REALTOR® NEWSREALTOR® NEWS
April 17, 2019
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Featured News

REBGV to provide you AutoProp access in May!

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We’ve reached an agreement with the Land Title and Survey Authority (LTSA) to provide you the AutoProp service.

AutoProp will be available to you in May as part of your MLS® fees.

“We know you’re looking for richer data and more sophisticated tools to communicate with your clients. We’re always looking to support these needs by finding new product and service innovations,” says Brad Scott, Board CEO. “Providing this service will help you present more comprehensive and professional-looking property information to the public.”

AutoProp allows you to aggregate information from the different real estate data providers you subscribe to and produce detailed, user-friendly reports to include in your CMAs.

Think of it as a central hub for your real estate data. Using AutoProp, you can convert zoning, school catchment, permit, and other property information into comprehensive, branded reports for your clients.

“AutoProp gives you the ability to include information in your CMA that you always wanted to, but never had the time to collect in a single report,” says Ashley Smith, Board president.

There are two service levels within AutoProp: Medallion and Enterprise.

Your Board’s agreement with the LTSA is for a customized version of the Medallion service. This version will automatically include Paragon, BC Assessment data, Walkscore integration, and zoning details, development applications, and school catchment information from a variety of municipalities.

You’ll then be able to add data feeds from the paid services that you subscribe to and that are integrated with AutoProp. Examples include myLTSA, Commercial Edge, or Urban Analytics.

What else you need to know

  • If you want all of the features available in the Enterprise level, you’ll need a separate agreement with AutoProp. We’ve negotiated a 50 per cent discount in subscription fees for the Enterprise level for members over the next six months.
  • If you already have an AutoProp subscription and wish to cancel it given today’s announcement, you can call AutoProp beginning in May to discuss a possible refund or account credit.
  • AutoProp will be accessible to you through Paragon.
  • Your AutoProp username and password will be the same as in MLS®.

Keep an eye on our communications in the weeks ahead for more information on this new service and AutoProp training.

Real estate industry partners create anti-money laundering recommendations for government

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Together with the BC Real Estate Association, your Board partnered with the Appraisal Institute of Canada — BC Association, BC Notaries Association, and the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association — British Columbia to submit joint recommendations to the provincial and federal governments this week on how to strengthen anti-money laundering measures in our province.

The submission makes five recommendations to government and suggests best practices for practitioners operating across the real estate sector.

This submission further demonstrates the real estate profession’s commitment to addressing money laundering concerns and ensuring the public has full confidence in the real estate market.

“We want to get beyond speculation and support a robust, evidence-based approach to this issue. If there’s evidence of money laundering in any part of our communities, including the real estate market, then that information should be identified and those involved should be prosecuted,” Ashley Smith, Board president said. “Our profession is willing to help in any way we can. This is demonstrated in the recommendations that we’ve submitted along with our partners in the real estate sector.”

Two REALTORS® honoured for professional and charitable acts

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Jody Squires

We recently awarded REALTOR® Jody Squires the 2018 REALTORS Care® award for his tireless fundraising and charitable efforts.

The REALTORS Care® Award honours members who demonstrate a sustained commitment to charitable, fundraising, or volunteer activities that strengthen communities and support people in need.

Jody works at RE/MAX Sabre Realty in Port Coquitlam and is co-director of the RE/MAX Sabre Golf Tournament, which raises approximately $20,000 each year for local charities.

“Jody epitomizes the charitable spirit within our Realtor community,” Ashley Smith, REBGV president said. “While he’s a go-to person in his office for raising money for charity, it’s his personal acts of kindness that make him a standout.”

In 2017, Jody learned that the infant daughter of a colleague had cancer. Wanting to help, Jody organized an auction to shave off his trademark beard. That effort raised $10,000 for the girl and her family.

Using money Realtors raise at RE/MAX Sabre Realty, he also acts as Santa Claus each year, delivering gifts, food and clothing for people receiving services at a women and children’s shelter in the Tri-Cities.

Congratulations Jody!

Share our news release about Jody's award here.


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Josh Bath

We also awarded REALTOR® and business owner Josh Bath with this year's Professional Excellence Award.

The Professional Excellence Award honours members who’ve strengthened the profession by leading, mentoring and giving back. The winner must meet strict requirements of professionalism, ethics and community involvement over the course of his or her career.

Bath is a leader in the real estate profession. He’s an owner of Keller Williams ELITE Realty, with offices in Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and Surrey, where he mentors over 300 Realtors.

A teacher at heart, Josh develops and teaches courses to Realtors locally and internationally.

“Josh’s impact is felt all over the Tri-Cities and beyond,” said Ashley Smith, REBGV president. “He’s led a career that exemplifies professionalism, knowledge, leadership and community service. He sets a high standard for the Realtors he mentors, and the home buying and selling public they serve are the benefactors of his leadership.”

The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce recently honoured Bath as Business Leader of the Year for 2018.

Outside of real estate, he dedicates his time to improving his communities. For the past 10 years, he’s been a volunteer and leader with Keller William’s RED Day, where his offices commit a day each year to improving their local communities.

Through RED Day, Bath has collected thousands of shoes for underprivileged kids, removed garbage from the Alouette and Coquitlam Rivers, raised money to help a struggling local family and repaired and restored charitable centres like Hawthorne Lodge and the Ridge Meadows Child Development Centre.

Congratulations Josh!

Share our news release about Josh's award here.

The Ethics Guy®: I miss you like a toothache

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Interboard lockbox complaints can be as painful as a toothache. I doubt any of us would miss having one. Recently, a member of a neighbouring real estate board wrote to me about lockboxes. He said five of our members asked him to give out one-day lockbox codes to facilitate showings of his listings. But his office policy is to never give out one-day codes. Having been told that, some buyer agents asked this member if he would show their buyers his listing, since they were otherwise engaged. That’s when things got testy.

Members can have strong views on this issue. Some believe everyone should have a lockbox access card. Others who work in areas where lockboxes aren’t commonly used don’t see the need to incur the monthly expense of an access card. Sometimes, the conversations between members can be heated, especially if the buyer’s agent is asking for a one-day code.

Members also have differing opinions about how other members should conduct their business with respect to lockboxes. As well, protocols on showings differ between areas and boards. Lockboxes are not used as much by REBGV members as they appear to be by FVREB members. Consequently, it’s entirely understandable that members may disagree on whether one or the other should have a lockbox access card. I suspect these conversations sometimes include comments like, “Get an access card!” which may be countered with “Focus on getting the property shown instead of arguing about who should have an access card or whose job it is to show the place!”

Whose job is it to show a property?

Opinions vary on whose job it is to show a property because member business models differ. We’ve probably all heard someone say, “that’s the buyer agent’s job” or “that’s the sellers’ agent’s job.”

I remember an agency talk I attended a few years back where the speaker explained that clients on both sides are entitled to expect that their needs will be met, free of the two agents arguing about who should show a place or whether one or both of them should be there at the property on possession date to hand over the keys and other items. The speaker added that while a seller’s agent might be annoyed about being asked to facilitate a showing when they don’t think they have to, if they don’t have seller instructions in hand, refusing to facilitate a showing could be a problem.

The agency speaker drove home the point by painting this scenario: imagine if you asked your sellers whether they want you to tell the buyer agent to take a hike and not show their place because you couldn’t attend the showing. Your seller could answer in one of two ways:

  • “Tell the guy to come out and show our place to his buyers himself. You shouldn’t have to do that,” or,
  • “That’s your problem. You’re my agent. I hired you to sell my property. Get on with it. If someone wants to see my place, facilitate the showing!”

Harsh, I know, but the agency speaker had a point. When you take the listing, make sure you get your seller’s instructions on the issue of lockboxes and one-day codes; yes or no? (If yes, don’t forget to note this on your listing’s Schedule A.) Be sure to ask the seller if they want you to handle showings if the buyers want to attend without their agent.

Personally, if I were a seller’s agent, I’d rather have the buyer’s agent show them my listings. That’s just good risk management as there is less chance of a miscommunication. As well, not giving out one-day codes lowers the risk of a security breach. (As an aside, REBGV has fined members nearly $100K during the past few years for complaints related to lockbox abuse.)

From the buyer agent’s point of view, sending the buyers to a showing with only the seller’s agent in attendance risks the buyers revealing confidential information about themselves, potentially compromising their bargaining position. And, of course, the buyers could get information, on which they may rely, from someone other than you. Since you’re not there to hear what’s being said, you can’t step in to manage the situation if you need to.

On both sides, there’s a lot to say.

No one has to use a lockbox. No one has to have an access card. Members don’t have to give out one-day codes. Buyer’s agents don’t have to attend showings, but it’s better if they do. Sellers expect their property to be kept safe and secure, with only authorized persons being able to show it. Buyers expect they should be able to see properties in which they’re interested without two members throwing down their gloves.

Here are some tips:

  • Don’t give a one-day code to a buyer, a home inspector, or anyone else.
  • Don’t lend or borrow a lockbox access card.
  • Don’t send your buyer to view a property alone if no licensee is going to be there to supervise the showing.
  • Do get your seller’s written approval to use a lockbox and/or one-day access codes in writing on your listing’s Schedule A.
  • Do get seller instructions on how to handle showing the property to buyers without their agent present.
  • Do remember that sellers’ agents are entitled to expect that you (or your licensed designate) are going to attend the showing unless you specifically advise to the contrary (with the seller’s agent or licensed designate agreeing to be there in your absence).

Let’s be respectful of other members’ practices. If you don’t want an earful from a colleague, consider getting a lockbox access card for the time you’re working in an area where they are used.

Starting a relationship badly by having a lockbox argument with another member can lead to more difficult negotiations later on. Not as bad as a toothache, perhaps, but still pesky to deal with nonetheless.


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Is this a bedroom?

One way to answer this question is to check whether there’s a bed in the room — which is probably why the owner calls it a bedroom. But is it a bedroom just because it has a bed in it? Perhaps not.

Since misrepresentation is often alleged in lawsuits and complaints, it’s best to be clear and check the property information before the listing goes live on the MLS®. Over the years when I’ve asked members, “What’s the definition of a bedroom?” I often got one of these replies: “It’s a room with a window in it,” or “There has to be a closet.”

The BC Building Code says every bedroom in a house or small multifamily residential building must have an outside window opening 0.35 m2 with no dimension less than 380 mm, meaning  a size someone can climb out of. Sorry, there’s nothing about closets.

Note: the City of Vancouver has its own building bylaw as do other municipalities, based on the BC Building Code, which is based on the National Building Code. Sometimes, ceiling height and distance below grade can be factors. If you don’t know, suggest the client and/or an advisor read the relevant municipal bylaws putting in a subject clause if you need to. Do that if you’re unsure before writing that beautiful but potentially inaccurate ad. 

Share the new Realtylink.org with your clients

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We've completed the move to the new Realtylink.org listings website. To help share this news, we’ve created easy-to-use resources to help you advertise Realtylink with your clients.

We’ve also created a guide to help you navigate the new site.

The redesigned site provides a more modern online experience for the public with enhanced search and filtering capabilities. It also features the latest real estate news and statistics to help inform home buyers and sellers.

Most importantly, it connects consumers with you.

We created the new Realtylink in partnership with Centris, a Quebec-based company, created by the Montreal Real Estate Board, that operates Centris.ca – the most visited real estate listing website in Quebec and the third most frequented in Canada. Centris.ca will also feature a link to Realtylink for their users looking for homes for sale in BC.

“With our partners in Montreal, we modernized the site to make it easier for home buyers to find your listings and connect with you,” says Brad Scott, Board CEO. “It’s a powerful tool based on proven technology. The launch of the new site is just the beginning. We’ll continue to work with Centris to add features and data to improve and grow it over time.”

Visitors to the new site can create a profile and save their searches and favourite listings. Search results can be organized in a map, gallery, or list-based view. You can also explore a home’s location through embedded Google Maps options and assess a home’s proximity to amenities through the Walk Score® rating feature.

Look for open houses by clicking the “more filters” option and selecting “open houses” at the bottom of the search fields.

Listing information on the site is updated every 20 minutes, pulling the most up-to-date data from the MLS® systems operated by the Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, BC Northern, and Vancouver Island real estate boards.

Beyond home listings, the site also contains the latest real estate news and statistics to help inform home buyers and sellers.

New guide explaining DORTS for potential clients

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We've created the article below to help explain the Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services form to the public. We've posted this on Realtylink.org and rebgv.org for you to share with your potential clients.

What’s the Disclosure form that Realtors are asking you to sign?

You’re casually talking about the housing market with a REALTOR® you’re interested in working with when the conversation shifts to your personal financial situation.

The Realtor stops the conversation and politely asks you to sign a form called “Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services” (DORTS) before they can continue.

This may seem a little sudden, but it’s perfectly normal. In fact, this means this Realtor is following the rules the BC government put into place in 2018.

Having professional representation is important when you’re looking to buy or sell a home.  Realtors are required to inform you, up front, about your representation options. This is what the DORTS is for.

When do you need to sign a DORTS?

Realtors can share factual information about the properties they list for sale. They can also give factual information about the real estate market at large.

You need to sign a DORTS if you wanted to discuss with them:

  • personal information;
  • your financial situation;
  • why’d you’d like to buy or sell; or 
  • any other information that could affect a real estate negotiation.

Realtors can only discuss this information with someone they represent, or with someone who understands they’re not being represented and what that entails.

What does a DORTS do?

This document explains what your options are when it comes to representation and ensures you acknowledge that you understand these options.

It outlines the advantages of working with a real estate professional and what their legal obligations are to you if they provide you client (agency) representation.

It also details the pitfalls you can encounter if you decide to be unrepresented (no agency) in a real estate transaction.

Read through the form carefully, and speak with the Realtor, to fully understand the types representation available to you.

If you choose to continue unrepresented, a Realtor will ask you to sign a form called the Disclosure of Risks to Unrepresented Parties. This form outlines that you understand you’re unrepresented and what that entails.

Ultimately, if you’re unsure about the situation, just ask. Remember, Realtors are professionals that deal with these issues every day – they’re there to help!

What’s “agency”?

When you decide you want representation, you’ll form an “agency” relationship with your Realtor. This means your Realtor is legally duty-bound to protect your interests. For example, an agent has fiduciary duties of loyalty, confidentiality, and disclosure to a client.

Once you establish agency, your Realtor becomes your agent and a professional advisor. They can:

  • help you adopt a sound negotiation strategy based on industry knowledge and experience and can negotiate on your behalf;
  • help you market your home and/or buy a home and become a link with other Realtors to locate homes that meet your needs;
  • handle the different contracts and paperwork involved in a transaction;
  • recommend other professionals, such as certified home inspectors, lawyers or notaries, insurance agents, home movers, or contractors; and
  • help you analyze the market to find the right home at the right price – or help you get the most from your sale.

More information

Still looking for more information? Talk with your Realtor or review the Real Estate Council of BC’s website at www.recbc.ca.

REALTOR® advertising campaign by the numbers

Our REALTOR® advertising campaign launched last November with a round of radio and social media ads.

We ramped up the campaign with online video and TV ads in January and we’ll begin advertising on the backs of buses around the region later this month.

We’re beginning to assess the results of the campaign.

We’ve hired researchers to measure the impact our advertising is having on public perception. This work is underway and we’ll report back to you when we have results.

Beyond measuring public sentiment, we’ve also been tracking the reach of the campaign.

The reach or exposure of our ads are measured through a metric called “impressions”. This is the advertising industry’s standard.

An impression is an interaction between your target audience and your advertising. For example, an impression is counted when you hear a radio ad or when you’re scrolling Facebook and view an ad.

Here’s a summary of the public exposure our campaign has achieved so far.

2018 campaign

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Online

We advertised on REW, Kijiji, Ratehub, Facebook, and other sites frequented by people who are likely to buy or sell real estate in the next one to two years.

This portion of the campaign delivered over nine million impressions and nearly 13,000 clicks to REBGV.org.

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2019 campaign so far

In 2019, the campaign has already generated:

  • Over 15.6 million banner and video impressions;
  • Over 11,000 online sessions on our specially designed landing page; and
  • Over one million views of our online video ads.

Our TV ads ran throughout the first quarter of 2019. We’ll receive the results from this advertising later this year.

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What’s next?

On April 29, we’re starting the next phase of the campaign with a series of bus-back ads. Our TV campaign will begin a second flight in the summer.

We’ll share more results on the campaign with you in the weeks ahead.

 

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Other News

ICYMI - President's message: A new future for PDP

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REALTOR® education is changing in BC.

On March 26, the leadership of the province’s 11 real estate boards and the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) agreed, in principle, to a new framework for our professional development program (PDP).

With a tentative implementation date set for January 1, 2020, we want to take the next several months to talk with you about what’s being proposed and, more importantly, how to strengthen Realtor education, standards and professionalism.

Let me begin with what’s changing and why.

The Real Estate Council of BC (Council) has decided to separate its relicensing education program (REP) from PDP. For simplicity, Council and the industry had connected the two programs when both were originally created. Moving forward, Council will likely continue to require you to take Legal Update as well as at least one other course per cycle.

Under the proposed new PDP model, you’d be required to complete 18 professional development hours in your two-year licensing cycle rather than 18 PDP credits.

You’d complete 12 of these hours through PDP-accredited courses. The other six ‘self-directed’ development hours could be accumulated through learning such as in-brokerage education, conferences, or the professional learning you do outside organized real estate or through PDP-accredited courses. Adopted by accountants and other professions, the concept of self-directed learning is intended to give you more flexibility and choice in your professional education.

Education needed to re-license with Council, such as Legal Update, would no longer be PDP accredited under this model.

Some will be frustrated that their Council-required courses won’t be eligible for PDP credit hours. On the other hand, we also hear members’ feedback that Realtor professionalism is a top priority.

Education is fundamental to professionalism. Being a Realtor is intended to be a mark of professionalism, knowledge and expertise. Members tell us it’s important to continue to raise standards and expectations.

Some will say PDP is simply a cash cow for the boards. It’s not. Education revenues basically cover costs associated with creating and delivering courses, but don’t fully pay for overhead costs associated with education.

The reason members approved PDP in 2006 was to raise standards, competence, and confidence in our profession. This remains our goal today and we can only be successful with your support.

I look forward to future conversations with you on this topic in the weeks and months ahead.

If you have feedback or questions, you can reach us at president@rebgv.org.

New discipline decision available

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Stay on top of the work your Board is doing to uphold and enforce professional standards within the profession and resolve disputes between members.

Our Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) investigates alleged member breaches of the REALTOR® Code and our Rules of Cooperation. Click here to review the PCC’s latest ruling (C18-23).

Updated sub-area boundaries coming in May

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In consultation with members, we're introducing sub-area changes in Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Ladner. The changes go into effect May 14.

We’ve created a series of maps that slide between the old and new boundaries so you can see where the changes are happening. Click here to view them.

If you’ve saved searches in a sub-area that’s changing, you’ll need to update them on or after May 14. If you’ve embedded links from REBGV Stats Centre that reference a sub-area that’s changing, you’ll also need to update those links on or after May 14 as well.

Need help? Call our Help Desk at 604-730-3020.

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GR Voice: Government’s new beneficial land registry, and tax changes

Legislation to establish beneficial ownership registry

Property owners can no longer anonymously list companies, trusts, and partnerships. New provincial legislation establishes Canada’s first public registry of beneficial owners of BC properties, and new disclosure requirements.

Read more.

Who's liable for the Speculation and Vacancy Tax in a transaction?

Your buyer isn’t on the hook for unpaid Speculation and Vacancy Tax because the tax follows the seller, not the property, except in rare cases where there’s a lien.

Read more.

New exemptions to Vancouver’s Empty Homes Tax

Vancouver has amended the Empty Homes Tax to include new exemptions your clients will want to know about. In tandem, there are also updated contract clauses that reflect these exemptions.

Read more.

Jill Oudil elected to CREA board of directors

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Past REBGV president Jill Oudil was elected to the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) board of directors at their annual general meeting on April 9. She was one of three candidates elected.

Jill served as your Board president for the 2017/18 term.

Join us in congratulating Jill!

Obituary: Jordy Brisbin

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REALTOR® Jordy Brisbin passed away in March after a long bout with cancer. He was 49.

Jordy had been licensed with Sutton Centre Realty since 2008. He’s remembered for being a smart, hard-working Realtor and occasional tech support for the more technically challenged colleagues in his office.

Before his passing, Jordy had beaten cancer twice. Through these battles, Jordy gained a new appreciation for his body and health and became involved with activities like biking and martial arts. He also had a love of fine cars.

There will be no service at the request of Jordy’s family.

The latest facts about our Coquitlam Training and Service Centre

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Much has happened since we opened our Coquitlam Training and Service Centre last year. Since then, nearly half of all PDP classes (127) we've delivered have been hosted at the new facility.

Here are some other facts about our Coquitlam location

Did you know...

  • You can now get lockboxes, sold stickers, and accessories such as batteries, power paddles, shackles, access cards, and card readers.
  • We'll soon open the facility five days per week.
  • We offer all of our courses in Coquitlam, including technology courses.
  • There’s ample parking and it’s close to different restaurants—click here for a parking map.

Finding classes at Schoolhouse is easy

  • Visit www.rebgv.ca.
  • Select Courses and Events Calendar from the Education and Technology Support section.
  • Scroll to the “Location” section on the left-hand side menu.
  • Click the box beside “REBGV Coquitlam.”
  • See the results and choose the course you want.
  • Register online or by emailing education@rebgv.org or call 604-730-3087.

See you in class!

Real Estate Foundation grant will help build new resources

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Your Board has received $80,000 from the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC) to help build multimedia resources for REALTORS® on trends, ethics, and rule changes.

This is part of over $1.6 million in grants the REFBC announced on April 8.

REFBC is a philanthropic organization that works to advance sustainable land use and real estate practices in British Columbia. They do this by helping to fund projects and research initiatives intended for the public or professional good.

The foundation receives its funding from interest collected on pooled real estate deposits held in trust by real estate brokerages, as stipulated in the Real Estate Services Act

If you’re interested in seeing past work REFBC has funded, review their funding map.

What’s our Excellence Program and why does it matter to you?

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Your Board has been on an excellence journey since 1996. That’s when we began our relationship with Excellence Canada (formerly the National Quality Institute).

Founded in 1992 by Industry Canada, Excellence Canada is an independent, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to advancing organizational performance across Canada.

What began as a way to expose the organization to leading business practices across the country has evolved into a workplace culture that fosters creativity, innovation, and a mindset of continual improvement.

At the heart of it all is our people: our members, who we strive to provide the best possible service to, and our staff, who we equip with the tools and resources to deliver that service.

We achieved Excellence Canada’s Canada Order of Excellence (Quality) in 2010 and again in 2013. In 2016, we achieved the Gold Level of the Order of Excellence under the new Excellence, Innovation, and Wellness (EIW) standard.

We’re preparing our submission to recertify at the Platinum Level of the EIW standard. Excellence Canada has set rigorous standards for this level, and we’ve done a lot of work to meet those standards.

Some of our proudest achievements since we adopted our business excellence program include:

  • Received Quality Council of BC (QCBC) Bronze Award in 1998
  • Received National Quality Institute’s Canada Awards for Excellence Silver Award for Excellence (Quality) in 2005
  • Received National Quality Institute’s Canada Awards for Excellence Gold Award for Excellence (Quality) in 2007
  • Honoured as 2007’s sole inductee into the Vancouver Board of Trade’s Business Hall of Fame
  • Ranked sixth overall for companies under 100 employees and first for professional associations in the non-profit category in BC Business magazine’s list of Best Companies to Work for in 2009 (the only year we applied for this honour)
  • Achieved Excellence Canada’s Award for Excellence, Canada Order of Excellence Award (Quality) in 2010
  • Honoured by the Canadian Mental Health Association for outstanding commitment to employee mental health in 2012
  • Achieved Excellence Canada’s Awards for Excellence, Canada Order of Excellence Award (Quality) in 2013
  • Achieved Excellence Canada’s Gold Level of the Order of Excellence under their Excellence, Innovation, and Wellness (EIW) standard in 2016.

Suspicious person targeting female REALTORS®

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We’ve heard from members that a suspicious man has been contacting female REALTORS® in our area in an effort to get them alone at showings and open houses.

The man has called claiming he’s interested in listings in Burnaby, Coquitlam, or New Westminster close to Skytrain stations. He’ll attempt to set up showings or tours and will insist that the Realtor come alone.

If the Realtor refuses to do so, he’ll get angry. Local police are aware of this person. A file is open with the Coquitlam RCMP (case #2019-10877).

What we know about the suspect:

  • male, approximately 30 years old;
  • soft-spoken;
  • goes by “Sean Z” or “Lee Chang.”

Please proceed with caution. Report suspicious activity to your local police.

Safety tips for Realtors:

  • Always have another Realtor at your showing or open house.
  • Jot down your client’s car descriptions, license plate numbers, and physical descriptions.
  • Trust your gut — if you sense someone is up to no good, keep a close eye on them.
  • Do whatever it takes to remove yourself from an uncomfortable situation.
  • Always walk behind the attendee and show the house by directing, not leading, them.
  • Notify someone in your office or a friend that you’ll call every hour on the hour. If you don’t call, they should notify police.

March 2019 Market Insights

March saw the lowest sales for the month since 1986. Board President Ashley Smith gives a rundown of the current trends in the Metro Vancouver housing market.

Courses and Events