Dear CAR Member,
First, I want to briefly bring up a couple of major issues confronting us with respect to the crises at NAR and the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® (GSDAR). If you haven’t yet seen my statements on these two issues, you can read my statement here on the NAR issue and the statement on the GSDAR issue here.
Your last chance this year to obtain our local government professional certificate begins Oct. 4. In partnership with Pepperdine University’s Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership, C.A.R.’s Center for California Real Estate (CCRE) Workshop Series will offer a professional certificate opportunity for one last time this year. Under the direction of the Davenport Institute’s executive director, Maureen Tobin, this series will be offered Wednesdays, Oct. 4 – Nov. 8, and is free for C.A.R. members. If you’re interested in learning more about local government and how to get involved in politics, be sure to register for free here.
It’s hard to believe it’s September already. That means it’s REALTOR® Safety Month. Whether you’re showing a property, meeting a new client, or communicating online, it’s important to ensure you have a personal safety protocol. Being aware of potential dangers and taking precautions will help you avoid risky situations. See C.A.R.’s new website – Smartzonecar.org – for a list of security resources, including virtual and city specific self-defense classes, to help you prepare for and respond to dangerous or suspicious situations. We’re also offering a free safety session at C.A.R.’s REimagine! Conference & Expo. While September is dedicated to REALTOR® Safety Month, safety should be top of mind every day of the year. Please take care of your clients by taking care of yourself.
Speaking of REimagine!, I hope to see you in Anaheim in a few short weeks for REimagine! Conference & Expo, taking place Sept. 19-21. The event is free for all C.A.R. members and is a great opportunity to connect with other real estate professionals from across the state, get new strategies and tips for success in today’s market across 50+ free sessions and find new business solution partners in our energized exhibit hall with 250+ exhibitor booths. Other key events that you won’t want to miss include:
• Sept. 19 – Pre-Conference Educational Tracks (Paid Day): Expert-led educational tracks will provide you with essential information that is specific to your business. This year’s tracks include Tech Tuesday (yes, it’s back!), Broker Conference, California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA) Training, Top Reasons Agents Land in Court: All About Disclosures and YPN Ignite.
• Sept. 19 – All Voices Soirée (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.): Join all C.A.R. voices at the party of the year where we’re bringing everyone together to celebrate our diversity and being together in-person! Enjoy delicious appetizers, cocktails, music, networking and much more at this free event.
• Sept. 20-21 – Keynote Luncheons (12 p.m.): On Sept. 20, be inspired as you hear from the first woman Thunderbird pilot, Nicole Malachowski, on how to effectively navigate failure, organizational change and the unknown. Then on Sept. 21, hear valuable data and insights from C.A.R.’s Chief Economist, Jordan Levine, at the 2024 C.A.R. Housing Market economic forecast. C.A.R. members: $110 individual lunches until Sept. 18 | $200 for both lunches.
Visit reimagineexpo.org to get your free event ticket, add on upgraded experiences and to view the latest speaker and schedule updates.
Parts of our country have seen severe weather conditions in the last couple of weeks, from the devastating wildfires in Maui to the tropical storm in Southern California. During times of crises, REALTORS® always come together to help. C.A.R.’s Disaster Relief Fund is available to provide grants to REALTORS®, employees of REALTORS® and association staff who have incurred losses due to natural disasters. If you would like to apply for a C.A.R. Disaster Relief grant or make a tax-deductible donation, visit here. C.A.R. also has a list of disaster resources with links and phone numbers for emergency funds and housing support, medical aid, recovering and rebuilding, legal and financial assistance, insurance-related issues, and prevention and planning.
Lastly, C.A.R. recently launched its first-ever Differently Abled Affinity Group to support not only REALTORS® of different abilities, but also those who wish to serve clients who are differently abled. In its first meeting, attendees shared personal experiences as REALTORS® who are differently abled. They expressed a passion to continue to educate the REALTOR® community and inform members about being more inclusive of those with physical disabilities and those who are neurodivergent. This group will not only support REALTORS® of different abilities, they also strongly desire to work with clients that are differently abled and spread awareness to allies who want to support this community. Watch a replay of the C.A.R. Fair Housing Day session, The Silent Community – Essential Info about REALTORS® and Clients with Disabilities to learn more about the differently abled community. Register for the next meeting here on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
I hope to see you in Anaheim!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Branchini
2023 C.A.R. President