NAR just launched an SBA Loan FAQ which covers the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Disaster Injury Loans (EDIL) included in the CARES Act and are available to self-employed workers, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and individuals who work on Commission: Coronavirus: NAR SBA CARES Act FAQs.  We expect another FAQ on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (Unemployment Insurance) to be released later today or first thing tomorrow.

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. 

The new SentriKeyTM Real Estate app offers you a simple design and action-based layout so you can get potential buyers in the home and get it sold. Simply download the app at Google Play or the App Store and get those showings scheduled.

You can learn more about the app and its versatile features by accessing our collection of educational tools that are sure to meet the needs of all types of users.

Educational Tools (click the links below)

• Webinar video
• iOS User Guide or Android User Guide
• Mobile Access Made Easy flyer
• How to Open the Key Compartment video
• Secure Temporary Access with SentriConnect flyer

These are just a few of the tools available to help you learn more about the SentriKey Real Estate app. Find how-to videos and frequently asked questions on the support page.

PSAR and NSDCAR Members!  Get ready for your next listing with $59 lockboxes from PSAR service centers. PSAR is currently fully stocked with inventory in our Chula Vista, El Cajon and Clairemont offices. Through our shared service agreement with NSDCAR, PSAR can provide boxes and service to one another's members.

Bring your SentriLock Card and a friendly PSAR staff member will help register the lockbox to your name. Visit PSAR today and purchase a lockbox before these lock boxes fly off the shelf! 

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.

By Ditas Yamane

Being in the real estate industry, the business commands a lot of time that makes life busy. Because of our irregular schedules as real estate professionals, it’s hard to find the time to volunteer and it’s easy to make the excuse of not being able to volunteer.

However, I’m here to tell you that sharing a little bit of your time can go a long way. Robert Calloway, as PSAR President, declared this year’s PSAR theme as “Salute to Service.” And I believe that this theme involves all of us at PSAR.

Volunteering is part of my existence in life. For me, it provides a sense of purpose and a sense of fulfillment that makes me happy. Being kind and helping people in need, improves your health and gives you happiness. 

Growing up very poor in a small town in the Philippines, often times, there was no help available for us. So, I made a promise that when I grow up, I would help others in my own little way. I studied hard, worked hard then along the way, I started to volunteer in my community. I also have encouraged my siblings and now my children to volunteer by giving back and helping people in need. As a result, they have built relationships with other volunteers and are happy to be a part of improving the quality of life.

My volunteerism has helped me grow in so many ways as a person. I have more confidence and have built great relationships, both personal and business aspects of my life. So, however, busy my life becomes, I set-aside time to volunteer and help. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world.”

So, I encourage you to volunteer at PSAR. Start by choosing a committee that you have interest in and put a little time, effort and commitment. It’s a good way to use your extra time to share your skills and talents and I guarantee you that the return of your little investment will be priceless.

By volunteering at PSAR, you will learn new skills, meet new friends, develop friendships and build network.

Volunteer at PSAR and you’ll learn new things and you’ll get information and know about available resources to use in your business and share to others.

Volunteer at PSAR and your voice will be heard in helping to grow the PSAR community. It will give you the opportunity to advocate for issues and concerns that you believe is right and are in line with PSAR’s mission to change for the better.

Volunteering means you will have a seat at the table; otherwise you’re on the menu!

Believe me when I say that the rewards of volunteering at PSAR are endless. The best time to volunteer is now.

Come-on fellow Real Estate Professionals. Come and volunteer and help us grow.

Together we can do it.

We are PSAR!

Ditas Yamane has been in the real estate business since 2002.

Salute to Service: By Shonee Henry

Life is short and it is here to be lived. Which is a main reason why I believe that passion is so important. Passion is what energizes life. It turns the impossible into the possible. I’m passionate about volunteering and staying involved with PSAR. And, here’s why you should join me.

I don’t think twice about volunteering. It’s natural for me to do it. God made me to be a helper and volunteer. People might think I’m crazy, but I don’t feel wholesome if I don’t help.

I didn’t realize how effective I could be at volunteering until I actually started volunteering. Does that make sense?

Let me explain: I have been fortunate to volunteer at the national level with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Starting in 2009, I began serving as NAR’s President’s Liaison to the Philippines. Four years later, I was appointed regional coordinator to Asia Pacific, and United Arab Emirates from 2013-2016 representing the NAR President.  In my collaborative role, I helped establish partnerships in other countries to promote NAR educational programs and professional designations, including the International Realtor Membership (IRM) and Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS).

Serving with NAR forced me to make public speeches. Before then, I had never been a public speaker. But, I was passionate about helping to lay a global foundation for our real estate industry. I believe success in business is possible only with passion, vibrancy, energy and enthusiasm. Passion is the instinct that drives all great souls. Passion is the fuel which generates pride, ambition and dreams. Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion of conviction. Your passion for success must be greater than any fear of failure.

So, as a result, my public speeches were filled with passion. Then, after the speech, people said to me, “You’re really good at this. Your speech was inspiring. You really made a difference.” All of that was news to me. Then, I realized my purpose and what I was created to do in life. Passion and purpose go together. The more purpose driven you are, the more you know your purpose for both living and leading as a volunteer. So, only after I started serving did I realize how effective that someone could be and the impact you could make as a volunteer.

Also, volunteering can make you a better REALTOR®. That’s because when people see the passion you have for volunteering, then they will choose to do business with you and your business will grow organically. I have never volunteered for the purpose of increasing my business. However, I have seen that volunteering and sharing the lessons you’ve learned in life has led to new friends and trustworthy contacts and, eventually, to new clients. By sharing your talent, you’re creating a better atmosphere for our industry. So, let me encourage you to share your experience and your talent. Help from the heart.

Because the more focused you are, the more effective you will be. And volunteering helps you to focus. There’s awesome power in a focused life. For example, diffused light doesn’t have much of an effect on what it touches. But, when you focus light, like the rays of the sun through a magnifying glass, you can ignite a piece of paper or grass. If you can focus it even more, it becomes a laser. And, lasers can cut through steel and destroy cancer. The same is true with your life. If you’re directionless, you’ll just drift through without much impact. But, if you focus on a few key goals, such as volunteering, then you can make more of a powerful impact in the world.

Time is your most precious gift you have because we have only a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. When you give someone your time in volunteer service, then you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your volunteer time.

Let me encourage you to allocate part of your time to PSAR, increase your passion, expand your participation and volunteer with our Association. Yes, as a PSAR, you can make a difference and be a change-maker for the betterment of our Association.

Sometimes you might think you have the knack for something, but you’re not sure quite where to start. I would say to just face your fears, think outside the box and jump-in with both feet and try it anyway. There are so many opportunities to serve to help others and many ideas that need to be cultivated. Small can turn out to be a big deal. Little can turn out to be much. 

Start with the needs of others. If you want to connect with people, start with their needs, their hurts, what they want. Seek to understand before seeking to be understood. Life is all about relationships. Remember, the world does not revolve around you.

You’re braver than you know. You might not think of yourself as courageous, adventuresome, fearless and unafraid. But, I think you should give yourself credit for bravery when you volunteer. Don’t listen to the voices that say, “Who do you think you are?” or, “It can’t be done,” or “Forget about it.”

Maybe you’ve tried to volunteer in the past and it didn’t work-out well. Let me encourage you to try again. We must not permit the failures of the past to defeat victorious living today. Failures of the past do not nullify purposes in the future. Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you. Do not allow the fears of the future to rob us of passion today. Instead, explore and discover your hidden talents. When you volunteer, you will discover the better part of yourself.

You were created for more than just selling real estate. I started in real estate to help me achieve my dream of sharing wealth and wisdom with those less fortunate. Life is not about things. You’ve got to maintain the right perspective about possession, or you’ll be possessed by your possessions. The greatest things in life aren’t things. But, passion as a volunteer helps you get out of bed in the morning. It’s because you know there’s something bigger than you are and you can hardly wait to get at it again. So, get involved and take action today about volunteering with PSAR.

Shonee Henry began her real estate career in 2002.