First Time Buyer Specialist 1 - Master the Market

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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 Insurance

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Realtor® Secure Transaction is your place to discover, access and master the essential tools for a modern, efficient and secure transaction.

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Transaction management and forms software with all the must-have features, including current statewide contracts, local forms, and more.

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Free advice to help you understand the form you're using with Forms Tutor® and identify which form you need for your transaction with Forms Advisor™

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C.A.R. Standard Forms are developed by the C.A.R. Legal Department which gathers input from real estate professionals and attorneys to create user-friendly, comprehensive, and dependable forms.

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The Legal Action Fund advocates the REALTOR® point of view and assists in lawsuits pivotal to the real estate industry. Learn more about how the Legal Action Fund supports you in your business.

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Explore the implications of the landmark Burnett v NAR antitrust lawsuit's outcome for REALTORS®, the industry, and your business.

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The C.A.R. Real Estate Mediation Center for Consumers has mediators available to assist buyers and sellers (as well as other parties to real estate transactions) in resolving their disputes.

Legal Hotline

Did you know that for zero dollars and zero cents, you can speak with an attorney about your transaction? If you don't believe us, check it out yourself.

Education

We offer a wide array of real estate educational courses, certifications & designations in various formats.

License Renewal

Easily renew your real estate license with the FREE 45 hour online license renewal package from C.A.R.

Designations / Certifications

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

Course Calendar

Browse our class schedule to find when and where to take real estate courses.

Classes by Topic Online Bundles Education Management System Harassment Prevention Courses

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in California

NMLS Approved Education for California Mortgage Licensees

Complete your eight-hour NMLS license renewal requirement through our NMLS-approved provider, OnlineEd

Meetings & Events

Mark your calendars for our yearly meetings and events!

C.A.R. Board of Directors and Committees

The main Business Meetings page includes important links for Directors and Committee Members. The next regularly scheduled C.A.R. Business Meeting takes place February 4-7, 2025 in Indian Wells.

Tentative Program

NAR Meetings

Check out NAR's upcoming meetings and conference schedule.

Outreaches

Learn how to schedule a C.A.R. outreach speaker for your next event and access presentations from previous outreaches.

Virtual Events

View C.A.R's upcoming and past virtual events.

Marketing Tools

You're the brand! Use our marketing tools to tell your story.

For Your Clients

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.

Prop 19 Down Payment Resource Directory Infographics One Cool Thing Tax Reform One Sheets Fire Insurance

Charts & Graphs

Explore and interact with the latest market statistics.

Housing Market Summary County Market Updates Housing Perspective Market at a Glance

Digital Tools

Marketing tools from C.A.R.'s consumer advertising campaign

Virtual Photo Op

Knowledge Center

Got knowledge? All the info you need on California’s housing market, economy, and issues impacting the industry.

For Brokers/Managers

This information is designed for Real Estate Brokers and Office Managers to assist you in supporting your real estate business.

Center of California Real Estate

CCRE's mission is to advance industry knowledge and innovation with an emphasis on convening key experts and influence-makers.

Tax Reform FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Multimedia Library

From webinars to videos and podcasts to blogs, C.A.R. keeps you in the know.

Videos Webinars Podcasts

Publications

C.A.R. publishes four magazine issues and various newsletters throughout the year.

Newsletters California Real Estate Magazine

Market Data

Be trendy -- stay current with our latest market forecasts and data analyses.

Housing Market Forecast

The latest housing market forecast and projection to what lays ahead.

Data & Statistics

View the latest sales and price numbers. Find out where sales will be in upcoming months.

Housing Matters Podcast

Your housing hub for market analysis, economic trends, and housing news.

Real Quick

Watch our C.A.R. economists provide updates on the latest housing market data and happenings... quickly!

Market Minute Write-Up

Get a roundup of weekly economic and market news that matters to real estate and your business.

Interactive Market Stats

Gain insights through interactive dashboards and downloadable infographic reports.

Shareable Reports Interactive Dashboards

Speeches & Presentations

Catch up with the latest outreaches and webinars by the Research and Economics team.

Surveys & Reports

C.A.R. conducts survey research with members and consumers on a regular basis to get a better understanding of the housing market and the real estate industry.

MLS / Professional Standards

You’ve gone pro! So here are guidelines about MLS rules and professional standards.

Model MLS Rules/Materials

California Model MLS Rules, Issues Briefing Papers, and other articles and materials related to MLS policy.

Statewide MLS Initiative

C.A.R. Interboard Arbitration

Looking for information on how to file an interboard arbitration complaint? You've come to the right place! Find the rules, timeline and filing documents here.

Code of Ethics Violators

Summaries and photos of California REALTORS® who violated the Code of Ethics and were disciplined with a fine, letter of reprimand, suspension, or expulsion.

NAR Code of Ethics

The most recent edition of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS® along with other important links to NAR information.

Professional Standards Materials

The California Professional Standards Reference Manual, Local Association Forms, NAR materials and other materials related to Code of Ethics enforcement and arbitration.

Resources for Hearings via Zoom Online Training for Professional Standards Volunteers Professional Standards Webinars Statewide Professional Standards Program Professional Standards Administrator Certification Professional Standards Train the Trainer

Political Advocacy

An industry that works together, thrives together. Participate in legislative advocacy as a C.A.R. member!

Legislation

C.A.R. advocates for REALTOR® issues in Washington D.C., Sacramento and in city and county governments throughout California.

PACs and RAF

CREPAC, LCRC, IMPAC, ALF and the RAF comprise C.A.R.'s political fundraising arm.

REALTOR® Action Fund

Podcast: Unlocking CA Politics

Unlocking the Economics of Housing

Politics and You

Learn how you can make a difference, by getting involved yourself or by passing along valuable information to your clients.

Make a Difference

Represent! Join C.A.R. in our community and foundation programs.

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

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

Make A Donation

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 Wildfire 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

Member Benefits

Adding REALTOR® next to your name is cool. What comes with that title is even cooler. Check out your benefits.

Guide to Benefits

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

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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.

About Us

This is so us...who we are and what we do.

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.

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First Time Buyer Specialist 1 - Master the Market

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Learn & Thrive

First Time Buyer Specialist 1 - Master the Market

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Course Description:

First Time Buyers will become your repeat customers for life if you learn how to turn their challenges into your opportunities! Learn how to win their business and overcome the hurdles in the first course in C.A.R. Education's FTBS Certification. The First Time Buyer Specialist 1 - Master the Market 3-hour course is designed to arm you with a thorough understanding of the issues facing today's first time home buyers in order to offer them the highest level of buyer representation. Learn specific strategies and the characteristics that define the different generations of buyers as well as those in their families that they may ask for help and advice.

Registration:

Live or LearnMyWay®: To register for this course at a local Association near you or on an upcoming webinar, visit the Education Calendar.

Online Anytime: To purchase this course in our new interactive online platform available 24/7, visit store.car.org

Certification: This course counts toward earning the First-Time Buyer Specialist Certification (FTBS). For more information about these certifications, please visit the Certifications/Designation Page

Live or LearnMyWay® Online Anytime

How you will benefit from taking this course:

Understand the opportunities as well as the challenges facing today's first time buyers
Understand the distinct generational differences among today's first time buyers
Develop best practices in working with buyers' family as third party advisors
Know how generational differences may impact strategies to win their business
Prepare appropriate material and arrange for professional assistance for first time buyer workshops
Be capable of educating and guiding first time buyers through the home buying process.
Employ best practices in considering the most appropriate housing choices for first time home buyers

Who should attend:
Any real estate professional who wants to understand the advantages and overcome the challenges of working with First Time Buyers.

Instructors:

George Lawrence

Earn the First Time Buyer Specialist (FTBS) Certification

The FTBS Certification can be earned by taking the two FTBS courses. The First Time Buyer Specialist 2 - Be the Go-to Agent course covers financing programs and walks you through how to win the client by educating them through running "first time buyer workshops."

FTBS bundle with Both Courses

Housing Affordability Fund Program

Pathway To Home Closing Cost Assistance Grant Program

STEPS Toward Homeownership