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

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

PSAR champions of HOMEOWNERSHIP

Posted by Rick Griffin on Aug 25, 2023 7:00:00 AM

PSAR champions of HOMEOWNERSHIP

PSAR members should be proud of how your Association has been advocating for homeownership through engagement with elected officials.

As a lone voice, we have been at the forefront of pushing for enhanced homeownership opportunities and championing homeownership during recent meetings with politicians from local, state, and federal offices.

In these meetings, our volunteer leaders and staff have shared personal accounts of how public policies can hinder property transactions. In addition, we have emphasized the increasing demand for market-rate housing and the urgent requirement for expanded housing inventory in San Diego County. Our goal has been to mitigate the housing crisis and foster both stable financial futures and robust communities.

During the past year, our leadership has engaged in discussions with dozens of local officials, as demonstrated by this list of elected officials who have met with PSAR members:

Congressman Juan Vargas

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs

State Senator Brian Jones

State Senator Steve Padilla

Assemblymember Chris Ward

Assemblymember David Alvarez

Assemblymember Marie Waldron

County Board of Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas

County Supervisor Joel Anderson

County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer

County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Jordan Marks

Chula Vista Mayor John McCann

Chula Vista Councilmember Jose Preciado

Chula Vista Councilmember Alonso Gonzalez

Chula Vista Councilmember Andrea Cardenas

 

National City Councilmember Ditas Yamane

National City Councilmember Jose Rodriguez

Santee Councilmember Dustin Trotter

Santee Vice Mayor Laura Koval

Santee Councilmember Ronn Hall

La Mesa Councilmember Patricia Dillard

La Mesa Councilmember Colin Parent

La Mesa Councilmember Jack Shu

Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey

Coronado Councilmember Mike Donovan

Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre

Imperial Beach City Manager Tyler Foltz

Lemon Grove Councilmember Alysson Snow ll

National City Councilmember Luz Molina

National City Mayor Ron Morrison

 

At a recent meeting with Congresswoman Jacobs, the topics included creating more homeownership opportunities by repurposing commercial centers, improved housing finance, what needs to be done to build more “for-sale” housing, and why point-of-sale mandates are costly mistakes, as well as issues surrounding rent control and homeowners insurance.

Topics also discussed on the federal level:

  • Addressing America’s housing shortage – understanding the gravity of the housing crisis and the legislative solutions under consideration;
  • Enhancing credit access – a pivotal proposed bill would improve credit access for Americans with minimal credit history; this legislation considers integrating common bill payments, such as utilities and rent, into credit evaluations.

PSAR President Jason Lopez attended the meeting with Jacobs. “I appreciated that she is knowledgeable on local issues impacting homeownership, protecting private property rights, and sharing resources and data needed to empower communities,” Lopez said. “She also does a great job keeping us informed on federal issues that could have a local impact as well.”

In PSAR meetings with local elected officials, the discussions included:

  • Land use – the effective utilization and management of land and the need for dense multi-family purchase options and entry-level properties;
  • Development costs – the increasing expenses related to housing construction;
  • Diverse options – Recognizing the need to accommodate all types of buyers, we have recommended a variety of housing purchase options;
  • Financial benefits to municipalities – We have showcased the considerable temporary and permanent revenue streams that cities enjoy when properties exchange ownership. Moreover, we have highlighted the potential adverse effects of imposing additional taxes on these transactions.

In PSAR meetings with state elected officials, the interactions have included the following pressing issues:

  • Opposing changing the vote on bond measures – a proposed bill would reduce the bond vote requirement on property taxes from the existing two-thirds to 55 percent and would raise funds for housing and infrastructure;
  • Support for AB 743 – This bill, if passed, would permit California notaries to obtain licenses as remote online notaries, utilizing Internet and audio-visual technologies to authenticate documents for signers from distant locations.

“As part of the Realtor Party and as an Association, we put aside our personal political ideology and focus on what matters most to our members, our clients, and potential homeowners on areas that could impact their opportunity to build wealth via real estate, enjoy their property, and become part of their communities,” said PSAR President Lopez.

“Maintaining great relationships with our elected officials gives us the opportunity to make sure they know what hot-button issues are impacting their districts back home. It also gives them the chance to learn from those who have boots on the ground and are experiencing these issues in real-time.”

Through such engagements with elected officials, PSAR continues its relentless pursuit of creating a better housing landscape, ensuring that every individual has a shot at the American dream of homeownership.

 

Congressmember Juan Vargas
Senator Brian Jones
Kay Le Menager, Mike Anderson, Senator Brian Jones, Brian Jones Staff, Norma Scantlin, Tracy Morgan Hollingworth
Assemblymember Chris Ward
Assemblymember Chris Ward, Jan Farley, Laurie MacDonald, Rebecca Pollack-Rude, George Ching
Assemblymember Marie Waldron
Assemblymember Marie Waldron Bottom Row, three from left.
Assemblymember David Alvarez
Assemblymember David Alvarez, Top Center.
City Manager Maria Kachadoorian
PSAR Government Affairs Director, George Ching, Chula Vista City Manager Maria Kachadoorian, Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce CEO Marcy Weaver
La Mesa Councilmember Patricia Dillard
Laurie Mac Donald, Richard D'Ascoli, Jason Lopez, La Mesa Councilmember Patricia Dillard, Kay LeMenager, George Ching.
County Assessor Recorder Jordan Marks
Robert Cromer, Yvonne Cromer, County Assessor Recorder Jordan Marks
Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey
George  Ching, Raquel Fernandez. Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey, Max Zaker, National City Councilmember Ditas Yamane
Senator Steve Padilla
Max Zaker, Sentator Steve Padilla, Richard D'Ascoli, George Ching, Ruben Gonzales
Chula Vista Mayor John McCann
David Fletes, Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, George Ching.
Supervisor Nora Vargas
County Supervisor Nora Vargas

Topics: Government Affairs, Industry

Vote Now FOR PSAR BOARD MEMBERS!

Posted by Rick Griffin on Jun 23, 2023 9:00:00 AM

2024 candidates

PSAR members, don't forget to vote for the 2024-2025 board members! Electronic ballots were emailed on June 23rd at 9 a.m. and voting ends on June 30th at 5 p.m. Only PSAR REALTORS® can vote.

     Cast Your Vote     


Candidates for PSAR President-Elect  (1 Seat)

Yvonne Cromer

Yvonne Cromer

Mike White

Mike White

 

Candidate for Secretary / Treasurer (1 Seat)


Sam Calvano

Sam Calvano

 

Candidates for Director Pick Up to Five (Two-Year Seats)

Tristin Stokes
Tristin Stokes
Monica Greenwood
Monica Greenwood
Charmaine Orcino - Gonzales
Charmaine Orcino-Gonzalez
Paula Gonzalez
Paula Gonzalez

Jim O'Donnell
 Jim O'Donnell

Norma Scantlin
Norma Scantlin


Rebecca Pollack-Rude
Rebecca Pollack-Rude

 

 


     Cast Your Vote     

 

 

PSAR members get to engage in the decision-making process and choose our leaders. The association's management of policies, programs, events, and investments has a direct impact on our personal lives and businesses. Elected Directors not only offer practical guidance but also motivate the association to strive for greater heights.

It takes just a few minutes to cast your vote, but the outcomes can be significant. Take the time to make a difference and shape the future of our association.

We look forward to counting your ballot!

For a Complete Copy of the PSAR  By-Laws download them here:

Download the PSAR By-Laws

Topics: Education, Marketing, Industry

Improve your client's tour experience with new Live buyer tours.

Posted by Communications on Mar 27, 2023 3:45:59 PM

What are live buyer tours?
If you use Cloud CMA, then you’re likely already familiar with buyer tours, the reports that build on MLS data to give your buyer clients a better sense of what they’re looking at. In fact, buyer tours have become one of the most popular types of reports in Cloud CMA overall! 

Live buyer tours build on the existing functionality to turn static reports into dynamic ones—with real-time data that you and your buyers can easily read on any device. So you get a new way to show off properties, and your clients get live access to the most relevant information about their favorite listings. 

What can your clients see with live buyer tours? 

Their list of showings, organized by time 
Details like drive time and directions 
Feedback fields that share directly with their agent 
And more! 
 

Why the change? 
Home shopping and touring habits aren’t what they used to be.  Now, people have pocket computers with them constantly, so they can browse listings, request showings, get directions, whatever they need to do—all from the palm of their hands. 

Paper tours are outdated.  With live buyer tours, your clients have the technology on hand to interact with you and tour property more seamlessly. It’s a subtle contributor to their overall experience; they’ll appreciate the convenience and thoroughness of the information you provide. 

 
Here is how it works.

 

Topics: Announcements, CRMLS, Technology, Industry, Paragon

DRE Real Estate Fall Bulletin Released.

Posted by Communications on Nov 1, 2022 4:12:19 PM

The California Department of Real Estate released its fall bulletin.  Check out the highlights in this quarter's issue.

In this issue:

New Required CE Coursed Now Available. Licensees renewing for the frst time on or after January 1, 2023, complete a new two-hour course in implicit bias training and a revised three-hour course in fair housing that includes an interactive participatory component

The Important Role of Enforcement in Regulating California’s Real Estate Industry  DRE posts on its website summaries of the most serious enforcement actions taken against licensees, as well as other disciplinary actions. 

Licensees Urged to Protect Themselves from ID Theft Scam  DRE recently issued a statewide Consumer Alert

DRE Stats include a 5% reduction in licensees prior to last year.  5,202 Complaints received.  67,768 exams administered.

External Audit Stats on Property Management, Broker Escrow, Mortgage Loan, and Sales.  Given DRE’s number of auditors as compared to its licensee population, audit efforts in FY 2021-22 focused on brokers who handle a high volume of trust funds. Audit cases completed during the fiscal year revealed a troubling high incidence of trust fund shortages.

Legal Activity, Enforcement, Subdivisions, Communications, and a look forward.

Learn from a wealth of information and insight provided in the Fall Real Estate Bulletin.

Click Here

California DRE Fall Bulleting link

 

Topics: Announcements, Brokers/Managers, Industry

Think You Know the Rules? Take the CRMLS Compliance Quiz to Find Out!

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Nov 1, 2022 3:38:57 PM

Blogbanner_CRMLS_Compliance_Quiz

IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD A $2,600 fine, PLEASE do help yourself and understand the MLS rules. PSAR doesn't have any power when it comes to CRMLS fines.  The rules are made by REALTORS who serve on the CRMLS Board of Directors.

Think you know the rules? Take this Compliance Quiz.

Take the Quiz!

If you get less than 100%, think about taking some training.

It is important that you understand top MLS violations and avoid costly fines. By taking this Top Violations Overview training, you will be educated on CRMLS Rules & Regulations and fines, the CRMLS Citation Policy, and a whole lot more.

Register for Training
Looking for other training material and videos?  Look here.
 
Also:

__________________________________________

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, Industry

Over 55, Disabled, or Victim, Can Now Save On Property taxes.

Posted by Communications on Oct 21, 2022 2:47:00 PM

Many owners who want to move within California can now transfer their lower property tax base from one property to another, anywhere in the state, The tax base transfer can save owners tens of thousands of dollars or more in taxes. 

Under Proposition 13, a home is normally appraised at its full market value at the time it is purchased. This program allows the taxable value on the original home to be transferred to the replacement home thereby preventing an increase in property tax.

The program befits owners who meet the qualifications listed here.

Homeowners Age 55+ If you're a senior, retiree, or older homeowner who feels trapped in a home that no longer fits your needs.

People With Severe Disabilities  If you live with a severe or permanent disability.

Victims of Wildfire & Natural Disasters
If you are one of the tens of thousands of Californians whose family home has been destroyed or substantially damaged by wildfire.

The new law called Proposition 19 makes it easier for you to move to another home without incurring a property tax hike.* 

Explainer Video Prepared by San Diego Chief Deputy Assessor, Jordan Marks,
and produced by the PSAR.

See the California Board of Equalization Prop 19 information page for additional details about filing checklists, guidelines, rulemaking, frequently asked questions, related legislation, deadlines, forms requirements, types of relief, intergenerational transfer exclusions, additional resources, and general property tax information.

Filing forms for Seniors and the Disabled may be found here. See the tabs "Forms"

* Always check with your tax professional to verify your particular situation prior to making financial decisions.

_______________________________

PSAR's mission is to empower real estate professionals.

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth & development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.

Topics: Education, Announcements, Industry

MEET LAURIE MACDONALD, 2024 PSAR PRESIDENT, A HELPER AT HEART

Posted by Rick Griffin on Sep 14, 2022 8:31:14 AM
Laurie MacDonald - 2024 PSAR President

Meet Laurie MacDonald, who was recently elected to serve as your 2024 PSAR President.

“Serving as President-elect in support of our 2023 President Jason Lopez, I’m looking forward to growing our association, serving our members, and continuing the good fight for property rights and homeownership,” said Laurie. “I’m a big believer in giving back, no matter how busy you are. 

Laurie is a fourth-generation San Diegan. “My great-great grandparents arrived in San Diego from Halifax, Nova Scotia, sometime in the 1890s and my great-grandmother was born here in 1909.”

Real estate is part of her family history. “My great-grandmother, the same one born in 1909, bought a house in the Normal Heights area by herself in 1939. She was a widow at the time, but a female buying a home without the assistance of a man was rare in those days,” said Laurie. “Later, my grandparents owned and operated a real estate office, called Kelly and Associates, for many years on Parkway Drive in La Mesa.”

Laurie grew up in La Mesa. She attended Murray Manor Elementary School, Parkway Middle School, and Helix High School.

During and after high school for 12 years she sold and designed swimming pools, hardscapes, and landscapes mostly in the new homes developments of San Diego.

In 2009, she opened her own bridal boutique in La Mesa, which led her to become involved and serve on the boards of the La Mesa Village Merchants Association and the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation, a nonprofit that raises money to enhance the city’s parks and present community events such as Sundays at Six, a summer concert series. She is currently board president of the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation.

“I’m a helper at heart,” said Laurie. “I’ve been involved in my community and my kids’ schools. I live by a philosophy of giving back and serving my community.”

Laurie’s career in real estate began in September 2015. She served for several years on PSAR’s Government Affairs Committee and chaired PSAR’s YPN (Young Professional Network) group for two years. She has served on PSAR’s board of directors from 2020 to 2021.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today in real estate without my involvement in PSAR,” said Laurie. “Becoming an active volunteer with PSAR has propelled my career and helped me better serve my clients.”

Throughout her upcoming term as president, Laurie says she will continue to encourage PSAR members to get more involved with their association. “The best place to be in-the-know is at the table where decisions are made,” said Laurie. That’s because the more you know, the better you can serve your clients. Thanks to PSAR, the connections and relationships you make with other realtors and real estate professionals are simply invaluable.”

_______________________________

PSAR's mission is to empower real estate professionals.

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth & development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.

Topics: Announcements, Industry