GreenFEST 2010
Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® and Sustainable Contra Costa invite you to GreenFEST 2010!
Saturday, August 14th
1870 Olympic Blvd.
Walnut Creek
CCAR and Sustainable Contra Costa have partnered on this annual event that brings together GREEN businesses offering resources and tools for “going green.” The free and fun event will feature food, music, and educational demos on recycling and composting, water conservation tips, as well as money-saving products for utilizing a healthier, green lifestyle. GreenFEST will accept food bank donations, provide cell phone recycling, e-waste recycling, paper shredding, TRADE a bag (receive a recycle bag for a plastic bag) and Green Travel tips. In addition there will be TEST rides on electric scooters, alternative fuel vehicles, demos, a kids’ zone, and GIVEAWAYS from the many sponsors like Renassaince Club Sport, Green Essence Cleaning Company, Whole Foods, and scrumptious food from Nature’s Bounty Café.
For the RAFFLE, the Walnut Creek Green Business, Green Wheelin’ Scooters, will provide a TEST ride on bikes and scooters like the RAFFLE PRIZE Sorrento electric transportation Scooter, and IZIP Electric Urban Cruiser Enlightened bike, each valued at $1899. Tickets are available for $10 each, three for $25, or 7 for $50.
Proceeds from GreenFEST 2010 will go to the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® non-profit “Helping Hands Foundation” which funds educational scholarships and philanthropic endeavors that give back to the communities in which CCAR serves as well as benefitting Sustainable Contra Costa. For sponsorship opportunities and posters to display at your location, go to www.GreenFESTContraCosta.com.
We’ll see you at GreenFEST on August 14th!
Contact Terrylynn Fisher for more information at, info@GreenFESTContraCosta.com or 925.876.0966.
2011 CCAR Elections
The Election for 2011 CCAR Officers and Directors has now begun. The election cycle will run from June 28th, through July 19, 2010 at 9am.
You can review our approved slate of candidates here, or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. In order for the election to be valid, the number of votes cast must equal the quorum requirements of 15% of the total CCAR membership as of June 4, 2010, which is 463 votes.
CCAR members have the option of voting with paper ballot by appointment at the CCAR office, but are encouraged to make the best use of their time and Association resources by voting online, here.
Please read the election brochure, complete with candidates statements and the rules governing the CCAR Elections, here.
Following are the open positions, qualifications, requirements, and the candidates who are running for each position.
District Directors for Districts 2 and 4 shall be elected in this election; however, only members from those Districts may vote for their respective District Director and Directors-at-Large in addition to voting for President-Elect and Treasurer. Also, you are entitled to vote for up to three Directors-at-Large.
PRESIDENT-ELECT (1 position)
Candidates: Marilyn Cunningham, Scott Griffith, Barbara Safran
Must be a REALTOR® member who works in any CCAR jurisdiction (serves a one-year term, then succeeds to President)
TREASURER (1 position)
Candidate: Robin Dickson (serves a two-year term)
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE (3 positions)
Candidates: Sue DiMaggio Adams, Lito Calimlim, Laurie Donovan, Stuart McAfee
Must be a REALTOR® member who works in any CCAR jurisdiction (serves a two-year term)
DISTRICT 2 DIRECTOR (1 position)
Candidate: Lisa Hoctor
Must be a REALTOR® member with an office address in Moraga/Canyon, Orinda, or Lafayette (serves a two-year term)
DISTRICT 4 DIRECTOR (1 position)
Candidate: Ron Mintz
Must be a REALTOR® member with an office address in Alamo, Danville, Diablo, or San Ramon (serves a two-year term)
CCAR Board Walk 5k was a Huge Success – See Proof!
The annual Board Walk 5k was a huge success. CCAR raised $2,000, which will benefit the Moses Guillory Scholarship Fund.
CCAR Board Walk 5k
Remember the CCAR Board Walk 5k 2010 is tomorrow, May 22nd. This event benefits the Moses Guillory Scholarship Fund.
Heather Farm Park
301 N. San Carlos Drive ● Walnut Creek
8AM REGISTRATION
9AM BOARD WALK BEGINS
$20 per walker
Includes a t-shirt, bottle of water, and light snacks before the walk.
For more information, contact Cherie at 925 295 9207 or cherie@ccartoday.com.
From The Boardroom
From the Board Room
At the April 26 Board meeting, the CCAR Board of Directors adopted the following motions.
• Approved adding a $10.00 voluntary C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund contribution option to the CCAR dues billing document.
• Approved the BOD eVote of March 10, 2010, which approves a motion to approve, as IMPAC Trustees, $600 of IMPAC funds to co-sponsor the League of California Cities Bocce Ball event to b held on March 18, 2010.
• Approved the BOD eVote of March 24, 2010, which contains motions to approve the Defining Fair Practices event held on April 23, 2010.
• Approved the Executive Committee minutes of March 29, 2010 which includes two motions:
a. To approve the proposed roster for the Nominating/Election Committee for the election of 2011 Officers and Directors: Cary Amo, Dic Pratt, Barry Zwahlen, Mike Handlin, Rob Baldwin, Mike Clancy, Robin Dickson and Rich Moreno.
b. To approve that the 2010 Executive Committee will select the 2011 C.A.R. Directors.
• Approved the Budget and Finance Committee Minutes of March 15, 2010 which includes a motion to reinstate the recommendation to the BOD that a maximum of $50,000 be allocated to finish building renovations, except for exterior signage.
• Approved the Budget & Finance Committee minutes of April 19, 2010 after removing Motion C, including the following motions:
a. Approved our tenant lease renewals as proposed.
b. Approved setting MLS and Supra Keys fees for 2010-11 at the same levels as 2009-2010, i.e. MLS Administrative Fee $499; Secretary/Assistant MLS Fee $120; MLS/Key Late Fee $50; Secretary/Assistant Late Fee $10; D-Key Access Fee $100; D-Key Basic Access Fee $175; E-Key Professional Access Fee $300; MLS Reinstatement Fee $100, and to abolish the $25 MLS/Key Expediting Fee.
c. Changed BOD policy to permit sales of store products and forms to non-members at prices higher than those established for members.
• Approved the NAR Director Selection Committee roster as presented: Barry Zwahlen, Clark Anderson, Mike Clancy. Ed Herold, Frieda King, Steve Reiser and Fred Weston.
• Approved dispersing budgeted 401K dollars to staff.
• Acting as IMPAC Trustees, approved $5,000 of IMPAC funds to support Mt. Diablo Unified School District Measure C on the June ballot.
• Approved the MLS eVote of March 22, 2010 which contains a motion to allow the release of sold data for issue in IDX sites.
• Approved the MLS eVote of March 22, 2010 which contains a motion to approved the augmentation of the MLS Technology budget by $4,200 to cover the reengineering of the MLS compliance tracking system.
• Approved the Business Technology Development meeting minutes of April 21, 2010 after removing Motion B and amending Motion C as follows: To approve $1,400 to retool HOT™ to allow for brokers tour functionality.
CCAR Elections on the horizon – nominations now open
CCAR elections are just around the corner – nominations now open
Quick Links | Nomination Form | SiteBuilder | Member Photo Day | Cooliris Galleries | StreetURLS | CCAR Scholarship
CCAR’s Board of Directors needs you!
We need your participation!
It is time again to help define the future of the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® through our annual elections for Officers and Directors. Read this full communication in pdf format here.
Members who feel that they have the requisite time, experience and talents to serve on the 2011 Board of Directors have until May 17th to complete the nomination form.
Please click here to access the nomination form. Nomination submissions are due by 9am on May 17, 2010.
The headquarters for the 2011 of CCAR Officers and Directors will be located at www.ccartoday.com/election.
MAY 12, 2010 • 10am – 2pm
1870 Olympic Boulevard • Ste. 200
VAUGHN’S PHOTOGRAPHY
• $35 FOR ONE PERSON • $10 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL PERSON
STUDIO SESSION INCLUDES
• INSTANT VIEWING OF PHOTOS
• THREE PHOTOS ON CD
• RETOUCHING
• FULL RIGHTS TO REPRODUCE IMAGES
REGISTER ONLINE BY MAY 7 AT CCARTODAY.COM/1618,
OR CONTACT JASON CATALANO AT 925 295 9202 |
jason@ccartoday.com
barcamp is coming to the east bay!
The Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® is pleased to play host to a real estate Bar Camp.
May 19th at 555YVR. You are invited to a FREE day of Social Media Training.
- Get more leads online
- Learn how to USE facebook for business
- Learn to USE ccar tools to your advantage
- Start a blog, make your existing blog better, and/or learn advanced blogging techniques
- Whether you are just learning how to navigate online, or a power user, there WILL be content for you
- Classes from basics to razors edge
CCAR Sitebuilder member websites now available!
When it comes to the web, everyone knows that you need to have an online presence. Research in the last few years has shown a consistent trend of consumers finding their prospective purchase and their REALTOR® online. The percentage of consumers who start their search online is now over 90%.
Obviously you need to be online. But we know how hard it can be to get the functionality that you need at a price you can afford.
CCAR wants to help you solve that problem, by leveraging collective purchasing power and the support resources that you already trust. SiteBuilder will allow you to create a website in just 5 minutes, and start receiving results immediately, all at a fraction of market rates!
Want to get started today? Visit www.ccartoday.com/sites to learn more. When you are ready to get setup, call us at 925-295-1270Send us an email to alerts@ccartoday.com and we will move you to the front of the list.
CCAR presents cooliris!
Cooliris is an engaging new way to browse and search content. You have probably seen the cooliris scrollable content wall on Facebook and other popular websites.
Since cooliris galleries are such a fun, and functional way to browse content, CCAR decided to use the format as one of the first content delivery mechanisms for the MLS Mirror.
We are currently autogenerating cooliris content galleries for your agent and office inventory. In addition, we are creating a HOT cooliris gallery as shown on this page at ccartoday.com.
Have you seen streeturls.com yet?
Take advantage of your free single property url subdomain, through our new StreetURLS. We are still working on this resource to help bring consumers to your listings, but you can take advantage of your single property websites right now! Just login to ccartoday.com to access single property websites for all of your listings, or click to learn more about StreetURLS.
StreetURLS is a great benefit and will really help impress your seller… just look for your automated ELF – Event Logic Framework emails, or login to the brokertoday section of our all new member website to take advantage! ELF emails come from the address noreply.ccar.elf@ccartoday.com. Now that our new ccartoday website has been launched, you can also access this functionality for all of your residential listings conveniently by logging in and viewing your ‘today’ dashboard.
See StreetURLS.com – or read more about the StreetURLS service
ccar scholarship contributions deadline extended!
CCAR Scholarship Foundation Application Deadline has been extended to May 15th, 2010.
The Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® Scholarship Foundation awards thousands of dollars every year to deserving college students from central Contra Costa County. In 2009, twenty students received nearly $50,000 in college grants.
All acceptance criteria and application procedures can be found at www.ccarscholarship.com. Questions can be directed to Tom Hart, Scholarship Foundation president, at tom@tomhart.com.
The CCAR Scholarship Foundation was formed in 1967. it has grown to be a preeminent organization for local disbursement of college scholarships in the state of California. In the last five years, the CCAR Scholarship Foundation has awarded nearly $250,000 in grants to central Contra Costa County college students.
Click to go to CCARScholarship website
MLS Annual Renewal statement
CCAR MLS Annual Renewal Statement coming to a mailbox near your in Mid-May. Deadline for payment is July 1st.
If you have any questions, please contact CCAR Membership Services staff at 925-295-9200.
NEW Mobile portal | Find a REALTOR® | Expiration alerts | New statistical reports | Online Ed | Updates to HOT | Updated calendar with registration | ccarlive | IDXEZ | Enhanced reciprocal access | CCAR LinkedIn | Advertise with us!
CCAR BOD
From the Board Room
At the March 5 meeting, CCAR’s Board of Directors approved the following motions.
- To approve the Board of Directors eVote of January 28, 2010, which includes a motion to add a member to the Grievance Committee roster and a motion to approve $5,000 seed money to allow the Make it Green Task Force to proceed with their plan to participate in the Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival o June 5-6, 2010.
- To approve the Executive Committee meeting minutes of February 11, which includes a motion to postpone permanent exterior signage indefinitely on the 1870 Olympic Boulevard building.
- To approve the Board of Directors eVote of February 20, 2010, which includes recommending that Carla Weston and Judy Myers fill the two vacancies on the Local Candidate Recommendation Committee.
- To approve the Executive Committee Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2010, which includes the following motions:
- To approve spending up to $2,000 on a Broker Involvement breakfast meeting scheduled for March 9, 2010 with the understanding that CCAR will be reimbursed with IMPAC funds.
- To agree to reimburse Attorney Tom O’Toole for his services when he attends meetings representing CCAR with the understanding that CCAR will be reimbursed with IMPAC funds.
- To approve directing proceeds from the June 506 2010 Greenfest to CCAR Helping Hands.
- To approve the Executive Committee eVote of March 4, 2010 which approved nominating Chuck Lamb as a candidate for NAR 2010 Distinguished Service Award.
- To approve the Budget & Finance Committee minutes of December 14, 2009, which includes a motion to approve the 2010 CCAR Budget and Strategic Plan initiative budget.
- To approve the Budget & Finance Committee minutes of January 25, 2010 which includes a motion to approve an allocation of $5,000 seed money for the 2010 Greenfest.
- To approve the Budget & Finance Committee minutes of February 22, 2010, removing Motion B and approving an expenditure of approximately $1,925 for construction of a wall to close off the Executive Assistant’s workspace.
- Acting as IMPAC Trustees, approved that $850 of IMPAC funds be used to reimburse CCAR for 10 elected officials that attended the January 9, 2010 Inaugural.
- Acting as IMPAC Trustees, approved up to $3,000 of IMPAC funds for the Broker Involvement breakfast scheduled for March 9, 2010.
- Acting as IMPAC Trustees, approved the use of IMPAC funds to compensate attorney Tom O’Toole at his hourly rate when he represents CCAR at legislative meetings as legal counsel. Any and all compensation payments will be made with the prior approval of the IMPAC Trustees.
- Acting as IMPAC Trustees, approved payment to attorney Tom O’Toole from IMPAC funds in the amount of $825 for three hours of legal representation regarding the issue of business license tax with the city of Concord.
- Approved the MLS Committee minutes of January 26, 2010 which includes one motion to release the Homes Open Today application as an open source product to the NAR Game Changers initiative.
- Approved the Business Development and Technology minutes of February 27, 2010, approving allocating one third of the $1250 cost for the development on HOT™ to allow for open homes/brokers tour seven days a week.
- Approved the eVote Diversity Committee minutes of February 24, 2010, to create a Fair Housing Month event task force.
- To approve the Special Events Committee minutes of February 24, 2010, which includes a motion to direct 100 percent of the proceeds from the May 1, 2010 “Greenwalk” to CCAR Helping Hands.
- To approve the Special Events Committee eVote of February 25, 2010 that changes the name of the Greenwalk to Board Walk 2010.
- Approved the Special Events Committee eVote of February 26, 2010 which includes a motion to redirect proceeds from the May 1 Board Walk from CCAR Helping Hands to the Moses Guillory Perpetual Scholarship Fund as previously established.
- Approved a sponsorship of $1,500 for the HAF Golf Classic.
CCARlive March Edition!
Click here for the March edition of CCARlive, featuring information about:
· MORE – the Multiple Organization Reciprocal Exchange
· current, expanded housing statistics for Contra Costa County
· eliminating spam from your universe
· new classes and training opportunities
· CCAR Diversity Committee· the CCAR Scholarship Foundation
· Women’s Council of REALTORS®
and much more…
CCARlive uniquely reaches its loyal target market, including some 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliates, in Contra Costa County, in a way that no other publication can or does. Advertise in CCARlive for as little as $25 per month! Your ad includes a link to your website, and ad design is FREE. Click for ad rates, or contact Michelle Manos, Director of Marketing and Communication, at 925 295 9216 or michelle@ccartoday.com.
CCAR BOD
At the December 18, 2009 meeting, the Board of Directors adopted the following motions:
- Approved the Board of Directors eVote of November 25 which contained a motion to promote and be a part of the Golden State Warriors REALTORS® Night on Saturday, February 27, 2010.
- Approved the Budget and Finance Committee proposed 2010 CCAR budget and Strategic Plan initiative budget.Approved motion that CCAR proceed with the due diligence phase between Bay East and CCAR to explore the possibility that such a merger will be mutually beneficial to CCAR members. This process will be directed by Steve Russo, Consultant, and will involve leadership and management as needed, and this task force will stay in effect through the analysis phase.
To give Terrylynn Fisher, Chair of the Make it Green Task Force, authority to negotiate on behalf of CCAR for participation with the Walnut Creek Chamber Art and Wine Festival collaboration for GreenFest 2010, to be held in conjunction with that event.
- Approved the Special Event Committee meeting minutes of December 2, 2009, which includes a motion to approve directing the proceeds from the 2010 Crab Feed scheduled for February 19 2010, in equal amounts to the CCAR Scholarship Foundation and the CCAR Helping Hands Fund.
- Approved the Business Development Technology Task Force meeting minutes of November 18, 2009 which includes a motion to approve a reciprocal agreement with Bay East and EBRDI to have access to the backup MLS data maintained by CCAR (MLS Mirror) in exchange for unbranded/free access to applications developed using the Mirror data set.
At the January 22, 2010 meeting, the CCAR Board of Directors approved the following motions.
- Approved the 2010 CCAR Budget.
- In accordance with CCAR Bylaws, authorized staff to terminate the membership of members who have not paid their dues.
- Acting as IMPAC Trustees, approved sending a letter to the State IMPAC Trustees of C.A.R. to support a point-of-sale regulation study.
- Approved the Diversity Committee eVote minutes of January 15, 2010, which includes three motions:
1. To approve the Diversity Committee Vision Statement as it reads, “The CCAR Diversity Committee will enhance and advance sustainable homeownership among minorities by establishing a network with available ethnic real estate professional organizations in the Bay Area, as well as minority groups that are not represented by an organization, to address and resolve common concerns in serving equally deserving consumers.”
2. To approve the Diversity Committee Mission Statement as it reads, “The CCAR Diversity Committee promotes diversity awareness and fair housing practices through educational and networking events among members as well as outreach and educational events in the community.”
3. To approve sponsoring an event called, “Taste of Nations Diversity Potluck Mixer” to be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at J. Rockcliff REALTORS® office located at 1700 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek, from 5-7 pm.
- Agreed that C.A.R. will support Tom Carnahan as 2010 C.A.R. President.
Nationwide Open House
REALTOR® Nationwide Open House Weekend: April 10-11
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) has designated the weekend of April 10-11 as REALTOR® Nationwide Open House Weekend. REALTORS® and brokers across the nation are encouraged to participate in this campaign focused on increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of homeownership.
Nationwide Open House Weekend will enable sellers to showcase their homes for sale and potential home buyers to shop for a home while interest rates are low; home prices are affordable; there is a wide variety of homes available; and the federal tax credit is in place.
CCAR Endorses Carnahan
The Board of Directors of CCAR has voted to endorse the candidacy of Tom Carnahan for 2011 President-Elect of C.A.R.
This election will occur at the June C.A.R. Business Meetings in Sacramento. 2010 CCAR President Barry Zwahlen commented, “C.A.R. is fortunate to have two wonderful candidates running for 2011 President-Elect. Both LeFrancis Arnold and Tom Carnahan have exemplary personal characteristics.
“CCAR believes that deep leadership experience within C.A.R. is crucial for its 2012 President as we continue to navigate through uncertain times. When C.A.R. leadership experience is factored into candidate evaluation, Tom appears to have a decisive edge. Our C.A.R. Directors are looking forward to a spirited and positive campaign from two terrific individuals.
We are on your team, Tom!”
–
BayEast and CCAR are studying the feasibility of merging.
For IMMEDIATE Release
BAY EAST AND CCAR EXPLORE MERGER FEASIBILITY
Pleasanton / Walnut Creek, CA • January 11, 2010 • The Bay East Association of REALTORS® and the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® are studying the feasibility of merging.
The two associations have collaborated for many years on a shared Multiple Listing Service and other technology platforms. Both CCAR and Bay East have a reputation within the real estate industry for innovating new real estate technology applications; offering vital professional development, training, and licensing education; actively promoting professional standards; and having a strong presence within the Contra Costa and Alameda County communities they cover.
“With a combined membership of 8,000 REALTORS® and Affiliates, a merged association would enable us to offer even more services to our members so they can better serve the region’s home buyers and sellers,” said Pam Winterbauer, President of the Bay East Association. Barry Zwahlen, President of the Contra Costa Association, added, “While both associations have already instituted cost savings measures, we believe the additional efficiencies of a merger would enable us to innovate new services while controlling costs.”
During the next few months, Bay East and CCAR will be conducting a due diligence analysis to determine the feasibility and scope of a merger. At the conclusion of that analysis, the associations’ Boards of Directors will determine if there are compelling reasons to move forward. The members of both associations will make the final decision on whether to merge.
For more information contact:
Bay East Association of REALTORS®
Tricia Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, at 925 730 4073 / 925 580 2720 or triciat@bayeast.org
Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®
Steve Russo, CCAR Interim Chief Operating Officer, at 925 295 9219 or srusso@ccartoday.com
The Bay East Association of REALTORS® (founded in 1947) and Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® (founded in 1921) are professional trade associations serving some 8,000 real estate professionals throughout the East Bay Area and Central Contra Costa County. Bay East covers the following jurisdictions: San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley, Hayward, Union City, Fremont, Sunol, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Livermore. CCAR covers Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Clayton, Clyde, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pacheco, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek.
Both Bay East and CCAR provide programs and services to enhance their members’ ability to conduct business with integrity and competence. The Associations and their MLS are dedicated to providing the most innovative and highest quality services, programs, and products to positively impact the success of their members and MLS subscribers who provide real estate brokerage services to clients throughout the East Bay Area, and beyond.
Zwahlen is RMA REALTOR® of the Year
Barry Zwahlen, a broker associate at the J. Rockcliff’s Blackhawk West office, has been named Realtor of the Year by the Realtors’ Marketing Assoc. of the Greater San Ramon Valley. Zwahlen is the CCAR 2010 Presdient.
The Realtor of the Year award is bestowed upon the member who has most provided outstanding service to the real estate community and best exemplifies the highest ethical and professional standards.
“Barry is one of the most highly respected real estate professionals in the East Bay,” said Jeff Sposito, president of J. Rockcliff Realtors. “This prestigious award serves as a testament to the respect and admiration of his peers, his exceptional expertise, his leadership skills and his unflagging dedication to the industry and the communities he serves…
2010 CCAR INAUGURAL
THE CCAR INAUGURAL DINNER AND DANCE
honoring 2010 CCAR President Barry Zwahlen and the 2010 Officers & Directors
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
REALTOR® of the Year • AFFILIATE of the Year • Emeritus Member
SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2010
No Host Cocktails 6pm • Dinner and Program 7pm • $85 per person • Table of Ten $800
Blackhawk Auto Museum • 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle • Danville
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Michael Tacconi at 925 872 0595 or michael@michaeltacconi.com
For information, contact Cherie Lilly at 925 295 9207 or cherie@ccartoday.com
2010 CCAR COMMITTEES
SIGN UP NOW FOR A 2010 CCAR COMMITTEE
Many of the ideas for new and improved CCAR activities and services begin with CCAR committees. It is at the committee level that you can exercise your creativity, demonstrate your organizational skills, and polish your leadership abilities. The best way for you to influence the direction of the Association, while developing leadership skills and making new friends, is by participating on a committee. While a few committees have special requirements, most are open to all CCAR members. Committees include Budget and Finance, Business Development Technology Task Force, Bylaws, Diversity, Housing Affordability, Knowledge Services, MLS & POG, Social Media, Make It Green Task Force, and Special Events. To join a committee or for more information, contact Cherie Lilly at 925 295 9200 or cherie@ccartoday.com.
DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
CCAR is committed to promoting diversity awareness in the real estate community, with the goal of achieving fair housing for all. To that end, the newly-formed CCAR Diversity Committee will help real estate professionals better serve their culturally diverse clientele through workshops, seminars, and community outreach events. Homebuyers from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds continue to enter the real estate market. The annual number of legal immigrants entering the U.S. has reached one million. In California alone, between 2000 and … roughly 750,000 legal immigrants were added to California’s population. As a member of the Diversity Committee, your valuable cultural knowledge and experience will encourage and advance the dream of minority home ownership.
To participate in the Diversity Committee, contact Ellen Osmundson at 925 939 7460 or ellen.Osmundson@prurealty.com with “Diversity Committee” in the subject line.
CCAR Mission Statement
Hello, Michael Seguin, Director of Technology for the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®. I wanted to take a moment to relay to you our Mission Statement.
“The Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® is dedicated to serving its members by providing programs and services to enhance their ability to conduct business with integrity and competence, assuring a high level of professional conduct which benefits the community and encourages the preservation of real property rights.”
We are CCARToday… come see what we are doing for you.
Fred Weston is CCAR President-Elect for 2010
Fred Weston is CCAR President-Elect for 2010
Fred Weston, Broker-Associate with Security Pacific Real Estate Services in Walnut Creek, has been elected to serve as CCAR’s President-Elect in 2010 and President in 2011.
Fred has been in the real estate business for eleven years, but says it seems like 40 because he bought and sold several houses as he moved from coast to coast during his previous careers with Southwest Bell/AT&T/Pacific Telesis and during his US Navy duty during the Vietnam Conflict.
Fred has given considerable time to serving CCAR. He is in his fourth year as CCAR Treasurer, has served on the Grievance and Investment Committees, and is a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. He feels a strong sense of obligation to share both the responsibilities of and direction for the organization that is so important to the success of fellow REALTORS®. He states that the Association’s highest priority must be to positively impact and support the success and profitability of its members as we face the challenges of an ever-evolving real estate market. Fred says he welcomes the opportunity to continue his service to our professional board as CCAR President-Elect as CCAR implements the progressive changes needed for our future.
Fred also contributes to the community with his volunteer activities. He has been involved in the Mt. Diablo School District Measure A committee, Neighborhood Food Bank collection, and has helped with community fund raiser golf tournaments and the Bay Area Crisis Nursery project. He is also supporting “YES for Walnut Creek.”
Fred’s guiding principle is “Do the right thing.” His daughter, Erin, says “Dad and Mom raised us to be able to look back at the end of the day and know that we could be proud of who we were and how we treated others. To work hard and still be able to like ourselves.” His pet peeve is incompetence and lack of professionalism, as well as those who complain but are unwilling to be part of the solution.
We asked Fred if he has any tips for his fellow REALTORS® for coping with this challenging market. His response: “Get educated, keep current with facts on the current market, and educate your client about the local market and become their resource for everything real estate.
His advice for new agents is to act like a professional and be one. Take advantage of any and all training and education opportunities. Things are constantly changing and you must keep up in order to be a professional. Keep current on the local, state and national real estate market; your clients expect it. Expect and be committed to working hard and do so. Don’t expect it to be easy.
Fred and his wife Carla, also a REALTOR®, have lived in Walnut Creek for 25 years. Their favorite restaurant is Scott’s Seafood. They have two daughters, Heather and Erin, Erin’s husband Charlie and three grandchildren: Kaleigh Nicole, Bailey Noelle, and Wyatt Clay. His favorite vacation is to be anywhere with the Grandkids.
CCAR is fortunate to have such a committed professional ready to take the helm of the Association.
From the Board Room
At the July meeting, the CCAR Board of Directors approved the following motions.
• To include an educational portion by Costello and Sons Insurance (CSI), a C.A.R.-approved program, as part of the CCAR Risk Management Seminars.
• Acting as IMPAC Trustees, approved allocating up to $1,000 in IMPAC funds for Bielle Moore to attend the NAR GAD Institute in South Carolina on July 22.
• Approved minutes of the Professional Standards Committee Citation Policy meeting of May 27, which includes the following two motions:
• To amend the motion of March 18, 2009 to read “recommendation of adoption of the C.A.R. Ethics Citation Policy for Article 12 as listed in C.A.R. model schedule, Article 3 as related to failure to disclose existence of dual or variable rate commission, and Article 16 as related to placement of for sale/lease sign on property without permission of seller/landlord.”
• To adopt the proposed citation fee schedule for selected violations of the N.A.R. Code of Ethics.
• To approve the Business Development and Technology Taskforce minutes of June 17, 2009 which includes the following motion: To recommend to the Board of Directors that they approve considering the use of the Gumiyo MLS text service.
• Approved exploring the possibility of providing website services to our membership.
Elections for the 2010 Officers and Directors is now complete!
Thank you all for your participation. We easily exceeded our target participation levels in electing our 2010 Officers and Directors. As always, a special thanks to ALL who volunteered to serve on our board, whether their candidacy was successful or not; we welcome their participation.
2010 President Barry Zwhalen and 2010 Past-President Steve Reiser welcome the newly elected officers and Directors of that 2010 Board as follows:
2010 President-Elect Fred Weston
2010 District 1 Director Marilyn Cunningham
2010 District 3 Director Rob Baldwin
2010 Director-at-Large Cary Amo
2010 Director-at-Large Bill Clemente
2010 Director-at-Large Richard Pratt
2010 Director-at-Large Sandi Muccino
2010 Affiliate Director Michael Tacconi
In addition, the 2010 Board of Officers and Directors will also continue to benefit from the following continuing Officers and Directors:
2010 President Barry Zwahlen
2010 Past President Steve Reiser
2010 District 2 Director Rich Moreno
2010 District 4 Director Rachel Knight
2010 Director-at-Large John Davi
2010 Director-at-Large Sue DiMaggio Adams
2010 Director-at-Large Barbara Safran
See a collage of our elected 2010 Board below.
2010 CCAR elections are coming in July – do you know your candidates yet?
Click here to view the candidates for the 2010 CCAR Election of Officers and Directors. Voting commences on July 1 at 9am, and will be completed on July 20th at 9am. We are counting on your vote! Click here to review this years slate of candidates, and be prepared to get out the vote on July 1!
The President’s Update : May, 2008 : Strategic Planning
The CCAR Board of Directors has approved implementation of a new Strategic Plan that will articulate a vision for future development and serve as a blueprint to guide the Association as we increase and improve the services provided to members.
Our intention is to create an extraordinary member experience and provide a superb member value. Our goal is to serve as a valuable support for our members’ success in the marketplace.
The Board is well aware of the effects of a wide range of internal and external sources over the past two years, and that the traditional real estate industry is headed for an unprecedented level of change in terms of both its operational practices and the very environment in which it exists.
We believe that implementation of this new plan will make CCAR one of the top local REALTOR® associations in the country. We will become an even more valuable resource in helping members reach your own goals and objectives.
Of course, we will not act without considering the views and needs of our members. We will be reaching out in a number of ways to bring members into the process. Look for our survey in July that will allow you to weigh in with your opinion on a number of possible new programs and services.
The real estate business has faced some very hard times in the last year, but here we are in the month of May, getting two, three and in some cases four offers in the Brentwood area. Don’t get too happy, we are not out of the woods yet, although we are receiving some assistance with the help of FHA loans.
I would suggest that all agents should attend as many classes as needed to educate yourself on the ABC’s of the new FHA. That is a tool you can use in today’s market. Now that is only one of the tools we can all use. I am sure your broker or office manager has started retraining most of the agents on going back to the basics of real estate: attend the marketing meetings, attend the tech training and professional advancement classes provided by CCAR. Have you used the new WINFORMS® Advisor? This is the coolest!
We have to stay positive. This is the best buyers’ market I have seen since the ‘80’s.
Just a little footnote: The employees at the Association work very hard for all of us. We owe them an awful lot. Don’t forget to show your appreciation when you are in the office or talk to them on the phone.
Moses Guillory, President
The President’s Update : April, 2008 : After Careful Consideration…
It has been difficult to keep up with everything that is going on regarding possible MLS mergers and other changes, especially since it has been changing so rapidly. Expanding our MLS coverage is a goal we have been trying to accomplish for some time. Over the past three years, several alternatives have been proposed. The primary one has been to merge with MLS Listings Inc (formerly NCREX) to form a Bay Area MLS.
Unfortunately, this has not worked out because BAREIS (North Bay and Metrolist (Sacramento valley area) declined to join the merger initially, and then both San Francisco and EBRD decided not to participate. Although there are other concerns, too, without EBRD as a member, merging with MLS Listings Inc would require our members to join two MLSs to get all of the East Bay listings, which would be a move in the wrong direction. Keeping the East Bay together on a single platform is critical to our members’ ability to do business. Recognizing this, Bay East, Contra Costa Association and EBRD have agreed to remain on a single MLS platform for at least the next two years.
After careful consideration, both Bay East and Contra Costa Associations’ Boards of Directors have concluded that merging with MLSListings Inc is not in the best interest of our members at this time, and the effort to do so has been terminated.
We continue to consider other opportunities to expand MLS coverage beyond the East Bay for our members.
* We have signed the Statement of Intent to take part in the CAR Statewide MLS Initiative, demonstrating our support for the concept of a statewide MLS. To date, 59 associations and MLSs representing more than 200,000 agents and brokers in California have signed the Statement of Intent.
* We have looked at QUATTRO, the data sharing solution used by San Francisco, BAREIS and Metrolist that allows agents to input and search listings in each other’s systems, but creates only a limited common database. We are also reviewing CARETS, the Southern California group that is currently merging the data from several MLSs into a single database.
In the meantime, the CA MLS Alliance provides complete listing information from many of the largest Northern and Southern California MLSs, and is an excellent data sharing product that meets many of our needs. But it is not a unified MLS. It does not create a common set of Rules for all participants. It does not have uniform information or report content or format. All these benefits and more would be possible if we had a single MLS provider across the full area of interest.
Now that the CA MLS Alliance is available to our members, the MLSXchange is no longer needed. Therefore, it will be stopped on April 21. 2008.
I will continue to keep you informed of developments as we continue to work toward the ultimate goal of providing you with the most comprehensive, cost-effective and efficient Multiple Listing Service.
Moses Guillory, President
