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C.A.R. Open Enrollment Now Until May 15

Steve Goddard - 2010 C.A.R. President

Steve Goddard - 2010 C.A.R. President

Dear C.A.R. Member:

Given today’s challenging healthcare environment, I’m pleased to let you know that open enrollment for group medical and vision coverages through C.A.R. runs through May 15. You now have an opportunity to enroll for coverage effective June 1, 2010.

This is your chance to get guaranteed issue health insurance through C.A.R.’s medical plan, as well as an opportunity to enroll for vision coverage. After May 15, you won’t be able to enroll in the C.A.R. program until the winter of 2010 for a Jan. 1, 2011, start date.

I encourage you to make some time today to review the information below so you are able to make an informed decision regarding insurance options for yourself and your family. If you have a qualifying event — the loss of group coverage, for example — or if you are a new C.A.R. member (between your 60th and 120th day of membership), you may be eligible now for all coverages. Call RealCare to find out if you qualify.

C.A.R. offers five plans through Anthem Blue Cross and 11 plans through Kaiser Permanente. Here are some important elements of C.A.R.’s open enrollment insurance offerings:

Kaiser Permanente – Guaranteed issue and no pre-existing conditions limitations;

Anthem Blue Cross of California – Guaranteed issue, and the ability to choose from PPO, HMO, or HSA programs. There are no pre-existing conditions limitations on the HMO plan;

Continue reading: C.A.R. Open Enrollment Now Until May 15

Your April Message from C.A.R. President Steve Goddard

Steve Goddard - 2010 C.A.R. President

Steve Goddard - 2010 C.A.R. President

Dear C.A.R. Member:

Perception often equals reality for today’s image-driven, media-conscious consumers. While conventional wisdom might deem it prudent to cut costs across the board during a business downturn, that philosophy doesn’t apply when it comes to marketing and advertising. Industry studies have confirmed that a long-term strategy for building a brand, burnishing an image, and capturing market share is to maintain, or even increase, marketing expenditures during a downturn. Proactively promoting our professionalism as REALTORS®, and as an industry, are no exceptions.

That’s one reason C.A.R. has consistently reached out to consumers regardless of the temperature of the real estate market through our Consumer Advertising Campaign. This year’s “Your Piece of California. Your Peace of Mind” Consumer Advertising Campaign launches next week, featuring television, radio, and online components, reinforcing the value of working with a REALTOR® and helping consumers understand why now may be the best time in years to buy a home. Be on the lookout for an e-mail next week with complete information on the campaign; for a sneak peek, go to http://www.car.org/aboutus/adcampaign/.

The April 15 federal income tax filing deadline is days away, and the IRS has said it will step up audits of independent contractor status and expand its audits of small businesses during 2010. It’s a timely reminder to broker/owners to make sure they have their business and tax records in order. Those who are lax in their record keeping, such as written independent contractor agreements, may incur significant penalties.

Continue reading: Your April Message from C.A.R. President Steve Goddard

Your Monthly Message from C.A.R. President Steve Goddard - December 2009

Steve Goddard - 2010 C.A.R. President

Steve Goddard - 2010 C.A.R. President

Dear C.A.R. Member:

2010 promises to be another challenging year for both the housing market and our industry. I am honored to be your 2010 president, and look forward to speaking, meeting, and interacting with you during the coming year, whether online or in person. During my term, I’ll be focusing on efforts to ensure that the REALTOR® remains at the center of the transaction, making certain private property rights are protected at both the state and national levels, and expanding our commitment to raise the level of professionalism within our industry. I look forward to communicating with you each month, and highlighting some of the many benefits available to you through your membership in C.A.R.

I hope you’ve taken advantage of the opportunity to upgrade to the new zipForm® 6, where you’ll be able to access new features and functionality not currently available with either WINForms Online® or WINForms® Desktop. I upgraded my software last month, and can tell you that it was essentially a quick and easy process. WINForms® is an essential part of my business, and I’m pleased with the new functionalities available to me now. To take advantage of free introductory webinar training, visit http://www.car.org/winforms/zipForm6/.

Next on the horizon, ePUBS™ for zipForm® 6 is going to be free for all C.A.R. members as of Jan. 1. ePUBS™ for zipForm® 6 makes it easy for you to e-mail critical mandated disclosure information like the Combined Hazards Book and helpful consumer guides to your client. You can e-mail the Combined Hazards Book with the separate signature file and offer your client a green alternative to printing out all 79 pages of the booklet — one step closer to a paperless transaction. Be on the lookout for more detailed information in coming weeks.

Continue reading: Your Monthly Message from C.A.R. President Steve Goddard – December 2009

C.A.R. Open Enrollment Deadline Extended to Dec. 15

Dear C.A.R. Member:

Given today’s challenging healthcare environment, I’m pleased to let you know that the open enrollment deadline for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance through C.A.R. has been extended through Dec. 15. You now have an opportunity to enroll for coverage effective Jan. 1, 2010.

This is your chance to get guaranteed issue health insurance through C.A.R.’s medical plan, as well as an opportunity to enroll for dental, vision, and life insurance coverage. After Dec. 15, you won’t be able to enroll in the C.A.R. program until April 2010 for a June 1, 2010, start date. I encourage you to make some time today to review the information below so you are able to make an informed decision regarding insurance options for yourself and your family.

Continue reading: C.A.R. Open Enrollment Deadline Extended to Dec. 15