California Realtors get hands-on tech training

More than 8,000 Realtors are expected to attend the California Association of Realtors’ Centennial Realtor Expo this month in San Diego, the trade group has said.

The convention is slated for Sept. 20-22, at the San Diego Convention Center, and offers educational, networking and professional development opportunities.

Hundreds of industry vendors and service providers will showcase their latest products and information in nearly 350 exhibit booths.

C.A.R. also will release the association’s 2006 Housing Market Forecast on Sept. 21.

On Sept. 20, known as Tech Tuesday for attendees, Realtors can participate in a full day of comprehensive technology training. In addition, C.A.R. Executive Vice President Joel Singer will moderate Tech Tuesday’s opening session, as four high-power, tech-savvy panelists discuss the ever-changing role of technology in the real estate industry. Panelists include Jeff Culbertson, chief operating officer, Western Region, NRT Inc. and president of the Sacramento/Tahoe Region, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; Scott LeForce, president, chief operating officer and executive director of Realty World Northern California; Michael Long, CEO of Homestore; and J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate.

Singer also will present results from C.A.R.’s annual “Use of Technology” survey.

On Sept. 21, C.A.R. Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young will present an overview of the state’s economic landscape, housing affordability, home sales and median price projections for 2006 during the Housing Market Forecast Luncheon.

On Sept. 22, economic experts will discuss, “The Pulse of California’s Housing Market: Leading Economists Weigh In.” After several years of record home sales and median prices, Richard Green, Oliver Carr professor of real estate finance at The George Washington University; Jack Kyser, senior vice president and chief economist of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp.; and Gregory Smith, assessor, recorder and county clerk for San Diego County, will weigh in on what’s ahead for today’s hot market.

C.A.R. is a real estate trade association with more than 170,000 members.

***

Send tips or a Letter to the Editor to jessica@inman.com or call (510) 658-9252, ext. 133.