FAQ

Membership

Membership Bill Pay — How can I pay my bill online?
You may make a payment by Clicking Here or for immediate assistance please call (858) 715-8040.

How do I apply for membership with the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS®?
If you are interested in joining our association please Click Here to complete our online application form. If you have any questions regarding potential membership, please call (858) 715-8040.

Notification of Change — How do I notify San Diego Association of REALTORS® of my recent brokerage change?
If you have recently changed brokerages please Click Here and fill out our Notification of Change Form. For immediate assistance regarding this process, please call (858) 715-8040.

Locations — Service Center Locations
For store hours or to find the location closest you, please Click Here. We currently have locations in Kearny Mesa, Carlsbad, Solana Beach, Rancho Bernardo, El Cajon, Coronado, and Chula Vista. Membership

Cancellation — How do I cancel my Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® Membership?
If you wish to you discontinue your membership with SDAR, please contact our member services team by calling (858) 715-8040.

SentriLock® Products
If you are experiencing problems with your SentriLock® products (Lockbox, SentriCard®, or Card Reader) contact SentriLock®Technical Support directly by calling (888) 736-8745.

Bill Pay — How do I pay my annual key fee?
If you would like to make your annual key fee payment, please give us a call directly at 858-715-8040.

Pricing — How much is a Sentrilock®?
If you would like to purchase any SentriLock® products (Lockbox, SentriCard®, or Card Reader), please visit us at one of our seven convenient service centers throughout San Diego County. Click Here to find the location closest to you.

MLS Access — Why can’t I access MLS?
If you are having issues accessing Paragon, please contact member services directly at 858-715-8040.

Pricing — How much does an MLS subscription cost?
For current up-to-date pricing, please contact member services directly at (858) 715-8040. As a reminder, the MLS for San Diego County is billed on a quarterly basis.

Listing Information — How do I correct a listing on the MLS?
If you have questions regarding inputting an MLS listing or questions regarding a listing already on the MLS, please contact SDAR’s MLS Liaison at (858) 715-8067.

Education

What is a REALTOR®?
A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® who is required to abide by a strict Code of Ethics. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark of the National Association of REALTORS® and misuse of the term is a trademark violation. To become a REALTOR® a person who holds a real estate license may join their local REALTOR® Association which makes them automatically a member of the State and National Associations.

How do I become a REALTOR®?
Before becoming a REALTOR®, you first must earn a real estate license.

How long does it take to get a real estate license in California?
Because of mandatory education wait periods, and taking the exam, the whole process from education to license in hand can take approximately five to six months.

What are the basic steps involved in getting a real estate license in California?
You must be at least 18 years old. Register for and complete 135 hours of required education. Click Here to visit our preferred education partners to enroll in a class today!

How many questions are on the state exam? How much time do I have to complete the state exam? May I bring a calculator or notes to the state exam?
The California State Exam has 150 multiple choice questions, and you have 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete them. You may not bring notes, however, you may bring a simple four-function calculator.

Do you offer any help to prepare me for the California real estate license state exam?
Yes! We recommend you attend our One Day Prep course. Visit our Education Calendar to see a complete list of our upcoming classes.

When is New Member Orientation?
New Member Orientation is offered on the first Monday of every month except on holidays. Registration is required. To register email [email protected] or call (858) 715-8040.

Where can I find a list of upcoming classes scheduled at SDAR?
Click here for a complete list of current class offerings.

How do I cancel a class I have registered for?
Registrations for classes can be cancelled online through the registration system. Go to the Tickets page, and locate your order. Click your order to view order details, and then select "Cancel Order" to cancel your registration. You will receive an email confirming the cancellation. You may also cancel via email to [email protected]

I am not a member, but would like to register for a class. Is that possible?
Absolutely! Most class registration pages have a Non-Member ticket type. If you need assistance, please call (858) 715-8040 or email [email protected].

Why doesn’t SDAR have all the Education classes that I have taken?
SDAR can only track classes presented by SDAR. Any course taken outside of SDAR through another real estate school, university, or private entity will not appear on your SDAR education record.

When do I need to take my NAR Code of Ethics Training?
All REALTORS® must take an NAR Code of Ethics Training once during the pre-designated three year cycle in order to maintain REALTOR® membership. If you have NOT taken an Ethics class after January 1, you must do so by December 31, and every three years thereafter in order to remain a member in good standing.

How often do I need to renew my real estate license?
Licenses are issued for a four-year period and should be renewed prior to the expiration date listed on the license.

What are the continuing education requirements for license renewal?
As a licensed sales agent or broker, you are required to complete 45 hours of continuing education (CE) every four years as part of your license renewal. Visit our Education Calendar for live classes and our Preferred Partners for quick and easy online license renewal.

Can I still get all my continuing education credits done in one day?
No. DRE requirements now specify minimum study periods between exams, which is why all of our renewal programs require a minimum of 6 days to complete (DRE allows for a maximum of 15 study hours in any 24 hour period). Don't wait until the last minute; start your continuing education early!

What does the DRE need from me to renew my license?
They require proof of completion for 45 DRE-approved continuing education credit hours (48 hours for 1st time renewing Brokers), as well as payment of renewal fees.

What are DRE renewal and licensing fees?
Since they change frequently, please contact the DRE here directly for the most updated info.

How soon can I submit my license renewal to the DRE prior to my expiration date?
The DRE will not process your renewal more than 90 days prior to your expiration date.

How can I contact the DRE?
There are three main ways to contact the DRE:
1. By mail – P.O. Box 187001, Sacramento, CA 95818
2. By phone – San District office – (619) 525-4192
3. For other detailed contact info, visit the DRE website's contact page.

Where can I get DRE forms?
You can get electronic PDF versions of DRE forms on the DRE website.

How do I complete my renewal?
There are two ways to submit your license renewal:
1. Online through DRE’s free eLicensing system
2. The old-fashioned way: snail mail - mail forms to the Sacramento DRE.

How long will it take DRE to renew my license?
Renewals are immediate when you use eLicensing. In contrast, DRE takes a while to respond to license renewals if they are submitted by mail. (Online renewals are processed immediately.) See if DRE has received your renewal application by checking: 1. The DRE response schedule
2. Your bank account to see if your check has been cashed
3. Your license status online

What do I need to get a Broker license?
DRE requires you complete 8 statutory courses from the list of DRE approved statutory courses. To see a complete list of courses, visit the DRE'S site. You may then schedule a date to take the state exam with the DRE.

What is the 70/30 Continuing Education Exemption?
If you’ve held a DRE license in good standing for 30 years and are 70 years of age on your license expiration date, you may file for a continuing education exemption using form that can be found on the DRE'S website.

How can I earn the SDAR RMS Designation?
For the most recent requirements for the RMS Designation, click here.

How do I become an SDAR instructor or present a class?
SDAR recognizes the value of guest speakers and presenters from inside and outside the organization. SDAR encourages interested parties to submit an Instructor Application or Course Presentation Application (here) that will be presented to the Education Committee for consideration.

How do I join the Education Committee?
Committee sign-ups are typically at the start of the year, but don't let that stop you! Complete an application anytime here.

Store

Can I receive a discount on bulk orders?
You can receive a 15% discount if you join the Member Plus program. If you would like to sign up for Member Plus, please ask your Member Service Team Member.

Can I purchase items in your store if I am not an SDAR Member?
Items in our stores are clearly marked with a member price and non-member price.

Can I purchase items from the store with the REALTOR® logo if I am not a REALTOR®?
No, only licensed REALTORS® may purchase logo branded items. Can I return items I buy in the store with or without a receipt? No, all sales in our retail stores are final.

What if an item is defective?
Please return the item to store for exchange of the same item.

Can SentriLock Lockboxes be purchased online?
No, SentriLock Lockboxes must be purchased in person and assigned to a specific REALTOR®. Please go to your closest SDAR Retail Service Center for SentriLock Lockboxes.

Accounting

When are my fees due?
Annual REALTOR® Membership Renewal - first business day January Quarterly MLS Participation /Subscriber Fees - first business day January, April, July and October Annual SentriCard/SentriSmart User Fees - first business day February

How do I pay my fees?
Set-up or update Auto Debit Participation: Click Here

MLS User Members:
Log-in to your SDOne Account: Click Here
Select: Pay MLS and REALTOR® Invoices, View Paid and Unpaid Invoices

Non-MLS User Members: Log-In to your SDOne Account - Click Here
Select: Pay MLS and REALTOR® Invoices,
View Paid and Unpaid Invoices
Visit one of our seven countywide Service Centers: Click Here
Mail: 4845 Ronson Court, San Diego CA 92111
Call: 858-715-8000

How do I obtain a report of my account payment history?
MLS User Members: Log-in to your SD One Account - Click Here

Non-MLS User Members: Log-In to your ISD One Account - Click Here
Select: Pay MLS and REALTOR® Invoices,
View Paid and Unpaid Invoices,
Account Activity Report (located at bottom left side of page)
Choose: Report Format,
Enter Date Range Select: Submit

How do I cancel Auto Debit Participation?
Auto-Debit cancellation request must be in writing, email to [email protected]; please include full Name and Member ID

Commercial & International

What is the cost to join CRASD?
SDAR members - $50.00/year All others - $100.00/year

Do you hold networking events?
Yes, we hold events throughout the year. Sign up today to receive regular updates.

Do you carry KAB-1 Keys?
No, but you can contact the James P Mc Nair Co. at (415) 681-2200. Information in order to purchase a KAB-1 Key: Need to fax over a copy of real estate broker's license Need to Pre-Pay order before delivery Accepts checks or money order

Do you have beginner Commercial classes?
Yes, we have classes sporadically throughout the year. Sign up today to receive regular updates.

Sales

What is the difference between sponsorship and an annual partnership?
A sponsorship is where affiliates have the opportunity to promote their business to a group of REALTORS® at events. Event attendance ranges from 20 to 2500. Annual partnerships are a variety of sponsorships packaged into a calendar year for a discounted price.

What are the benefits of an affiliate membership?
Your company will be introduced in an Affiliate Spotlight email as a preferred SDAR Vendor to all members Member pricing on events and sponsorships Your company will be placed on our SDAR.com Preferred Vendors List

How do I set up an appointment to discuss affiliate membership?
We'd love to talk with you about the benefits of affiliate membership. Simply email [email protected].

What is Circle of Excellence?
SDAR’s REALTOR® annual awards ceremony recognizing top producing agents and brokers. Averaging over 800 in attendance.

What is Holiday House?
SDAR and Operation Homefront partner together to provide to the underserved children in San Diego County. The local REALTOR® community collects donations to benefit Operation Homefront through SDAR's Ambassadors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. This fun event features appetizers, a hosted bar, live music, a silent auction, raffles, and more. Averaging over 500 in attendance.

What does an education sponsorship provide?
SDAR hosts over 300 courses a year. This provides an opportunity for Affiliates to sponsor these courses. Affiliates will have the opportunity to provide lunch and have a 3 minute speaking opportunity to discuss their product or service.

Communications / Media / Statistics / Events

How can I submit an article for the San Diego REALTOR® publication?
Submit to: [email protected] ​​​​​​​

How can I find recent/historical San Diego housing statistics online?
http://www.sdar.com/index.php/fast-stats

How can I request an interview with an SDAR representative?
Submit request to: [email protected] ​​​​​​​

How can I find press releases distributed by SDAR?
http://www.sdar.com/index.php/press-releases

How can I find a photo that appeared in the SDAR publication or social media?
Submit request to: [email protected]

How can I find upcoming events hosted by SDAR?
Click Here

Risk Management

What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a process in which a neutral person, known as the mediator, helps parties reach a settlement to their dispute by opening lines of communication, objectively evaluating the case, identifying parties’ real needs and finding a solution to address those needs. The mediator does not have the authority to make a binding decision, unlike the arbitration process, in which the arbitrator renders a decision that is final and binding. ​​​​​​​

Who are the Mediators?
The Real Estate Mediation Center uses mediators who practice specifically in the real estate field.

How is Mediation Different from Other Dispute Resolution Processes?
To understand how mediation differs from other dispute resolution processes, it helps to know the characteristics of the most common processes used today. Litigation is an adversarial process in which parties submit evidence to a judge or jury and then rely on the judge or jury to make and impose a binding decision on their dispute.

Litigation is governed by formal rules and procedures of court and is generally time-consuming and expensive.

Arbitration is similar to litigation in that it is an adversarial process where the parties submit evidence to a neutral third person (the arbitrator) whom then renders a decision on their dispute. However, arbitration usually occurs in private, rather than in a public court, and is not conducted under a court’s formal rules and procedures. In order to submit to arbitration, in most cases the parties must have already signed an arbitration agreement.

Mediation differs from litigation and arbitration in many ways. Perhaps the most significant difference is that mediation is a non-adversarial process, the parties do not formally argue their positions and give decision making power to a third party. Instead, the mediator’s role is to help the parties achieve a mutually agreeable resolution of their dispute.

What are the Advantages of Mediation?
Mediation is a flexible dispute resolution system that can be used to resolve virtually any type of dispute. It allows the parties to work together and control the decision making process. Because mediation is non-adversarial, it also allows parties to achieve a “win-win” situation, as opposed to the winner and loser scenarios associated with litigation and arbitration. Another advantage of mediation is that it is a private and confidential process; the discussions that occur and agreements that result from mediation are not part of a public record, as they are in litigation.

When Does Mediation Occur?
Mediation can be initiated at different times in a transaction and for different reasons. First, mediation might be necessary when a dispute arises during a real estate transaction that could threaten the closing of the deal, which could affect a pending purchase for the seller, the buyer’s locked loan rate, or other scenarios specific to that transaction. Second, mediation can occur after the transaction for deposit issues, undisclosed defects, commissions, easements, or other such matters. All these issues can be mediated per the Purchase Agreement.

How Does the Mediation Clause in the Purchase Agreement Apply?
When the parties execute a Purchase Agreement, they agree to mediate any issues that may arise from the transaction. If a party refuses to submit to mediation, he can be denied attorney’s fees to which he might otherwise be entitled in subsequent litigation or arbitration. The purpose of the mediation clause is to get the parties to the table where, under a mediator’s expert guidance, they can resolve the dispute on their own terms, inexpensively and expeditiously.

Do I Need a Lawyer at Mediation?
Although the presence of an attorney is not required, you may bring one if you are unsure how to proceed with mediation or feel more comfortable with representation. This will increase your costs. You have the option of seeking a lawyer’s advice prior to mediation, or using a lawyer’s services to help you prepare to represent yourself. One key to successful mediation is to identify what you need in order to feel comfortable during the process.

Am I Entitled to Use Witnesses?
Ordinarily witnesses are not necessary, since parties are not attempting to “prove” a case. Sometimes a witness can be helpful and might be invited to participate at the discretion of the mediator and with the agreement of the other parties. Because all parties must agree to witnesses’ participation, you should contact the case administrator prior to the mediation to obtain such agreements.

What if Mediation Does Not Resolve My Dispute?
While statistics show that mediation is highly successful, the parties are free to pursue any other available system of dispute resolution in the event the mediation does not resolve the dispute. Even if this is the case, mediation can still prove valuable by narrowing areas of dispute and allowing the parties to express their grievances, thus allowing future proceedings to be more efficient and focused.

What is arbitration?
Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), is a legal technique for the resolution of disputes outside the courts. The parties to a dispute refer it to one or more persons (the "arbitrators", "arbiters," or "arbitral tribunal"), whose decision (the "award") they agree to be bound. It is a settlement technique in which a third party reviews the case and imposes a decision that is legally binding for both sides.

Who can arbitrate at SDAR?
Currently, we offer arbitration for broker to broker disputes. We cannot accommodate requests from members of the public at this time.

What is the most common dispute for arbitration?
Procuring Cause (see link for procuring cause worksheet) https://www.nar.realtor/code-of-ethics/procuring-cause-arbitration-worksheet

Is the decision of the arbitration panel legally binding?
Yes, and the parties forfeit their right to pursue litigation. What is the cost of arbitration at SDAR? It will cost a non-refundable fee of $500.00 for an arbitration. This fee covers the mandatory mediation and the arbitration panel. What if I have an inter-office dispute? Inter-office dispute will be handled at C.A.R. using an inter-board to hear the dispute.

Government Affairs

What is Government Affairs?
Government Affairs is the bridge between the association membership and government. When new policies and laws are being developed, SDAR’s Government Affairs staff work to ensure that the concerns of REALTORS® and property owners are not forgotten in the process. Government Affairs is there to be the voice for the REALTORS® and our success is dependent upon the support of each and every REALTOR® member.

What does Government Affairs do?
With the support and guidance from REALTOR® volunteers on the Government Affairs Committee, Government Affairs represents SDAR members on public policy issues that impact real estate. The Government Affairs Director provides recommendations to local policy makers and key government staff on the issues and concerns of REALTORS®, and recommends association policy within SDAR.

What is the REALTOR® Action Fund?
The REALTOR® Action Fund, also referred to as RAF is the way that SDAR raises money for our REALTOR® political action committee (PAC). The REALTOR® Action Fund raises money to promote the values, attitudes, and beliefs of organized real estate; every dollar is used to protect and advance REALTORS’® interests in government. Learn more at raf.car.org.

How are endorsement decisions made?
SDAR REALTOR® committee volunteers on the REALTOR® Political Affairs Committee (RPAC) engage in a series of candidate interviews and make endorsement recommendations to the Board of Directors. Candidate interviews take place following the close of the candidate filing deadline and, due to limited time and resources, only candidates in selected races will be considered for endorsement.

Why does SDAR engage with political leaders?
SDAR is involved in the political process to help ensure that REALTOR® values and concerns are understood and are protected by elected officials, candidate and other community leaders. Real estate professionals, property owners and communities benefit when REALTORS® engage in the political process and take action when called upon to help educate elected representatives about REALTOR® priorities.

How can REALTORS® get involved?
The three principals for REALTORS® to get involved are: Vote, Act, and Contribute.
Vote: Register to vote and show up to the polls on election day to support REALTOR® Party candidates. These are candidates that receive the endorsement of SDAR, C.A.R. or NAR.
Act: Respond RED ALERTS and Calls-For-Action on key issues that are important to property owners and real estate professionals. Sign up to receive RED ALERTS.
Contribute: Protect the real estate industry and your business! The REALTOR® Action Fund (RAF) raises money to advance the goals of the REALTOR® Party.

What is a ROC?
ROC stands for REALTOR® Office Contact Program. This program designates REALTORS® to serve as a point of contact within their office to receive legislative, legal and risk management updates from the SDAR to be shared with their REALTOR® office colleagues. ROCs will also receive invitations to exclusive events with elected officials hosted by the SDAR Government Affairs Department.