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The role of the REALTOR®, the benefits received from member involvement in REALTOR® association activities, and the importance of organized real estate to REALTORS® and their clients were the main focus of the 2023 Economic Seminar & General Membership Meeting of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR).
SILVAR CEO Paul Cardus laid out the following scenarios of what life would be for an agent or consumer if REALTOR® associations like the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) or SILVAR did not exist in light of just one benefit, that of legislative advocacy:
- Agents would not be independent contractors; they would be employees working for banks.
- Services, including commissions, would be taxed.
- Conforming loan limits might be set at $400K, if they existed at all, instead of $1,149,825 in 2024.
- FHA loans likely would not be available.
- There would be no capital gains exclusion, mortgage interest deduction or 1031 exchanges.
- The commercial secondary mortgage market, which provides a stable flow of credit, would not exist.
- The liquidity, stability and affordability provided by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the nation’s housing finance system would not exist.
- HUD would not employ local agents for sales.
- There would be no multiple listing service (MLS) or portals with standardized, reliable listing data.
- Universal buyer representation would not exist, leaving many buyers unprotected in the biggest transaction of their lives.
- Proposition 13 would not exist, making it hard for California’s seniors to afford to stay in their homes.
- Without impartial C.A.R. and PRDS standard forms provided by REALTORS® for REALTORS®, buyers and sellers would need attorneys to review and negotiate various one-sided forms for each transaction and be responsible and liable for researching state and local ordinances and codes, instead of using PRDS advisories.
- Flood insurance would become unobtainable.
- Property sales would require multiple point-of-sale approvals, like sewer lateral inspection and repair, from multiple agencies and inspectors. Sellers might have to invest tens of thousands in property upgrades just to sell. Escrows could extend for months or even longer.
- Rent control would be in place statewide, making it challenging to sell a tenant-occupied home or leave the business as a housing provider.
- Opportunity to Purchase (OPA) programs, like the one SILVAR helped defeat in East Palo Alto recently, would require property owners to offer homes to tenants or nonprofits before listing a rental property on the market and mandate the right of first refusal once an offer is accepted.
- Thousands of other legislative “bright ideas” would be blocked or kept in check because organizations like SILVAR, C.A.R. and NAR would not be around to engage volunteers, coordinate the resources, and hire professional staff to advocate on behalf of REALTORS® and their clients.
“The benefits that REALTORS® and their clients receive through REALTOR® membership in a REALTOR® association are quite the value,” said Cardus.
State Farm and Allstate insurance companies’ recent announcements that they will stop writing new property insurance policies in California have shaken many property owners in the state. Silicon Valley REALTORS® are aware this will impact their clients and future homebuyers and are ready to provide resources to help with their insurance needs.
State Farm General Insurance Company announced it would cease accepting new applications, including all business and personal lines property and casualty insurance, effective May 27, 2023. This decision does not impact personal auto insurance. State Farm says it made this decision “due to historic increases in construction costs outpacing inflation, rapidly growing catastrophe exposure due to climate change, and a challenging reinsurance market.”
Allstate soon followed with the same announcement stating the company “paused” its offerings so they “can continue to protect current customers.” These two large insurance companies join American International Group (AIG), which notified thousands in California that their policies would not be renewed last year.
“Many of the problems in California are a result of the increasing risks in certain areas of the state, in part due to climate change. The increased risk of fires and floods in more areas have put a strain on both the companies and potentially on the FAIR plan, which is California’s insurer of last resort,” said Jim Hamilton, president of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®.
The California Association of REALTORS® has good information and resources for those who are affected by these recent developments, said Hamilton. “We are asking our members to share the following facts and tips with their clients. Additionally, United Policyholders, a non-profit insurance information resource organization, features a free webinar titled ‘Keeping Your Home Protected When Insurance Options are Limited and Expensive?’ on their website at www.uphelp.org to help consumers find insurance in fire-prone areas.”
- Will State Farm and Allstate continue to service and renew policies of existing clients in the state. Yes, and they will continue to offer new auto insurance policies.
- What are the implications of the decision for prospective homebuyers? In certain high-risk areas of the state, there are very few insurance companies willing to write new policies. In those areas, unless the Insurance Commissioner is successful in his effort to get more private insurers to write policies in such areas, the generally more-costly California FAIR plan may end up being the only property insurance available for those homeowners.
- Will more companies follow State Farm and Allstate’s move? There are still a wide range of companies writing policies in California. However, those willing to write new policies are declining to include properties in higher risk areas. With the departure of State Farm and Allstate, property owners in more high-risk areas may have no other option than the FAIR plan.
- What are the main problems for the insurance market in California? The California market is heavily regulated and has various strict requirements for rate increases, which were put into place by Proposition 103 in 1988. However, there are two areas where possible changes could result in a better climate for insurance without requiring major changes to consumer-friendly rate increase requirements. Those include allowing insurance companies to have rates that better reflect their reinsurance costs and allowing insurance companies to utilize forward looking risk models. Current law only allows companies to look back when setting rates. However, given the issues with climate change, many insurance companies argue that looking backward does not allow companies to adequately capture risk.
- Where can I go for more information about homeowners insurance? The California Department of Insurance provides several information guides, tips and tools to help understand home/residential insurance. You can also call the CDI Consumer Hotline at 1-800-927-4357 for assistance.
The California Association of REALTORS® REimagine Real Estate Virtual Conference & Expo was held this week with many sessions that included notable speakers and topics. A bittersweet session at the conference was when C.A.R. CEO Joel Singer bade goodbye to the membership. After 43 years with C.A.R., Singer has announced he is retiring.
Singer summed up his over four decades with C.A.R. as “an incredible experience.” First serving as chief economist and heading C.A.R.’s Public Affairs department before assuming the role of CEO, Singer recalled the changes and challenges in real estate and in the housing market. He noted what has remained constant through the years is the “power of home.” Home creates bonds within a family, a neighborhood, and a community, said Singer. This became even more evident during the pandemic, and it is what gives him tremendous confidence in the industry.
“The incredible ability of individual REALTORS® to meet the needs and create real value for their clients. That’s not going to change,” said Singer.
Singer then shared characteristics successful REALTORS® and other people have in common that he has observed. “They listen deeply, and they listen to everyone. Listen to people you don’t normally hang around with, listen to people who don’t look like you. Bringing new people into the room and listening to them creates opportunity and is one of the reasons this industry has been so adaptable. They also pro-act; they don’t just react.
“Try to be the first mover. If you’ve got a good idea, try it. Take the calculated risk and you’re going to fail. You’re going to fail perhaps more often than you’re going to be successful. Just fail fast and go on to the next new thing. And always ask for help because people do want to help you … and certainly say thank you. Embrace change. Embrace uncertainty. It’s an opportunity and an opportunity that successful people use to their advantage. … Walk the talk, own your own decisions, own the things you do well, recognize the things you don’t do well, but always be consistent in walking the talk,” Singer told members.
What has moved Singer and what has made a difference even in his own personal life is what REALTORS® do. “What you do is really important. You change lives. You make a difference, a deep, deep difference in people’s lives.”
Other sessions included top economists who analyzed the economy, DRE Commissioner Doug McCauley who talked about stepping up enforcement against unlicensed agents, REALTORS® who examined fair housing in transactions, and much more. On the last day, C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine delivered the 2022 California Housing Market Forecast.
Levine expects California’s housing market to remain solid, with the top of the market being the main driver. California is expected to do better than the rest of the nation. Hypercompetition in the marketplace is expected to subside, low interest rates will be offset by increasing prices, but the normally chronic undersupply and the lack of affordability will continue to characterize the market. Read more about the 2022 housing market outlook HERE.
SILVAR is excited to announce a new benefit for all members! You recently received emails from the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) about REALTOR® Secure Transaction, a new one-stop transaction dashboard available on Wednesday that will give you access to your Transactions, zipForm Edition account and more, including the addition of Glide on January 14, 2021. Glide is a platform for eSignatures, collaboration resource, and compliance tools needed for your real estate transactions.
We are happy to inform you that SILVAR has also partnered with Glide to provide you with a faster, simpler, and safer transaction platform designed to provide a modern experience for you and your clients.
As a member of C.A.R., you will receive a basic set of Glide features, which you can see HERE. SILVAR is providing you with additional features to maximize the value of your membership. These additional benefits include:
- The addition of the PRDS form library available starting mid-January
- The ability to fill all forms in Glide, eliminating the need to switch platforms
- Complete PEAD-Vs and create transactions via MLS
Again, the Glide platform will give you access to eSignatures, collaboration resources, and compliance tools needed for your real estate transactions. Over the past three years, Glide has been used by over 40,000 agents in California to complete disclosures, AVIDs, and PEAD-Vs. We hope you also enjoy these new additional member benefits, and we are here to support you during your transition to using this new tool.
Silicon Valley REALTORS® can access their Glide benefit and learn more about Glide HERE.
* PRDS forms will remain available on the Instanet platform (in addition to Glide and Transactions, zipForm edition), but please note the Authentisign/DocBox benefit is ending January 1, 2021.
The coronavirus is directly impacting families in the Bay Area as state and county have ordered residents to stay home, except those who must provide essential services. Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) President Mary Kay Groth offers these tips for families and Realtors coping with the new normal in their lives.
Don’t panic
“Although the news is distressing, we should do our best not to panic,” says Groth. “We should stay informed with the latest news and be smart about taking precautions to prevent the virus from coming into our home and infecting our family.”
The Stay in Place directive is a good thing, says Groth. “It definitely means pausing our daily activities, but it is the right thing to do. Social distancing is one of the best tools to minimize exposure to and spread of the virus.”
Stay connected
Families can still connect with friends and relatives. “Staying home does not mean cutting ties with everyone. Thankfully, technology allows us to connect in many different ways. In addition to phone calls, text messages, emails, connect through FaceTime, Zoom, Messenger and other apps,” suggests Groth.
With schools closed, Groth encourages parents to talk to their children about the COVID-19 virus. “Young children may not understand what is happening. Parents need to assure them that all will be well and that staying home keeps them safe while doctors fight the virus,” says Groth. “We need to look at the situation positively, as an experience that can bring you and your children closer together.”
Additionally, multi-generation families should try to maintain as much distance as possible in order to keep safe. Designate a special room for older family members, especially grandparents, if you can, so they’ll have their own space, where they can feel safe and comfortable.
Maintain good hygiene habits
Even if you are home, continue to wash your hands and sanitize all points of contact, like counters, tables and doorknobs. Health care providers stress the most important thing you can do is wash your hands thoroughly for at least for 20 seconds.
Do home maintenance work
Take care of home maintenance tasks you have put off, like replace a light bulb, fix a leaky faucet, clean the garage, file papers, or trim bushes and plants.
Exercise
If you get cabin fever, walk around your neighborhood, but keep your distance from others by staying six feet away from other individuals.
REALTORS® can still work
Even if client-facing activities are at a pause now, work need not stop for REALTORS®, says Groth. “REALTORS® can organize their data base and stay in touch with their clients by email, text messages and phone calls. Check in with your older clients, see how they are doing. Many would welcome a friendly phone call from you.”
Groth urges REALTORS® to continue learning. “Check MLSListings’ on-demand videos and webinar classes. This is also a good time to take the California Association of REALTORS® 45-hour online continuing education courses for license renewal, which is a free member benefit.”
“The market was solid before this outbreak, we will get through this and families will be stronger after we weather this crisis together,” said Groth.
The California Association of REALTORS® issued the following statement on Senate Bill 50 yesterday:
“The California Association of REALTORS® is disappointed that SB 50 did not pass out of the California Senate today but C.A.R. remains deeply committed to advancing supply-oriented solutions to California’s severe housing shortage,” said C.A.R. president Jeanne Radsick.
“Sen. Scott Wiener deserves praise for his tireless work on SB 50 which recognized that supply is the solution to our housing affordability crisis. We also thank Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins for her efforts to advance the bill and to her ongoing commitment to passing a housing production bill during this legislative session.
“Now is the time to get serious about housing supply. We remain committed to working with Sen. Wiener, Senate President Pro Tem Atkins, the rest of the Legislature, Governor Newsom and housing groups to solving California’s housing shortage.”
SB 50, which encourages the development of mid-rise and multifamily housing construction around major transit hubs.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® thanks Sen. Jim Beall for promoting housing throughout California! We truly appreciate your efforts and support in seeking solutions to increasing our state’s housing supply.
In the past two weeks the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) issued several Red Alerts, mobilizing its members of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® and other REALTOR® Associations urging them to contact their state legislators to support C.A.R.’s stand on a number of housing-related bills. Here is an update on those bills:
Assembly Bill 1482 – Tenancy: Rent Caps – PASSED
This statewide rent cap proposal that would apply to most properties not covered by local rent control ordinances, including rented single-family homes and condos in cities with rent control, passed 43-28 on Wednesday night. C.A.R. was able to successfully negotiate a deal with the bill’s author on amendments that allowed C.A.R. to remove its opposition and take a neutral position.
The proposal would prohibit landlords from raising the rent each year by more than 7 percent plus the annual increase in the cost of living. The bill’s author, Assemblyman David Chiu agreed to exempt property owners with 10 or fewer single-family detached homes and set the law to expire in 2023. C.A.R. withdrew its opposition to the bill once these concessions were made. This compromise strikes a balance between preserving the rights of rental property owners while allowing the protection of at-risk tenants.
Assembly Bill 1481 – Tenancy Termination: Just Cause – FAILED
AB 1481 died on the Assembly floor last night. Both C.A.R. and the California Apartment Association opposed this bill because it would have imposed just cause eviction policies statewide and would have required a property owner to provide relocation assistance to tenants for “no-fault” evictions. AB 1481 failed to get the 41 votes it needed to pass out of the Assembly.
SB 329 — Mandatory Section 8 – PASSED
Despite all of our best efforts, SB 329, which C.A.R. is OPPOSING because it creates an effective mandate that landlords participate in Section 8, passed the Senate floor last Thursday by three votes. It now moves to the Assembly where C.A.R. will continue to OPPOSE it.
AB 1590 — C.A.R.’s Sponsored First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit – PASSED
Good news! AB 1590, C.A.R.’s sponsored first-time homebuyer tax credit bill passed the Assembly. The vote was 61-3. This bill now moves to the Senate.
Members of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® joined 2,500 California REALTORS® in Sacramento on May 1 for the California Association of REALTORS® annual Legislative Day. This year’s theme, “Homeownership Matters,” was evident in the speeches of REALTOR® officials and politicians, and in discussions the REALTORS® had with their respective legislators.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, the special guest speaker at the morning briefing, said California is experiencing a “crisis moment, a crisis of confidence and a crisis of affordability.”
Newsom is deeply committed to address the housing issue and he wants to build 300,000 to 400,000 units on an annual basis. “Let us not forget that we are better off when we’re all better off,” said Newsom.
State Senator Scott Wiener, author of SB 50, the Housing Development Incentives bill, told REALTORS® at a luncheon that today’s zoning laws, crafted over 50 years ago, are outdated. Wiener said his legislation is about people and people’s lives.
In their meetings with state Senators Jim Beall and Jerry Hill, and Assemblymembers Marc Berman and Evan Low, Silicon Valley REALTORS® asked them to support the REALTOR® position on the following bills:
Vote YES on AB 1590 (Rubio) – First-Time Low- and Moderate-Income Homebuyer Tax Credit for Disadvantaged Communities. C.A.R. is sponsoring this bill which creates a first-time homebuyer tax credit for low- and moderate-income individuals and families purchasing a home in a disadvantaged community. AB 1590 allocates $50 million for first-time homebuyers who have never owned a principal residence; who earn 120 percent or less of the area median income; and who are purchasing a home in a disadvantaged community. The tax credit would be equal to 3 percent of the purchase price of the home or $5,000, whichever is less.
Vote YES on SB 50 (Wiener) – Housing Development Incentives. C.A.R. is co-sponsoring this bill which seeks to authorize the implementation of transit-rich housing project bonuses for new urban developments, so families can afford to live within the communities in which they work. SB 50 encourages the development of mid-rise, multi-family unit, housing construction with close, walkable access to bus and rail transit. Residential developments may only obtain a “height” bonus if they meet local planning, zoning and design requirements. Local governments may approve higher-density housing, with reduced or eliminated parking requirements, provided the site is adjacent to transit or near jobs.
Vote No on SB 329 (Mitchell) – Mandatory Section 8. C.A.R. is opposing this bill which forces all residential rental property owners to participate in all government assistance and housing subsidy programs, such as the Section 8 housing program, by entering into a legally binding contract with a government agency. This bill forces all landlords into contracts whose provisions they may not be able to fulfill. C.A.R. says the bill does not fix the underlying problems with Section 8. Since housing authorities are understaffed, it can take as long as 60 days before all applications are submitted, inspections made, and contracts signed. During that time, the unit sits vacant at a substantial loss to the landlord.
All staunch proponents of housing, the legislators thanked the REALTORS® for their support and advocacy. They called on REALTORS® and others to stand up and speak louder about the need for housing “because the other side is so loud.”
Low said he has received sharp, mean-spirited backlash from those who oppose his pro-housing stance, some even demanding his recall, but he is not wavering. “Oftentimes we need to speak truth to the powerful. I feel very strongly about this. It’s important to make courageous decisions,” said Low.
Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® says ... 