For Your Information
As part of your SDAR Member Benefits, the SDAR Communications Department keeps you up-to-date on issues affecting the industry. REALTORS® can stay informed on topics such as safety, new legislation, loan fraud, local campaigns on home buying, new education requirements and much more.
If you have news items or would like to write an article for SDAR, please contact editor@sdar.com or call (858) 715-8038.
SDAR advocates against point of sale provision
On March 11 the San Diego City Council voted to adopt an ordinance to address hazards posed by lead paint in housing. SDAR was successful in advocating for an alternate proposal that eliminated a point of sale provision that could have had unintended consequences for homebuyers, sellers, and property owners.
Government increases limits on conforming loans
The Federal Government has temporarily increased limits on conforming loans offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for loans originated between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008. The Government also raised the conforming loan limit for mortgages guaranteed by FHA. For a list of the proposed loan limit changes by county for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, click here. To view a list of the new FHA mortgage limits by county, click here.
Temporary Housing List for Fire Victims
If you are searching for temporary housing, please download this list. Additions to the list are no longer being taken, but if you know of properties that should be removed, please email Lita@sdar.com or call (858) 715-8005. Thank you to all who helped make temporary housing available.
REALTORS® in Need of Help
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If you have been impacted or know of a REALTOR® who has been impacted by the fires, please contact Lita LaGuire at (858) 715-8005 or email lita@sdar.com
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The California Association of REALTORS® C.A.R. is now offering grants up to $10,000 to REALTOR® members and their families. Visit www.car.org, or contact Elizabeth de Cateret at (213) 739-8308 or email ElizabethD@car.org
For additional resources click here.
REALTORS® Who Want To Help
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To Help SDAR Members: If you would like to donate, please download this fax back form or go to member login.
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To Help California REALTORS® C.A.R. is accepting contributions. Click here
New Executive Vice President at SDAR
San Diego Association of REALTORS® Announces New Executive Vice President Michael T. Mercurio.
SentriLock adds features to lockbox software
SentriLock has released an upgraded version of the software that resides in REALTOR® lockboxes to enhance the One Day Codes feature, as well as improve the showing feedback system. The software is offered free of charge.
SDAR initiates program for Emergency Preparedness
If a disaster should strike, would you be prepared? As a community service, the San Diego Association of REALTORS® is encouraging every household to have a plan before the unexpected happens. Your family can work together to become informed, create a checklist, and gather an emergency preparedness kit in case of an earthquake, fire, or other disaster.
Download an SDAR Emergency Preparedness Checklist
SDAR is also determining what interest there may be in carrying emergency supplies and kits in the REALTOR® store. Please download this fax-back form to let us know what products you might be interested in purchasing.
Read more about being prepared for emergencies upcoming editions of the SDAR REALTOR® magazine.
For more information about emergency preparedness, visit SDAR’s web site in the future, or visit these agencies:
American Red Cross
www.redcross.org
San Diego County Office of Emergency Services
www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
www.fema.gov
For a more comprehensive list of resources for emergency preparedness, click here.
Foreclosure feature added to Tempo’s Realist/Tax
Sandicor has enhanced the Realist/Tax system of Tempo MLS to include foreclosure information from all four counties: San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, and Orange. You will find this feature by logging onto Tempo. Then go to “Tax” and click on “Realist.com.” The foreclosure can be found under the drop-down “Searches” menu.
SDAR and BIA Team Up to Inform Potential Homebuyers 
SDAR and BIA are working together to educate potential homebuyers. This local initiative is part of the California Building Industry Association's ongoing Campaign for California Homeownership. A radio and television public information campaign encourages consumers to visit a new web site, www.sandiegohomeownership.com. Visitors to this site will find valuable information about the housing market, both new and resale, and how to buy a home in San Diego.
Last year, SDAR and BIASD partnered together to educate the public on the benefits of homeownership. This year, the joint effort continues with the addition of www.sandiegohomeownership.com.
Members can download a copy of the print advertorial, listen to the 60 second radio spot or view the two television public service announments (PSA). Click on the links below:
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Rebuilding Together: Volunteers make over San Diego home
More than 75 volunteer REALTORS® and affiliates of SDAR, along with local building contractors and tradespeople, participated in a major remodel of a San Diego home this spring during Rebuilding Together’s Rehab Day. Rebuilding Together San Diego selects qualified individuals and families, whose homes are in disrepair, and rehabilitates their property. To see an 11-minute video about Rebuilding Together, please click on a link below.
'Eye on the Hill' newsletter from NAR
WINForms® and Windows Vista™ Update
WINForms® developers have come up with a "workaround" for Windows Vista™ users. Visit www.winforms.com and click on "Vista compatibility with WINForms software."
To contact the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Executive Offices (213) 739-8200 C.A.R. Legislative Offices (916) 444-2045
To contact the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) (800) 874-6500
To view SDAR archived news items, click here.