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The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® (PSAR) has lost a dear friend, Past President, CAR Region 30 Vice Chair, and current board member. It’s with much grief and sadness to report that Robert Calloway has passed away at the tender age of 54. He was found at his home on Tuesday, May 5. The cause of death was determined to be heart disease.

The theme for Robert’s year as 2019 PSAR President was “Salute to Service.” He said in a February 2019 PSAR blog post, “I have learned that nothing is more refreshing than to serve and giveback, and by getting involved. It’s your attitude that is most important. There’s something very authentic in participating with the desire to help others: Nothing to prove; nothing to lose.

“PSAR’s mission is to empower our members. Our mission statement states: `We empower our members to flourish while being accountable to each other, our clients and our community.’ Our members are self-empowered to take control of their own destiny and careers.

“I encourage everyone to get involved by volunteering and serving in their community. Don’t just show-up, volunteer. Find your passions, utilize your strengths, be a participant, not just an observer, and you will get more out of life. You will develop your skills, advance your career and the experience will be rewarding to you both personally and professionally. While no one is capable of doing everything, everyone is capable of doing something.” 

Following the conclusion of his term, Robert said in a January 2020 PSAR blog post, “Thanks to all of you who participated and were dedicated to this theme. It was a year when our members definitely stepped up and served our Association by committing themselves to service and to our mission of Empowering Our Members.”

According to Richard D’Ascoli, CEO, PSAR, the entire San Diego-area real estate industry has lost a true leader.

“I can honestly say that the overarching theme in Robert’s life was his commitment to service,” said D’Ascoli. “He lived a life of continuous and unrelenting service. In the Navy, he served our country, he retired and served the disabled veteran community by promoting VA benefits to those in need,  Then, he began serving his real estate profession as president of our association. At the same time, he was serving the faith community at his church. His life will be remembered as an example of service. We will miss him greatly.”

During his 2019 term as PSAR President, there were many highlights. Here are a few:

• 190 training classes, 23 unique events and 600 marketing sessions
• Expanded membership by 10 percent
• Expanded services by opening a third PSAR Service Center in Clairemont Mesa, 4340 Genesee Ave., Suite 203, San Diego, called the Central San Diego Service Center
• Launched a new weekly property marketing pitch meeting, called “City Pitch,” held at 9 a.m., every Tuesday morning, at the PSAR Central San Diego Service Center
• Expanded access to more technology and listing data by joining the California Regional Multiple Listing Service
•Added Glide 2.0 and SavvyCard as new member benefits
• Awarded $13,500 to four local nonprofits, including South Bay Community Services, Unity 4 Orphans, Meals on Wheels and San Ysidro Health Center, as a result of fundraising at two PSAR events, including the PSAR 2019 Realtor Games, held in June, and the PSAR 2019 Zombie Run-Walk, held in October
• Published a new Local Area Disclosures (LAD) publication covering San Diego County in partnership with the North San Diego County Association of REALTORS® (NSDCAR), the new LAD contains disclosure information relating to properties in the San Diego region
• Recognized at the El Cajon City Council for a grant that created a website featuring resources and information to assist homeless people in the East County;
• Assisted the City of San Diego in writing  the “Companion Unit Handbook,” a  helpful 38-page guide to help homeowners better navigate the process of constructing on their property a companion unit, also known as granny flats or accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
• Provided input to the La Mesa City Council, City of Chula Vista and San Diego County Board of Supervisors about ADUs in support of property owners and as a way to address the region’s housing supply and affordability crisis
• Promoted the CRMLS/Mexico MLS data-share as a presenter at the AMPI (Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios) national convention (AMPI is Mexico’s counterpart to the National Association of REALTORS®)
•Solidified relationships with Baja Associations through meetings in Los Cabos and La Paz

Robert was especially proud of the recognition given for his efforts to help veterans with homeownership. In 2018, Robert was invited by Ernest J. Dronenburg, Jr., San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk, to serve as an advisor to the Assessor’s Office on providing property tax relief to disabled veterans.

Under Robert’s leadership, a number of homeownership initiatives were introduced that helped disabled military veterans achieve homeownership, stay in their homes and save money on their property taxes. As a result, the Assessor’s Office has assisted more than 10,000 local disabled veterans since 2018.   

Robert’s efforts to help veterans resulted in PSAR and the Assessor’s Office receiving a Golden Watchdog Award from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association. In addition, the California Board of Equalization (BOE), a state agency, also recognized Robert for his efforts to help veterans.

“Robert Calloway led a life of service,” said Dronenburg. “Starting in the Navy and ending as a super professional in the real estate industry serving as the 2019 President of the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors. He played an important role helping over 10,000 veterans in San Diego County as my advisor on tax breaks for disabled veterans. While he was recognized by the State of California for his leadership helping veterans and as the PSAR President, he will most be remembered as a joyful industry leader that made San Diego a better place to live.”  

Robert also enjoyed serving at Bayview Church in San Diego as a leader within the deacon ministry and a facilitator in Studies In Christian Living (SICL) Bible Study classes. According to Sherman Metcalf, Chairman of the Deacon Board at the church, Robert was an active member of Bayview for 14 years.

“Robert Calloway was a devoted Christian and servant of the Lord,” said Metcalf. “Within the first year of membership at Bayview, Robert joined the Hospitality Ministry and had continued to serve faithfully in this capacity until his passing. In December 2014, Robert was ordained as a Deacon at Bayview where he dedicated his life to supporting the Senior Pastor who ministers to the congregation and community. Robert spent much of his time serving the church elders as well as a fellow Deacon who fell to a life-changing disability. Robert was the type of person whose presence enhanced whichever ministry he was a part of. He will be sorely missed.”

Robert Daniel Calloway III was born on Dec. 12, 1965 in Atlanta, Georgia.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 19. “I enjoyed traveling and the Navy sounded appealing,” he said. “But, I never expected to travel that much.”

His Naval career included 13 deployments on six different ships. One of his most memorable experiences was watching his ship sink an abandoned Italian destroyer. “We towed his ship to an area near the international boundary with Libya,” recalled Calloway. “Our purpose was to show our military might to Muammar Gadaffi. It was very exciting to watch the ship blow up. Muammar stayed pretty quiet after that.”

Calloway served in the Navy for 26 years, from June 1985 to June 2011, retiring as a Senior Chief Navy Counselor. He worked in human resources and counseling in 20 of his 26 years.

Robert met President George W. Bush aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. It was on May 1, 2003, when the President declared “Mission Accomplished” regarding the end of major combat operations in Iraq in a nationally televised address.

“The President was very friendly and grateful and thanked us for our service,” said Robert. “He was interested in our opinion and was a good listener about what we had to share. It was impressive to watch him land on the flight deck co-piloting the jet.”

Robert started selling real estate in 2008, while still in the Navy. He joined PSAR at the start of his real estate career and was elected to the PSAR board of directors in 2014.

Prior to serving as PSAR president, Robert served as the founding president of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), San Diego chapter. The chapter was launched in July 2013 and he served as its president until October 2015. He also served for three years as VAREP’s Southern California State Director, overseeing the six chapters stretching from San Diego to Los Angeles. Headquartered in Corona, Calif., VAREP has more than 20,000 members nationwide, and more 60 chapters around the country, states its mission as to increase sustainable home ownership, financial-literacy education and economic opportunity for the active-duty and veteran communities.

“Robert was an earth angel,” said Andre Hobbs, a San Diego REALTOR®, close friend and VAREP member. Hobbs helped Robert establish the San Diego VAREP chapter in 2013. Today, Hobbs serves on the VAREP national board of directors as a member of the organization’s Affordable Housing Committee.

“What I mean by earth angel is someone who is born in human form and is beautiful and humble and shares with the world, generously and tirelessly, love, light and kindness of their hearts,” said Hobbs.

Robert is survived by a daughter Danielle Calloway of Cincinnati, Ohio, and two stepsons, Ernest Turner of Fife, Wash., Shalom Richards of Graham, Wash.

Robert also is survived by four sisters and a brother. The sisters include: Alicia Wimbish (Carl) of Ellenwood, Georgia; Valerie Seaborn (Kenneth) of Monroe, Georgia; Yolanda Williams (James) of Lithonia, Georgia; Darlene Williams (Boris) of Conyers, Georgia; brother Roderick Calloway (Carolyn) of Ellenwood, Georgia.
Robert was preceded in death by his father Robert D. Calloway Jr, mother Alicia “Yvonne” Calloway and a sister, Cheryl Williams.

Robert also is survived by seven grandchildren, as well as a longtime friend, Elizabeth Taylor of San Diego.

In one of his final written statements to PSAR members, Robert provided some positive encouragement during the coronavirus pandemic. Robert was one of several PSAR past presidents who was quoted in a PSAR blog post. Robert’s comment revealed his loving heart and concern for others. Here was Robert’s comment: “We will get through this tough time as we have done in the past. Continue to work with your past clients and update them on what’s happening in the real estate market. Also, please remain safe during the shelter in place, there is no amount of money that can replace you or a loved one.”

Due to the coronavirus restrictions, the Celebration of Life memorial service honoring Robert will be held at a later date. Once finalized, details will be shared with all PSAR members.  

For more photos of Robert and his PSAR Colleagues Click Here

PSAR is proud to announce the availability of a new video that is part of the #OurRealtor campaign. REALTORS® and associations are encouraged to share the 2:26 video with clients and post the video on their social media and websites. The video has not been branded.

Viewers can also watch the video here on YouTube, , and also on Facebook.  Anyone is also free to download a copy and share it so consumers can hear from others who have had great experiences working with their REALTOR®. PSAR will be releasing a new video each month to share. The videos will each be a testimonial from a client who understood the value of their REALTOR®.

At the recent PSAR Installation Dinner, PSAR 2020 President Robert Cromer stated that one of his goals for next year is to encourage more REALTORS® to highlight their experience, expertise and resources. “We need to make sure the general public understands what we bring to the table during one of the largest financial decisions of their life,” Cromer said.

“No one can replace the knowledge, skill set, local marketing, price familiarity, negotiating skill and relationship building of a local REALTOR®. We want everyone to share the #OurRealtor campaign and the new video. With PSAR you have a bright future and a place for belonging. We are stronger together!”
The video has been posted on the PSAR Facebook page. The Facebook posting includes these words: “An algorithm or computer system can’t replace the knowledge, marketing ability, price familiarity, negotiating skill and counsel of a local REALTOR®. It’s not about how much you might save, it is about what you will NET, and the security and knowledge REALTORS® bring to the transaction. #OurRealtor. #WeArePSAR.”

The video opens with a question “Can you trust an agent you’ve never met,” and ends with a door-knocking sound and the words “That’s Who We R.” The “That’s Who We R” initiative, launched earlier this year by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), turns into the classic “R” logo to help the public further distinguish its member REALTORS® from generic real estate agents.
The video from NAR features testimonials from real satisfied clients who received outstanding service from their REALTOR®.

The people in the video tell their story about the passion and dedication of their REALTOR®, plus they express their distrust over iBuying, a phenomenon referring to the buying and selling of real estate online without the assistance of an experienced REALTOR®. The video is a terrific tool for all REALTORS® and associations to use in demonstrating the benefits and value of using a REALTOR®.

The statements in the video include:

• “I think if I used a service like that, I would get a lot of emails, I would get a lot of requests for data. I would be asked to review a lot of things that I don’t have a lot of knowledge about. I look for professionals in the field who are experts, and we found it.”
• “Some of them may charge me less, but I don’t know how honest they are. I will just stick with my realtor. He’s honest. I believe in him.”
• “He really cared about us having a good experience. We valued his time and his expertise. But I could tell that he really valued our time as well.
• “He was a source of information.”
• “It’s not easy to go online and just look for someone who you just might be emailing or texting or just calling on the phone. It always very important to have someone that you can meet with, that you can talk to.
• “I believe that the real value that my realtor has is that she is looking out for me. She’s representing me. If I went on my own, I wouldn’t know what to do. I might sign something that I didn’t look at the fine print. So, she does that for me.
• “Our realtor bent over backwards, went above and gave us options. Where else would you get that?”
• “It’s well worth whatever money you’re paying to them because after explaining what we wanted and what our needs were, we weren’t taken to places that they wanted to sell. We were taken to places that we wanted to see. I think that’s really important. You can get that only with someone who knows you and takes the time to get to know you.

According to NAR, “That’s Who We R” reinforces the concept that partnering with a REALTOR® delivers the peace of mind that can only come from working with a real person who is committed to his or her clients’ futures and neighborhoods. It clearly seeks to highlight the value of REALTORS® in an age of technological disruption and companies that employ mobile applications, programs and teams of human experts to accomplish some of the traditional agent tasks.

NAR also said that the “That’s Who We R” campaign was designed not only to educate consumers about the benefits of working with a member of NAR but also to highlight all the ways REALTORS® go above and beyond to help and improve the lives of their clients, neighbors and communities. The campaign is designed to serve as a rallying cry for REALTORS® and inspire pride in the work they do every day to benefit their clients.

Update and Q&A with Department of Real Estate District Manager Veronica Kilpatrick

Plus

Risk Management recap from recent C.A.R. Meetings will cover new and recurring legal claims to be aware of and the hottest C.A.R. Legal Hotline questions.

This meeting is open to REALTOR BROKERS ONLY AND THEIR OFFICE MANAGERS

Date: Thursday, October 3, 2019

Time: 1 PM to 2:30 PM

Location:  4330 Genesee Ave, #203, San Diego, CA 92117. 

Access to the Clairemont Facility is on the 2nd Floor in the rear of the building. The best parking is also in the rear of the building. As you go up the stairs the office is on the right.

Open to all Realtor Brokers from any association. Working together to reduce liability is important to Brokers Across the County.  

Save the Dates for 2020 Broker Meetings on:

• Thursday, February 13th, 2020, 1 PM to 2:30 PM, El Cajon Office
• Thursday, May 28, 2020, 1 PM to 2:30 PM, Chula Vista Office
• Thursday, October 22, 2020, 1 PM to 2:30 PM, Clairemont Office

The following candidates were elected by 498 PSAR members who voted for the Board of Directors this past week.  They will serve as volunteer leaders and represent membership as part of the team that will set the policy  and the strategic direction for PSAR for the next two years. 

Ditas Yamane 2020 President-Elect

Sam Calvano 2020 Treasurer

Laurie MacDonald  2020 Director
Yvonne Cromer 2020 Director 
Peter Mendiola 2020 Director
Mike White 2020 Director
Jason Lopez 2020 Director

The President-Elect will automatically ascend to President in 2021.  The Treasurer serves for one year and each of the Directors have two year terms.

Thank you everyone who ran.  The candidate were all committed and involved members of the association.  The volunteer their time to the industry to improve it and to the community to build homeownership opportunities, defend private property rights and support those in need.  

PSAR is governed by volunteer officers and directors.  These individuals give selflessly to the industry to make it better for all of our members.  PSAR is a membership organization that exists to empower Realtors.  Please vote for leaders who will move PSAR in the right direction.

PSAR members received an email with a direct link to vote.  Find it in your email, or....

If you are a PSAR member and you know your user ID and Association password (not MLS password) you can vote by following this link and logging it.  If you do not know your ID and password, you can find it here.

Voting ends at 5PM on June 28th

Congratulations to PSAR. Your Association has been honored for its leadership role in a housing initiative that is continuing to assist disabled military veterans achieve the American dream of homeownership.

The San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA) Award, a watchdog organization that promotes accountable, cost-effective and efficient government, recently presented a Golden Watchdog Award jointly to PSAR, the San Diego chapter of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP) and the San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s Office.

The SDCTA award, called “Better Serving 100% Disabled Veterans,” recognized the efforts by PSAR officials to assist more than 8,000 local disabled veterans in 2018, an increase of 28 percent from the previous year. The award, top honors in the “Public-Private Partnership” category, was presented May 16 at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel. SDCTA’s 24th annual Golden Watchdog and Fleece Awards recognized the best and worst in local government spending, decision-making and efficiency in San Diego County.

PSAR 2019 President Robert Calloway played a key role in assisting Ernie Dronenburg, San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, on the program that is helping disabled military veterans achieve homeownership. Initiating the program was Jordan Marks, Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate with the Assessor’s Office. 

The SDCTA award said the Assessor’s Office partnered with representatives from the disabled veterans community and PSAR to educate the community about a little-used California property tax exemption for disabled veterans and their spouses. Under an initiative that promoted homeownership, housing affordability and property tax refunds, the County served more than 1,400 more disabled veterans than the previous year. As a result of the program, disabled veteran homeowners benefited from $1.9 million annually in annual property tax savings.

The little-known California property tax exemption, California Constitution and Revenue and Taxation Code Section 205.5, provides a property tax exemption on the home of some disabled veterans or an unmarried spouse of a deceased disabled veteran. The exemption is available to a disabled veteran who, because of an injury incurred in military service, is blind in both eyes, or has lost the use of two or more limbs, or is totally disabled as determined by the VA or by the military service from which the veteran was discharged.

The SDCTA entry for the Golden Watchdog award said: “To increase program participation, the Assessor’s Office partnered with Robert Calloway, a Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (DVET) recipient, and his two organizations, including PSAR and VAREP, to educate REALTORS®, veterans organizations and the community about this benefit for qualified disabled veterans and their spouses. This program, started in March 2018, was conducted without using any additional taxpayer dollars. This program leveraged private partnerships, speakers from the Assessor’s Office, media outreach, cross-county department education and resources from already budgeted campaigns.

SDCTA said through Calloway’s leadership and partnership with the Assessor’s Taxpayers’ Rights Office, a campaign demonstrating collaboration among the public and private sector and promoting the DVET exemption resulted in a savings for qualified veterans or spouses of up to $2,002 annually off their property taxes. This program helps veterans achieve homeownership, allows them to stay in their homes and, in some cases, receive refunds of close to $10,000 for property taxes.

Calloway, who serves as an advisor to the Assessor’s Office on disabled veterans issues, said, “This award from the Taxpayers Association is a great honor for PSAR, VAREP and the overall real estate community. We are ready to help local government officials anytime with advice and assistance that will help all homeowners, including disabled military veterans who have given so much and risked so much in service of the nation.”

“It was an honor and a pleasure working with Robert and PSAR,” said Dronenburg, who has served as County Assessor since 2010. “It was especially gratifying to help disabled veterans, these modern-day heroes who have selflessly shared so much and have sacrificed some of the best years of their lives, putting themselves in harm’s way to fight for liberty and keep everyone safe.”

As the County Assessor, Dronenburg oversees assessing the value of real estate and personal property, which in San Diego includes planes and boats. Every county resident who owns property or rents is affected by what happens at Dronenburg’s office. He oversees assessing the value of real estate and personal property, which in San Diego includes planes and boats. Property taxes constitute the largest share of revenue for the county. His work also involves registering business names and issuing marriage licenses, birth and death certificates. The office has a $71 million budget with 405 employees and five offices in San Diego County. Dronenburg was re-elected in June 2014, when he received 59 percent of the vote, and in June 2018, when he received 63 percent of the vote, resulting in no runoff elections either year. 

For the past 73 years, the SDCTA has been providing information to help educate the public and safe the region’s taxpayers millions. Public opinion polls consistently rate the SDCTA as the most “influential” and “trusted” public policy institution in San Diego.

Photo captions:

-- PSAR 2019 President Robert Calloway poses with Ernie Dronenburg, San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (wearing bow tie) and William Jimenez, Division Chief, County Assessor’s Office.

-- PSAR 2019 President Robert Calloway poses with San Diego County Assessor’s Office staff who worked with San Diego disabled military veterans on the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption.

Sign up, and be a part of PSAR’s Leadership by becoming an Officer or Director.

PSAR's Nominating Committee is seeking Nominees for:

• President-Elect
• Secretary/Treasurer
• Director (There are 5 Director positions available)
• Deadline for Submission:  April 30, 2019 (5 PM)

Are you interested in becoming a Director of the California Association of REALTORS® representing PSAR for 2020?

• Are you active in the Real Estate industry?
• Are you an agent, manager, or Broker/Owner.
• Are you active in residential resale, commercial or property management?
• Take this opportunity to share your knowledge and make a difference.
• Deadline for Submission: April 30, 2019 (5 PM)

By Sean Hillier

There are several reasons why I volunteer with PSAR, and why you should, too, since this year’s 2019 theme for PSAR is “Salute to Service.” First, you may have heard the phrase that goes something like this: “You’re the sum of the people you hang around with,” or “You become who you surround yourself with.” I really believe it’s true.

Other people’s thoughts and behaviors can certainly influence you. The people with whom you surround yourself can affect your bottom-line potential. We’re all affected by our environment, perhaps more than we think.

When we surround ourselves with strong, high-achievers who have good character, then we are more likely to become just like them. On the other hand, a bunch of low-achievers can have a negative influence. If your best friends have a poor outlook on life and are satisfied with sub-par performance, then there’s a good chance some of that negativity will rub off on you.

But, when you surround yourself with people who stand by high standards and strive to do better, then their motivation, dedication and energy are contagious and they will positively influence you. The people you spend time with will shape who you are. 

At PSAR, I have found a group of high-quality people who have outstanding leadership skills, bold expectations and high ethical and moral standards who strive for excellence. Their examples encourage me and motivate me. I want to be what they are.

Being around PSAR members helps me “up my game” and raises my skill level as a REALTOR® so that I’m inspired to achieve more than what I previously thought I could. You may have heard the cliché, “When you run alone, you run fast. But when you run together, you run far.”

We all need friends who will help us succeed. This is especially true in real estate. Real friends can bring out the best in each other. They will encourage and motivate each other to reach goals. Also, friends who will cheer you on to success are a critical part of staying healthy.

That’s what I find with my friends at PSAR. Even though we’re friendly competitors, PSAR members realize that we really need to be in this real estate sales business together and support each other. We all need to band together professionally. We’re better together.

We all can experience greater benefits when we work together with a sense of community. There’s always something new to learn, which makes our industry existing. Plus, a high level of membership involvement helps to make our Association even better.

That’s one of the main reasons why I serve on the PSAR board of directors. As a board member, I can have a role in going to bat for all of our members. Also, at the same time, serving on the board helps me grow professionally so I can become a better agent and better serve my clients.

I am proud to say that PSAR fights for its members. In real estate, we need our Association to be on our side. PSAR is definitely on the side of agents and affiliates. Also, PSAR is on our side with legislative advocacy in support of bills that will help us in our practice and in opposition of job-killing and economy-killing potential legislation that will hurt us. Many agents may not be aware of PSAR’s advocacy efforts, but these efforts are very important to the survival of our industry, which is always under constant attack.

Let me encourage you to become more involved and volunteer at PSAR so we can remain as one of the best Associations in the nation. Several years ago, I began with serving on a District Council. If you want your voice to be heard and want to contribute to PSAR’s decision-making process, then serve on a committee. Experience on committees is beneficial for those interested in seeking future leadership roles.

Remember, that when you volunteer to participate with PSAR, you are contributing to our real estate industry. You also will be building valuable contacts and adding skills for your business success. Plus, you’ll become better informed, better networked and better prepared to act on trends impacting our industry. So, help set the course of your Association and make the decision to share you time, talent and expertise as a volunteer. You’ll be glad you did.

*  *  *
Sean Hillier has worked in real estate since 2010 began serving on the PSAR board of directors in 2019. He has served as emcee of the East County “Rally & Ride” marketing session on Thursday mornings since January 2015.

By Robert Calloway
2019 PSAR President

I’m proud to report that legislative advocacy continues to be an important activity at PSAR. Advocacy plays a critical role in supporting property ownership throughout our communities. A powerful alliance can be formed with other REALTORS® and affiliates when we speak in solidarity with one voice and work together with elected officials to protect and promote homeownership and property investment.

The result can be public policies that uphold private property rights and build strong communities with a vibrant business environment and free enterprise system.

Indeed, whether or not your clients know it, or the average homeowner realizes it, government relations can influence the price of real estate and affect the state of the economy, level of interest rates and nature of demographics, along with a host of other variables that can ultimately determine a property’s value. 

Currently, a number of PSAR members are preparing to travel to Sacramento on May 1 for the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Legislative Day 2019. The event, the 47th annual, will include opportunities to meet and discuss real estate issues directly with state legislators and their staff members, as well as hear from California’s political leaders and the leadership of the state association.

As a follow-up to C.A.R.’s Legislative Day, several Association members also are planning to attend the upcoming National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2019 Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo, May 15 in Washington, D.C. NAR is widely considered one of the most effective advocacy organizations in the country.

I am very proud to say that the majority of attendees to Sacramento and the nation’s capital will be committed and dedicated members of PSAR’s Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC). The GAC focuses on all things governmental and how public policy can affect real estate issues. In it is role as an advisory committee to the PSAR board, the GAC provides a forum for political advocacy and policy discussion.

GAC members are diligent in keeping track of proposed city and county ordinances that could have a potential impact on the local real estate industry. Their savvy political advocacy efforts have prevented the passage of detrimental laws that could have hurt PSAR members’ business activities. GAC members communicate with their local government officials to help stop government agencies from finding ways to tax and regulate real estate transactions.

Statewide, it’s an incredibly busy year because our real estate industry has emerged as a major player in the current legislative agenda.

The California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) recently announced its recommendations for the 2019 legislative session, including bills that address California’s housing shortage through increasing supply and removing barriers to development. C.A.R. said it stands ready to work with Gov. Gavin Newsom, the Legislature and key stakeholders during the 2109 legislative session to advance innovative solutions to ensure all Californians can realize the American dream of homeownership.

“California is at a tipping point, and the housing crisis threatens to permanently impede the state’s economic growth,” said C.A.R. President Jared Martin. “It’s time for California’s leaders to take the necessary bold action and support legislative solutions to address the housing shortage and answer the governor’s call earlier this year to ‘build housing for all.’”

C.A.R. is proud to champion the following measures aimed at addressing the housing crisis:

-- SB 50 (Sen. Scott Wiener) Housing Development Around Transit: Boosts housing and apartment development in and around major transit hubs and employers, and provides developers with a “density bonus,” or authority to build additional units in exchange for building below-market units, and other incentives or concessions.

-- AB 1568 (Asm. Kevin McCarty) Housing Accountability: Holds local governments accountable by withholding gas tax revenue if counties do not meet home building benchmarks verified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

-- AB 1074 (Asm. Tyler Diep) Accessory Dwelling Units: Increases housing supply by selling bonds to provide loans to homeowners to construct accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

-- AB 1020 (Asm. Jacqui Irwin) State Housing Agency: Establishes a state Housing Agency with a cabinet-level Secretary of Housing to oversee all housing-related initiatives and activities throughout the State of California.

-- SB 509 (Sen. Anthony Portantino) Affordable Housing License Plate Program: Establishes a housing crisis awareness program through the issuance of aspecialty license plate by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The license plate would generate revenues for affordable housing programs throughout the state.

These measures, along with other bills that C.A.R. is supporting this year, are intended to increase housing construction as the solution to California’s housing shortage.

“We are encouraged by Gov. Newsom and the Legislature’s leadership to focus on solving the state’s housing deficit,” said Martin. “Californians deserve policies that make housing more available, affordable and accessible, and we believe that will be accomplished by these bills. To do anything less would put our state’s economic future in peril as more and more Californians are priced out of the housing market.”

You can be assured that PSAR remains committed to reaching out to elected officials, motivating and mobilizing the real estate community and keeping our members involved and informed about legislative issues in an effort to protect private property rights and homeownership.