Paragon Maintenance
Paragon will be deploying software updates to your MLS system on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010. This deployment WILL involve downtime.
This process will begin at 10pm and conclude no later than 6am on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010. During this time, your Paragon MLS system will be unavailable.
eKEY Adapter for iPhone
Use your iPhone as your lockbox key! The eKEY adapter for the iPhone is now availabe at the CCAR Realtor Shoppe for only $59.99, While supplies last.
With eKEY software, use your iPhone as your lockbox key. eKEY updates wirelessly so you can do business anywhere.
There are two service levels available: eKEY Basic which provides basic keybox functions. eKEY Professional (coming later this year)adds MLS data saved to your phone, links Google maps to the listings, and delivers showing details to your phone.
eKEY Basic Features
● Wireless Updates and Alerts
● Obtain Listing Keys
● Keep track of all your key boxes right from your phone
● Manage and Program your keyboxes
● Easily place and remove keyboxes from listings using your phone
● Change your own shackle codes
Supra eKEY Adapter
The Supra iPhone Adapter plugs into the 30 pin dock connector. It adds Infrared to the iPhone. It is designed to hang from a key chain when not in use. When you are ready to show a house, just slide it out of its cover, and plug it into your iPhone.
Paragon Maintenance
Paragon will be down for maintenance. On Tuesday, August 17th, this process will begin at 10:00pm (Pacific) and conclude no later than Wednesday, August 18th at 6:00am (Pacific). During this time the Paragon MLS system will be unavailable.
Supra Maintenance
Tuesday, August 10th starting at 5:00pm PDT and ending at 8:00pm PDT, Supra will be conducting routine maintenance at their data center.
What Will Not Be Available?
- At 5pm PDT, only update codes will be available on SupraWEB and KIMvoice.
- At 5:30pm PDT SupraNET will not be available, but until then will function as normal.
What Will Be Available?
- SupraWEB and KIMvoice will both be available for update codes only.
- Keyholders will be able to eSYNC during the maintenance period.
- Supra Keyholder Support, 877-699-6787, will be available to provide assistance for any keyholder who needs to update their key.
Paragon Maintenance
Paragon will be down for maintenance. On Tuesday, August 10th, this process will begin at 10:00pm (Pacific) and conclude no later than Wednesday, August 11th at 6:00am (Pacific). During this time the Paragon MLS system will be unavailable.
Supra eSYNC Downtime
Keyholders will not be able to eSYNC tomorrow, August 4, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. for maintenance on the Supra Data Center. However, SupraWEB and KIMvoice will be available for codes. Contact Supra Keyholder Support at (877) 699-6787 with questions or for assistance in updating your key.
Homes Open Today
It is Going to be a HOT Weekend for Open Homes!
Are you a CCAR member holding an Open House? Why not do something to help your open house STAND OUT? Login to ccartoday.com and augment your listing with as many as 25 additional pictures! Its fast and easy, benefits your seller, and helps your listing stand out. Click here for an example of how a listing looks with all those extra pictures. Don’t forget that you can publish your open house via the MLS, or through HOT – HomesOpenToday.com directly. Either way, we will help drive traffic to your open house through the HOT website.
MLS Alliance Changes
Effective July 13, 2010, the MLS Alliance will transition to the Mercado Site. CCAR will no longer be offering this service to our members for free as usage rates have dropped significantly over the last year. Members may, however, elect to subscribe to the service individually and become authorized users at the following subscription rates:
| Subscription Options (Included Mercado Modules) | Current Subscription Fee |
| Mercado Property Search | $14.95 |
| Mercado Property Search, Mercado CMA, Mercado BuyerTour, Mercado Design Center | $29.95 |
| Mercado Property Search, Mercado CMA, Mercado BuyerTour, Mercado Design Center, Mercado IDX Search | $49.95 |
We encourage all members to utilize MORE (Multiple Organization Reciprocal Exchange) to access property and listing information throughout the surrounding area and Northern California. As an organization, we will be reallocating resources appropriately to provide you with more comprehensive services and tools going forward. We appreciate your patience during this transition.
For questions regarding these changes, please contact Jared White at jared@ccartoday.com or 925.295.9209. For more information, click here.
CCAR Open Thursday
UPDATE: CCAR will be open all day Thursday, June 24th to provide you with exceptional service.
Paragon Maintenance
On Wednesday, May 19th, we will be performing maintenance to the Paragon MLS system and this WILL involve downtime for you. This process will begin at 11:59pm (Central) and conclude no later than 8:00am (Central) on Thursday, May 20th. During this time, the Paragon MLS system will be unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
calREDD®, MRMLS merge
calREDD®, MRMLS announce intent to merge the two MLSs; new multiple listing service will serve more than 33,000 real estate professionals statewide
LOS ANGELES (April 28) – calREDD® and the Multi-Regional Multiple Listing Service Inc. (MRMLS) today announced their intent to merge the operations of the two organizations, creating one dynamic multiple listing service (MLS) provider serving more than 33,000 real estate professionals and 22 REALTOR® associations statewide. Both boards of directors have agreed to a framework within which to finalize an agreement that will be presented to their respective associations and boards of directors for final approval.
“This is a compelling development for both calREDD® and MRMLS and, more importantly, for our respective members and participating REALTOR® associations,” said MRMLS President Richard Stone. “We look forward to a beneficial relationship that builds on our past successes and will continue to deliver an innovative, state-of-the-art MLS system to our expanded membership.”
MRMLS approved the concept at its April 26 board of directors meeting, following a similar decision by the calREDD® board of directors at its April 22 meeting. The merger is expected to go to a vote of MRMLS’ 12 member associations at their May meeting and to C.A.R.’s board of directors at their June meeting.
“Serving the needs of our members has been the driving force behind the calREDD® initiative from the start,” said REALTOR® Mike Silvas, CALMLS chairman. “The merger of our two entities would be a positive step forward for our members, and opens up new opportunities to provide choice, efficiencies, and new technology opportunities to real estate professionals throughout the state.
“We expect the merger to be seamless, with calREDD® and MRMLS participants experiencing, few, if any changes or disruptions to service,” he said.
In other news, calREDD® announced that it has secured exclusive rights to its MLS software in California and has taken over ongoing development of its software system. This change has been seamless to system users and was made in cooperation with calREDD®’s former vendor, Concentric Software LLC.
The mission of Pomona, Calif.-based MRMLS is to deliver, through local member associations, the most affordable, reliable, and convenient listing technology service available, and to provide products and services that support REALTORS® in maximizing use of property data to achieve business goals. MRMLS Inc. is a member organization made up of 12 local associations of REALTORS® with a service area covering a large area in Southern California, and was one of the founders and integral forces behind the CARETS initiative.
calREDD® is a service of CALMLS, a subsidiary of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.).
For more information, click here.
Upgraded Mobile MLS
Mobile MLS is 
upgraded.
CCAR offers FREE Mobile MLS service to our members. This service allows members to receive real-time data from Paragon using most cell phones, smart-phones, or Personal Data Assistant devices (PDA’s).
Beginning April 19 we will transition to a new provider for this free wireless MLS service. When you log on to Wireless MLS, you will automatically be directed to the new wireless product, reInsight Mobile. The new system provides enhanced features and has a much better look and feel than the current wireless product in addition to saving money for the association.
While you won’t find ‘today’s hotsheet’ on the new mobile MLS, you will be able to perform this type of search using “Status Date” as a criterion. More information coming soon!
MORE has arrived!
MORE provides CCAR MLS Participants and Subscribers broad access to search for and list properties throughout Northern California. This dramatically expanded MLS service is brought to you by the CCAR MLS at no additional cost! Visit ccartoday.com/more for a detailed program description, including coverage maps.
MORE can better serve Participants and Subscribers by essentially erasing MLS ‘borders.’ Participating MLSs have increased their security standards, adapted their systems, synchronized Participant and Subscriber information, and cooperated at an unprecedented level to make this happen. During this process you may have noticed some of these advancements, such as the enhanced ‘two-factor login’ process.
MORE allows you to:
• Access and search neighboring MLSs directly, and at no additional cost.
• Input listings directly into these systems with no fees or reciprocal input forms!
• Receive expanded exposure for your listings. Some 65,000 real estate professionals who represent a combined population of nearly 12 million people have access to your listings!
• Continue to confidently rely on CCAR MLS for support and training.
Which MLS systems are involved?
MORE is a reciprocal arrangement that provides direct MLS system access amongst CCAR, Bay East, EBRDI, and MLSListings (MORE) and MetroList, BAREIS, and San Francisco MLS (Quattro). With just one click from Paragon, you can log in and start searching or listing on these neighboring systems.
When did it become available?
MORE went live on March 15, 2010. The links to sign directly into the neighboring MLS systems are active on your Paragon MLS system. Training is being conducted by CCAR staff.
How does it work?
After logging in to Paragon, Participants and subscribers simply ‘click over’ to a neighboring MLS system to search or list properties, as they will have already been authenticated via SSO (single sign-on). Neighboring practitioners will do the same to access the CCAR MLS, making it easier to both list properties anywhere in the covered areas, and to bring buyers to listed properties. (There is no need to fax reciprocal listing forms, and there are no subsequent input fees.) This expanded data resource allows our members to utilize an IDX feed to present accurate listing information on their websites.
What does it cost?
There are no additional fees or costs to participate in MORE.
Your CCAR MLS fees entitle you to access this additional data. The CCAR MLS has funded this initiative to ensure the best possible MLS access.
Can I still pay to have a listing input on either the CCAR MLS or surrounding MLS systems?
Contact the individual MLS partner for information.
Do I need to register for this service?
Participant and Subscriber information has been synchronized among all participating MLSs.
What do I need to do next to take advantage of this service?
• Sign up for training.
• Acknowledge the “Terms of Service Agreement” when you first access neighboring MLS systems, and become familiar with the MLS rules governing listings on that system. A summary of important MLS rule variations will be offered as a part of training.
What geographic areas does MORE cover?
• nearly 12 million consumers
• some 65,000 real estate professionals
• more than 30,000 active listings
Will I be compensated if a REALTOR® from a neighboring MLS brings the buyer to my listing on their MLS?
All Participants and subscribers are bound by the rules governing cooperation and offer of compensation.
How does this impact the state wide CalRedd™ effort?
CCAR has signed a “Letter of Intent” to participate in the CalRedd™ statewide MLS. We will continue to evaluate CalRedd™ progress along with our future participation based upon our Participants’ and Subscribers’ needs.
Are the rules different for each MLS?
Yes. A summary of important MLS rule variations will be offered as a part of training.
Contact the individual MLS partner for information about:
• compliance violations
• existing reciprocal listings
• expired listings
Will the tools and services that I have now like HomesOpenToday.com and wireless mobile MLS search work with MORE?
Not at first. However, we are working toward making these tools operate with this larger dataset.
Who do I call for support?
CCAR provides support for our Participants and Subscribers. Contact CCAR Member Support at
925 295 9200 or CCAR Technical Support at 925 295 1270 or support@ccartoday.com.
Where can I find information about things like sign ordinances or school districts for these neighboring areas?
Resources to support the reciprocal experience are available at ccartoday.com/more.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT
Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® • 925 295 1270
support@ccartoday.com
For information, visit ccartoday.com/more.
MLS DRE # REQUIRED
Effective April 5, you will n
eed to enter the Selling/Buyer Agent’s DRE number when changing a listing’s status to “Pending.” You will still need to enter the agent’s name in addition to this new field before saving the page. If you have any question regarding the new requirement or other MLS Rules, please contact Jared White at 925 295 9209 or jared@ccartoday.com. Click here to see a full set of the MLS Rules and Regulations.
MORE from CCAR MLS
MORE provides CCAR MLS Participants and Subscribers broad access to search for and list properties throughout Northern California. This dramatically expanded MLS service is brought to you by the CCAR MLS at no additional cost! Visit ccartoday.com/more for a detailed program description, including coverage maps.
MORE is poised to better serve Participants and Subscribers by essentially erasing MLS ‘borders.’ Participating MLSs have increased their security standards, adapted their systems, synchronized Participant and Subscriber information, and cooperated at an unprecedented level to make this happen. During this process you may have noticed some of these advancements, such as the enhanced ‘two-factor login’ process.
MORE allows you to:
• Access and search neighboring MLSs directly, and at no additional cost.
• Input listings directly into these systems witH no fees or reciprocal input forms!
• Receive expanded exposure for your listings. Some 65,000 real estate professionals who represent a combined population of nearly 12 million people have access to your listings!
• Continue to confidently rely on CCAR MLS for support and training.
Which MLS systems are involved with MORE?
MORE is a reciprocal arrangement that provides direct MLS system access amongst CCAR, BayEast, EBRDI, MLSListings, Metrolist, BAREIS, and San Francisco MLS. With just one click from Paragon, you can log in and start searching or listing on these neighboring systems.
Q: When does it begin?
A: Sometime in March 2010 the links to sign directly in to the neighboring MLS systems will be active on your Paragon MLS system. Training will take place in March by CCAR staff. For immediate notification when the MLS walls come down, become a CCAR fan on at facebook.com/ccartoday.
Q: How does it work?
A: After logging in to Paragon, participants and subscribers simply ‘click over’ to a neighboring MLS system to search or list properties, as they will have already been authenticated via SSO (single sign-on). Neighboring practitioners will do the same to access the CCAR MLS, making it easier to both list properties anywhere in the covered areas, and to bring buyers to listed properties. (There is no need to fax reciprocal listing forms, and there are no subsequent input fees.) This expanded data resource allows our members to utilize an IDX feed to present accurate listing information on their websites.
Q: What does it cost?
A: There are no additional fees or costs to participate in MORE. Your CCAR MLS fees entitle you to access this additional data. The CCAR MLS has funded this initiative to ensure the best possible MLS access.
Q: Can I still pay to have a listing input on either the CCAR MLS or surrounding MLS systems?
A: Contact the individual MORE MLS partner for information.
Q: Do I need to register for this service?
A: No. Participant and Subscriber information has been synchronized among all participating MLSs.
Q: What do I need to do next to take advantage of this service?
• Look for an announcement from CCAR on the ‘go live’ status of the reciprocal SSO links.
• Sign up for training.
• Acknowledge the “Terms of Service Agreement” when you first access neighboring MLS systems, and become familiar with the MLS rules governing listings on that system. A summary of important MLS rule variations will be offered as a part of training.
Q: What geographic area does MORE cover?
A: MORE covers:
• nearly 12 million consumers
• some 65,000 real estate professionals
• more than 30,000 active listings
Q: Will I be compensated if a REALTOR® from a neighboring MLS brings the buyer to my listing on their MLS?
A: All participants and subscribers are bound by the rules governing cooperation and offer of compensation.
Q: How does this impact the state wide CalRedd™ effort?
A: CCAR has signed a “Letter of Intent” to participate in the CalRedd™ statewide MLS. We will continue to evaluate CalRedd™ progress along with our future participation based upon our Participants’ and Subscribers’ needs.
Q: Are the rules different for each MLS?
A: Yes. A summary of important MLS rule variations will be offered as a part of training.
Contact the individual MLS partner for information about:
• compliance violations
• existing reciprocal listings
• expired listings
Q: Will the tools and services that I have now like “HomesOpenToday.com” and wireless mobile MLS search work with MORE?
A: Not at first. However, we are working toward making these tools operate with this larger dataset.
Q: Will my Supra Key open all lockboxes in the coverage area?
A: Your Supra D-Key or eKey will open the IBoxes currently being used in coverage areas. Your D-Key will work on any AEII boxes still in use.
Q: Who do I call for support?
A: CCAR provides support for our Participants and Subscribers. Contact CCAR Member Support at 925 295 9200 or CCAR Technical Support at 925 295 1270 (or support@ccartoday.com).
Q: Where can I find information about things like sign ordinances or school districts for these neighboring areas?
A: Resources to support the reciprocal experience are available at ccartoday.com/more.
For MORE information, please visit ccartoday.com/more. For training and support, please call 925 295 1270.
SUPPORT
Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®
925 295 1270
support@ccartoday.com
SUPRA Changes
March 4, 2010
Dear GE Security Customer,
There are a few changes coming to SupraWEB in the next couple of weeks. These changes will provide several new tools for your use.
· Enhanced reporting features including a new mobile site customized for phones.
· Improved showing feedback options: You can automatically forward showing
notifications to sellers.
· Agent WebPAY is moving into SupraWEB. You will no longer need to remember two sets of passwords or use two different websites.
As part of this upcoming change, which will occur in about three weeks, it will be necessary for you to create a new user ID and password before you can access SupraWEB (until the change is made, you will continue to use your current password and key number). We will be providing information and training over the next few weeks on the set up process. You can visit www.ekeyprofessional.com/sso.html to learn how this simple process works. We will also add a dedicated queue in our call center with additional staff to assist you with the change.
We sincerely appreciate your continued business. We are working hard to add benefits to the Wireless Information System that will continue to make things easier for you.
Sincerely,
Greg Russell, Product Marketing Manager
New CCAR Mobile Resources
New mobile tools at our new mobile portal!
CCAR is thrilled to release its mobile tools portal. Bookmark m.ccartoday.com from your mobile device for access to local market statistics, school and city info, contact info for CCAR, and many more tools.
New MLS login procedure
As previously communicated, when you access the Paragon MLS you will now see a very different looking login screen. THis is required to provide for the enhanced security which will eventually open the door for broad reciprocal access in Northern California. Please see an image of what the new login screen looks like below. In addition to this new login process, each MLS user will eventually be required to provide the answers to several security enhancing questions to augment their MLS profile. If you have questions or issues, please contact support at 925-295-1270 or by email at support@ccartoday.com.
Beginning December 17, CCAR MLS Particpant/subscribers will see a new login screen to MLS .
Beginning December 17, CCAR MLS Participants/Subscribers will see a different login screen when they access Paragon. CCAR is initiating a soft launch of additional security technology on the Paragon MLS as the next step in the creation of a Bay Area reciprocal access network.
What you can expect:
During this implementation period, you will at some point be required to answer a series of questions to augment your existing MLS profile. As an added security measure, you may also be required to create a new MLS password that is at least eight alphanumeric characters in length.
These new security measures should be familiar to most users, as they have become a standard in the online banking and payment transaction industries. Our ultimate goal is to provide greatly enhanced security for the MLS compilation, which will eventually allow us to bring you the benefits of broad reciprocal access throughout Northern California.
If you experience any difficulties during this implementation, contact CCAR Technical Support at (925) 295-1270 or email us at support@ccartoday.com.
Thank you for your support and patience during this transition.
November Statistics
The passing of the home-buyer tax credit’s initial expiration date hasn’t yet slowed the urgency of home buyers in the Contra Costa region, as November saw a continuation of the strong sales we’ve seen in previous months.
There were 333 single-family detached signed purchase agreements during the month and 170 townhouse-condo attached agreements, up a strong 40.5 percent and 49.1 percent from a year ago, respectively.
The strong buyer demand brought the overall median sales price dup from a year ago for both property types. The median sales price of detached properties is up 16.6 percent, while townhouse-condo attached homes are up 3.7 percent. Contra Costa has seen falling prices for two years, and the recent signs of stability are a welcome sign of a return to market equilibrium.
New MLS Security Measure Coming Soon
On December 16, 2009, CCAR MLS Participants and Subscribers will see a different Paragon login screen because CCAR is implementing additional security technology on the Paragon MLS. This is the next step toward the creation of a Bay Area reciprocal access network. The screen will look like this:
During the implementation, you will be required to answer a series of questions to improve your security profile. These additional measures are similar to the ones that protect your online banking transactions. Watch for more information from CCAR on this important development.
C.A.R. Monthly Message
Dear C.A.R. Member:
The past few weeks have been very favorable for home buyers, our profession, and the real estate industry. President Obama on Friday signed a bill extending and expanding the federal tax credit for home buyers through April 30, 2010, and on Oct. 30 signed a resolution extending the current limits for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA loans through the end of next year.
These successes were a teaching moment for us all on the impact we can make in Washington when we unite behind a common cause. We called for action, and you delivered. California REALTORS® placed nearly 25,000 calls or e-mails to their congressional representatives, urging them to extend and expand the home buyer tax credit. Passage of legislation critical to our profession also underscored the importance of being politically involved, at the local, state, and national levels. It’s why I’ve been personally involved in our Association’s advocacy efforts for many years, and why I back up my commitment with an annual contribution to the REALTOR® Action Fund.
During challenging economic times, every level of government is on the hunt for additional revenues. Their sights often turn to our industry and the real estate transaction as an as-yet-untapped revenue stream. That’s why our involvement and political contributions are even more critical in the current fiscal atmosphere. If you aren’t now an active participant in the political process, I hope you’ll join me and give serious consideration to writing a check, making a call, or stepping up your involvement in some way. Your actions help ensure that your best interests are front and center in Sacramento and Washington.
On the transactional front, C.A.R. members have an opportunity next week to upgrade their existing WINForms® to the new zipForm® 6. The upgrade grants you access to new features and functionality not currently available with WINForms Online® or WINForms® Desktop. zipForm® 6 is available in both an online and desktop version. zipForm® 6 is compatible with Windows Vista and runs on either a PC or Mac. For free introductory webinar training, check out http://www.car.org/winforms/zipForm6/; more information will be available in the coming weeks on this exciting development.
November also marks the final weeks of my term as your president. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this year. I had the opportunity to meet many of you as I traveled the state. The common thread among the brokers and agents I met, whether from larger offices or smaller independents, was their commitment to professionalism, to the industry, and to their clients. Your 2010 Leadership Team–2010 President Steve Goddard, President-elect Beth Peerce, and Treasurer Don Faught–assumes office at the conclusion of the NAR meetings in San Diego later this month. I wish them well, and leave you in good hands.
Sincerely,
James Liptak
2009 President
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
October 09 Statistics
Home sales in the Contra Costa region continue to post extremely robust numbers. October saw 462 single-family detached pending sales and 245 for townhouse-condo attached homes—representing increases of 66.8 percent and 81.5 percent, respectively.
With the home buyer tax credit extended and expanded, we can expect that first-time home buyer activity will remain strong, but don’t bank on the same blockbuster numbers we saw this year. If you were a potential first-time home buyer who was qualified to purchase in 2009, odds are good that you already bought. The fact that the income limits have been raised for eligibility does help since it widens the credit’s availability.
The $6,500 credit for second-time buyers will spur some sellers in the low-to-mid price ranges to put their homes on the market who had previously been on the fence. New listings will likely increase this winter and into early 2010 as a result.
The October 2009 and all past statistics can be found at www.ccartoday.com/members/forms_docs/stats/index.php.
CCAR MLS Rules Update – Exterior photo or rendering requirement
Hello, Michael Seguin, Director of Technology for the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®. We wanted to take a moment to ensure that you are aware of the recent addition to our MLS rules and regulations. We recently modified our rules to require at least one photo or rendering of the exterior of a property be posted to the MLS within 5 days of the property being input to the MLS. Our goal here is of course to improve the value of the MLS compilation to our REALTOR members and to the consumer. The specific text of the rule is below. Please note, we will begin addressing violations of this rule soon. It is our hope that through education and outreach we can solve the issue of properties without photos, rather than through citations and fines.
MLS Rules Language:
Residential, Mobile Home, Residential Income, Lease rental, Commercial Residential Multi units 5+, Commercial for Sale, and Commercial for lease must have a minimum of one main photo/image of the exterior of the property attached to the listing unless directed otherwise in writing by the seller. The main photo/image must be added within five (5) days of the listing being entered into the MLS.
