SAMCAR Welcomes 27 New REALTORS® at Orientation Program
Membership Committee | June 11, 2026
On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) conducted its second New Member Orientation program of the year, officially swearing in 27 new Realtor members and welcoming an informative roster of guest presenters.
The Realtor Members who attended this orientation program are:
New Member Orientation is the program where Realtor members are ceremonially inducted as members of the association, including presentations from guest speakers about association history and programs, Realtor Safety and other relevant topics, take the REALTOR® Oath and receive a commemorative certificate and REALTOR® Pin.
At the June 9 program, guest speakers included SAMCAR Director Jeff LaMont about the history of the association, Matthew Ma with tips for success from a top producer, Kaitlyn Sebastian and Lizzie Dombrowski about SAMCAR's Young Professionals Network (YPN) group, Gary DeMartini with WFG National Title about Affiliate members, Foundation Council member Jim Enes about the SAMCAR Foundation, SAMCAR Government Affairs Director Fernando Peña about SAMCAR Government Affairs, and SAMCAR Past President Moisés Pelayo about Safety, and sworn in by 2026 SAMCAR President Linda Crose-Andersen.
Planning the orientation program is the primary function of SAMCAR's Membership Committee, chaired by Nestor Icaza and vice chair Danielle Shapiro in 2026.
Prior to attending the orientation program, new Realtor members of SAMCAR are welcomed by Membership staff, including Virginia Loh, Director of Membership, and Rachel McGonegal, Member Services Representative, by telephone appointment.
Realtor membership is considered provisional until completion of an orientation program, and all new Realtor members must complete the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Code of Ethics training and Fair Housing training within the first six months of joining the association.
Questions about New Member Orientation? Please contact us.
SAMCAR Member Invite: Columbia Sportswear Employee Store Summer Sale
Offer Valid August 7 – 30, 2026
SAMCAR Members have exclusive access the Columbia Sportswear Employee Stores in Richmond and Union City from August 7, 2026 through August 30, 2026 for their ANNUAL SUMMER SALE -- up to 70% off new apparel and gear! Learn more about how to access this exclusive offer.
SAMCAR is proud to announce the launch of our Realtor and Affiliate Wellness (RAW) Group, a program of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS. RAW is a recovery-inspired support network designed to provide a safe, confidential space for members to share their experience, strength, and hope. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 25 at 2 PM at the SAMCAR office.
It is with profound sadness that we inform our members that Phil Houston has passed away. He joined the association on 10/02/91 with RE/MAX Mid-Peninsula then RE/MAX Dolphin and later Coldwell Banker, Pacific Union, KMS Investments, and most recently, Compass in Burlingame. Phil served as the twentieth President of SAMCAR in 2014 and in numerous committee and leadership roles. He was an exceptionally dedicated volunteer, having served as Treasurer, Region 25 Chair, and a director at the local and state level for several terms. Most recently, his expertise and perspective served the interest of his fellow members as an advisor on the Supra contract negotiation task force. In 2025, he achieved California Association of REALTORS Honorary Member-for-Life status. SAMCAR was notified of Phil's passing by longtime colleague, friend, and past president Olivia Edwards who was given permission by his family to share this announcement. A funeral service was held on June 18, 2026 followed by a Celebration of Life on July 10, 2026.
2026 SAMCAR Member Appreciation BBQ (RSVP Required)
Wednesday, August 5 | 11 AM – 3 PM | Long Branch Saloon & Farms (Half Moon Bay)
SAMCAR Realtor and Affiliate members, family and friends: please join us for the SAMCAR Member Appreciation BBQ on Wednesday, August 5 from 11 AM to 3 PM featuring a delicious Texas-style BBQ, live music with the band American Underdog, and plenty of games and entertainment in the Old Western Town at Long Branch Saloon & Farms in Half Moon Bay! (Members: check your email inbox for your exclusive link to RSVP. Thank you if you have already signed up to attend!)
It is with sadness that we inform our members that Victor Catanzaro has passed away. He joined the association on 09/28/72 and was the designated broker for Wall Street Properties. Victor was an association member for 53 years and was granted REALTOR Emeritus status by the National Association of Realtors in 2012. SAMCAR was notified of Victor's passing by his wife.
NAR Reaches Settlement to Resolve Nationwide Homebuyer Claims
Chicago (April 10, 2026) – The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) today announced a settlement agreement that would resolve claims brought by homebuyers in the case of Tuccori et al. v. At World Properties et al., a class-action antitrust lawsuit related to buyer-agent commissions. In connection with this agreement, and given the substantially similar allegations, NAR will seek a stay in Batton et al. v. National Association of REALTORS® et al., since NAR's settlement in Tuccori is intended to release the claims in the Batton case.
2026 Honorary Members Recognized at Annual Meeting
On Thursday, March 19 at the 2026 Annual Meeting, SAMCAR recognized recipients of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Honorary Member-for-Life status, acknowledging their achievement of this prestigious membership distinction. Read more for a brief recap of the meeting, photos, and the full list of 2026 C.A.R. Honorary Member-for-Life recipients.
SAMCAR Welcomes 22 New Realtors at Orientation Program
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS (SAMCAR) conducted its first New Member Orientation program of the year, officially swearing in 22 new Realtor members and welcoming an informative roster of guest presenters. Read more to meet your newest Realtor colleagues.
The REALTOR Brand and Your Hard Work Go on Display
The National Association of REALTORS' 2026 consumer ad campaign, More Than Opening Doors, launched February 24 and gives consumers a playful behind-the-scenes look at all you to do bring buyers and sellers to the closing table. NAR's consumer ad campaign to elevate the REALTOR brand is driven by data and now featured on video, audio and social channels. It shows how NAR members protect their clients with expertise and professionalism, well beyond the property search.
Funeral Mass Friday, April 10 | 10:30 AM | St. Roberts Catholic Church
It is with sadness that we inform our members that Bill Haskins passed away. He joined the association on 04/05/82 and was broker associate with Omarshall, Inc. Bill obtained his salesperson license in 1976, broker license in 1979, and first joined the Pacific-Half Moon Bay Board of Realtors in 1982. He was a member of SAMCAR for 31 years and had achieved National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Realtor Emeritus status in 2018. SAMCAR was notified of Bill's passing by longtime friend and colleague, Frank Vella. A funeral mass will be held Friday, April 10 at 10:30 AM at St. Roberts Catholic Church.
