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Paper tours are outdated.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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.”

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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.

Meet Valerie Gardner, who was recently elected to a two-year term (2023-2024) on the PSAR Board of Directors.

Valerie was born at Eglin Air Force Base located in the western Florida Panhandle. She is the middle child of seven in a family of four daughters and two brothers.

Valerie’s mom was a homemaker and her father served in the United States Air Force. Her father’s Air Force career took Valerie to live in Augsburg, Germany, for elementary school, Great Falls, Montana, for middle school, and Albany, Georgia, for high school.

In high school, Valerie excelled as an athlete and was a member of the school’s track team and women’s basketball team. “I received recognition for my abilities while in all these sports,” Valerie said.

After high school, Valerie attended Troy State University in Troy, Alabama, where she graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree. Her major was criminal justice and her minor was in business.

After college, Valerie joined the United States Navy and honorably served for nine years. She worked in the Navy as an electrician, repairing motors and controllers on submarines. “I lived on the ship and carried on with my fitness and received commendations for being the fittest female sailor on the ship,” said Valerie.

After her Navy career, Valerie worked in the insurance industry for 12 years. “I started working in the claims and worked my way up to branch claims manager,” she said.

According to Valerie, “I got into real estate because I had a goal to be self-employed before I turned 40, and I have not looked back.”

She began her real estate sales career in 2001 and was honored with the Rookie of the Year award in her first year.

“Over the course of my 20 years in real estate, I have learned that is my job to be an advocate for my clients,” said Valerie. “My job is to meet them where they are, to listen and deliver on their needs, and to keep them on course.”

Valerie’s approach to real estate is also her motivation for serving on the PSAR board of directors. A friend encouraged her to run for a seat on the board and she decided to submit her name for the board election.

“My job will be to stand up for ethical and fair real estate business practices and protect private property rights, and protect the monetary investment made by our members and their clients.”

According to Valerie, “I come from a place of love and understanding and this is why I have been a successful REALTOR® in one of the toughest markets in the country to succeed. Now, I’m ready to give back to our industry and help PSAR and our members in any way that I can. My friendships with other PSAR members, as well as the great educational and networking opportunities, have been an important part of my real estate business. I encourage all of our members to expand their participation and get involved with our Association because, with PSAR, you can make a difference.”

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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.

CSA San Diego County, Written by Monica Lopez

CSA San Diego County investigates hundreds of fair housing complaints annually. Not all complaints have intentional actions at their source. A certain number are the result of agents or landlords lacking proper training, in-depth knowledge of fair housing laws, or the use of rental documents that are out of date.

Fair Housing Training
Fair housing training is a critical element in reducing complaints. Housing providers should ensure that they and their employees understand their responsibilities under federal and state fair housing laws, and act on those responsibilities in their daily interactions with both applicants and residents.

An example of the need to stay current on fair housing laws training: 
Amy the apartment manager received training in fair housing laws in 2008 when she was first hired. Recently, she denied an applicant because their housing community, to her knowledge, does not accept Section 8 vouchers. Had Amy updated her training annually, she would have been made aware that the applicants receiving assistance from programs such as Section 8 are now protected under Source of Income laws.

Fair Housing Knowledge
In-depth knowledge of fair housing laws is essential as well. Limited fair housing education can result in wrongful actions and costly lawsuits.

An example of the need for in-depth knowledge of fair housing laws:
Sara the leasing agent was recently hired and was required to watch a 1-hour fair housing training video during orientation. The video covered very basic information regarding protected groups and prohibited actions, but do specifics on disability-related topics. Six months later, Sara encountered a complaint. She had informed an applicant with a disability that they could not rent a unit in her building because his assistance animal was on the "breed restricted" list. Sara was unaware of "reasonable accommodations" under California law.

Discriminatory Policies, Practices, and Procedures
CSA has experience in investigating errors that occur in rental applications, rental agreements, and house rules. A well-educated and currently trained individual should always review any of these documents before implementing them to ensure the contents comply with fair housing laws.

An example of the need for awareness of discriminatory practices:
A house rule that prohibits children from leaving their apartment unless accompanied by a parent. The Fair Housing Act prohibits rules that target any protected groups. Families with children may encounter issues with housing providers who maintain overly restrictive or targeted rules. Having a fair housing law-educated and trained individual review your rules prior to posting is always the best practice.

The solution to housing discrimination starts with you.  If you or your staff are in need of training, contact CSA.

327 Van Houten Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020
www.c4sa.org
Phone: 619-444-5700
TTY: 800-735-2929

CSA San Diego County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose primary mission is the promotion of social justice and public welfare through programs, services, and advocacy against all forms of discrimination, including advocacy for the eradication of housing discrimination to assure equal housing opportunity for all individuals.

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Members of the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS^® (PSAR) made a powerful statement for property rights on behalf of housing providers while attending a recent Chula Vista City Council meeting where the subject of a new rent control ordinance was on the docket.

The City Council was considering an aggressive and overreaching ordinance that imposes additional regulations on housing providers. The controversial proposal, if passed, would negatively impact new housing creation by tightening restrictions on remodeling, owner move-ins and rental unit withdrawals, as well as expanding noticing and relocation assistance requirements.

Following over five hours of public comments, including testimony from many PSAR members, the City Council tabled a vote on the proposed ordinance, titled the “Residential Landlord and Tenant Provisions.” The Council stated that more data on the topic and potential language revisions are needed.

The actions taken by PSAR members were considered invaluable in the successful effort to prevent the Council from implementing an ordinance that would exacerbate the housing crisis. A revised version of the ordinance is expected to be considered by the City Council at a July 12 session.

Among the PSAR members who spoke at the May 17 city council meeting: Pat Russiano, Mike Campbell, Mark Scott, Nikki Coppa, Rich D'Ascoli, Yvonne Cromer, Robert Cromer, Mitch Thompson, George Ching, Eric Sutton, Peter Carlseen, Sam Calvano, Lupe Soto, Earl Jentz, Myllissa McCann and Josh Morales.

Richard D’Ascoli, PSAR CEO, stated in his testimony, “Most housing providers and owners are good people and most renters are good people. This extreme ordinance will punish every homeowner who may want to rent out a home and every renter who can’t find a place to rent.”

D’Ascoli cited a city staff report that included information from the Legal Aid Society of San Diego. According to the data, “no-fault” eviction disputes involve fewer than .27 percent of the 33,000 rental homes in Chula Vista annually, pointing to a much smaller issue.

The number of evictions totaled 13 in March, three in February, and seven in January. “Shouldn’t we help those 13 households rather than impact 33,000 rental units?” D’Ascoli asked. “Most housing providers are good actors, it’s the few we need to address. Let’s focus on them and not punish the entire city.”

D’Ascoli identified the long-term ramifications of the proposed ordinance: “Rent control and similar market restrictions will discourage the creation, maintenance, and upgrade of rental housing stock. This ordinance will discourage additional rehab and negatively impact the low-income renters the provisions were intended to serve. This ordinance also will reduce the value of properties in Chula Vista, compared to similar properties in other cities. Prudent property owners will choose to buy or build in areas with less cost and regulatory risk.

“Chula Vista will stagnate as the incentive to replacing aging, smaller complexes with upgraded, more dense buildings will no longer exist. Owners of single-family rental homes will either sell to national real estate investment trusts or they will sell to new owner-occupants. Available rental stock will decrease. Prices for renters will increase because supply will continue to be highly restricted. Also worrisome is the provision that anyone who violates any part of this law could be charged with a crime and sent to jail for up to six months.”

Other speakers from PSAR made the following points:

-- Burdensome regulations will result in less available housing, not more. This ordinance adds to the regulatory burden.
-- Provisions in the ordinance meant to prevent harassment of tenants would deter property owners from dealing with nuisance tenants.
-- Added renovation regulations would deter owners from upgrading rental properties, thus hurting tenants and surrounding neighborhoods.
-- The ordinance would create new, vague “anti-harassment” rules regulating landlord-tenant interaction, expanded notification requirements of up to 365 days, and higher relocation payments.
-- Landlords would be required to offer evicted renters, even if those renters caused property damage, the first right of refusal to move back in after a renovation.
-- The state of California recently enacted protections for tenants with AB 1482. That law provides sufficient regulation of landlord-tenant relationships.

Coalition partners with PSAR on the proposed Chula Vista ordinance included the Southern California Rental Housing Association (SCRHA) and the San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR).

More Articles and News Coverage

Renters, Landlords at Odds Over Proposed No-Fault Eviction Proposal - Mitch Thompson shows new appliances as part of remodeling efforts. KPBS-TV, 05/17/2022.

Chula Vista City Council Postpones Eviction Moratorium Protection Vote - No decision after more than five hours of public comments and postponement until July 12. KPBS-TV, 05/18/2022.

Chula Vista City Council Considers Controversial Tenant Protection Ordinance - PSAR board member Jason Lopez explains the proposal is a solution looking for a problem. KUSI-TV, 05/18/2022.

Chula Vista Considers Ordinance Strengthening Protections for Tenants - PSAR 2022 President Max Zaker and PSAR member Mitch Thompson tell NBC 7 how the proposal would actually hurt tenants. KNSD-TV NBC 7 San Diego, 05/16/2022.

Chula Vista Council Hears from Over 50 Speakers - The meeting lasted for hours as landlords say the proposed ordinance would force them to sell their properties. KGTV-TV 10News, 05/17/2022.

Decision Postponed on Controversial Renters' Protections - Quote from PSAR CEO Rich D'Ascoli: "...An ordinance that is overreaching..." KFMB-TV, CBS8, 05/18/2022.

There is a critical shortage of housing inventory. An excessive amount of red tape helped cause that shortage. Now, the City of Chula Vista is considering additional regulations on Housing Providers.

The proposed "Residential Landlord and Tenant Provisions" will impose the following:

• Regulations that make substantial remodels, owner move-ins, and withdrawal from the rental market more difficult by adding stricter noticing requirements and relocation assistance requirements.
• The creation of laws that allows for civil action and damages of $1,000-5,000 per violation per day.
• The criminalization of any violation of the ordinance and the creation of fines in the thousands of dollars.

Mayor Mary Salas requested the creation of this ordinance in response to calls from tenant and rent control advocates. Unfortunately, the unintended consequences of this ordinance would end up harming tenants as well.

The unintended consequences of this ordinance will include the following:

• The added difficulties of being a housing provider in Chula Vista will discourage the creation of much needed additional housing. This will hurt all of us, including those who would have a much harder time finding a place to rent. 
• The added difficulties of undertaking substantial renovations would deter owners from upgrading unsightly buildings. This hurts the tenants who would live there and the livability of the surrounding communities. 
• Provisions in the ordinance meant to prevent harassment of tenants would actually deter property owners from dealing with tenants who cause nuisances. This would hurt the tenants and all neighbors who live nearby and would have to deal with the nuisances.

It is well established that when you add regulation to something, you get less of it. We need more housing, not less. The State of California has recently enacted protections for tenants by enacting AB 1482. If there are problems for tenants, the City could focus on finding better ways to enforce existing laws, rather than adding more regulations that will negatively impact our already scarce housing supply.

Please send an eComment to the City stating your opposition to this misguided ordinance by clicking on the button below, and then clicking on the "Leave Comment" button:

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Not sure which Councilmember represents your neighborhood?  See below.

Questions remain about the City of San Diego’s pending ‘No-Fault Eviction' Moratorium.

On April 4th, after almost six hours of public testimony which included comments from PSAR volunteers and members, the city council passed the ‘No-Fault Eviction' Moratorium ordinance. The ordinance must come back for a second reading a month after the first reading and will go into effect 30 days after final approval.

Thanks to the efforts of PSAR and our colleagues, the original ordinance was amended to include an end date or sunset on September 30, 2022 (or 60 days after the end of the local emergency) whichever is sooner.  Realtors are wondering about how this ordinance will impact property owners who want to sell.

• No termination of tenancy is allowed for a substantial remodel unless mandated by the government or court order.
• Owners who wish to move into their homes or move in family members will have to serve a 90-day notice to terminate the tenancy. An immediate family member is limited to a parent, child, grandparent, and grandchild.

Property owners who wish to terminate a tenancy in order to withdraw units from the rental market, this includes selling a home, must provide a 6-month notice.

The ordinance is likely to receive final approval next month and it will cause unintended consequences. Additionally, some of the language is vague and confusing. Once the ordinance is finalized, PSAR will schedule legal counsel to brief our members on its impact. PSAR will continue to review the ordinance and is prepared to challenge it again at the second reading.

Before working with a client to terminate a tenancy, it is important to speak with your broker and legal counsel. This ordinance will put many owners in difficult positions.

A copy of the proposed ordinance may be found here.

This web page item #200 has links to the PowerPoint and backup information for a deeper dive.