Dear CAR Member,
Early this week, I had the privilege of hosting a townhall session with four fellow REALTORS® to hear what they’re experiencing in their business and how they’re dealing with today’s unique market challenges. Encino Broker Associate Stephanie Vitacco started by saying she’s prospecting more and getting herself in front of those who want to sell. Eric Johnson, a San Francisco REALTOR®, said he’s gone back to the techniques he used when he first started in the business by prospecting, sending out mailers and staying in front of clients. And instead of chasing listings, Beverly Hills REALTOR® Kris Everett is sticking to the basics, doubling down, and being consistent, as well as working with a business coach. Finally, Oakland REALTOR® Felicia Mares advised REALTORS® to attend events at their local association and take advantage of their offerings and resources.
I was also joined by C.A.R. Chief Economist Jordan Levine for his take on the market. He noted the market has improved from where we were early this year and that we’ve weathered the worst and turned the corner. He also offered C.A.R.’s Purchasing Power Calculator, an interactive tool that helps homebuyers understand the impacts of changes in mortgage interest rates to purchasing power, to help clients make sense of the market’s impacts. View the recording for the full townhall and read more about how your fellow REALTORS® are navigating this market.
Last month, I mentioned that State Farm and Allstate said they are pausing issuing new homeowners insurance policies in the state. Just last week, to help members address with their clients the growing concerns surrounding finding and maintaining homeowners insurance coverage in California, I moderated an insurance townhall briefing with the California Dept. of Insurance and United Policyholders. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara noted the influence REALTORS® have in their communities and asked them to be ambassadors for wildfire safety by letting consumers know about the resources available on the Department of Insurance website. Amy Bach of United Policyholders also provided some actionable steps consumers can take when securing coverage including finding a good insurance agent, bundling auto and home insurance, reducing unnecessary coverage, and raising the deductible to bring insurance costs down. Read more about the townhall and replay the recording.
With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and new tech trends coming into the real estate landscape, keeping up on the latest tech tools is essential for your business. C.A.R.’s REimagine! Pre-Conference Day has an entire educational track covering how you can use tech to drive your business growth. Register now for Tech Tuesday on Sept. 19, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and learn about AI, ChatGPT, TikTok and Instagram Video Tools, content creation with Canva and much more from tech experts. View the full Tech Tuesday schedule and more educational Pre-Conference tracks including Broker Conference, RPA Training, All About Disclosures and YPN Ignite at reimagineexpo.org. All Pre-Conference tracks include registration to the free conference and expo, held in Anaheim, Sept. 20-21, with access to more than 50 sessions, 250 exhibitor booths, networking parties and more. Register now!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Branchini
2023 C.A.R. President