The Issue

Homeowners' insurance costs in California are climbing. In San Diego, many buyers are seeing double-digit renewal increases. For first-time buyers, these added costs can derail closings or, at a minimum, strain budgets. The impact is particularly acute for local education employees, whose salaries often lag the region’s cost of living.

FAQ at the bottom of this page.

The Solution

The Education Employee Insurance Grant provides up to $2,500 per eligible first-time homebuyer employed as an education employee in San Diego County. Funds offset homeowners' insurance during the first two years of ownership, reducing a key barrier to closing and early retention.

Why This Matters to REALTORS®

• A reason to initiate new conversations within the education community
• Addresses a real affordability hurdle that stalls transactions
• Highlights the insurance crisis in California
• An opportunity to build long-term loyalty by supporting clients beyond closing
• Demonstrates REALTOR® leadership in mitigating a pain point for local homebuyers
  
  

How REALTORS® and Education Employees Participate

• Who applies: California REALTOR® submits on the buyer’s behalf.  Only transactions with a California REALTOR® are eligible. 
• Who Benefits: Education Employees include K–12 public school teachers, school administrators, classified employees, and staff of public charter, district, or county schools. 
• When: Applications accepted for homes that closed on or after November 1st on November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2026, or until funds are fully dispersed
• What’s needed: Closing statement, proof of education-employee employment, insurance declarations, and a first-time homebuyer affidavit.
• Process: Submit the complete package to grants@psar.org. PSAR reviews within 10 business days and notifies the REALTOR® & Buyer of the decision. Checks will be mailed to the buyer's address as listed on the application.
• REALTORS® are limited to two approved grants.

Helping education employees into homeownership strengthens ties with schools, families, and neighborhoods. This grant gives REALTORS® a clear, service-driven way to remove a rising cost barrier and deepen community connections.
                      

Reel to market to clients	Reel to market to REALTORS

 

A portion of this program is funded by the C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund.  To learn more about this fund,   or to donate, follow this link.  100% of your donation goes directly into solving the housing crisis in California. REALTORS are also encouraged to contribute during dues billing.

More Information

REALTORS® For questions, visit www.psar.org/grants or email grants@psar.org.
Media inquiries: ceo@psar.org (copy support@psar.org)

Buyers, please ask your REALTOR®

 

The Homesnap app, which is a listing search product for both listing and buyer agents, will be changed to the Homes Pro app, a LISTING-Agent search and advertising platform. While Homesnap is still currently available, the Homesnap app will fully become the Homes Pro app on October 23.   

This update comes from Homesnap: Most elements of Homesnap will forward to the Homes Pro app or redirect to Homes.com, regardless of whether or not you're a CRMLS user. In fact, many MLSs that had relied upon Homesnap have already made the transition to Homes Pro, so we're hoping for an easy change to the different platforms. 

When opening the Homesnap app or accessing the website, you'll see this splash screen informing you of the switch taking place on 10/23.

CoStar's business model is to steer all leads to the listing broker or agent and not to the buyer's agent working with a client. The business plan is to see advertising to the listing agents. 

Finding a suitable replacement for a familiar tool can be a daunting task, and the process of replacing it is no easy feat. However, below is a comprehensive list of comparable product solutions tailored to your particular MLS system. Carefully review each offer and determine whether the Homes Pro app or another CRMLS core product is a better fit for you.  Advantages of these tools include the client portal, the ability to Add/Edit, 

Paragon App Comparison
Matrix App Comparison

Learn more about the Paragon Connect Moblie Web Site

• How to Access Paragon Connect
• Learn more about Paragon Connect Video Library
• Latest Paragon Connect updates

Learn more about MLS Touch
Learn more about the CRMLS App

CoStar's move to discontinue Homesnap came nearly three years after CoStar acquired Homesnap for $250 million in 2020, initially intending to enter the residential real estate market. In 2021, CoStar acquired Homes.com for $156 million and decided to make it their primary consumer brand. 

By the end of the year, Homesnap's website will redirect home searchers to Homes.com, and eventually, Homesnap will be completely phased out.

For now, Homes Pro will remain free for agents and multiple listing services (MLSs).

 

PSAR is proud to announce the signing of a bi-national memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement with La Asociación Panameña de Corredores y Promotores de Bíenes Raices (ACOBIR, translated: Panamanian Association of Real Estate Brokers and Developers).

ACOBIR, with about 500 members, is the Republic of Panama’s nationwide real estate trade association. It was founded in 1973. ACOBIR’s multiple listing service currently serves roughly 400 brokers affiliated with more than 200 real estate agencies in the transcontinental country that connects Central America and South America.

The MOU calls for a cooperative alliance between PSAR and ACOBIR to include business collaboration and facilitation for the benefit of each association’s members, as well as sharing information about properties, referrals about investment opportunities, and insights into local practices and laws.

In addition, the MOU calls for scheduling trade missions and joint representation at professional events and conferences, including the Expo Immobiliaria ACOBIR and National Association of REALTORS® meetings.

Also, the MOU calls for further promotion of professional designations available through NAR, including the International Realtor Member (IRM) and the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Institute designations.

Both the IRM and CIPS professional designations recognize its designees as expert resources in the international real estate market with information, research, network, and tools to globalize their real estate practices and an understanding of financial, legal, and cultural differences for real estate transactions in various countries.

The MOU between PSAR and ACOBIR was signed by Fransisco Cheng, ACOBIR president, and Ditas Yamane, 2021 PSAR president.

“We are excited to establish a mutually beneficial relationship for the members of both associations,” said Yamane.

“We affirm the value of international collaboration,” said Cheng, “and we look forward to working collaboratively to generate more transnational business opportunities for our members.”

ACOBIR currently has several existing affiliations with societies and councils in the Republic of Panama, including the U.S. Business Council in Panama, Panamanian Chamber of Tourism and Construction Industry Integremial Alliance. ACOBIR’s international affiliations include the International Federation of Realtors and Central American Federation of Panama and the Caribbean of Chambers and Real Estate Brokers, as well as NAR.

PSAR also has previous existing MOUs with other international entities. In 2014, PSAR signed an MOU with Mexico’s national real estate association, the Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales Immobiliarios (AMPI, translated: Mexican Association of Realtors). In 2018, PSAR signed a cross-border MOU with CEPIBC, the Consejo Estatal de Profesionales Inmobiliarios de Baja California, (CEPIBC), a statewide real estate trade group in the Mexican state of Baja California.

The MOU between PSAR and Panama was initiated and facilitated by PSAR members who are actively involved with the association’s Global Real Estate Council (GREC). The GREC serves PSAR members who are interested in cross-border opportunities and who want to network with other international real estate practitioners. Founded in 2013, GREC provides PSAR members with a platform to connect with individuals internationally and the opportunity to learn and expand their niche market in real estate internationally.

 PSAR’s GREC is dedicated to assisting the needs of PSAR members who desire to expand their international outreach and help international capital investment clients make informed transactions with effective counsel across multiple jurisdictions. The vision of the Council is to provide and facilitate educational opportunities to enable PSAR members to expand their practice and organize global-themed events.

In recent years, GREC has hosted several educational events designed to assist PSAR members in helping international capital investment clients to make informed transactions with effective counsel across multiple jurisdictions. The training sessions have focused on cultural customs and diversity, as well as panel discussions and forums with international partners.

Check out the links, video and details below for the facts about the CRMLS Paragon upgrade. 

• CRMLS subscriber's contacts and  saved searches will migrate over to the upgraded version of Paragon. 
• Since the national data standard is different, some searches may need to be edited. 
• CRMLS subscribers see the listing information from the 145,000 agents who share listings right through CRMLS. 
• This upgrade provides agents with service from the biggest and most advanced MLS in the Country.

 

CRMLS is launching a major upgrade to the Paragon system on September 21st. You will get more photos, more listing distribution control, and more input on how your version of Paragon works.

• NO LISTING INPUT or Add/edit Sept 17th until 8 am on Sept 21
• Rules changes
• Better, faster, more features

To help prepare you for the upgrade, CRMLS launched a Paragon Upgrade Resources page full of valuable information on the differences between the old and new systems.

Check out the San Diego Paragon Resources Center here.

While it already contains FAQs and a guide to critical rules differences between systems, it will be expanded to contain even more critical information and action items in the coming weeks.

Pro Tips: 

Other AOR's listing in San Diego: Agents around the state who use CRMLS Matrix will still be listing in San Diego during the upgrade.  Agents who list through CRMLS data-share partners will still be listing in San Diego. 

Absolutely Need to List?: PSAR also is a provider of Matrix for $6.50/month as a second MLS.  Matrix will be still active while the MLS is inactive.  This might be a good time to try it out.

See New Listings: While Paragon is being updated, tools like Homesnap-Pro will continue to be updated and searchable. Agents can see confidential remarks and search new listings from agents listing using systems other than Paragon. 

 

Important Training

Pre-recorded Video, watch or listen here on YouTube.

Live Webinars were hosted on the these days days.

Tuesday 9/8	Tuesday 9/15
9am-10am (Register Here) 1pm-2pm (Register Here)	10am-11am (Register Here 2pm-3pm (Register Here)

Monday 9/14
Broker, Office-Manager, IT & Broker Support Staff Discussion
3pm-4pm (Register Here)

 

Important Dates:

Thursday, September 17 at 12:00pm until Monday, September 21, 8:00 am The CRMLS system Goes into Read Only Mode.  All input locked out, contacts, saved searches available, changes made at this time will not transfer. 

_________________________________________

When the system Goes Live on 9/21, CRMLS will have Live Support via Zoom
CRMLS staff will be live and available to answer your questions in real time.
Please have your name, email and username ready so we can assist you with your questions.
These will be live forums to help you with any issues you may be having, not a presentation.
You can join anytime and leave at your leisure.

Monday, September 21st, 8:30am - 5:00pm (Join Here)

Tuesday, September 22nd, 8:30am - 5:00pm (Join Here)

Wednesday, September 23rd, 8:30am - 5:00pm (Join Here)

Friday, September 25th, 8:30am - 5:00pm (Join Here)

Monday Sep. 28th - Friday Oct. 2nd @ 12:00pm  (Register Here)

Thursday, October 15th, 12:00pm (Join Here)

Monday, October 19th, 2:00pm (Join Here)

Wednesday, October 28th, 2:00pm (Join Here)
________________

Can't make it to the live training? Here is the Recorded Training.

Also two classes on the Upgraded Paragon Enhancements

Thursday, September 24th, 10:00am - 11:00am (Join Here)

Thursday, September 24th, 2:00pm - 3:00pm (Join Here)

We are upgrading this system to get a faster, more modern MLS engine for your business.  CRMLS and PSAR continue to grow listing inventory, and technology to empower Realtors by providing more tools, more data, wider coverage while protecting Realtor data.  This upgrade furthers PSAR’s mission to empower you. This is one of the reasons that PSAR is the fastest growing Realtor Association in San Diego County.

FAQ will be updated continuously: California Regional Multiple Listing Service

What will and will not carry over: California Regional Multiple Listing Service

Paragon Differences: https://go.crmls.org/paragon-key-differences/

Rules Differences: https://go.crmls.org/san-diego-paragon-vs-crmls-paragon/

_______________________________________________

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

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth and development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County. Workshops are open to all REALTORS® and Affiliated Members. This class is free of charge.

 

Make a Great First Impression with your CMA

First impressions are everything. When your prospective clients give you the opportunity to wow them with how hard you will work to sell their home – don’t let the opportunity pass you by! It’s your chance to make it happen and win the listing. Having the very best in real estate comparative market analysis (CMA) software will ensure that you have everything your client needs all in one simple, effective, and beautiful presentation.

How Can You Make a Good Impression with a Cloud CMA Presentation?

Cloud CMA presentations make it easy for you to look awesome. In just minutes, you can have a client-ready report in hand and win that listing on the spot! So, how can you expect to impress your clients with a Cloud CMA presentation?

One of the first questions your client may have is, “What is a CMA?” followed by questions pertaining to the data and what it’s supposed to convey. Each CMA created with our software begins with an explanation of the contents and the purpose of the information. This will help solidify your position as an authority on local real estate trends and prices, as well as build a trusted and secure relationship with the client.

In addition to this valuable introduction, you will be able to provide your clients with report pages covering the following information:

• Your photo and contact information will be displayed so each client knows that you are the real estate professional who has provided them with the very best information.
• QR code allows clients to download the entire PDF report on their smartphone or tablet.
• Explanation of short sales and foreclosures and how they affect sale prices in your client’s neighborhood.
• Information on what goes into calculating the value of a home.
• Map of the comparable listings in the client’s area.
• List of comparable properties in the client’s area with listing status and price.
• Listing information and photos for all properties in the report used for comparison.
• Property analysis for active, expired, canceled and sold listings.
• The suggested listing price for the client’s listing.
• Commission breakdown.
• Additional information on why your client needs a real estate agent, strategic pricing and timing, and why first impressions with their property are important.

 

Customization and Mobile Access

You can customize your report in any way you like to communicate this information to your prospective clients. Choose your colors, fonts, page layout, and even create your own custom pages.

You can also create and send reports instantly. Just send an email from your computer, tablet, or smartphone and let us do the work!

Presentations can be shared via email, Twitter or Facebook, and work on all popular mobile devices, including the iPad®.

MLS Connection

Above all, Cloud CMA makes it easy to generate beautiful client reports by connecting directly with Paragon or Matrix. Cloud CMA pulls data directly from your MLS as well as top websites to create a winning real estate CMA with current listing information. Cloud CMA eliminates the guesswork for you, saves you time, and makes you look awesome.

 

PSAR Members access Cloud CMA along with many other tools from the login screen in Paragon or Matrix. 

Don't belong wot PSAR or CRMLS?  CloudCMA is available for $45/month.

 

Looking for ways to make your client feel safer throughout the buy/sell process?  By this time, most everyone is familiar with virtual meeting applications such as Zoom, Google Meet, Webex and the like.   But they require downloading their software utilities and managing accounts on their systems.

There is an alternative tool with which you may not be aware—zipConsult^®, available within zipForm Plus^®. With zipConsult^®, you can conduct online meetings with your clients to review contracts, conduct virtual tours, go over required paperwork prior to sending documents for signatures, or simply to stay connected.  And the best feature - it’s already in your technology toolbox if you are a San Diego county realtor and a PSAR member!

The great thing about this program is that it resides inside Zipforms Plus^®, so working with documents is easier. And you can host conference calls and meetings with multiple clients in multiple locations at the same time. 

Here are some of the feature/functions of zipConsult:

• Share your screen with clients online and review zipForm transactions: Once the meeting begins simply start screen sharing and display the document you’d like to share – it’s that easy. For further privacy, the screen sharing feature allows you to share only a specific application (program). The rest of your desktop will be hidden from the attendees’ view.

• Meet faster-- invite attendees utilizing saved contacts in your zipForm address book: zipConsult is integrated directly with zipForm Plus, so starting a meeting online is simple and quick. Select clients from the address book with no typing then connect, communicate and review faster than ever.
  
  
• Plan meetings and schedule them in advance: Within the advanced options the Schedule a Meeting option allows you to setup the date, time, and attendees in advanced. Also included in this interface is an email message editor to craft the personal invite that your attendees will receive.
  
  
• Video conferencing allows face to face client meetings online: Add a personal touch to meetings with a webcam. When you share your webcam feed it’s like being there in person. Up to six people can video conference at once
  
  
• Conference calling and text chat keep participants engaged: Your zipConsult account includes a conference call number with PIN codes, so participants can join by phone or computer mic and speakers. Encourage engagement with easy communication via easy conference calling and text chat.
  
  
• Meeting Notes: Keep detailed notes during the meeting for later review or reference. Notes can be kept private or public. Upon the conclusion of the meeting all notes can be emailed to attendees to share the results of the meeting or assigning follow up tasks.
  
  
• Create unlimited online meetings: Feel free to explore the value of meeting with clients online. Review zipForm transactions, review property disclosures, or discuss aspects of the transaction process.

So enhance your clients’ sense of well-being while at the same making your own virtual activities more efficient cost-free!  Just contact CAR to find out how to get started with zipConsult.

Don't want to watch the video?  Check out the slide deck here.

Not sure how  to use this?  Check how Realtor Wes Young used zipConsult on a transaction.

 

I wanted to inform everyone that since the Sheriff Deputies are not letting members of the public into the building without an escort by an employee, the Clerk of the Board, has had to change the Map Recording Process that was previously set in place. In order to ensure we have staff available and can escort customers from the building entrance,  we will now be providing map services by appointments only. If a customer’s map requires approval/signature of the Clerk of the Board (COB), the customer can call us at (619) 531-5600 or email us at cobmaps@sdcounty.ca.gov to schedule an appointment. Our website has been updated to reflect this information & I will also be posting signs at the entrances of the CAC.

Best Regards,

Samantha Lanham

Board Assistant
County of San Diego - Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
1600 Pacific Highway, Rm. 402, San Diego, CA 92101

---

Recorder’s Office
When a customer has a map to be recorded, they may call the supervisor line at (619) 531-5007, or email  Vanessa.ross@sdcounty.ca.gov, Carlos.argandona@sdcounty.ca.gov  and  DeAnna.Hernandez@sdcounty.ca.gov to arrange a time to do so. A supervisor or the map staff will go out of the office to get the map and payment from the customer. If it meets all requirements and is recorded, the map staff will take the receipt for payment back out to the customer. If rejected, the map will be taken back to the customer for correction.

Please note: the above process will apply while the office remains closed to the public. Once the office re-opens, map recording will once again be processed on a walk-in basis.

 

Clerk of the Board
If the map first requires approval/signature of the Clerk of the Board (COB), the customer must first call the Clerk of the Board at (619) 531-5600 or email them at cobmaps@sdcounty.ca.gov for an appointment. They are only available Monday-Friday between 8-4 for map transactions. Once they have an appointment, they should then contact us at the above information to let us know their appointment time with the COB. Once done with the COB, the clerk or customer will call the Recorder’s Office, then they will walk the map down to the hall outside our office doors, where the supervisor or map staff will retrieve the map and fees for recording. Staff will return the receipt after transaction is completed.

 

Treasurer Tax Collector
If a Map Tax Clearance Certificate is required from the Treasurer-Tax Collector (TTC), the customer may request it by mail. They need to include the Map Tax Clearance Questionnaire, a 26” x 18” copy of the map and the $108.00 fee, mailed to: San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector, 1600 Pacific Hwy, Rm 162, San Diego CA 92101. The TTC will mail the original clearance back to the customer. If an immediate drop off or pick up is needed, contact the TTC staff at (619) 685-2622 or email Zina.poles@sdcounty.ca.gov (she is out of the office on Thursdays).

The Map Tax Clearance Certificate may be filed by mailing the original, along with the $8.00 filing fee to the San Diego Recorder/County Clerk, P.O.Box 121750, San Diego CA 92112-1750. The certificate may also be filed at the same appointment time the map is being recorded. We will not be making appointments to file the certificate only.

 

To help agents navigate practicing real estate during these challenging times, C.A.R. has released these best practice guidelines that reflect C.A.R.'s understanding of Governor Newsom’s stay-at-home order. This document details recommended best practices for marketing, showing and closing on properties while maintaining compliance with CDC recommendations.

To compliment new guidelines released by CAR yesterday, today two new forms were released:

• One is a Listing Agreement Coronavirus Addendum or Amendment (RLA-CAA) for sellers and listing agents to sign, and
• The other is a Property Viewing Advisory and Declaration (PEAD) that is to be given to and signed by the seller, buyer, agents and anyone else who will be entering a property.

The forms can be accessed here.  These forms will be added to Zipforms.

Successful non-essential businesses, while remaining open, are changing the way they do business.  For example, while they remain open, restaurants may not serve food.  The first priority needs to be safety. If the public, the client and the Realtors is careful and safe, we will get through this crisis more quickly.

Have training in your office.  PSAR & CRMLS will help.

• Three trainers available to train in San Diego
• Trainers will come to your office
• PSAR offers meeting space for free to host office meetings.
• Free training on 33 benefits that will make your team better.
• Office training also available on PSAR's exclusive benefit called Savvycard.

As a Broker, what is your value proposition?  Brokers looking to improve agent productivity, professionalism and retention, should bring training and resources to their agents in-house. Brokers who show agents how to use these tools, provide added value.  As members of CRMLS, firms have many free or enhanced tools to choose from.  These tools help agents do a better job serving their clients.

When PSAR joined CRMLS, the CEO of Sandicor, and many important staff including three of the four Sandicor trainers became full time employees of CRMLS.  This knowledge is deep and it remains part of our organization.  These trainers are located here in San Diego to educate and support our Realtor members.  They will even train your team locally right in your office. Regular training and coaching can help your agents grow as professionals and enhance your broker/agent relationship. 

Some brokerages don't have the facilities to train all of their agents in one space. If this is an issue for you, PSAR will provide you with free meeting space to train your own at an office meeting hosted in our location?  In return, we only request the opportunity to spend two minutes outlining the benefits of being a PSAR Realtors.

 

 

Here are some of the topics CRMLS will train on.  All of these tools are included for PSAR/CRMLS subscribers at no additional cost to agents or the brokerage. Savvy Card and Glide are two programs offered by PSAR.  PSAR staff can direct brokers to training resources for these benefits.  PSAR can also help brokers identify training for Zipforms and other CAR and NAR programs.

For a syllabus, class length and description, please check out more detailed information here.

• Cloud Agent Suite 
• Cloud CMA 
• Cloud Streams
• CRMLS Apps
• CRMLS Marketing Tools
• CRMLS System and Products Overview
• Homesnap Pro App
• Infosparks Market Statistic
• Infosparks Marketview
• LionDesk CRM
• Matrix: Agent Essentials
• Matrix: Broker Office Admin
• Matrix: Creating a CMA in Matrix
• Matrix: Realist Tax 2.0
• Matrix: Searching 101
• Matrix: System Updates
• Matrix: Time-Saving Tips
• MLS-Touch App
• Paragon: Advanced Searching
• Paragon: Agent Essentials
• Paragon: Broker Office Admin
• Paragon: Collaboration Center
• Paragon: Creating a CMA in Paragon
• Paragon: CRS Tax 101
• Paragon: Hot Sheets/Tours/Open Houses
• Paragon: Managing Listings in Paragon
• Paragon: Searching 101
• Paragon: ShowingTime for the MLS
• Paragon: System Updates
• Paragon: Time-Saving Tips
• REALTORS® Property Resource®
• Remine

Want to improve MLS rules compliance and avoid citations and fines?  

• CRMLS Compliance Top Violations Overview is a great class.

Do you have a boutique office, or need a smaller training session?

Brokers with fewer than ten agents, are welcome to bring their team to training hosted at PSAR each month in each of our three offices.  Bring your entire office to any of these training sessions. Check out our education calendar and register your entire office for training.

 

Not using SavvyCard for lead generation and property marketing?  You should be.

PSAR also offers Savvy Card.  This is a unique marketing platform that includes Seller Share, Free Property websites and much more.  Savvy Card will train in your office as well!  Just email support@psar.org and request office training on Savvycard. Learn more about Savvy Card here.

Need more information, or have a question? Please comment in the form below and a friendly PSAR service member will get back to you!

 

 

• Gain knowledge you need to maximize zipForm Plus to complete contracts and manage transactions.
• Practice on the new and updated interface along with new tools designed to save time and protect you from mistakes.
• Discover features such as templates, MLS Connect, Photos and adding non-C.A.R. documents to your transaction, clause manager and more...

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 | 10 AM TO 12 PM
PSAR EAST SERVICE CENTER
1150 BROADWAY, EL CAJON CA, 92021

Instructor: Certified zipForm Trainer, Jan Farley

Cost: FREE for PSAR and NSDCAR Members, $20 for Non-Members

Or call (619)579-0333 to register.