C.A.R. stands for California Association of Realtors. Most, but certainly not all, agents and brokers belong to this association that are licensed in the state of California. Agents and brokers pay dues to belong to this association. C.A.R provides many resources to agents and brokers. One very important benefit is providing contract forms to its members. Undoubtedly if you have purchased or sold a home in the state of California, you have become familiar with these contracts. There are many different contracts depending on the situation. For example there is the listing contract and there is the purchase offer contract. Most sellers and buyers may look at these contracts as, well, just contracts, but they are very important. These contracts are reviewed by C.A.R. real estate attorneys 4 times a year. Changes are constantly being made, all for the benefit of sellers and buyers. New contracts are also created. Just a few years ago there weren’t too many contracts devoted to Short Sales and Real Estate Owned properties. Now there are many. It is important to note that these contracts protect sellers and buyers. Badly worded contracts are the cause of lawsuits. Every once in a while agents and brokers find clients that want to change some of the language of these contracts. Not saying it can’t be done, because it can, but caution is advised. Agents and Brokers are taught from the beginning of their careers, not to ever act as an attorney or give legal advice. Making requested changes to contracts can force agents and brokers to do just that. It is dangerous not only for them, but also heir clients. If a seller or buyer wants to make changes to preexisting C.A.R. real estate contracts they should seek the advice of a real estate attorney. These C.A.R. contracts are well thought out by C.A.R. attorneys. One of the benefits of sellers and buyers using agents and brokers that are members of C.A.R. is being able to use these contracts. It is a good idea to become familiar with these contracts. Read them and understand them. Use C.A.R. contracts when selling or buying your next home.

See Contracts part 1 here

See Contracts part 2 here