x
Your C.A.R.

Californians for Homeownership

Californians for Homeownership was founded in response to the California Legislature’s call for public interest organizations to fight local anti-housing policies on behalf of the millions of California residents who need access to more affordable housing. 


Champions of Home Impact Awards

The Champions of Home Impact Awards honor California REALTORS® who have made a significant impact on their communities through volunteer efforts. 


Housing Affordability Fund Program

HAF plays an active role in addressing the ongoing housing affordability challenges facing California.

Make A Donation to HAF
C.A.R. Disaster Relief

C.A.R. stands ready to assist REALTORS® who have been impacted by wildfires through its Disaster Relief Fund and NAR's REALTORS® Relief Foundation.

California Disaster Resources
Scholarship Foundation

Scholarships for California students planning to pursue a career in real estate.


Education Foundation

Grants for California REALTORS® and residents pursuing real estate education.


Diversity and Inclusion Programs

Find out more information on key diversity and inclusion programs and projects available.

Fair Housing Latino Professionals Network C.A.R. Women's Initiative
Young Professionals Network

New to the industry? YPN is a network to sharpen your skills, heighten your leadership, and connect with fellow REALTORS®.

Rising Star Award
Guide to Benefits

Download and share the official 2025 C.A.R. Member Benefits Guide.

NAR Member Discounts C.A.R. Insurance Products
For New Members

As a C.A.R. member you may have questions about your association and the industry. Find the answers here.

New Member FAQs Glossary Service Providers
Membership Dues and Value

C.A.R. provides tremendous member value through its innovative tools, services and education. Learn more about C.A.R. membership and dues and NAR membership and dues.


Consumer Ad Campaign

C.A.R.'s annual consumer advertising campaign creates awareness of the REALTOR® brand and demonstrates the many benefits of the consumer-REALTOR® relationship.


Smart Zone

Smart Zone provides tools and insights necessary to convey your unique value proposition, effectively market your services, keep your clients abreast of current real estate market trends and help you achieve success in a dynamic industry.


2025 C.A.R. Officers

Meet the 2025 C.A.R. Leadership Team


C.A.R. Mission Statement

C.A.R. is a statewide trade association dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate.

Annual Report
C.A.R. Impact Report

The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is committed to bring you tools and information to help you succeed. Here are some of the innovative tools, services and education C.A.R. provided to help you achieve your professional goals.


Media Center

C.A.R.'s Media Center houses the Association's news releases, media guidelines, and logos.

News Releases
Careers

C.A.R. and its subsidiaries are currently recruiting for the following job opportunities.


Partner With Us

Partner With Us


Advertise With Us

Learn about advertising with C.A.R.


Customer Service

Looking for additional assistance? The Customer Contact Center is looking forward to serving you Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.


Rosters & Directories

Need help finding the right person? Try searching through our various rosters & directories.


CLOSE

Courts uphold real estate licensees' choice to be independent contractors

What is This?
Add a quick link to this page from the Homepage when you are signed in
Share Article

A major win for the right of real estate licensees to be independent contractors was solidified today. The California Supreme Court refused to review Whitlach v. Premier Valley, the favorable California Court of Appeals published opinion allowing brokers and agents to choose to be independent contractors. Further, it dismissed the attempt of the plaintiff to file a class action. 

Plaintiff James Whitlach filed a class action and Private Attorney General Act (“PAGA”) claim against Premier Valley, Inc. (dba Century 21 MM) and Century 21 Real Estate LLC, alleging several violations of the California Labor Code. Whitlach claimed he was an “employee” for purposes of the Labor Code’s wage and hour provisions. He alleged Century 21 had failed to pay minimum wages, failed to provide required meal breaks, owed him reimbursements for necessary business expenses, and the defendants were liable for other Labor Code violations. After the trial court ruled in favor of the Century 21 defendants, Whitlach appealed. The Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court’s decision, upholding a real estate professional’s choice to be an independent contractor. The California Supreme Court denied the attempt to get it reviewed.

This case will provide valuable direction and assistance to future judges and litigants, as well as potential arbitration or mediation participants. Moreover, it may provide explanation and guidance for thousands of real estate licensees throughout California.

Read more.


SUPPORT
Top Searches
;