Category: Bay East

The 2026 Bay East General Election Voter Guide is now available. This member benefit includes the Bay East and C.A.R. positions on candidates and ballot measures.

View the Voter Guide here.

After more than 37 years of dedicated and impactful service, Tricia Thomas is retiring as Chief Executive Officer of the Bay East Association of REALTORS® on December 31, 2026.

Tricia’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Bay East Association REALTORS® into the strong, forward-looking, culture-driven organization it is today. With clear vision, steady resolve, and an unwavering commitment to the REALTOR® profession and our members, she has guided the Association through significant growth and change—always with integrity, purpose, and excellence at the forefront.

Tricia is a nationally recognized leader in association management.  She led efforts to identify and promote the latest real estate technology and was instrumental in creating the NORCAL MLS ALLICANCE. As an innovator, she supported new communication techniques to connect Bay East members with valuable services, events, and products.  She actively supported volunteer leaders who rose to serve as presidents of the California Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®.   

One of Tricia’s most lasting contributions was leading the way in identifying and promoting the unique Bay East culture, becoming a national expert valued for her insights on organizational management and strategic planning.  She helped build and nurture a team of professional staff who bring that culture to life every day. Their expertise, dedication, and commitment to serving Bay East members – and creating meaningful member value – are an important part of the strength and continuity of Bay East.

During her tenure, Tricia navigated several economic and real estate market cycles, responsibly managing association assets including the 2015 purchase of its offices in Pleasanton. Prior to her role as CEO, Tricia served as the Bay East Government Affairs Director, building long-lasting relationships with local elected officials and positioning Bay East as the regional voice for real estate and homeownership.

Bay East is deeply grateful for Tricia’s years of service.  To honor her legacy and ensure continued success, the Bay East Board of Directors has initiated a nationwide search for the next CEO. The goal is a seamless transition that builds upon the strong foundation Tricia has established – including the exceptional culture and talented professional team she has helped develop, with a continued focus on providing member value.

Please join us in celebrating Tricia and wishing her the very best in her well-earned retirement.

Bay East has been made aware of fraudulent emails being sent to members that appear to come from Bay East. These messages may claim that your account is overdue, that a payment is required, or that you need to sign in to your account, and may include a link to a fraudulent website.

Scammers are active right now, and we want you and your clients to stay protected. Here are two scams to watch for.

1. Phishing emails impersonating Bay East

We’ve had reports of fake emails that look like they come from Bay East. They may say your account is overdue, ask for payment, or ask you to sign in, and they often send you to a fake website.

Please don’t click links, enter your login, or submit payment through these emails. To pay or manage your account, go directly to bayeast.org and log in to the member portal.

2. Advance-fee loan scams

On September 30, the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) warned consumers and licensees that upfront fee loan scams are back. Here’s how they usually work:

  • The scammer uses a real lender’s license or creates a fake one.
  • They make big promises: 100% financing with no down payment, access to lenders or loan products no one else has, a guaranteed loan, and a refundable upfront fee to get started.
  • Once the fee is paid, it suddenly becomes non-refundable. Then the consumer no longer qualifies, or the loan gets stalled.

Anyone collecting advance fees must have an advance fee agreement that’s pre-approved by DRE.

How to help your clients

  • Verify the license. Check any agent or loan originator’s license with DRE here.
  • Slow down. Encourage clients to ask questions and never feel rushed. Pressure is a red flag.
  • Talk it through. If a client is asked for an advance fee, they should flag it with you before paying anything.
  • Contact DRE. When in doubt, reach out.

Report suspected fraud
If you think you or a client has been targeted, file a complaint with DRE on this page

As a member, you can attend our free shredding and e-recycling event Thursday, August 13. Don’t let old documents and electronics clutter up your space and harm the environment. Registration is not required but truck space is limited, no more than four banker boxes of items. This event is for Bay East members only.

The Bay East Board will consider a proposed amendment to the Association’s Bylaws that would reduce the size of the Board of Directors from 13 members to 12 and eliminate the Platinum Affiliate Director position, effective January 2027.

The Board regularly reviews membership representation to ensure appropriate governance within the ever-changing real estate industry. The proposed bylaws change envisions a smaller Board of Directors focused on REALTOR® and Multiple Listing Service policies and programs. It also recognizes that Platinum Affiliate membership has significantly declined since the Affiliate Director position was created. The Affiliates now make up about 2.3% of the total Bay East membership. 

 The valuable role the Platinum Affiliates have in the success of our members remains unchanged and will be supported through existing volunteer leadership, networking and partnership opportunities. 

In accordance with Bay East Bylaws, members are being provided advance notice prior to the Board’s intent to consider the bylaws change.

Bay East is proud to join the National Association of Realtors® in recognizing Realtor Volunteer Days, from May 30th through June 7th.

This special week is an opportunity to celebrate the meaningful service Realtors® provide to uplift their communities encourage even more members to get involved. Whether you already volunteer with a local nonprofit, community organization, school, or neighborhood group, your time and effort make a real difference.

At Bay East, we want to highlight the many ways our members give back. If you currently volunteer, we’d love to feature you on our social media channels with a short spotlight about:

  • The organization you volunteer with
  • Why you chose to get involved
  • What you enjoy most about volunteering
  • How others can get involved too

Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen our communities and make a lasting impact. If you’re already giving your time to a cause you care about, we invite you to share your story with us and help inspire other members to do the same.

Let’s celebrate the power of service and showcase the incredible ways Bay East members are making a difference!

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