Santa Maria Association Of Realtors

04/14/2026

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for today’s Insurance Panel and to our incredible panelists for sharing valuable insight on the current insurance landscape and the issues impacting today’s real estate transactions.

If you missed it or would like to watch it again, be on the lookout for the Zoom recording link in this week’s News Brief.

04/07/2026

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for today’s Escrow & Title Panel and to our incredible panelists from First American, Fidelity National Title, and Placer Title for sharing valuable insights on today’s real estate transactions.

03/11/2026

Thank you to Martin Pehl, Airport Manager for the Santa Maria Public Airport District, for speaking with our members today! ✈️

We appreciate the valuable presentation on airport airspace, FAA drone compliance, and best practices for REALTORS® using drones in real estate marketing.

Thank you for helping keep our members informed, compliant, and confident.

02/25/2026

02/20/2026

Thank you to Robert Hall & Associates for an engaging and informative presentation, and a special thank-you to Old Republic Home Protection—with appreciation to Beth Powanda—for generously sponsoring breakfast.

We were pleased to welcome Nicole Green, Tax Advisor with Robert Hall & Associates, who guided our members through Unlocking the Secrets to Financial Success in Your Real Estate Career. This workshop provided valuable, practical insight tailored specifically for SMAOR members.

Key topics included:
• Effective budgeting techniques for your business
• Distinguishing between deductible and non-deductible expenses
• Strategic decision-making for reinvesting income
• Benefits of forming an LLC or corporation
• Payroll management best practices
• Leveraging financial tools for long-term success

Thank you again to our speaker and sponsor for supporting the continued professional growth and financial literacy of our members.

02/20/2026

Like & Share With Clients!

Think bad credit means you can’t buy a home? Think again. Our guide breaks down how to improve your credit and explore your options as a buyer. 🏡💳

Learn more: https://lookforther.realtor/buy/first-time-home-buyer/how-to-buy-a-home-with-bad-credit-and-improve-your-credit/?cid=eo_sm_fb

02/13/2026

Huge thank-you to Attorney Ande McCarron for an incredibly informative Brunch + Learn this week! 🙌🏽
Having the opportunity to hear directly from one of our region’s most trusted real estate attorneys—and ask real, scenario-based questions—was invaluable.

From contracts and disclosures to risk management and evolving legal issues, Ande walked us through key forms and hot-button topics REALTORS® face every day, including:
📄 Core transaction forms and updates (RAD, RPA/RFA, BRBC, RLA, DIA, and more)
🏡 HOA-related risks and disclosures
☀️ Solar considerations and common pitfalls
⚖️ Legal exposure, risk reduction, and best practices in today’s market
🧾 Understanding how small details can create big liability

The in-person Q&A made it clear just how important it is to stay proactive, informed, and prepared—especially as regulations and expectations continue to evolve.

Real scenarios. Real answers. Real clarity. 💼✨
Thank you, Ande, for sharing your expertise and helping our members navigate today’s real estate landscape with confidence.

02/03/2026

Huge thank-you to Laurie Tamura for walking us through the long-range vision for Santa Maria’s future! 🙌🏽
From the 1963 Master Plan to today’s General Plan Update, it’s powerful to see how decades of planning have shaped our city—and where we’re headed next.
Santa Maria is planning ahead for growth with a clear focus on:
🏙️ How and where future population growth will be accommodated
🌱 Balancing development with agricultural land protections (Williamson Act)
🗺️ Land use, zoning, and annexation decisions that shape our neighborhoods
📈 Preparing for a projected population of 165,000 residents by 2050
The upcoming General Plan and EIR process will play a critical role in defining Santa Maria’s future—and public participation truly matters during this window.
Thoughtful planning today means a stronger, more livable community tomorrow. 💙🌟

01/22/2026

C.A.R. has issued a RED ALERT on AB 1406 which would triple the cap on liquidated damages! Call your Assemblymember and ask them to vote NO on this bill!

C.A.R. has issued a RED ALERT on AB 1406 which would triple the cap on liquidated damages! Call your Assemblymember and ask them to vote NO on this bill!

Visit on.car.org/AB1406redalert

01/15/2026

California closed out 2025 with easing mortgage rates, stabilizing prices, and sales at their highest level since September 2022. 📊 If you’ve been waiting for clearer market signals, now is the time to connect with a local REALTOR® and review your options. 🏡