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February 2012
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C.A.R. Legislative Week Meetings Report

Board Action
The Board of Directors adopted a political assessment of $49 per Member beginning with the 2011 dues cycle. This assessment is for the California Real Estate Political Action Committee. If the C.A.R. Member chooses, the assessment can go instead to the C.A.R. fund for non-candidate political purposes.
The Board also approved a new structure for the statewide MLS that will merge calREDD® with the Multi-Regional Multiple Listing Service Inc. (MRMLS). After the merger, the state’s system will be called CALMLS. An additional $750,000 was also approved for the CALMLS line of credit.

SAR Successes

  • SAR received the award for raising more money for the REALTOR® Action Fund than any other large association in the state – nearly $127,000!
  • SAR’s Housing Opportunity Committee also won a $50,000 grant from the C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund. The Association will more than match that amount to launch a new program that will give grants to homebuyers needing to make energy upgrades. Watch for the announcement of this new program that will help more buyers qualify to improve the energy use and comfort of their home.
  • Our newly formed REALTOR® Action Fund (RAF) Committee secured a grant from the NAR to host a fundraising event for RAF, which they did in conjunction with Legislative Day.

Committee Reports
The Legal Action Fund Trustees have reviewed eight cases and requests for funding since their February meeting. The Trustees authorized three amicus briefs.
A landmark decision by the California Supreme Court occurred in the case of Steiner v. Thexton, supported by the Legal Action Fund. C.A.R. was concerned about the impact on the RPA-CA because of the buyer’s ostensible right to cancel a contract due to the failure of a contingency without having to state a reason. The Supreme Court acknowledged C.A.R.’s concerns as expressed in a brief and indicated in a footnote that “bilateral contracts subject to a contingency, which are widely used in real estate transactions, are not affected by our holding.”
Continue reading: C.A.R. Legislative Week Meetings Report

PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE - Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

2009 SAR President - Charlene Singley

2009 SAR President - Charlene Singley

They say time flies, and boy, does it! This year has gone so very quickly, and quite successfully too, I might add. The credit for any success has to be given to the nearly 200 individuals who volunteered during the year in so many ways.

When I asked how many individual people serve in one or more capacities, I was astounded when I was told it is nearly 200 people. And, in most cases, they don’t serve on only one committee. The generosity of spirit and time is truly inspiring.

First of all, I am the first to acknowledge that nothing in this association gets done without the absolute best staff in the entire state! The reason I always praise Nelson Janes at meetings is just because he does such an excellent job. He is the reason SAR maintains an even keel year after year. His leadership enables the association to hire and maintain such a high-quality staff. Each and every one works tirelessly on your behalf and I appreciate so very much everything they do for all of us.

The Education Committee stepped up the pace this year with many classes covering the hot button issues. The new Lunch & Learn classes have been extremely successful. Jeff Jurach and Denise Ross-Francom, the Chair and Vice-chair, and their committee members have done an excellent job.

Continue reading: PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE – Thank You, Thank You, Thank You