| Events |
Recap: Speaker Series | Industry Update Q3.19
featuring Vince Malta (2020 NAR President), Cecilia Yan (California DRE), and Otto Catrina (Candidate for 2021 C.A.R. President)
On Thursday, July 18, SAMCAR's second quarterly membership meeting was held at Long Branch Farms in Half Moon Bay featuring real estate industry update presentations from 2020 NAR President, Vince Malta, and California DRE Auditor Cecilia Yan, along with welcoming remarks from Long Branch Farms owner, and SAMCAR Affiliate member, Kevin Palmer, an update from refreshments sponsor MLSListings, Inc., and closing remarks from candidate for 2021 C.A.R. President, Otto Catrina.
View photos on Flickr
Own Who We "R": Leadership, Reputation & Professionalism
Vince Malta, 2019 National Association of REALTORS® President-Elect, shared how his own experience with what began as a hobby and led him to becoming the national expert in assessing collectible baseball bats relates to the way that REALTORS® demonstrate their value through unique expertise in contrast to various competitors. As the largest trade association in the country with 1.3 million members, NAR has a unique 3-way agreement with local and state associations to make sure that members are engaged and represented at every level. NAR's 2019 strategic priorities include:
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Advancing member and consumer communications — including NAR's new "That's Who We R" advertising campaign
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Redoubling efforts in advocacy and regulatory issues — including extending the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and addressing the effects of tax reform on homeowners in states like California
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Heightening NAR's role as a steward of data — NAR's informal slogan "not invented here" emphasizes partnerships to bring relevant tools, resources and services to members.
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Enhancing the member experience — including programs to increase REALTOR® financial wellness and NAR's Commitment to Excellence program.
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Addressing affordability and supply issues — contribute to a database of policy and solution ideas at realtorparty.realtor/supply
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Own your story — recognizing SAMCAR members for achieving C.A.R.'s outstanding member mobilization award!
Own Who We "R": Leadership, Reputation & Professionalism 
Department of Real Estate: Introduction to Audits
Cecilia Yan, Supervising Auditor for the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) Northern Region, provided an introduction to DRE Audits. Of the two types of DRE audits—proactive (routine) and investigative—Yan encouraged licensees to remain calm and work with auditors if and when they "get that call." Additionally, the presentation included a discussion of rules regarding team names, trust fund account considerations, and tips for avoiding an audit. An audit by the DRE can be a powerful tool for reviewing your business practices and making sure you are doing everything correctly.
Department of Real Estate: Introduction to Audits
Cecilia Yan, Supervising Auditor, Northern Region
(510) 622-2537 | Cecilia.Yan@dre.ca.gov
MLSListings Update
Thanks to MLSListings, Inc. for sponsoring refreshments! Chief Operating Officer, Dave Wetzel provided an update on new MLS products and features, including:
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Aculist: Free Buyer's Guide and 3 Market Data Reports a Month
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MLS data share with CRMLS, East Bay, and reciprocal agreements, you can access property information for most of the northern and southern California for your clients!
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Free Business Coaching Boot Camp coming up again on August 23 in Daly City
Learn more on the MLSListings blog
Long Branch Farms
The owner of Long Branch Farms, SAMCAR Affiliate member Kevin Palmer (Premier Termite, Inc.), welcomed guests to the unique venue featuring numerous historic buildings, fixtures and curiosities, in a carefully recreated old west town featuring games, livestock, a chapel, storefronts, and much more.
www.longbranchfarms.net
Otto Catrina, Candidate for 2021 C.A.R. President
SAMCAR NAR Director Michael G. Verdone introduced Otto Catrina, candidate for 2021 California Association of REALTORS® President, who spoke about his campaign theme "Stronger Together," emphasizing the way that REALTORS® of all different backgrounds and political affiliations cooperate to advocate for homeownership, property owners, and the real estate profession.
