Government Affairs

Government Affairs is the voice of the REALTORS® in local government. Our goal is to protect the REALTORS® of San Mateo County from ordinances, rules and regulations that would be a hindrance to the success of their businesses.  Government Affairs also works to advance one of SAMCAR's primary objectives: the preservation of private property rights throughout San Mateo County.

The Government Affairs staff informs and advises the Board of Directors and SAMCAR's Legislative Committees regarding pertinent land use and zoning policies, state and federal legislation, and local political issues. In conjunction with SAMCAR REALTORS®, the Government Affairs staff executes the legislative and political directives of the Board of Directors. 

Government Affairs serves as the primary liaison between SAMCAR and the California Association of REALTORS®, and assists with member mobilization for state and federal issues of importance to the real estate industry.

To contact SAMCAR's Government Affairs Division:

Michon Coleman, Esq.
Director of Government Affairs
Phone: (650) 696-8204
Email: mcoleman@samcar.org

Alex Khalfin
Government Affairs Coordinator
Phone: (650) 696-8209
Email: akhalfin@samcar.org
 

Follow SAMCAR Government Affairs on

name: SAMCAR GAD | username: samcargad | http://twitter.com/samcargad
 

Current Government Affairs News

NAR President's Podcast: Department of Justice Update

“By now, most of you are aware that NAR reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to [more info] settle the lawsuit over our Virtual Office Website (VOW) policy. I have received a lot of questions from agents and brokers about the settlement – what it means and when it will take effect...” The President's podcast available at the link above explains the settlement in simple terms, and what you will need to do to comply when the agreement is finalized later this summer.

Effective July 1, 2009, the Department of Real Estate will implement fee changes which will increase real estate license examination, original real estate license, and real estate license renewal fees.

The Department has for the past five years maintained fees at the same levels as those charged in 1982.  Despite having taken steps to achieve functional efficiencies and reduce expenditures, the Department must now increase feed to fund its operational needs.

This fee increase will be applied to all examination applications, original license applications and license renewals submitted to DRE on or after July 1, 2009.  With respect to on time renewal applications, the license expiration date determines the renewal fee charged.  In this regard, licenses expiring before June 30, 2009 will be subject to the current fee as long as the renewal application is filed on-time. Licenses expiring on or after June 30, 2009 will have an effective renewal date of July 1, 2009 or later and will be subjected to the new fee.  All renewal applications filed on a late basis on or after July 1, 2009 will be subject to the new late renewal fee.

Renewal License Applications | NEW FEES
Renewal fees are based on the date the renewal license is effective, regardless if the application is filed before the expiration date. Late renewal applications filed in person, filed using the eLicensing system, or postmarked on or after July 1, 2009, will be subject to the new late renewal fees.

A list of all fee increases can be accessed at the following URL:
http://www.samcar.org/userfiles/file/DRE09_feeIncrease.pdf

Point of Contact REQUIREMENT
On July 1, 2009 a new law goes into effect that will require all real estate licensees to put their real estate license identification number (your DRE #) on all point of first contact materials and purchase contract.

Senate Bill 1461 states that a licensee must disclose his or her license identification number (DRE #) on purchase contracts, business cards, stationery, advertising fliers and other materials designed to solicit the creation of a professional relationship between licensee and consumer. The bill excludes an advertisement in print or electronic media and “for sale” signs.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
2009 Assessment Appeals Information
Enclosed (PDF) is important important information about property tax reassessments in San Mateo County. Please be aware that the filing period to have your application in to the Assessor’s office is July 2, 2009 – November 30, 2009. Click here for more information.

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