Transaction Center
Time to bring it home. Find zipForm®, transaction tools, and all the closing resources you'll need. Except for the champagne — that's on you.
Easily renew your real estate license with the FREE 45 hour online license renewal package from C.A.R.
Distinguish yourself by learning how to build a business that specializes in niche markets to nearly double your earning potential in various real estate sectors
Browse our class schedule to find when and where to take real estate courses.
Classes by Topic Online Bundles Harassment Prevention CoursesComplete your eight-hour NMLS license renewal requirement through our NMLS-approved provider, OnlineEd
The main Business Meetings page includes important links for Directors and Committee Members. The next regularly scheduled C.A.R. Business Meeting takes place April 29-May 2, 2024 in Sacramento.
Learn how to schedule a C.A.R. outreach speaker for your next event and access presentations from previous outreaches.
A one-stop shop for tools and and resources to educate consumers about the intricacies of buying and selling a home and how a REALTOR® can help.
Down Payment Resource Directory Infographics One Cool Thing Tax Reform One Sheets Fire InsuranceExplore and interact with the latest market statistics.
County Housing Market Summaries County Market Updates Market at a GlanceThis information is designed for Real Estate Brokers and Office Managers to assist you in supporting your real estate business.
CCRE's mission is to advance industry knowledge and innovation with an emphasis on convening key experts and influence-makers.
From webinars to videos and podcasts to blogs, C.A.R. keeps you in the know.
Videos Webinars PodcastsC.A.R. publishes four magazine issues and various newsletters throughout the year.
Newsletters California Real Estate MagazineCheck out the resources and timely information below to help run your brokerage and keep your finger on the pulse of the industry.
Industry Leader Town Halls are held via Zoom usually twice a month from 11:00a to 12:30p and provide an opportunity for brokers and key brokerage staff to meet virtually with C.A.R. Leadership, C.A.R. staff and brokers throughout the state to discuss the latest information impacting real estate brokerages and transactions. We have a rotating list of guest speakers providing updates on the latest issues including Transactional, Legal, Market and Legislative Issues.
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Industry Leader Town Halls are open to brokers, office managers, risk managers, and firm principals. To get the registration link and be added to our weekly Industry Leader newsletter, please sign up here. Sign up for our Industry Leader Newsletter and join us on our next town hall! Any further questions can be directed to [email protected].
Key Read of the Week
"Last popular in the 1980’s, when mortgage rates topped 18 percent, many real estate professionals are unaware that assumable mortgages are even possible. But as mortgage rates continue to rise, word is spreading.” Read the full article about the 23% of active mortgages that are assumable in this NY Times article.
Market Update
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage continued to edge down last week as the bond market settles after several strong economic reports. The Fed has taken further rate hikes off the table for now and although headline inflation increased last month, there are nascent signs that cuts later this year are not ruled out yet. Same store sales at many fast-food retailers along with weaker employment data in the household survey than the monthly employment report, along with fewer workers quitting jobs voluntarily all suggest that the inflationary pressures may finally be hitting households. In spite of all of the volatility in interest rates, California’s housing market has only gotten hotter as we enter the homebuying season in earnest with every measure of competitiveness on the rise last week.
Legislative Updates - Californian REALTORS® Champion Housing Issues in D.C. Last Week
In a resounding display of unity and purpose, over 400 Californian REALTORS® converged on the nation's capital last week to join forces with thousands of colleagues from across the country at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Legislative Mid-Year meetings. Their mission: to advocate for critical housing and real estate reforms directly to lawmakers in Washington D.C.
Armed with passion and purpose, Californian REALTORS® engaged in a series of meetings with Congresspersons and Senators, delivering a powerful message on behalf of their communities and the real estate industry at large. Their focus was clear: to address pressing issues and champion policies that would positively impact homeowners, buyers, and agents alike.
One of the most significant events of the week was the highly visible Hill visits, which took place on Tuesday, May 7. REALTORS® from every corner of the nation, including a strong contingent from California, made their presence felt and their voices heard in the corridors of power.
At the forefront of our advocacy efforts were several key issues that directly affect the real estate landscape:
Independent Contractor Protection: Californian REALTORS® advocated for the preservation of agents' ability to choose to work as independent contractors or employees. Central to this push was their support for H.R. 5419, the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act, which seeks to safeguard this fundamental choice.
Homeowners Insurance Reform: While insurance is regulated at the state level, there is still a role for lawmakers in D.C. Recognizing the urgent need to address the escalating costs of homeowners insurance, Californian REALTORS® called on Congress to support legislation that would provide tax incentives and grants for fire hardening and disaster mitigation. Their goal? To make homes safer and more resilient, ultimately reducing insurance premiums for homeowners statewide.
Capital Gains Exclusion Enhancement: Seeking to empower more Americans to achieve homeownership, Californian REALTORS® lobbied for H.R. 1321, the More Homes on the Market Act. This proposed legislation aims to double the capital gains exclusion on the sale of primary residences and index it for inflation, thereby incentivizing greater participation in the housing market.
Advancement of Fair Housing: Addressing gaps in federal fair housing legislation, particularly concerning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, was another top priority for Californian REALTORS®. While California already provides robust protections in this area, they emphasized the need for consistent nationwide standards to ensure equal rights for all.
VA Home Loan Access: Ensuring that veterans have access to professional representation in real estate transactions was a cause close to the hearts of Californian REALTORS®. They advocated for changes that would allow VA buyers to directly compensate their brokers, leveling the playing field and enhancing opportunities for those who have served our country.
In summary, the presence and advocacy efforts of Californian REALTORS® in Washington D.C. sent a clear message: they are committed to driving positive change and shaping policies that will create a more equitable, accessible, and prosperous real estate market for communities throughout the Golden State and beyond.
Legal Update
C.A.R. Legal has a dedicated page on the car.org website to keep track of legal information and resources relating to broker compensation practices. Check back regularly as this will continue to be updated as more resources are posted/become available. Bookmark this link!
Reminders about upcoming Legal webinars:
June 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Buyer Representation Forms and the NAR Settlement
June 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Listing Agreement and Related NAR Settlement Funds
June 11, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.
New & Revised Forms
July 9, 2024 at 1:30p
Dealing with Abusive Clients and Agents
If you were not able to attend the April Legal Live Webinar focused on Fair Housing, you can find the recording by clicking here.
C.A.R.’s interactive dashboards are calculators and data management tools allow users to gain insights by slicing and dicing different variables and dig deeper into local statistics that are more relevant to their markets.
C.A.R.’s Research and Economics team conducts a number of market data surveys that offer information on topics such as: consumer behavior, market trends, housing demographics, policy perspectives, REALTORS® profiles, and technology.
Market Minute Write-Up is a weekly one-page analysis that offers the most up-to-date information on the economy and the housing market. Combined with the weekly infographic, the 2-page report is downloadable, shareable, and can easily be used as part of the marketing materials for REALTORS®.
The semi-annual Housing Market Forecast report provides an outlook for the economy and the housing market. Use this report to predict where sales and prices are headed, to learn about potential headwinds in the future, and to help clients navigate through a challenging market environment.
Broker Education Courses
Learn the skills you need to run your business as well as understand the role and responsibilities of a broker. We've curated a list of C.A.R. Courses to help you and your brokerage! Friendly tip: sort columns or search content to find the info you need!
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Risk Managment | Minimize your risk | Minimize the chance of having a claim or lawsuit filed against you by following simple Risk Management steps and becoming educated in areas which cause the greatest incidence of claims. |
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All About Disclosure | Minimize your risk | Learn about the approximately 30 disclosure requirements typically seen in a residential 1-4 transaction to better serve your buyers and sellers along with protecting yourself from personal liability. |
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California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA-CA) and Related Forms | Transaction Knowledge | Learn how to properly complete and use the RPA form step-by-step to better serve and protect yourself and your clients. |
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The New Broker's Benchmark: Prepare and Perform! | Running your business | New real estate brokers will discover methods and tools needed to run an organized business with confidence. |
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Management of Offices and Supervision of Licensed Activities | Minimize your risk | Gain an understanding of topics related to broker management and supervision including requirements set forth by the California DRE and liabilities for failure to properly supervise. |
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Team Management for Brokers | Running your business | Understand how to manage teams including how to oversee the basic types of teams, their culture and structure, and how to reduce risk and increase profit. |
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zipForm Plus Broker Edition | Transaction Knowledge | Learn how to use zipForm® Plus Broker Edition to establish policies, rules, procedures, and systems to review transaction files and supervise the activities of your salespersons. |
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California Human Resource Law for Brokers | Running your business | Learn about the difference between employees and independent contractors, situations that brokerages and teams may be subject to employment laws, interviewing and hiring processes, and other aspects of employment law that may apply to your office or employer-employee relationships. |
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Real Estate Investing Made Clear (PMC9) - ONLINE ANYTIME- C.A.R. Business Products | Transaction Knowledge | Increase your confidence when working with investor clients by learning more about real estate investment concepts such as cash flow, NOI, depreciation, the rate of return, income tax savings and much more. |
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Contract Law for Real Estate Professionals | Transaction Knowledge | Understand more about contracts -- including what constitutes a contract, how to write one, its importance in the transaction, and what to be aware of in the process. Learn more about aspects such as earnest money, financing, inspections, title and closing, and post-closing. |
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Certified Transaction Coordinator | Running your Business | Certified Transaction Coordinator (CTC) is a program consisting of several transaction management courses for all real estate licensees and unlicensed transaction coordinators who want to build and establish a successful transaction coordinator business. |
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Running your Business | Understand the role and responsibility of the brokers and how to utilize resources to gain a general working knowledge of the basic operations of their office. |
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Running your Business | Learn about the specific role of team leaders and what steps are needed to make your team more effective and profitable. | ||
Administrative Staffing: The Human Side of Human Resources - ONLINE ANYTIME |
Running your Business | Learn effective strategies for staffing your organization that will allow your business to run effectively. |