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zipForm® Today CA Edition
December 2011 - Volume 11, Issue 12
Reminder About Proper Use of C.A.R.’s Standard Forms and zipForm® 6
As part of the many benefits made available to members, C.A.R. offers its standard real estate forms in zipForm® 6, providing ease, convenience and a significant business tool for California REALTORS®. zipForm® 6 is the exclusive software of C.A.R.’s standard forms.
It has recently come to C.A.R.’s attention that some members may be attempting to modify the pre-printed text of C.A.R.’s standard forms or upload blank or modified versions of C.A.R.’s standard forms into other software programs for use in those programs. C.A.R’s standard forms are protected by U.S. copyright laws which expressly forbid the unauthorized reproduction of any portion of copyrighted material by any means, including electronic formats. Blank C.A.R. forms may not be printed from zipForm® 6, and any placement of C.A.R. standard forms in other software programs for use in those programs (other than a completed C.A.R. form in locked, .pdf format and saved in connection with a real estate transaction) infringes upon C.A.R.’s copyrights in its forms and is strictly prohibited. If a member needs to view a form that is not filled out, forms with the water mark “Sample” are available for printing from the zipForm® 6 software but are not to be used in transactions. Additionally, the removal or modification of pre-printed text in a C.A.R. form is a violation of C.A.R.’s copyrights in its forms and a breach of the zipForm® 6 End User License Agreement. Member placement of blank or modified C.A.R. standard forms in other software programs for use in those programs could result in substantial liability to the member for copyright infringement under federal law, as well as termination of the member’s zipForm® 6 account for violation of the End User License Agreement.
The C.A.R. copyright policy benefits our members in numerous ways. C.A.R. forms receive valuable protection under the C.A.R. User Protection Agreement. The C.A.R. User Protection Agreement will not apply, however, if the C.A.R. forms are used or modified in a way that violates C.A.R.’s copyrights in the forms. Additionally, proper use of C.A.R.’s standard forms in zipForm® 6 ensures that members are using the most current, up-to-date versions of the forms. Members can be confident that the C.A.R. standard forms in zipForm® 6 are reviewed in light of the latest changes in applicable law. C.A.R. standard forms in other software platforms may not be the most current version of the form and therefore may put you and your clients at risk. Finally, use of C.A.R. standard forms in zipForm® 6 helps to ensure that your membership dues do not subsidize the use of C.A.R. forms obtained from zipForm® 6 by individuals who have not purchased a license or otherwise are not entitled to such use.
Please help C.A.R. keep the benefits that you, our valued member, have paid for in the REALTOR® family by respecting C.A.R.’s copyrights in its standard forms, abiding by C.A.R.’s copyright policy and the zipForm® 6 End User License Agreement, and refraining from improperly placing C.A.R. standard forms in other software platforms and modifying the pre-printed text in the C.A.R. forms. If you become aware of any improper or unauthorized use of C.A.R.’s standard forms or zipForm® 6, please notify us immediately at contactus@car.org .
Thank you for your continued membership in C.A.R. and your use of C.A.R’s products and services. If you have any questions or comments about C.A.R.’s standard forms, C.A.R.’s copyright policy or zipForm® 6, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone at (213) 739-8282 or via e-mail at contactus@car.org .
Help Meet Your Professional Business Needs with These Free C.A.R. Member Benefit Add-ons
zipForm® Mobile Web Edition for Tablets
Experience filling out forms using Form View the same way you do on a PC. Features now include the ability to apply Templates to any transaction and highlight prepopulated text on the forms. zipForm® Mobile Web Edition for the Apple® iPad™ & iPhone®, Blackberry®, and Android™ devices provides a versatile solution for today's busy real estate professional to interface with their zipForm® 6 Professional software. Stay connected to your clients for a low $9.95 annual subscription. To purchase, log into your zipForm® 6 account from your favorite tablet gadget and click the “GET ZIPFORM MOBILE” button to make your purchase. After purchasing, log in at http://m.zipformonline.com from your mobile device or tablet. To learn more, visit www.car.org/tools/zipForm6/zfmobile .
Members of the Beverly Hills Greater Los Angeles, Chico, Downey and Victor Valley Association of REALTORS® receive zipForm® Mobile Web Edition as a free member benefit.
Know How to Prepare Clients for Long Closings and Great Deals with C.A.R.’s Distressed Property Forms Library
When working with distressed properties — whether short sales or REOs — stumbling blocks abound. Educating yourself and your clients, you can avoid common pitfalls when using C.A.R.’s Distressed Property forms. zipForm® 6 provides the C.A.R. Distressed Properties Forms (CARDP) as an add-on library. The eleven forms in this library include the “Request for Approval of Short Sale”, “Agent’s Short Sale Screening Checklist”, and more. To purchase, visit the SHOP option inside of your zipForm® 6 account. The library is $49.95 annually. Since it is prorated to expire in March 2012, it is only $20 right now. A great time to try it out! www.car.org/tools/zipForm6/formlibraries/dpl/
Free Webinar on FHA Condominium Eligibility Requirements
C.A.R. has added a new topic to our FHA webinar series! Join us on December 15, 2011 from 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. to learn about recent changes to FHA condominium eligibility requirements. The webinar will be presented by Nancy West, Marketing and Outreach Specialist for HUD. To register, visit http://on.car.org/tIRVlb
A Holiday Gift from C.A.R. Education - ENJOY 50% OFF All Online License Renewal & Professional Development Courses
As a special holiday gift to all REALTOR® members, C.A.R. Education is offering the lowest prices of the year on the online license renewal and professional development courses at www.rebsonline.com/holidaysale . Choose from the Ed-Pak 45-15, the California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA-CA)-CE course, the Agent Mentoring Program, and more.
To receive 50% off all online license renewal and professional development packages and courses now, visit www.rebsonline.com/holidaysale . Hurry, this sale ends on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 11:59 p.m.! Once the sale ends all courses return to regular price.
Also on sale through Monday, December 19, 2011:
Receive $150 off the online Certified HAFA Specialist (CHS) Training
Visit http://holiday.hafacert.com to register for the six-hour online Certified HAFA Specialist (CHS) training program for only $99 and save $150, PLUS receive the “Psychology and the Distressed Borrower” course for FREE (a $29 value)!
This instructor led online program will provide you with valuable information about the distressed housing market along with everything you need to know about the HAFA short sale program. Learn the details of the processes, timelines, and documents needed to successfully close a HAFA short sale quickly and easily. For additional details about the CHS training program including live training, visit www.car.org/education/designations/hafaspecialist .
This is the best time of the year to learn about the HAFA Short Sale program and close short sale transactions faster!
