Dear CAR member,
Many of you have been affected by the insurance problems our state is facing with many large carriers deciding to stop issuing new policies. This has impacted many of your clients as they struggle to get homeowner’s insurance or are forced to obtain last resort FAIR plan insurance, which is expensive and offers minimal coverage. These problems are part of a national issue as environmental events impact insurers’ bottom lines.
C.A.R. has been participating in stakeholder discussions to reach consensus on what to do to help improve the availability of affordable home insurance. There was real hope for a legislative solution that involved all major stakeholders in the last weeks of the legislative session, but that fell apart at the last minute.
However, Insurance Commissioner Lara announced a couple of weeks ago that the California Department of Insurance will use its regulatory powers to help institute a variety of policies that are widely supported by stakeholders and should help to strengthen and stabilize the insurance market. More needs to be done, but this is real progress to help address the insurance problems we and our clients face. Read more about Commissioner Lara’s insurance plan here.
I also want to thank everyone who responded to the Red Alert we issued to oppose ACA 13. Together, we generated thousands of phone calls and emails to every member of the legislature to oppose this measure. ACA 13 is a proposed ballot measure that will make it harder to pass ballot initiatives by changing the vote threshold requirement for passing initiatives and, in particular, that impose restrictions on the ability of government to raise taxes. For example, the original Proposition 13 would not have passed had this measure been in place at the time. Despite your great work, the California State Legislature passed ACA 13, and it will likely appear on the November 2024 ballot. We will keep you informed of further efforts on ACA 13 as they emerge.
Last month, I mentioned the devastating wildfires in Maui. NAR’s REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF) has made available $1.5 million in disaster relief aid to Hawaii REALTORS® in support of the REALTORS® Association of Maui. C.A.R. is a proud partner of RRF and encourages REALTORS® to consider supporting this worthy organization. Since 2001, RRF has provided $42 million to more than 22,000 families in need. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible contribution, text TEAMRRF to 71777 or click here. If you are able to make a donation and would like to contribute to the relief and recovery from a specific natural disaster, please consider donating to the REALTORS® Association of Maui Community Foundation (RAMCF). RAMCF is focused on providing as much assistance as possible to aid recovery efforts from the devastating wildfires in Lāhainā. RAMCF’s initial goal is to raise $300,000 and to provide each of its 90 members who were impacted by the wildfires, with a $5,000 grant in emergency relief funding.
Just a couple of weeks ago, 100+ expert speakers shared their insights, tips and strategies to strengthen and grow your business across 50+ sessions at REimagine! Conference & Expo in Anaheim. Watch a recap video highlighting all of the learning, networking and fun that happened! If you missed a session or want to replay one of your favorites, you can now purchase the REimagine! on-demand session package. The package includes 10 must-see sessions full of timely insights and action items you can immediately apply to your business. The on-demand session package includes: TikTok Marketing Skills to Build Your Business, REALTOR® Real Talk: Finding Success in a Challenging Market, Top 10 Ways to Use AI in Your Biz, CEO Interview: C-Suite Conversation with Anywhere Brand’s Sue Yannaccone and C.A.R.’s John M. Sebree and much more! Purchase the on-demand package now for only $60 and get instant access to all 10 videos to watch at your convenience through Dec. 31.
Lastly, I want to congratulate our 2023 C.A.R. Rising Star Awards Recipients! Ten talented new agents across the state were nominated and selected for their professionalism and outstanding work in production year 2022. The Rising Star Awards is a C.A.R. initiative that works with the brokerage community to help recognize and boost growing careers of talented new agents entering the industry. View the full list of 2023 Rising Stars and the areas they serve.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Branchini
2023 C.A.R. President