Dear Kevin,

As you know, the last eighteen months have presented a litany of challenges and opportunities for our industry. When we initially went into lockdown, a strong sense of trepidation existed as new rules emerged and changed repeatedly. Real estate remained steadfast and our members adjusted to the rapidly changing environment. While not initially deemed “essential”, that status quickly changed and you all certainly proved it was an appropriate classification.

The MCAR Board of Directors met numerous times, often weekly during the first few weeks and months of the lockdown. Lobbying officials, seeking clarification from numerous regulatory bodies and providing up-to-date information and resources for our members was and continues to be the priority of the Board. The MCAR Board of Directors worked tirelessly on your behalf to ensure Monterey County real estate not only survived, but thrived.

I find it fitting that we are navigating this global shift during MCAR’s centennial year. Adversity and opportunity are part of our history. These story lines permeate MCAR’s historical record and I look forward to sharing with you some of the excerpts we’ve obtained in a coming email. 

I feel a great sense of pride when noting the ongoing philanthropic efforts of our members going back 100 years. MCAR REALTORS are strong, giving members of our diverse communities and this past year, while saddled with logistic challenges, proved no different. The Charitable Trust Drive-thru events, in addition to generous donations by members during the dues collection cycle, generated enough revenue to continue providing scholarships to every public high school in Monterey County, along with two community colleges. Accomplishing this feat without a large, in-person event such as “Taste of MCAR” is truly a testament to the giving spirit of our members. I look forward to recognizing our major donors in an upcoming newsletter and at the September 23rd social at Corral De Tierra Country Club (click here to log in and register under Charitable Events).

While we recognize and appreciate the past, we must also put our focus on the future. Serving you, our members, in the most relevant and effective way possible remains the steadfast priority of the Board. It is with this charge that I would like to announce some very exciting news. After nearly 30 years of renting our office space in Del Rey Oaks, we are now moving. 

For the past two years, the MCAR Board has been evaluating potential office spaces to better serve the members. After extensive analysis, tours and due-diligence, we are moving forward with a lease-option purchase of a building in Ryan Ranch (Monterey). Expanded parking, better cell service and a building tailored to serve members’ needs are just a few of the improvements we have planned. We look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks and expect to be in the new office by the end of this year…a grand opening celebration with you all will certainly follow shortly thereafter!

For now, we remain open at our current location, Monday - Thursday from 8am to 5pm, and Friday from 8am to 4pm. 

On behalf of the Board, thank you for the continued involvement, support and feedback and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Kevin

Please see the links below to register for upcoming training and events, including the first in-person events hosted by MCAR this year!