty@car.org or reply to this email.

Thank you,

C.A.R. Government Affairs Team

 

Topics: Announcements, Government Affairs

Stimulus Checks Start Arriving This Week - Here's What to Expect

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Apr 15, 2020 8:21:04 AM

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.

 

Canva - Pills on Gray Background


Who is eligible for the Economic Impact Payment?
How do I get a stimulus check from the IRS if I did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019?
What if I receive Social Security payments (65 years +) or social security disability payments?
When will my check be delivered?

 

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.

Topics: Announcements, Government Affairs, Industry

TIMELINE: Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

Posted by PSAR Communication on Apr 14, 2020 5:13:05 PM
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.
  • labor workforce developemnt

 

Topics: Announcements, Government Affairs, Industry

Thank you San Diego Congressional Delegation

Posted by PSAR Communication on Dec 20, 2019 5:56:45 PM

Thank you San Diego Congress Members Juan Vargas, Scott Peters, Susan Davis and Mike Levin for your vote today as the House passed H.R. 5377, a bill that temporarily eliminates the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions for 2020 and 2021. The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act would also increase the cap to $20,000 for married couples for 2019.

C.A.R. President President Jeanne Radsick stated "We are pleased that the House has passed a bill to temporarily eliminate the cap on the amount of state and local tax that taxpayers can deduct on their federal tax returns. The combined hit of a reduction in the mortgage interest deduction and current $10,000 SALT cap in the tax law has disproportionately hurt taxpayers and real estate in California," 

"Ensuring the tax code incentivizes housing and real estate will continue to be a top priority for REALTORS®, and C.A.R. thanks the many California Congressional members who support easing the double taxation penalty that harms California homeowners."

The bill moves on to the senate where it will face stiff opposition.

42

44

43

41

 

Topics: Announcements, Government Affairs, Industry

Meet and Greet with Candidates for District 1

Posted by Kevin McElroy on Oct 25, 2019 1:51:13 PM

PSAR Invites you to meet and greet the candidates for County Board of Supervisors for District 1.

blog_191108Canidate

Learn more to make an informed decision in the upcoming elections.

      Register      

Candidates

RAFAEL CASTELLANOS   •   BEN HUESO   •   NORA VARGAS



District 1 Cities and Communities include:

  • Barrio Logan
  • Bonita
  • Chollas View
  • Chula Vista
  • Coronado
  • East Otay Mesa
  • Grant Hill
  • Imperial Beach
  • La Playa
  • Lincoln Acres
  • Lincoln Park
  • Logan Heights
  • Memorial
  • Mount Hope
  • Mountain View
  • National City
  • Nestor
  • Otay
  • Palm City
  • Point Loma
  • San Ysidro
  • Shelltown
  • Sherman Heights
  • Southcrest
  • Stockton
  • Sunnyside
  • Sunset Cliffs
  • and part of Downtown SD


      Register      



- Lunch will be provided - 

Friday, November 8th, 2019
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
PSAR South
880 Canarios Ct., Chula Vista, CA 91910

PDF of Candidate Forum

 

 

Topics: Education, Government Affairs

Urge Your Senator & Assembly Member to Vote NO on AB1482 now

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Sep 3, 2019 3:48:14 PM

REALTORS®, please check your email for a RedAlert from C.A.R. Government Affairs. We’re OPPOSING AB1482, a bill that creates restrictive rent caps and “just cause” evictions, because it discourages the creation of rental housing. Fewer housing units will result in higher rent. #AB1482, #caleg, @CAREALTORS


Red Alert No on AB1482

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact DeAnn Kerr for more information at deannk@car.org.

Topics: Government Affairs, Industry

Volunteer at PSAR and Become a Bridge Builder

Posted by Rick Griffin on Jul 19, 2019 3:27:52 PM

I am honored to share with you the reasons why I’m involved as an active volunteer with PSAR, and why you should not wait another day to join me in showing a greater level of support for our Association.

Jason Lopez PSAR Board of Director

It’s fair to say that our industry is under attack. Our profession is being threatened in a number of ways, including questions about the value that seasoned, experienced and knowledgeable agents can offer to clients. It seems the only constant in real estate is change.

When discussing how the changes the real estate industry is facing certain changes, you may have heard the word “disruptors,” which could refer to a variety of factors: ranging from new franchisers; tech-centric start-up brokerages;the iBuyer model; MLS data aggregators; reduced commission structures and the intersection between technology and real estate.

As a result of the changes in our industry, the role our Association plays becomes even more critical in empowering our REALTOR® members and protecting personal property rights.  Actually these industry changes provide an outstanding opportunity for REALTOR® Associations like PSAR to stay ahead of the curve and to step forward in support of its members. So, I want to be part of this. I want to be involved in something that is part of the bigger picture and better for all of us.

My own career in real estate has encompassed a variety of business models, ranging from traditional to start-up to hybrid. I believe there’s enough room for everyone to stay connected and to succeed.

There’s another reason why I’m eager to volunteer with PSAR.

I have found that my involvement benefits the bottom line of my own business because of the opportunities to become acquainted with my fellow REALTORS® and brokers. At the end of the day, real estate is a relationship business. Yes, we may all be competitors, but we can also work together on deals. And I would prefer to undertake transactions with colleagues whom I know and trust. We all know the hard sell no longer works. People do not respond to a guy yelling at them about an amazing deal that they can’t live without. Instead, we choose to do business with someone we like and can communicate with. Good relationships don’t happen by accident. They take cultivation, time and effort. 

In fact, being involved in PSAR helps me discover ways to bring people together. It’s true that there’s a lot of conflict in our world. It’s a world filled with wars, division, arguments, prejudice and partisanship. But, PSAR provides a platform that allows our members to become bridge builders, not wall builders. PSAR is here to encourage members. You will need others in rough times, and we can encourage each other in the process.

Consider the universal principle of “use it or lose it.” For example, if you don’t exercise, your muscles get smaller. If you don’t use your mind, it will become duller as you grow older.  It’s the same with PSAR. If you have a talent and refuse to share it, then you’ll lose that talent. The opposite is, of course, true. If you use your muscles, they get bigger. And if you use your talent to help others at PSAR, then you’ll develop even more skills and abilities that will help you throughout your life.

Let me recommend that you decide today to become more involved with PSAR. PSAR is your hometown REALTOR® Association. As you know, home field advantage can mean everything in sports. Teams who play at “home” win more often than when playing on the road. And, when a team has their hometown fans cheering them on, they can often exceed their ability. All of us at PSAR are here to cheer for you. It all starts with you giving back by joining a committee, volunteering at an event and looking for opportunities to serve at a higher level. Thanks in advance for your greater involvement and membership participation.

* * *

Jason Lopez, who has worked in real estate for the past 25 years, became involved in PSAR leadership in 2016 while serving on a District Council. In 2018, he was elected to a two-year term on the PSAR board of directors. He was recently elected for a second term through 2021. He also will be serving as a C.A.R. Director in 2020. Currently, he is also serving as a facilitator of the weekly City Pitch Marketing Session at the PSAR Central San Diego Service Center in Clairemont.

Topics: Announcements, Government Affairs

Recently Elected 2020 PSAR Board Looking Forward to Service

Posted by Rick Griffin on Jul 12, 2019 4:39:41 PM

2020 PSAR Board

The recent election results for the 2020 PSAR board of directors is destined to provide the Association with forward-thinking leadership and a strong future of growth and benefits for members.

In the recent election, Ditas Yamane was elected to serve as the 2020 President-Elect. Sam Calvano will continue his role as Secretary-Treasurer in 2020.

Also recently elected to serve as Directors in 2020 on the PSAR board: Jason Lopez, Laurie MacDonald, Yvonne Cromer, Peter Mendiola and Mike White.

Continuing to serve in 2020 on the PSAR Board include Robert Cromer as president, Robert Calloway as immediate past president and directors Mike Anderson, Carey Guthrie, Sean Hillier, Robert Kilbourne and Norma Scantlin, and with Tony Santiago as affiliate director.

We’re grateful for the following board members whose terms will end Dec. 31, 2019: Shonee Henry and Dennis Ryan, along with Jan Farley as immediate past president.

Ditas has been involved with PSAR since 2002. She joined the Government Affairs Committee and became chairperson three years ago. Born and raised in the Philippines and immigrated into the U.S. in 1988. She worked for a leading commercial airline as an International Flight Attendant flying international routes for 22 years. In 2002, she earned her real estate sales license. Two years later, she became a broker. Her family has operated a business in the South Bay since 1991.

Ditas has been involved in the community serving as President of the National City Chamber of Commerce and President of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County. She currently serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of National City, overseeing land use, permitting and zoning changes. She is also President and CEO of the Mabuhay Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes a better quality of life. 

“I would like to thank the PSAR Membership for their trust and confidence in voting me in as their 2020 President-Elect,” said Ditas. “As the PSAR President- Elect, I will work side by side with our incoming President Robert Cromer in continuing to grow PSAR and continue to serve our members to thrive in our industry. I will again encourage our members to participate and support our mission to empower all of us. We are PSAR!”

Sam has served as a PSAR Board Director for the three years and as secretary-treasurer for the past six years. Sam began his real estate career as a sales agent in 1976 and then switched to real estate lending in 1983. As Treasurer Sam has been led the Board’s efforts to shore up the association's reserve fund while keeping dues low.  PSAR’s annual dues are fifty dollars less than they were ten years ago. Sam led efforts to build solar, renovate our buildings and parking lots and ensure the long term sustainability of PSAR. Sam represented PSAR as a CAR Director in 2019.

Jason has worked in real estate for the past 25 years. He became involved with PSAR leadership while serving on a District Council. He loves to ride skateboards and has an extensive collection of vinyl records of “British Invasion” music bands from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Jason is currently a facilitator of the City Pitch Marketing session in Clairmont.  He will also be serving as a CAR Director in 2020.

Laurie became involved with PSAR leadership as a member of the East County Government Affairs Committee. She served as PSAR YPN chair in 2017 and 2018. She also currently serves as chair of the PSAR 2019 Charity Committee. She has traveled to Sacramento in the past for C.A.R.’s “Legislative Day” events. She also traveled to 28 countries before turning 30 years of age. She is a fourth generation San Diegan. Her great-great-grandparents arrived in San Diego from Halifax, Nova Scotia sometime in the 1890s and her great-grandmother was born here in 1909.

Yvonne has previously served on the PSAR Charity Committee, organizers of the PSAR REALTOR® Games. She joined the PSAR board of directors in 2018. The Chula Vista native was a synchronized swimmer and a member of the Chula Vista's Dolphinettes, a competitive swim club that no longer operates. After graduating from Hilltop High School in Chula Vista (class of 1991), Yvonne attended the University of Utah. During Christmas break, she met her future husband Robert at a Christmas party.

Peter, a past PSAR president (2012), and Served as a CAR Director in 2011 and 2012. Peter was a driving force behind the efforts to merge the East San Diego County Association of REALTORS and the PSAR.  Peter grew up in National City, attending Las Palmas Elementary School, Granger Middle School and Sweetwater High School (class of 1996). He started his company in February 2007 as a Realty World office. It became a Coldwell Banker operation on Dec. 11, 2011.

Mike became involved in PSAR leadership in 2011 as the founding member of the PSAR Tech Committee. He has been selling real estate since 1980 and is currently serving as an assistant manager at his brokerage. He also has served on the Sandicor Technical Users Group and the C.A.R. ZipForm Committee. He got his first computer at age 18, a Commodore 16 with only 16 kilobytes of RAM. He graduated from Patrick Henry High School (class of 1979), and then attended the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) where he played trumpet in the marching band. At UCLA, Mike was among the final group of students required to learn the Fortran computer language using punch cards. And, he was also one among the first students at UCLA at the time to type homework assignments and term papers on a computer.

The PSAR Board wishes to thank everyone who ran for a Board position. All the candidates were committed and involved members of the Association. They volunteer their time to the industry to improve it and to the community to build home ownership opportunities, defend private property rights and support those in need.  

Topics: Announcements, Events, Government Affairs