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.

PSAR keeps growing and expanding. One shining example of PSAR’s ongoing expansion has been the success of the recently opened PSAR Central San Diego Service Center at 4340 Genesee Ave., Suite #203, San Diego.

If you haven’t yet visited PSAR’s newest Service Center in San Diego’s Clairemont Mesa community, then please feel free to drop by. You’ll be impressed.

The new, 1,500-square-foot PSAR Central San Diego Service Center, beautifully decorated in an ultra-modern, open workstation stylish motif, features a 65-seat educational classroom for training, plus resources for REALTORS®, including Sentrilock and Supra lock boxes, CRMLS and signage.

Many outstanding workshops and seminars have been held recently at the new Service Center, including classes on Homesnap Pro App training, InfoSparks Market Statistics training and Paragon.

Another upcoming class cover the topic, “Social Media Boot Camp for REALTORS®,” will be held at the new Service Center on Wednesday, March 20. Two sessions will be offered from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served and admission is free. Topics to be discussed will include understanding how social media works, how to generate leads from a website and how to attract more followers, as well as the benefits of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and blogging. For agents who want to become a Realtor, the training, friendly staff and access to the best tools in the industry make PSAR is a great place to start. 

In addition, every Tuesday morning starting at 9 a.m., PSAR’s “City Pitch” event is held for brokers and sales agents at the new Service Center. The marketing pitch session focuses on properties located within San Diego city limits, including the following zip codes: 92102, 92104, 92105, 92108, 92111, 92115, 92116, 92123, 92124 and 92120. 

All San Diego REALTORS® are invited to attend City Pitch to pitch their properties, network and put deals together. Agents have two minutes to promote their listing.  New agents and brokers are welcome to stop in.

Please bring 50 property flyers to be pitched and PSAR staff will insert the flyers into the Pitch Portfolio that each attendee will receive.

At the recent grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, more than 120 PSAR members, friends and guest people were there. Here is a video about the grand opening celebration: https://vimeo.com/315812958/6f7ed1844c.

Also attending the grand opening event were elected officials, community leaders and industry dignitaries. Among the attendees was Ernie Dronenburg, recently reelection as San Diego County assessor-recorder-clerk. 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, known for wearing bow ties, has worked closely with PSAR President Robert Calloway on a number of housing initiatives that have assisted military veterans with homeownership. Calloway serves as an advisor to the Assessor’s Office on issues dealing with disabled veterans. Last year, the Assessor’s Office assisted more than 8,000 local disabled veterans, which was a 30 percent increase from the previous year.

Other attendees at the grand opening event included: Jason Bercovitch, field representative with Congressman Scott Peters, 52nd District; Daniel Manley, Clairemont community representative, representing San Diego City Councilman Chris Cate, 6th District; Ryan Trabuco, Field Representative, representing Toni G. Atkins, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, 39th District; Michaela Valk, representing Todd Gloria, California Assembly, 78th District.

Manley announced that San Diego City Councilman Chris Cate had declared the day as “PSAR Day” in the city of San Diego. The City of San Diego proclamation said the following:

-- WHEREAS, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® (PSAR), founded in 1928, has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth and development of greater San Diego County;

-- WHEREAS, PSAR’s recent membership in a statewide real estate Multiple Listing Service has enhanced PSAR’s steady trajectory of growth since 2010;

-- WHEREAS, PSAR’s Mission to Empower REALTORS®  has enabled its members to remain steadfast in protecting private property rights and encouraging participation in the American Dream of home ownership, while adhering to the highest standards of integrity and Code of Ethics;

-- WHEREAS, PSAR, a 2,800-member real estate trade group for San Diego-area REALTORS®, offers educational training, advocacy and other services and resources to its REALTOR® and affiliate members;

-- WHEREAS, PSAR maintains a leadership role in the industry, empowering its members to flourish by leveraging our collective strength in service to homebuyers and sellers throughout the greater San Diego County community; 

-- WHEREAS, PSAR, with Service Centers in Chula Vista and El Cajon, is growing again with the opening a new Central Service Center at 4340 Genesee Ave., #203, in San Diego’s Clairemont Mesa community;

-- WHEREAS, the new PSAR Central Service Center will provide the local personal service experience and superior statewide CRMLS service that PSAR is known for, along with Sentrilock, Supra, retail store, MLS training and REALTOR® education, networking and much more;

-- NOW, THEREFORE, I, Chris Cate, San Diego City Council member representing the District 6, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, January 23, 2019, as PACIFIC SOUTHWEST ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® DAY throughout the City of San Diego.

 

I have never been the kind of person who likes to sit back and watch. Instead, I get involved. That’s why I have chosen to be involved in leadership at PSAR. And may I encourage you to also get involved.

Let me take this opportunity to share with you a few of the reasons why I’m involved at PSAR as president elect, and hopefully you will commit to join us since this year’s 2019 theme for PSAR is “Salute to Service.”

Being involved in PSAR means I am included in moving us forward as an organization and helping us make a positive impact on REALTORS® and homeowners. I don’t just hope that things will happen. To me, hope is just a passive way of not getting things done.

My decision to volunteer at PSAR was based on more than just making a living. Rather, we are here on earth to enrich the world and help enable people to live better lives, with a greater vision towards progress. I’ve seen that people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are usually the ones who do.

Also, I’m involved at PSAR because I can encourage and empower leadership. To me, leadership is an action, not a position. I strive to become the kind of leader with whom people want to march alongside. The greatest leaders are not necessarily the ones who have the answers but they’re the ones who get other people to join together to create positive impacts on the world we live in. There are many committees to join. Find something that appeals to you, where you can experience this synergy, and go for it.

Being involved in PSAR also means I get to help shape public policy. Wishful thinking is not sound policy. Instead, shaping policy means being part of the conversation that ultimately helps people share in the American dream.

I’m also involved at PSAR because there are many opportunities to give back to the community Alone, we can do so little; but together, we can do so much more. Supporting our community means we can bring people together to advocate and support each other. As human beings, we need a sense of belonging, which connects us to our community. Without a sense of caring there can be no sense of community. Achievement depends on a community of people working together.

Don't wait until everything is just right before getting involved with PSAR because it will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what? Get started now. Trust yourself, you know more than you think you do. Your life changes the moment you make a committed decision to get involved. Choices are the open doors to your destiny. Life is a matter of choices and every choice makes you.

At PSAR, we are moving forward as an organization. We empower our member. We are improving as an organization. So, join us and get involved. Everybody can do great things because anybody can serve. In a sense, volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You might vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in and Association of REALTORS® that you want to belong to.

As you may recall, this year’s 2019 theme for PSAR is “Salute to Service.” I can honestly say that service has been my life. For 26 years of my life, I spent serving in the U.S. Navy. After my military career, as part my service to my real estate clients, it was my commitment to service that led to me to serve as founding president in July 2013 of the San Diego chapter of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP). Now, I am privileged to serve as your 2019 PSAR President.

 I would like to encourage all of you to experience greater rewards and benefits of PSAR membership, as well as a sense of satisfaction, by participating and serving in and on a PSAR committee or event!!!

 However, here’s a personal, straight-from-the-shoulder admission: I have learned that nothing is more refreshing than to serve and giveback, also 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.

 I love the fact that so many of our PSAR members serve on a committee or at various PSAR events embody integrity and absolute honesty. Honesty has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it. No ulterior motives, no hidden meanings, an absence of hypocrisy and duplicity. I’ve seen their servant-hearted leadership. When real integrity characterizes our lives, then there is no need to manipulate others.

 So, let me encourage you to get involved by volunteering and serving on a PSAR committee. 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 PSAR. 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. However, all of us can extend the reach of PSAR by building relationships and spreading the word about the many benefits PSAR offers.

 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.

 So, join me in collaboration as we work together and commit ourselves to increase business and leadership opportunities and foster relationships for the future. Together, let’s send one very clear, strong, unmistakable message that we are here to build business networks and community, share resources and experiences, develop professionally through educational opportunities, contribute to economic development and leverage influence in the real estate industry’s future. Thanks for being a committed member to PSAR.

For more information about PSAR Committees, please see this list.  Feel free to respond here or email support@psar.org for more information. 

2019 Volunteer Opportunities at PSAR

As many of you know, since I’m a singer in a band, I’m a big fan of the Beatles. And, there’s a famous Beatles song called “Hello, Goodbye.” Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the song was recorded at the Abbey Road Studios in October 1967. The lyrics include the words: “You say goodbye, and I say hello, hello, hello.”

In a number of ways, “Hello, Goodbye” describes my sentiments after serving as your 2018 PSAR President. I’m saying “goodbye” after a fantastic year. It was a terrific experience serving as your President. I am so proud of several major accomplishments achieved during 2018.

In 2018, I believe we better united our two Districts, both East and South. Plus, soon to open will be a new central location service center. A Grand Opening Celebration will be held for the new PSAR Central Service Center at 10 a.m., this Wednesday, Jan. 23. I hope all of you can join us for networking, refreshments and a ribbon cutting ceremony photo opportunity at the new office located at the Liberty Park Plaza, 4340 Genesee Ave., Suite #203, San Diego, 92117. The new Service Center in the Clairemont Mesa area is located on the back side (the west side) of a two-story office building, above Gymboree. The first 100 REALTORS® in attendance receive free “Sold” rider courtesy of California Signs & Marketing.

Also in 2018, we made a bold move to bring our members the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS), which gave us access to a statewide MLS. CRMLS means PSAR subscribers have access to an industry-leading MLS platform where 143,000 agents share listing information with one another.

Also in 2018, we settled a lawsuit over the MLS with another Association. The settlement covering all outstanding litigation will be beneficial to all San Diego County REALTORS®.

I especially want to thank the entire PSAR board for being wise and bold this year in making all these changes. And, I’m doubly grateful to our members for supporting the PSAR board.

I was thinking the other day about the difference between mediocrity and excellence. Is it luck, skill or education? Is it hard work, midnight oil, elbow grease and initiative? I’m now at a place in life where I think the difference between mediocrity and excellence boils down to one primary factor: Execution.

Let me explain: Having a dream is great, but working on the dream is what matters. Seeing opportunities is helpful, but seizing them is what takes you to new levels. All too often, I will share with people about the importance of a strategy and a plan for growth and improvement. Unfortunately, the conversation often ends with something like, “Yeah, I really should do that...” And then, nothing, perhaps because of fear, skepticism or procrastination. So, my new prayer for 2019 is, “God, give me a bias toward action and to do what I know is right without delay or hesitation.”

I can’t recall exactly where I found this quote, but I have it on my board at the office and at home: “Success is doing what you don’t want to do, when you don’t want to do it, at the highest level.” Sometimes I find that when I don’t want to do something or go somewhere, after I make myself do it, then I realize that it was something that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss, or it turned out that a great connection was made. So, in 2019, I’m trying to change from “I don’t want to” into “I am going to.”

Just like the Beatles song says, in a manner of speaking, I’m saying “Goodbye” as PSAR President. However, on the other hand, I’m saying “Hello” to many new and exciting opportunities to serve our industry as a past Association president.

Truly, we work in a marvelous profession that is making such a positive difference in our society and culture. The extent of our selfless contributions to hundreds of thousands of families is incalculable. As REALTORS®, we work at a stressful and exhausting job that includes grueling experiences with inexperienced clients facing affordability and financing challenges and the largest purchase of their lives. Our long work hours can test our levels of patience, creativity and resiliency. But, after all the escrow papers are signed and the transaction is closed, we can realize a tremendous sense of “job-well-done” pride, plus reward and satisfaction because we made a dream come true for our client.

As we begin 2019, let me convey my personal wishes to you for a successful, prosperous and enjoyable year. Here are some wise words from T.D. Jakes: “Living in the rhythm of where you are and preparing for your next season does not necessarily mean keeping your winter coat handy just because it’s January. You must be adaptable and ready to seize an opportunity when it comes your way. You must know when to hibernate and stay away from last year’s spring fling and when to risk blazing your own trail along uncharted territory. You need to ask yourself if a particular harvest is worth investing so much of your energy to produce. You must pay attention to when you need rest and when it’s worthwhile to push yourself through the tired barrier in order to accomplish your goal.”

In 2019, may your hard work reap tremendous rewards as a result of excellent customer service throughout this coming year. May your circle of influence grow as you develop and nurture relationships with other agents resulting in business deals for all parties involved. May you take advantage of our Association’s excellent educational opportunities and resources because PSAR empowers its members to flourish. I hope your efforts provide you with a great earning potential, a path to financial freedom and the personal fulfillment of helping people with major life milestones involving their real estate needs. Have a great 2019!

Tom Money, a longtime PSAR member and past President (1984) passed away at his home in Bonita on Jan. 5, 2019, after a courageous fight with cancer. He was 75.

A year ago, he was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare bile duct cancer in the liver, according to his wife Sherry. “He got to live each day the best he could,” said Sherry. “He didn’t dwell on ‘Why me?’ He was very positive.”

Tom was considered a legendary figure at PSAR. He served as President when the Association was called the San Diego Bay Cities Board of REALTORS® (the Association’s name was changed to PSAR in 1993).

“He took great delight in hooking up first time buyers with a home,” said Sherry.

In addition to serving as President, Tom served on numerous PSAR committees as a member and chair, including the Government Affairs Committee. He also served as a California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Director. He was a recipient of the PSAR REALTOR® of the Year award.

In a 2015 interview with PSAR, Tom voiced his long-time support for the Association. “Over the many decades, the Association has never lost its focus, which is to serve its members and homeowners.”

“He was a good friend who helped me a great deal when I first got hired at PSAR,” said Rich D'Ascoli, CEO, PSAR. “Last summer, a big celebration of life event was held for him when he was still alive and many elected officials and dignitaries attended to honor him.”

The City of Chula Vista declared Aug, 8, 2018, as “Tom Money Day.” The celebration gathering drew the attendance of five mayors of Chula Vista to honor him.

In a recent edition of The Star-News newspaper, Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas said, “Tom Money was more than a successful businessman and realtor. He had a great sense of community pride and was someone who believed in giving back through volunteerism on a number of boards, commissions, and especially devoting his time and treasure through his leadership and service in our Chula Vista Kiwanis Club. He will be missed.”

Thomas George Money was born at San Diego’s Mercy Hospital on March 3, 1943.

He met Sherry Seagraves, in August of 1970, on a blind date, and they married three years later, Aug. 25, 1973 in Balboa Park.

Tom attended local elementary schools and graduated from Chula Vista High School (class of 1961). In high school, he was the photographer for the Spartan newspaper. He contributed a photo of President Dwight D. Eisenhower for the Senior Year Scroll.

Tom operated Money Realty at 355 Third Ave. in Chula Vista. His office in Downtown Chula Vista holds the longevity record in San Diego County for continuous location as a real estate sales office. The office was opened by his father Mark in 1944, when the company was called Mark H. Money & Associates. Previously, Mark had relocated the family from Wisconsin to work in San Diego as an aircraft mechanic.

In 1963, after his father’s passing, Tom, age 28 at the time, joined the family real estate business as a REALTOR® and maintained the same office address since then. Tom’s mother Jane served as broker for the real estate company.

In addition to his service to PSAR, Tom was active in the community as a volunteer with a number of service clubs, charities and community organizations. In the 1970s and 1980s, he served on the board of the Junior Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce. He later served on the boards of the Third Avenue Village Association (TAVA) and Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce. He also served as president of the Chula Vista Kiwanis Club. He also served on an advisory board for Scripps Health.

Tom’s passion was sailing. He served on a committee in 1976 to save the Star of India, and then later sailed on the world’s oldest active sailing ship as part of the crew. The Star of India, a full-rigged iron windjammer ship built in 1863, is moored along Harbor Drive in Downtown San Diego and operated by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Tom also was instrumental in having the America’s Cup trophy on display at Harbor Days, a summertime community event now known as Chula Vista HarborFest.

Tom experienced a number of sailing adventures during his life. As a young man, one of his adventures consisted of hitchhiking around the world on sailboats. He started a three-part, two-year journey around the globe in Hawaii. “I was 22 years old and working in Honolulu at odd jobs when I met a guy sailing to Tahiti in French Polynesia in the South Pacific who needed a crew member,” said Tom in a 2015 interview. “Then, in Tahiti I met a guy sailing to Africa who also needed a crew member. Then, in Africa, I met a guy sailing to Newport, Rhode Island. So, I call it a round-the-world trip on a sailboat as a hitchhiker.”

In 1969, Tom joined a gold mining company that was dredging the Bering Sea, between Alaska and Russia, looking for gold. According to Tom, “We were off the coast of Nome and a big storm came in and created huge chunks of ice. Our boat was crushed by the ice and we walked ashore on the ice about a quarter mile. The whole town turned out in the middle of the night with sleds to help us get our gear off the boat before it sank.”

In 1970, Tom was member of the crew who sailed a 100-foot-long, square-rigged, iron windjammer ship (similar to the Star of India) from Tahiti to Sydney, Australia, to commemorate Captain James Cook’s discovery of Australia in 1770.

In 1991, at age 48, Tom sailed across the Pacific Ocean, 2,250 miles in 12-and-a-half days, from San Diego to Honolulu, with himself and National City resident John Walton, a member of the Walton family who founded Wal-Mart (John was a son of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton). A race was being held to raise money for Mercy Hospital and John Walton was building a new style of trimaran sailboats that were lightweight and fast (a trimaran is a multi-hull sail boat that comprises a main hull and two smaller outrigger hulls, or floats, which are attached to the main hull with lateral beams).

According to Tom, “I went to John and asked him to sponsor me in this race. He kept asking me questions and then decided to go with me. We finished first by a day-and-a-half, but were declared to be in second place by 15 minutes because of our ship’s handicap. In some races, boats have handicaps just like golfers.” (John Walton passed away on June 27, 2005, in a private plane crash in Wyoming).

Tom is survived by his wife Sherry, two daughters, Courtney Money and Colleen Varnum and husband Matt, and two grandsons, Evan and Zach; sisters Susanna Money of San Diego and Roxanne Money Zunich and her husband John of Fresno. He was preceded in death by his parents Mark H. Money and Jane Milke Money.

Broker and longtime family friend Mayra Swanson recently took over the real estate business. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 24, at the San Diego Yacht Club 1011 Anchorage Lane, San Diego, 92106. To RSVP for the service, send an e-mail to Mayra at mayra@moneypropertyinc.com, or call her at 619-422-0177. His ashes will be scattered off the coast of Pt. Loma, the family said.

By Jan Farley, 2018 PSAR President

During this holiday time of year, I would like to take a moment to share with you some reflections about the importance of our Association and our real estate profession, as well as your role as a REALTOR® or affiliate member assisting people with their housing needs.

I am so proud to be part of an industry that is making such a difference in the lives of people. Our jobs in real estate play a vital part in improving our culture and society. Our efforts are commendable for a variety of reasons.

The importance of a home can never be underestimated. It’s the place where you hang your hat, is a link to the past and through its doors one walks into the future. Home is where the heart is, but it goes much deeper than that. No matter what place you call home, the very word strikes a chord deep inside each of us.

A home can be a gathering place, shelter and sanctuary, providing escape from the busyness and intrusiveness of the world. A comfortable home can be a tremendous source of strength and reassurance. A healthy home is a vital ingredient in the pursuit of a meaningful life. In seasons of war or peace, poverty or plenty, even social, geopolitical and economic upheaval, our homes remain central to the ties of family and community. Our homes are primary when we reflect on the past and create future memories that will last a lifetime. A home can mean sanctuary, a place where we can rest, relax, enjoy time with friends, learn, grown and just be. Our homes can say a lot about who we are and what we think is important in life. As we define home, we also define ourselves in relation to it.

Let me remind you that the real estate industry is closely tied to the civil and religious liberty our nation offers to all. Like the cornucopia on a kitchen table, the diversity seen in our homes and lifestyles are reflective of previous generations who came from many countries, cultures and creeds. Whenever our ancestors joined in fellowship in a celebration of expectation, it foreshadowed the dreams that we still share today of living together in our own homes in peace with respect and love for our neighbors and communities, and with heartfelt gratitude for the blessings of life. Humans have clearly evolved to be homebuilders, homemakers and home-nesters. Our homes are at the tip of the countless blessings we all enjoy in this great land.

Each of us, starting at our front porch, can be an instrument of goodwill to those we touch as we clasp the hand of friendship with our brothers and sisters in the larger family of humankind. This is why REALTORS® participating in the American dream of homeownership is so important to our nation. Home ownership is as vital as the guiding light of freedom.

Granted, the transaction process, with affordability and financing challenges, can be one of the most grueling experiences for ourselves and our clients. Struggles in life certainly shape us, building character. And, I admire every one of our PSAR members who work long hours, facing stress, exhaustion and strained relations on behalf of their clients. I admire your creativity, intuitive guidance, imagination, inspiration and perspiration.

But, after all the papers are signed and the escrow closes, when another happy family is handed the front-door keys, there’s an exhilarating rush of satisfaction and a “job-well-done” that we feel inside. There’s nothing quite like helping a family with their real estate transaction. They may see their home as their place to feel safe and invest their hopes, dreams and wishes as a foundation for their future. So, as we close out one year and begin a New Year, thanks for your support to PSAR and for your efforts in our industry. The past is a resource, but the future is where hope lives. Happy Holidays!

This article is the latest in a series highlighting former PSAR presidents.

It was 1973. As a teenager growing up in Chula Vista, Wayne Ansley had long hair, a ponytail and played guitar and keyboard in a rock band. But, then, he realized he had to get a real job. His father Bill, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, was a real estate broker at the time and encouraged his son to get his real estate sales license.

“After I graduated from Anthony’s Real Estate School and received my sales license, my dad gave me $500 to go buy some business suits,” said Wayne. “Then, I joined what was then called the South San Diego Bay Cities Association of Realtors, which later became PSAR (in 1992). I was 19 years old, and I think I was the youngest member ever to have joined the Association, until someone who was 18 years old joined later.

“My first real estate deal in 1973 was selling a home on Agua Tibia Street in Chula Vista for $22,000. The sellers, an elderly couple, the Papes, took pity on me and trusted a young, new agent. On those days, the sales contract was a one-page, legal-size form and copies were made with carbon paper. Cell phones weren’t invented yet. If you had a pager, you were a hot-shot like a doctor.”

After his father Bill passed away at age 61 in 1983, and Wayne got his broker’s license and took over the family business. In 1991, he joined the PSAR board of directors. He also became a California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Director in 1992, and attended many C.A.R. state conventions on behalf of PSAR. In the 1990s, Wayne served on many PSAR committees, including Community Relations, Grievance, Professional Standards, Government and Political Affairs and Building Operations. For two years, in 1994 and 1995, Wayne served as board VP. In 1996, he was elected as president-elect. In 1997, he served as president of PSAR.

As a member of the PSAR Building Committee in 1992, Wayne played a role in the relocation of the PSAR offices in Chula Vista from “L” Street to PSAR’s current headquarters, a 16,467-square-foot building at 880 Canarios Court.

Wayne estimates he has sold more than $100 million of property over his 45-year career. He remains today an active full-time broker. His diversified background in real estate has included residential sales, investment properties (including commercial, apartment and industrial sales and leasing), foreclosure short sales and full-service property management. He also has developed and built several apartment buildings, houses and a condo project.

“While previewing or showing properties, I have set-off alarms, broken keys in locksets, accidentally let out dogs and cats and, one time, walked into a master bedroom where a naked lady was in the shower. She screamed at the top of her lungs,” said Wayne.

“As a young agent, I had a string of bad luck with several unreliable cars. I had a Mercury Capri sports car with a broken passenger seat that was propped up with a piece of wood. I picked up a buyer from Japan who had a camera hung around his neck. I hit a bump in the road and the piece of wood came loose and the buyer went flat on his back and got hit in the head by his camera.

“Then, I bought a Ford Pinto for $300. I was showing property to a Naval officer wearing his dress whites uniform. On the freeway, the front end started shaking at 40 miles per hour and then rusty water from the heater leaked on his white pants. He actually bought the house I showed him and later he told me, `Wayne, the first thing I want you to do with your commission check is to go buy a new car.’”

Over the years, Wayne said his other cars have included an Oldsmobile Delta 88 and a Cadillac Sedan Deville. He then purchased his dream car, a BMW 740 I-L.

Wayne is especially proud of his contributions as a member of the Pilgrim Lutheran Church. As a volunteer, he donated more than 3,000 hours over the past year-and-a-half and helped the church sell its previous three-acre property at 497 “E” St. for $5.5 million (escrow closed in August). The church has since merged with their sister church located on a larger 8.5-acre site at 810 Buena Vista Way to become the Victory Lutheran Church and Christian Academy. “It was the most difficult transaction I ever had, but also the most gratifying because I was able to give back to the Lord in gratitude of 45 years of success,” he said. Construction recently began on their new church project.

It was an inspirational, wonderful and unforgettable evening. More than 255 people gathered at the Admiral Kidd Conference Center on Harbor Island for PSAR’s 2019 Officers and Directors Installation Dinner. Held Friday, Nov. 9, this year’s installation event was at an exclusive venue, the Admiral Kidd Conference Center located on military property on Naval Base Point Loma. The views of the San Diego Bay and downtown skyline were stunning.

The installation celebrated success in the PSAR REALTOR® community with REALTORS committed to serving in the industry. The program featured the swearing in of the 2019 PSAR board of directors, including Robert Calloway as 2019 PSAR president.

In his message to the members, Calloway stated the following:

“The 2019 theme for PSAR is Salute to Service. On Jan. 20, 1961, it was a cold day in Washington, D.C. for President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. There, Mr. Kennedy spoke his famous words: `And so, my fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’ He then continued by addressing his international audience: `My fellow citizens of the world: Ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.’ It was a call to action for the public to do what is right for the greater good. President Kennedy called on all Americans to commit themselves to service and sacrifice.

“Today, I am calling on all PSAR members to do the same. Let me encourage you to get involved by volunteering and serving on a PSAR committee or on the board of directors. 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 PSAR. 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. However, all of us can extend the reach of PSAR by building relationships and spreading the word about the many benefits PSAR offers.”

Joining Robert on the PSAR board of directors during the 2019 calendar year beginning Jan 1, 2019, will be: Robert Cromer as president-elect, Sam Calvano as secretary-treasurer and Jan Farley as immediate past president. Other REALTOR® members also serving on the 2019 board will include: Mike Anderson, Yvonne Cromer, Carey Guthrie, Shonee Henry, Sean Hillier, Robert Kilbourne, Jason Lopez, Dennis Ryan, Norma Scantlin and Ditas Yamane. Also serving on the board will be Tony Santiago as an affiliate director.

Also announced at the installation were recipients of special awards, including:

• Laurie MacDonald, East County Realtor of the Year;
• Sarah Heck, South County Realtor of the Year;
• Robert Hillard, East County Affiliate of the Year;
• Juanita Adame, South County Affiliate of the Year;
• Nikki Coppa, East County Broker-Office Manager of the Year;
• Max Zaker, South County Broker-Office Manager of the Year.

Jan Farley presented four Presidential Awards of Appreciation. Recipients included: Shun Wakita and Aaron Kerper for their services as a Sandicor Director; Anthony Andaya and Sarah Heck for their service on the PSAR Legal Taskforce.

Special guest speaker Sammy Lee Davis drew several standing ovations at the installation. Davis served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded the nation’s highest military medal for valor, the Medal of Honor. As Private First Class Davis, he told an emotional first-person story of a nightlong mortar firefight at Cai Lay in Vietnam as experienced by his Battery C group. His entertaining performance of “Oh Shenandoah” on his harmonica was breathtaking. Mr. Davis certainly made this year’s Veterans Day Weekend very memorable.

In his message to the member, PSAR CEO Rich D’Ascoli stated: “While many question the viability of REALTOR® associations, PSAR is continuing to get stronger. We remain committed to our collaborative relationships with other local associations, such as NSDCAR, C.A.R., NAR, as well as, most recently, as a member of the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS.) Together, REALTORS® are thriving because our associations are the glue that both holds the industry together and the fuel which powers our members for success.

“While REALTORS® may operate in an extremely competitive business arena, we come together through our associations and the MLS to create a marketplace that directly benefits consumers. As an industry, we don’t give ourselves enough credit. Because of REALTORS®, the MLS creates a transparent marketplace that provides consumers with choices and information which helps them to make sound financial decisions. Residential buyers and sellers are making the largest investment decisions of their lifetime. Without REALTORS®, we wouldn’t have the MLS marketplace or the market transparency that exists today.”

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