.
A Message from C.A.R. President James
Liptak...
Congratulations on your membership in the CALIFORNIA
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®! You’ve chosen a challenging profession, and
the market that you are entering is equally
challenging. For more than 100 years—in both buyer’s and seller’s
markets—C.A.R. has worked diligently to preserve and promote a commitment
to excellence, professionalism, and integrity within the real estate
industry. As a C.A.R. member, you have access to products, services, and
opportunities for professional development at special member prices and, in
some instances, available only to C.A.R. members. As the state counterpart
to the National Association of REALTORS®, C.A.R. works with California’s
117 local REALTOR® associations to deliver the tools you need to provide
high-caliber service to your clients—whether they are
distressed sellers or first-time buyers with a 20 percent down payment and
a FICO score of 800—and compete successfully in today’s market. In 2009, we
will accomplish this objective
by listening to you as you communicate your needs to us. Whether it’s
through your local association’s board of directors or your regional C.A.R.
director, you have a direct conduit to
communicate with your state trade association and direct the future of our
organization.
Your Association is here to assist you as you embark on your real estate
career, but keep in mind that it’s incumbent upon all of us to take
responsibility for our profession and actively participate in
our industry. For example, in light of the credit/liquidity crunch,
legislation affecting your distressed sellers, and changes in
campaign-finance laws and term limits, it’s more critical than ever before
for individual members to be involved in the political process, whether
through direct contributions to federal political action committees or by
serving on city councils and planning commissions in our communities. As
your Association continues its second century of service to our members and
the real estate industry, I encourage you to use this C.A.R. at a Glance
brochure to learn about the programs and services C.A.R. provides to you as
a benefit of your membership and to determine how you can leverage your
position within the REALTOR® organization to ensure the long-term success
of the professional real estate practitioner.
Sincerely
James Liptak, 2009 C.A.R. President
2009 Event
Calendar
January 21-24 | Business Meetings |
Monterey
As part of the Association’s governance structure, more than
35 committees composed of
REALTORS® from throughout the state meet three times a year during
C.A.R.’s business meetings. The committees examine issues affecting
all aspects of the real estate business and formulate policies to be
considered by the Association’s board of directors. C.A.R.’s meetings
are open to all members. For more information, call (213) 739-8384 or
visit http://www.car.org/meetings.
April 18-19 | Southern California Home Buyer's Fair | Los
Angeles
Today's housing market presents opportunities for qualified buyers. Many
buyers have more choices today than when they first contemplated the
home-buying process months--or even years--ago. It's time to get the word
out and educate consumers about their choices! That's why C.A.R., in
conjunction with the Los Angeles Times, is sponsoring a home buyer's fair
that will showcase how to capitalize on these opportunities. Consisting of
exhibits and seminars, the event will educate potential home buyers on what
they need to know to purchase a home. For more information, call (213)
739-8301 or visit
www.homebuyersfair.com.
June 3-6
Business Meetings Sacramento
See description above under "Business Meetings."
June 3
Legislative Day Sacramento
See description in the "Governmental Affairs" section below.
October 6-8 | CALIFORNIA REALTOR® EXPO 2009 | San
Jose
The CALIFORNIA
REALTOR® EXPO is C.A.R.’s annual convention for California real
estate practitioners. As a free member benefit, the EXPO provides two
days of hands-on training, continuing education seminars, networking
opportunities, and one of real estate’s largest exhibit halls
featuring hundreds of industry vendors showcasing the latest products
and services to streamline the transaction process. For information,
contact Betty Thomas at (213) 739-8236 or
bettyt@car.org.
Free entrance is exclusively for C.A.R. members. Prices for
non-members are significantly higher.
October 6 | Tech Tuesday | San
Jose
Immediately preceding the EXPO, Tech Tuesday
offers a full day of training, education sessions, and product
analyses to explore the technological innovations revolutionizing the
real estate industry. Admission fees apply. Prices for non-members
are significantly higher.
October 7-10 | Business Meetings | San
Jose
See description above under “Business
Meetings.”
October 15-18
Business Meetings
Long Beach
See description above under "Business Meetings."
Various Dates
REALTOR® S.W.A.T. - Special Weapons and Tactics to Navigate the
Market See description in the Professional Development and
Education section below. For more
information, click here.
C.A.R. Commercial
Connection
Four commercial education seminars will be conducted
throughout California. Learn how to transition your business to more
commercial transactions. Visit www.carcommercial.org for dates, locations, and
additional information.
Legal Services at
a Glance
Through C.A.R.'s suite of legal tools and member services, you have access
to the latest information you need to decipher the complexities of a real
estate transaction. With more than 150 collective years of experience in
the field of real estate law, C.A.R.'s team of dedicated attorneys knows
your business, your marketplace, and the legal challenges and pitfalls you
face in your daily transactions. C.A.R.'s legal staff tracks developments
in real estate's legal arena and delivers that information directly to you.
Legal Section of C.A.R. Online
The expansive Legal section of C.A.R. Online
(www.car.org) features important real
estate law updates, helpful disclosure charts, and numerous legal articles
written by C.A.R. attorneys. To access this free legal information, visit
http://www.car.org/legal.
Legal Articles
C.A.R.'s attorneys have produced Legal Articles for more than 150 topics
covering more than 30 subject areas affecting the real estate brokerage
practice. Topics range from natural hazard disclosures and REO sales
requirements to arbitration and fair housing. To read the articles, log on
to the Legal section of C.A.R. Online
(http://www.car.org/legal)
and select "Legal Q&As."
C.A.R. Member Legal Hotline
C.A.R.'s Member Legal Hotline, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m. by calling (213) 739-8282, delivers live, personalized real
estate advice from C.A.R. attorneys. Answers to many of your legal
questions also can be found under "Legal Q&As" on the Legal section of
C.A.R. Online (http://www.car.org/legal).
Regularly updated by C.A.R. attorneys, these articles often are
referenced during hotline calls. C.A.R. members who are brokers/owners,
office managers, or designated REALTORS® may call (213) 739-8350 to
receive expedited service. E-mail inquiries for the Hotline should be
sent to
legalhotline@car.org;
include your full name, C.A.R. membership number, and phone number.
Legal Action Fund
C.A.R. proactively defends your real estate profession in the appellate
courts through the Association's Legal Action Fund. The Fund has
contributed to favorable decisions in several landmark cases in which
C.A.R. filed amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs urging the court to
consider the REALTOR® position. If you're involved in a real estate-related
case going up on appeal, it may qualify for involvement from the Legal
Action Fund. For information, contact Neil Kalin at (213) 739-8341 or
neilk@car.org.
Realegal® Legal Updates by E-mail
Realegal® provides information about legal developments to all C.A.R.
members. This free e-mail newsletter contains breaking legal information
and legal prevention tips to those who have an e-mail address on file with
C.A.R. To subscribe, verify your e-mail address with your local association
or visit http://www.car.org,
log in, click the "Members" tab in the Quick Links area, and follow the
Newsletter Subscriptions link.
Strategic Defense Program
C.A.R. seeks to improve the current litigation climate against members and
address the availability and affordability of errors and omissions
insurance in California. C.A.R. members now have direct access to seasoned
attorneys who can defend a claim or lawsuit for a reduced fee. Visit
C.A.R.'s Strategic Defense Web page in the Legal section of C.A.R. Online
(http://www.car.org/legal).
Risk Management Program
C.A.R.'s Risk Managment program minimizes risk and your exposure to
deal-breaking transaction challenges like mold, inspection contingencies,
and environmental hazards. Whether you're an individual agent or a manager
of an office, there's a program package specifically designed to meet your
needs. To purchase a Risk Management package, click on the "Risk Management
Packages" tab in the Legal section of C.A.R. Online
(www.car.org.)
C.A.R. Legal Blog
C.A.R. recently rolled out its first blog, C.A.R.'s Legal Blog. This site
offers a convenient community forum where members can submit comments and
questions, easily connect with their peers and C.A.R.'s legal staff, and
get their important legal questions answered. C.A.R.'s Legal Blog can be
accessed at
http://blogs.car.org,
or from C.A.R.'s home page by clicking on the box in the upper right-hand
corner, and from the Legal section.
REALTORS
® Care
REALTORS® throughout the state have a long-standing
tradition of community involvement and making a difference in the
neighborhoods in which they serve. REALTORS®
volunteer their time and effort in numerous charities and worthy causes.
C.A.R. sponsors several charitable programs that help REALTORS® and their
communities.
C.A.R. Disaster Relief Fund
C.A.R. established the C.A.R. Disaster Relief Fund inthe wake of the
devastating 2003 California wildfires. Grants provided by the fund were
used to help members of the REALTOR® family --
REALTORS®, their staff, and association members and
their staff -- who incurred substantial losses due to the wildfires.
Today, C.A.R. continues to reach out to those affected by natural and other
disasters by distributing grants of $1,000 to $10,000 from the fund. To
receive an application to request a grant from the C.A.R. Disaster Relief
Fund, call Elizabeth de Carteret at (213) 739-8308 or e-mail
elizabethd@car.org.
C.A.R. Scholarship and Education
Foundations
Since 1948, the C.A.R. Scholarship Foundation has provided
awards ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to students enrolled at a
California college or university for professions that are centered
on, or support a career in, real estate transactional activity. Real
estate licensees who wish to pursue advanced real estate
designations, degrees, or credentials also may be considered for
scholarships. The C.A.R. Education Foundation was established in June
2005 to work in conjunction with the existing C.A.R. Scholarship
Foundation. Scholarships, awards, and grants also will be given to
deserving students and other worthy individuals beginning in early
2009 through the C.A.R. Education Foundation. For more information,
to donate, or to apply, click on “C.A.R. Scholarship
Foundation/Education Foundation” in the About C.A.R. section
of
www.car.org.
Communication and
Information at a Glance
Because having the latest news about breaking developments can mean the
difference between an under-priced bid and a winning offer, C.A.R. provides
timely access to the critical information you need to understand the market
and successfully counsel your clients. C.A.R.'s mix of topical newsletters,
regular magazines, and electronic updates delivers the essential data you
need to represent your clients and close transactions.
California Real Estate
Magazine
As C.A .R. ’ s of f i c ial publication,
California Real Estate
magazine delivers news about industry trends, business
ideas, and practical solutions to common problems faced by the active
practitioner. ret2® (Real Estate Trends +
Technology®) magazine, a supplement to
California Real Estate
magazine, covers leading-edge technologies and practices to
help you succeed in today’s competitive environment. For information,
call (213) 739-8320.
C.A.R. Newsline E-mail
Newsletter
C.A.R. Newsline
provides breaking news about economic trends, legal and
legislative developments, and other issues affecting the real estate
industry in an easy-to-read format delivered directly to your inbox
every Wednesday. To subscribe, verify that your correct e-mail
address is on file with your local
association.
Media Relations
C.A.R.'s media relations division
proactively develops and implements the Association's media and public
relations strategy to address perceptions in the consumer media and
industry at large about the California housing market and the real estate
profession. News releases, media interviews, and news conferences are used
to convey information about California's housing market and economy, legal
issues impacting the real estate industry, C.A.R.'s efforts in the
legislative and public-policy arenas, and other key industry topics. For
information, contact Mark Giberson at (213) 739-8304 or
markg@car.org.
Consumer Advertising Campaign
Through "Your piece of California. Your peace of mind," C.A.R.'s dynamic
consumer advertising campaign aims to increase the public's understanding
of the true value of using a REALTOR® when buying or
selling a home. This campaign emphasizes how a
REALTOR®'s unique professional insight can make the
complicated and stressful process of buying or selling a home an overall
positive experience. The campaign features radio spots, interactive Web
banners placedon popular Web sites, and search engine marketing on Yahoo!
and Google. These features direct consumers to the campaign Web site,
www.yourpieceofcalifornia.com, which reinforces key
messages from the radio ads, while reminding consumers why they should
use a REALTOR® in all of their real estate
transactions and links to the "Find a REALTOR®"
page on C.A.R. Online (www.car.org).
This year, the campaign will add a Spanish-language component through
radio ads directed toward the state's Hispanic home buyers and sellers.
For information, contact Anne Framroze at (213) 739-8322 or
annef@car.org.
Market Matters
With media coverage of the real estate market and
REALTORS®’ role in the transaction under heightened
scrutiny, Market Matters offers proactive solutions to addressing media coverage as
well as providing the tools to help you make sense of the often
conflicting and confusing data, market studies, and news reports
about your industry and profession. Through the weekly
Market Matters e-newsletter delivered to your inbox every Thursday, you’ll
be armed and ready to position yourself as the market expert with
your clients, while demonstrating the knowledge, experience, and
expertise a REALTOR® brings to the transaction. For more
information, http://marketmatters.car.org.
C.A.R. Online
(www.car.org)
As C.A.R.’s official Web site, car.org provides 24/7 access
to the critical information you need as a real estate professional.
This dynamic site offers password-protected,
members-only sections, as well as a customizable “Find a
REALTOR®” profile, which consumers can link to from
REALTOR.com’s® “Find a
REALTOR® White Pages” link. You’ll find discounts on key products and
services as well as access to C.A.R.’s extensive market research and
industry studies. This site also provides access to online education,
continuing education, professional development, and license-renewal
information. The expansive Legal and Governmental Affairs sections
give you the latest news about breaking developments in real estate
law and related business practice issues. Dates and locations of
upcoming C.A.R., National Association of
REALTORS®, and other industry events are available, as well as
committee materials and related information. For password-protected
areas, you’ll need your NRDS number to create an
account.
California Living Network™
The California Living Network™ is California’s largest
directory of homes for sale on the Internet and features information
about virtually all homes listed for sale in the Golden State. For
more information visit http://ca.realtor.com.
Videos
From interviewswith industry experts to coverage of C.A.R. events, C.A.R.
produces short videos to help you stay informed about what's going on at
C.A.R. and in the real estate industry at large. To view the videos, visit
http://videos.car.org/mediavault.html.
Free Marketing
Tools
Free materials and services to help you create more business and retain
clients.
ClientDIRECTTM: free consumer newsletter
for your clients
ClientDIRECT™ is an agent-branded online newsletter that is
automatically sent to your clients every month. This free, Web-based
marketing tool helps you to effortlessly keep in touch with clients.
Featuring your contact information, listings, and photo, plus
professionally written articles about buying, selling, or owning a
home, this customizable newsletter is delivered once a month directly
to your clients’ inboxes. With ClientDIRECT™, you create the title of
your newsletter, select from a wide variety of professionally written
articles, and add pictures, messages, links, listings, and more.
ClientDIRECT™ is the perfect way to remind clients of the valuable
services you provide as their
REALTOR®. To subscribe, click on the ClientDIRECT™ logo in the
“Tools” section of the car.org home
page (www.car.org).
REALTOR® Business
Products at a Glance
C.A.R. produces business products and tools to
empower REALTORS® through its Real
Estate Business Services, Inc. (REBS®) subsidiary.
C.A.R. Business Products offers
REALTORS® tools to help
grow their business, from the standard forms used in nearly every
transaction in California to informative publications and the latest
technology tools.
C.A.R. Business Products Online
Store
You can access C.A.R. Business Products 24/7 at
http://store.car.org
, the place to order C.A.R. standard forms, real estate
reference publications, training and coursework materials, open house and
risk management tools, and much more. The best part is all products can be
delivered right to your door. To begin shopping, visit
http://store.car.org
or call C.A.R. Customer Service at (213)
739-8227.
Clarus™ REsource™
Clarus™ REsource™ is a powerful suite of Web-based tools
designed to enhance your real estate market insight and
professionalism. Clarus™ REsource™ is comprised of three
services:
• Clarus™ MarketMetrics™ powered by Terradatum
This simple to use, market-oriented tool is designed pecifically for the real estate professional to better understand the local market and communicate those insights to clients easily and effectively.• Clarus™ Investor™
This property analysis tool allows agents to help buyers interested in investment real estate obtain a quick picture of a property’s value and profit potential.• Clarus™ DataMine™
This online destination contains essential information about the economy and housing market. It is the source for C.A.R. Research Reports and County Economic Profiles (CEPs).
For more details, call (213) 739-8278 or visit www.clarusresource.com.
Standard Forms
Developed by practicing real estate professionals and attorneys working
closely with C.A.R.'s attorneys, C.A.R. standard forms are dependable real
estate transaction tools that are user friendly and comprehensive. As the
industry standard throughout California, the library of more than 100
C.A.R. standard forms is backed by the C.A.R. User Protection Agreement.
Members are encouraged to send feedback to
carforms@car.org.
ePUBS™ for WINForms®
ePUBS™ for
WINForms® is a great way to save money, time, and the environment
while conducting your real estate transactions. ePUBS™ for
WINForms® is a new add-on library for your WINForms
Online® account that consists of six disclosure titles (two mandated
and four consumer). Not only are you now able to send the Combined
Hazards book via e-mail, but you can also help educate your client on
disclosures and the disclosure process. Visit www.winforms.com for more information.
WINForms® Electronic Forms
As the electronic version of C.A.R. standard forms, WINForms® provides you
with instant access to the latest versions of the contracts you need to
complete your transactions. With this free software, you can e-mail
contracts to clients, enter data automatically through the software's
auto-fill functionality, and more. WINForms® Desktop software can be
installed directly to your PC by going to
www.winforms.com. This feature is also available on
pre-registered CD for an additional fee. If you have a high-speed
Internet connection, WINForms Online® allows you to access and update
your transactions anytime, anywhere, from any computer that is connected
to the Web. For information, visit
www.winforms.com or contact C.A.R. Customer Service
at (213) 739-8227.
RELAYTM Transaction
Management
RELAY® transaction management streamlines workflow and connects
agents to clients through a custom Web site 24/7. With one click,
maximize the benefits of your WINForms
Online® member benefit and move to an electronic transaction helping
you win listings, close transactions, and get client referrals.
Transfer information from WINForms
Online®, share documents, receive instant updates, and present a
professional transaction site to clients. Brokers find out how
RELAY® is a risk reduction tool. See a demo at www.ziplogix.com/relaydemo or call (866)
736-7328.
Member Advantage Program
C.A.R.'s Member Advantage program provides members-only discounts on a
variety of products and services you use in your business and a list of
C.A.R.-approved insurance providers. Current* partners and insurance
providers include:
Fax2Mail (Electronic Fax Service):
www.premiereglobal.com/car or (866)
329-2624
ListingLight (Listing Night Lights and Locks): www.listinglight.com/carmap or (866) 210-6616
Paychex, Inc. (Payroll Processing and HR Services): ( 800) 729-2439 (mention code 5796)
UPS (Shipping): www.savewithups.com/car or (800) 325-7000
T-Mobile (Mobile Phone Provider): www.car.org/members/memberbenefits or (866) 464-8662 (new customers), (877) 453-8824 (current customers)
OfficeMax (Office Supplies): www.car.org/members/memberbenefits
Bank of America (C.A.R. Branded Rewards Credit Card): www.car.org/members/memberbenefits
Tech Hotline (Technology Help): http://car.matthewferrara.com or (866) 95-FIXPC (34972)
PrintingForLess.com (Printing Services): www.printingforless.com/car or (800) 930-6040
Begley’s Best (Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products): www.begleysbest.com/car
RealCare Insurance (Medical, Dental, Life, Vision, LTC): www.RealCareCA.com or (800) 939-8088
VPI Pet Insurance (Pet): www.petinsurance.com/affiliates/CAR_npr or (800) 719-1163
Costello and Sons (E&O, Worker’s Comp, Home, Auto Insurance) www.costelloandsons.com/REALTORS.html or (800) 949-0640
For more information, visit C.A.R.’s Member Advantage
Program Web page or call (213) 739-8303.
Professional Development and Education at a
Glance
For more than 30 years, the CALIFORNIA
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) has
provided high-quality real estate education for its members. C.A.R.
offers a variety of delivery methods, such as live lecture, home
study, and online. Our training has exceeded industry standards for
both members who have just entered real estate and those who are
long-term professionals. Apply tonight what you learn
today!
License Renewal
C.A.R. offers award-winning, online and home study,
continuing education courses developed to meet all your license
renewal requirements. All license renewal courses are approved by the
Department of Real Estate (DRE) for both salespersons and
brokers.
C.A.R.’s online courses (a complete online experience) make it easy for you to renew your real estate license online with high-quality content and testing from OnlineEd.com. Visit www.rebsonline.com.
C.A.R.’s real estate license renewal courses are also available through home study binders, CDs, or electronic PDF downloads, all with the ease of online exams. Visit store.car.org.
Professional
Development
C.A.R. is proud to offer a range of highquality courses in
both live lecture and online options to enhance your professional
career in real estate.
Live lecture courses offered include:
• Distressed Properties: Familiarize yourself with the procedures used in the sale and disposition of short sales, foreclosures, and REOs (four hours of continuing education credit).
• Your Guide to the California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA-CA): Learn from C.A.R.’s attorneys the several essential concepts, principles, and facts about the RPACA form that all REALTORS® should know (three hours of continuing education credit).
• Fundamentals of Transaction Coordination: Achieve a full understanding of the real estate transaction either to get your deals through quickly, or to effectively process the paper transactions as a coordinator.
Online courses offered include:
• Working With Foreclosures: Prepares you to work with sellers, buyers, and lenders in foreclosure and short sale situations.
• Broker Essentials: Covers topics that will help you build and manage an efficient and productive office.
• Agent Fundamentals: A series of courses providing you with the essential knowledge needed to reach your maximum potential.
For a complete list of C.A.R.’s live and online professional development courses, please visit http://www.car.org/education.
Professional Designations
C.A.R. offers access to professional designations to give you an edge in
your business.
Green - Become the green real estate resource for your community.
Learn the financial advantages of eco-friendly, energy-efficient
properties and how to market to the green consumer.
GRI - The Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation
fulfills all of your continuing education requirements for license
renewal or allows you to obtain college-equivalent credits toward your
broker's license while receiving essential training in marketing, real
estate law, contracts, finance, and more. For information, contact the
Professional Realty Institute at (888) 785-4800 or visit
www.edesignations.com.
SRES - The Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
(SRES®). By earning the SRES® designation, R E A
LTORS® are prepared to approach the various niches of mature
clients with the best options and information for them to make
lifechanging decisions.
WINForms® Certification - After completing this one-day training, you will be able to
effectively and efficiently guide
REALTORS® and office staff through the use of
WINForms® Desktop, WINForms
Online®, Forms Advisor™, and Forms Tutor™ software.
For more information about designation and certification programs offered by C.A.R., including the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), e-PRO, and RELAY® Certification, visit education.car.org, or call (213) 739-8227 or cs@car.org.
Outreach Presentations
Each year, C.A.R.'s Leadership
Team, economists, attorneys, and lobbyists speak at local associations and
brokerage offices to deliver the latest details about market conditions,
legal and legislative developments, effective ways to use technology in
your day-to-day business, tips to maximize WINForms®, and more. For
information, contact C.A.R. at (213) 739-8200.
REALTOR® S.W.A.T. - Special Weapons and Tactics to Survive a Down
Market
In an effort to arm members with the most current and relevant resources in
this challenging market, C.A.R. is going on the road, delivering valuable
information on succeeding in today's market, including regional market
trends, legal advice, and tips on how to work with challenging
transactions. Each program includes lunch, your choice of a three-hour
continuing education credit course on Foreclosures or Short Sales, a legal
panel with experts in the field of Short Sales and Foreclosures, and an
economic update. To register for a conference near you, visit www.REALTORSWAT.com or call (213) 739-8227.
C.A.R. Broker
Services
C.A.R. Broker Services focuses on the broker's need for financial
analysisand benchmarking, brokerage guidance, and education by providing
broker-specific strategic tools and services to support the ongoing success
of brokers and managers.
Real Estate Profit
NavigatorTM
Real Estate Profit Navigator™ is a powerful Web-based tool
designed to assist brokers and managers to improve their company’s
profitability. Easily input your financial data to quickly display
datarich, comparative reports detailing the financial health of your
brokerage or office. Use these reports to analyze where your business
is and how it can be more profitable in today’s market. Put the
intelligence back in your business. For more information,
visit
http://www.rebos.com.
Broker Publications
C.A.R. Broker Services offers publications focused specifically on brokers'
needs. For a complete list of broker publiscations, visit
http://store.car.org.
Broker/Manager Training
C.A.R. offers brokers and managers a series of short
one-hour courses that covers financial statements, structure and
business planning, business operations and management of real estate,
technology, and leadership. These courses are designed for licensed
real estate brokers and managers who desire a better understanding of
the factors that influence a brokerage. Whether you are just starting
out or managing an established firm, the Broker Management Essentials
courses will help you achieve maximum success as the operator of a
real estate brokerage business. To learn more about these courses,
visit www.rebsonline.com.
Governmental
Affairs at a Glance
C.A.R. monitors legislation and regulations affecting the real estate
brokerage industry and private property owners' rights in California. In
addition, C.A.R. uses its Member Mobilization network to involve and
educate REALTORS® and communicate the REALTOR® position to lawmakers.
C.A.R. also administers political action committees (PACs) to support
candidates who understand andreflect REALTORS®' interests and to promote or
defeat real estate-related initiatives.
Federal
At the federal level, C.A.R. works closely with the National Association of
REALTORS® to protect REALTOR® business interests while promoting
homeownership opportunities. Legislative victories during the 110th session
of Congress included passing legislation that permanently increased the
conforming loan limits, FHA loan limits, and VA loan limits in high-cost
areas; permitted the veterans of recent conflicts to participate in the
Qualified Veteran Mortgage Bond program; created a tax exemption for
certain mortgage debt forgiveness; established a first-time homebuyer tax
credit; and fixed FIRPTA so sellers are no longer required to furnish their
Social Security number to the buyer. In 2009, C.A.R. will work with the
California congressional delegation to strengthen not only California’s
housing market, but the economy as a whole.
State
In 2008, C.A.R. successfully sponsored SB 1737, requiring disclosure to all
parties whenever a licensee represents a buyer and originates a loan in a
“1-4” transaction. C.A.R. also strongly opposed AB 2678, forcing it to
change from a required point-of-sale energy audit and retrofit for all
homes and commercial properties, which would have added untold delays and
thousands of dollars to the cost of purchasing a home. C.A.R. supported
instead a comprehensive statewide approach to flexible cost-effective
energyefficiency improvements for existing buildings. C.A.R. successfully
sought a veto of AB 1830, a misguided mortgage “reform” measure that
attempted to create a new one-sided attorney fee rule that could have added
new liability for mortgage brokers and a double standard that prejudiced
real estate licensees in favor of institutional lenders. In 2009, C.A.R.
will pursue a defensive legislative agenda in anticipation of new
point-of-sale requirements, attempts to impose new tax liabilities on
transactions an REALTORS®, and new restrictions on the housing supply.
C.A.R. will also collaborate with allied groups to advance legislation that
streamlines the transaction process, facilitates mortgage financing, and
avoids imposition of new liability on REALTORS®.
Local
C.A.R. tracks, monitors, and analyzes local governmental issues pertaining
to housing and real estate in California on an ongoing basis. The staff
works with individual REALTORS®, association executives, and governmental
affairs directors at local associations to develop effective strategies for
advocating the REALTOR® position on local issues. For information, contact
Rick Laezman at(213) 739-8273 or
richardl@car.org.
Member Mobilization
The Member Mobilization program
is designed to support C.A.R.'s policy agendas by involving REALTORS® in
lobbying and political activities. Thousands of REALTORS® have responded to
C.A.R.'s Red Alerts and Calls-for-Action and contacted their legislators
about specific pieces of legislation or policy initiatives. The Member
Mobilization program has been credited with playing an important role in
successfully achieving C.A.R.'s legislative agenda over the years. Join the
C.A.R. Governmental Affairs Team by becoming a Legislative Liaison today!
For more information, contact Lisa Edwards at (916) 492-5211 or via e-mail
at lisae@car.org.
2009 Legislative Day
Each year, thousands of
California REALTORS® convene at the State Capitol during Legislative Day to
meet with their elected officials and discuss current issues affecting the
real estate brokerage business. Legislative Day participants that have
contributed $197 or more to the REALTOR® Action Fund are invited to attend
the annual C.A.R. Capitol Reception, an opportunity to network with state
lawmakers and other REALTORS®. This year, Legislative Day will be held on
Wednesday, June 3. For more information, contact DeAnn Kerr at (800)
337-9285 or via e-mail at
deannk@car.org.
Field Representatives
C.A.R. Field Representatives work in conjunction with
C.A.R.’s Member Mobilization effort to coordinate grassroots and
political activities in cooperation with local associations. Field
Representatives support the C.A.R. Legislative Liaison program and
augment C.A.R.’s political fundraising efforts. For more information,
contact Lisa Edwards at (916) 492-5211 or via e-mail at
lisae@car.org.
Tackling Housing
Affordability
In response to concerns about housing affordability within the Golden
State, C.A.R. created the Housing Affordability Fund to address this
critical issue. With a mission to serve as the philanthropic arm of C.A.R.,
the Housing Affordability Fund has been successful at working in tandem
with our political advocacy efforts to promote homeownership, create an
increase in housing stock, and support programs that will involve a
REALTOR® transaction. Housing affordability isn't an issue that affects the
less fortunate; it affects us all.
With your voluntary, 100-percent tax-deductible contribution, you can help
the non-profit that supports your industry. Show your clients that you care
about affordability in our state by wearing your Key to California
Homeownership, a special lapel pin for contributors, beginning at the $100
contribution level. Tax-deductible contributions to the Housing
Affordability Fund can be sent to: C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund
(C.A.R.H.A.F.), 525 S. Virgil Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90020. Additional
information about C.A.R.H.A.F., including funding request forms, is
available at www.carhaf.org. For more
information, contact Monica Rodriguez at (213) 739-8380 or
monicar@car.org.
Political
Action
Every year in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., legislation is introduced
that threatens our members' ability to serve clients and sell real estate.
Your voluntary contribution of $197 to the REALTOR® Action Fund (RAF) is
used to support or oppose issues that impact REALTORS® and to support
candidates sympathetic to REALTOR® issues. Through the following political
action committees, C.A.R. supports quality candidates and issues that
promote homeownership, private property rights, and REALTORS®' rights to do
business:
CREPAC - California Real Estate Political Action
Committee
CREPAC/Federal
CREIEC - California Real Estate Independent Expenditure
Committee
IMPAC - Issues Mobilization Political Action
Committee
CREPAC and CREIEC both support candidates at the state and local government
levels who understand the goals and philosophies of REALTORS®. These
bipartisan committees are not affiliated with any political party.
CREPAC/Federal supports qualified candidates for the House of
Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and IMPAC supports or opposes local
and/or state ballot measures that affect real property rights in
California.
C.A.R.’s PACs protect the REALTOR® profession and livelihood.
REALTORS® are urged to make an annual investment! For more
information, contact Lisa Edwards at (916) 492-5211 or via e-mail
at lisae@car.org.
Industry Research
and Market Data at a Glance
C.A.R. closely monitors and analyzes trends in the residential real estate
industry that affect your clients' ability to own their own homes. C.A.R.'s
economists and research analysts are widely recognized as leading experts
by key industry players, media outlets, and individual REALTORS® looking
for insight into developments within the state's real estate sector.
Market Stats
Considered industry experts on
California's housing market, C.A.R.'s economists closely track and analyze
trends, sales activity, and other economic indicators to provide timely
data REALTORS® can use to explain market conditions to their clients.
C.A.R. releases statistics about median home prices, sales activity, supply
indicators, and affordability levels throughout the state, as well as
detailed price information for more than 300 cities and communities.
Monthly statistics can be found in the Economics section of C.A.R. Online
(http://www.car.org/economics).
Targeted Research Reports
In addition to the monthly market data C.A.R. distributes,
the Association conducts in-depth surveys about trends and issues
impacting your business. Reports include:
- Internet Versus Traditional Buyers
Survey
- Survey of California Home Sellers
- State of the California Housing Market
- Member Use of Technology
- Survey of Top Producers
Reports also include data released through C.A.R.'s Housing Market Series,
general membership surveys and more. Excerpts from the reports are
available by logging on to the Economics section of C.A.R. Online; complete
reports can be purchased by contacting C.A.R. Customer Service at (213)
739-8227 or visiting www.clarusresource.com/datamine.
TRENDS in California Real Estate
This
monthly, subscription-based newsletter provides current information on
housing market conditions for California and its major regions
thatREALTORS® can use in listing presentations, marketing materials, and
more. Topics include median price and sales data, unsold inventory indexes,
time on market, and housing affordability indexes. For subscription
information, call (213) 739-8352.
County Economic Profiles
Developed by C.A.R.'s economics and research team, this subscription-based
product is the only comprehensive single source of trends for California
county economies and their housing markets available today. Updated ona
monthly basis, each profile covers a specific county; 25 counties are
available. To view a sample profile or to subscribe, visit www.clarusresource.com/datamine or call (213)
739-8278.
C.A.R. Contact
Information
Executive Office
525 South Virgil Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Phone: (213) 739-8200
Fax: (213) 480-7724
Legislative Office
980 Ninth Street, Suite 1430
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 492-5200
Fax: (916) 444-2033
Web
site
www.car.org
E-mail
When sending e-mail to staff, use the staff
member's first name and the first initial of the last name followed by
@car.org. For example, to e-mail C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist
Leslie Appleton-Young, type lesliea@car.org.
C.A.R. Phone
List
C.A.R. Online (213) 739-8229
California Living Network (213) 739-8389
California Real Estate magazine (213)
739-8320
CALIFORNIA REALTOR® EXPO (213) 739-8301
California REALTOR® Showcase (213) 739-8301
County Economic Profiles (213) 739-8278
Customer Service/Product Order (213) 739-8227
Economics (213) 739-8352
Education (213) 739-8214
FederalIssues (213) 739-8375
Housing Affordability Fund (213) 739-8380
Legal Action Fund (213) 739-8341
Legal Hotline (213) 739-8282
Designated REALTORS® & Office
Managers (213) 739-8350
Local Governmental Relations (213) 739-8273
Media and Public Relations (213) 739-8304
Meetings, Business (213) 739-8384
Member Advantage Program (213) 739-8303
Membership Information (213) 739-8265
Outreach Presentations (213) 739-8200
RELAYTM Transaction Management
System (866) 736-7328
ret2 magazine (213) 739-8320
Risk Management Packages (213) 739-8227
Standard Forms (213) 739-8232
Strategic Defense Program (213) 739-8379
Trends in California Real Estate (213)
739-8352
WINForms® - General Information (213) 739-8227
Registration/Installation (800) 228-9466
Have a question, but don't know who to call?
Try C.A.R.'s Customer Contact Center at (213) 739-8227.
FAQs
Q: Where can I find information pertaining to the disclosure
requirements for different types of transactions?
A: C.A.R. Legal Services publishes four disclosure charts to help REALTORS®
and their clients determine the disclosure requirements applicable to
commonly handled real estate transactions. Members can download these
easy-to-use reference guides from the Legal section of C.A.R. Online at
http://www.car.org/legal.
Q: I've noticed I need my member number to use some of C.A.R.'s
member services. Where do I find it?
A: Your NRDS number is printed on the membership card you may have received
from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. If you have a copy of
California Real Estate magazine, look for your member number on the label.
You also can find your number on the "Edit" screen of your free member Web
page on C.A.R. Online at Member
Center.
Q: Why haven't I received my C.A.R. magazine?
A:
C.A.R. probably doesn't have your new or updated member record yet. Changes
in membership information typically take four weeks to be processed by both
your local association and C.A.R. If you would like to change the address
to which your magazines are being delivered, notify your local association
of your preferred mailing address.
Q: How do I renew my real estate license?
A: The Department of Real Estate (DRE) can assist you in the process of
renewing your real estate license. C.A.R. does not handle real estate
license renewals. The DRE can be reached at
dre.ca.gov or through one of its
district offices: Fresno, (559) 445-5009; Los Angeles, (213) 620-2072;
Oakland, (510) 622-2552; Sacramento, (916) 227-0931; and San Diego, (619)
525-4192. For information about C.A.R.'s continuing education offerings,
contact your local association, visit C.A.R. Online, or log on to
car.learningcenter.com.
Q: How do I access WINForms®?
A: First, to access
WINForms®, you will need to create a username and password by logging in to
C.A.R. Online at www.car.org, then click
on either the Sign-In or WINForms® button. Second, you also need to
determine which version of the software best suits your needs. WINForms
Online® allows you to quickly and easily create, edit, and complete the
forms required forany real estate transaction, and can be used on the
Internet from anywhere, anytime. WINForms® Desktop software operates as
stand-alone software on your computer, running on Windows® 2000, ME, or XP.
Third, when installing the software, you may encounter firewall issues that
prevent you from completing the installation process. You will be prompted
to determine which firewall vendor is causing the problem. Follow the
online prompts to correctly configure your firewall.
Q: How do I change my address in C.A.R. records?
A:
Call your local association with any changes. Member records are collected
and updated by the local associations, which then insert office codes and
other local information before forwarding data to C.A.R. For additional
questions about your membership information, contact C.A.R.'s Membership
Department at (213) 739-8265.
For a PDF version of C.A.R. at a Glance 2009, please click here.
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