Dear CAR Member,
This year, we continued to adapt to new ways of doing business and holding meetings and events virtually just as we did last week when we came together for our second annual REimagine! Real Estate Virtual Conference and Expo. More than 9,300 of you signed up for another extremely successful event filled with three days of virtual sessions, featuring over 30 content sessions from more than 70 insightful and accomplished speakers. Topics ranged from the 2022 Housing Market Forecast; We All Stereotype: How REALTORS® Can Disrupt Implicit Bias; Power Players: Top Producer Playbooks; and much more – all from the comfort of your home or office. We also heard retiring C.A.R. CEO Joel Singer deliver an emotional session reflecting on his 40-plus-year career at C.A.R.
Not only did REALTORS® explore the latest products and tools for their business from 40-plus exhibitors in the virtual Exhibit Hall, they also had the opportunity to participate in daily prize giveaways for a chance to win big prizes such as iPads, Apple Watches, gift cards and other tech toys. When REALTORS® needed a little down time, they connected with fellow REALTORS® from across the state in the Rooftop Networking Lounge or stopped in the Promenade of Fun to snap a selfie or participate in guided yoga sessions.
If you couldn’t make it or couldn’t decide between competing sessions or simply want to rewatch one that you enjoyed so much, not to worry; all 30-plus sessions are available to watch on-demand through Dec. 31 by accessing the Auditorium within the event platform. Didn’t register for the event yet but want to catch the session replays? Register for free now to gain access to the platform to view the on-demand videos, speaker presentation slides and other must-have resources. Visit reimagineexpo.org for more info.
I hope to see you in person for next year’s REimagine! Conference & Expo, October 11-13, 2022, in Long Beach!
I have good news to share about C.A.R.’s nonprofit Californians for Homeownership, which works to address California’s housing crisis by enforcing laws and fighting unlawful policies that limit access to housing affordable for families. The organization recently prevailed in a lawsuit against the City of Huntington Beach over the city’s rejection of a 48-unit mixed-income condominium project. The project complied with all of the city’s objective zoning criteria and was proposed for an area the city had specifically identified for medium- and high-density mixed-use development. However, it was rejected based on community opposition without a valid legal basis. In its ruling, the Court held that the city’s decision was improper because it was based on subjective grounds, and that the city did not make legitimate findings that the project would create an adverse health or safety impact.
Californians for Homeownership was established by C.A.R. and receives financial support from C.A.R. and private donors. Make a tax-deductible charitable contribution here today.
Did you know the new California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA) goes live tentatively in the second week of December? The RPA form is the cornerstone of every successful real estate transaction in the state of California and there are several essential concepts, principles, and facts about this form that all REALTORS® should know. To help you learn how to properly complete and use the new RPA form step by step so you can better serve and protect yourself and your clients, C.A.R. Education, Standard Forms, and Member Legal are all working together to bring the NEW 2021 RPA classes to members. Webinars and Online Anytime classes have been available since this summer and thousands of students have already participated. Sign up for more information or classes here or here.
In closing, as my term as your President concludes next month, I want to thank each and every one of you for your active involvement with C.A.R. this year. This has been another year of reinvention and resourcefulness. We’ve emerged from lockdowns, adapted to new ways of doing business, juggled in-person and remote work, and continued to make changes in our everyday lives. I leave knowing you’ll remain just as involved with your 2022 Leadership Team comprised of President Otto Catrina, President-elect Jennifer Branchini, and Treasurer Heather Ozur. It has been a pleasure serving you, and I hope to see you in person soon.
Sincerely,
Dave Walsh
C.A.R. President