REALTOR® NEWSREALTOR® NEWS
January 23, 2019
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Featured News

Watch our new video ads about the value of working with a REALTOR®

We released our new video advertisements last week. The ad is running online, on-demand and across major television networks as part of our REALTOR® advertising campaign.

Watch the English ad below.

You’ll see these advertisements on:

  • Global TV
  • YouTube
  • CTV
  • CBC
  • Sportsnet
  • City TV
  • Omni Television
  • And more

The ads are also playing in on-demand programming from the stations mentioned above as well as on connected TV systems like Apple TV and Roku.

We’ve also produced a 15-second ad in English and 30-second ads in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Punjabi that are running across the Omni Television Network and online. You can view these ads using the links below:

We chose these languages because they’re the three most spoken non-English languages in our region. Our research indicates that 22 per cent of our target audience doesn’t speak English at home. Of that non-English speaking segment, 60 per cent speak either Mandarin, Cantonese, or Punjabi. The remaining 40 per cent is made up of other languages, none of which are at the level, across the region, of the languages we chose.

This round of video advertising will go until mid March and will start up again in August.

We’ll continue to run our online/social media ads throughout the year. Click here to view our social media ads on Facebook. We encourage you to share and like them. We’ll begin “out of home” advertising (bus backs and shelters) later this year.

We’ve developed this campaign with Wasserman and Partners, one of the most well-regarded marketing and advertising firms in Vancouver.

The campaign is based on comprehensive public and member research. We also tested strategic concepts and messaging in member and public focus groups.

Through this work, we developed a creative approach focused on helping to empower consumers and increase their confidence about the home buying and selling process. The ads are designed to leave consumers with an increased understanding about how choosing the right Realtor brings significant value to a real estate transaction.

Similar to our radio ads at the end of 2018, our video ads call on the public to “Take ownership of home ownership and choose the Realtor who’s right for you.” 

To learn more about the strategy behind the campaign, click here to watch Board President Phil Moore and representatives from Wasserman discuss it at our fall member meetings.

We’ll provide more information about this campaign, including the measurements we’re using to gauge its effectiveness, later this year.

Just 11 days left to vote in our Board of Directors election!

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There’s just 11 days left to vote in our Board of Directors election!

Voting closes next Sunday, February 3. Click here to vote – it only takes a minute.

Fifteen candidates are running to fill four vacancies this year. Your directors guide the Board’s strategic direction, so don’t be silent. Have your say in who governs your professional association!

For more information on this year's candidates and the Board election process, click here.

Virtual Office Websites FAQ

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You can now display home sale prices and other information on your Virtual Office Website (VOW). Since making this change at the start of the year, we've received a variety of questions from members.

Here are answers to your most common questions regarding VOWs and sold data.

What is a VOW and why would I use it?

A VOW is a password-protected area of your website where you can allow clients to see active listings, previous home sale prices, pending home sale prices where no conditions remain other than closing, cooperating commissions, and more.

How do I get sold data on my VOW?

Whether you already have a VOW or are interested in getting one, you’ll need to sign a new contract with us in order to operate your VOW. You can request a contract online here and we’ll send it to you once we’ve verified your Board membership.

I’ve completed and returned the forms to REBGV – what do I do now?

Contact your website service provider. They’ll provide you with the next steps to get the data flowing to your VOW.

What is a website service provider, and do I need one?

A service provider is a company that builds real estate marketing websites. Providers need to have an agreement with the Board to provide VOW services.

You don’t need a provider to build a VOW, however the process is complicated and requires specialized knowledge.

Talk to your website provider to see if they have the expertise and agreement in place to provide a VOW. If you need help finding a website provider, call our Helpdesk at 604-730-3020.

What providers already have VOW agreements with the Board?

The following providers have VOW agreements with the Board:

  • Base 10 Design & Development (RealtyNinja)
  • Combustion Labs Media Inc. (Ubertor Inc.)
  • HBN Media/Commissions Inc
  • Heatlist Age Consulting Inc
  • MyRealPage
  • Pixilink Solutions Ltd.
  • Real Estate WebMasters
  • RealPageMaker
  • Realty Bloc
  • Redplug Internet Services
  • Virtually Canadian

Are there any additional fees to display sold data on your VOW?

There are no additional fees from the Board to provide this information.

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Snapshot: 1919 — The Vancouver Real Estate Exchange is formed

On March 13, 1919, ten local real estate brokers became the first subscribers to a new association called the Vancouver Real Estate Exchange Ltd (VREX). These charter signatories were the first members of what has become the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV):

  • Stanley Burke
  • R. Kerr Houlgate
  • J.J. Banfield
  • A.C. Stirrit
  • J.P. Nicolls
  • H.V. Sharples
  • J.W. Allan
  • G.L. Edwards
  • J.M. McFarland
  • H.T. Devine

These members committed to standards, regulations, and good practice. They believed in promoting and protecting property owners. Our Board’s constitution was written with these values in mind.

The constitution calls for a high standard of practice and mandates the organization to advance the interests of the City of Vancouver, the Greater Vancouver area, and its citizens.

It also mandates the adoption and enforcement of rules of business conduct amongst each other and those engaged in the industry, and the creation of a code of ethics to protect consumers. It commits the organization to promote the prosperity and wealth of the metropolitan area and its inhabitants and to advocate for the citizens of the region and oppose the enactment of laws seen as detrimental to owning real estate. Recognizing the value of continuing education, the founders also committed the association to subscribing funds for education to upgrade the industry and its practitioners.

The entrance fee was set at $25 per member, with monthly dues set at $2.50 per member. By the end of 1919, the VREX grew to 30 members representing 29 companies. A century later, REBGV has a membership of over 14,000 REALTORS® and more than 500 brokerages.

This is the first installment of a new “100 years of memories” feature that we’ll publish throughout the year as part of our centennial celebration.

Did the experience match the expectation?

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A while back the Board put a call out to new members to ask any questions they may have, and to experienced REALTORS® to share their advice. While trolling through the responses I noticed that etiquette was identified as a key component to success for all Realtors, whether new or experienced.

This isn’t a surprise, of course. As Realtors, we’re competing and collaborating with each other all the time. Good etiquette fosters respectful relationships. It’s much easier to work with someone you respect than with someone you don’t.

Members provided a lot of wisdom in their replies. Here are some of your responses to our question:

  • Respect your colleagues’ relationship with their clients. Be sensitive about giving marketing materials with your name and brokerage logo all over them to someone else’s clients. If, for example, a buyer agent doesn’t have an open house feature sheet or Paragon print-out, you should offer one of yours but only offering it to the other Realtor directly, not to the buyers.
  • While it can seem like we’re always at work, we should remember that we’re judged by how we present ourselves. While dressing professionally is a matter of opinion, it’s better to err on the side of dressing in business attire than to dress too casually and leave a potentially negative impression on the parties you need to put together a deal.
  • One tip I’d like to share is directing buyers back to their Realtor when they inquire into one of my listings. When they’re working with a Realtor, I like to get in touch with their Realtor and give them a heads up that their client called about XYZ listing. It gives them an opportunity to reach out to their client and book an appointment, and I maintain a professional and courteous relationship with my colleagues. This builds trust for future negotiations.

Often mentioned as being a major concern was a lack of civility between members. It’s been said that “civility costs nothing, but means everything.”

  • Why can’t we be civil to one another and also try and help each other out?

This member went on to say that he appreciates receiving prompt showing feedback from buyers’ agents, He also appreciates when a colleague shares a firm sale price with him, especially if it hasn’t yet been reported as being sold. He finished his post with a plea, asking his colleagues to please identify themselves and their brokerage when they meet in person or on the phone. It’s so very nice to know whom one is talking to!

A few others weighed in on the topic of basic courtesy:

  • My biggest pet peeve is attitude. We’re both trying to get to the same goal here. Why are you bullying me? Aggression isn’t helping. Your client doesn’t think you’re a hero because you’re acting rude.
  • I feel very irritated when I’ve confirmed a showing and am meeting the buyers and their agent at the property and then sit and cool my heels for 30 minutes or more before tracking down the Realtor only to find out the buyer has cancelled and the agent did not have the courtesy to call me!
  • We all know it can be difficult to schedule times when you have many properties to show. Buyers may like one house and spend extra time, or they may hate a house and go through quickly. It happens to all of us. Please, if you are running early or late the courtesy of a phone call or a text is appreciated.

Finally, one member posted the ABCs of Realtor courtesy that we all would do well to remember:

  • Always identify yourself and your company when meeting someone or leaving a message.
  • Give me a business card (in person) so I know you’re a Realtor.
  • Accept correction if something needs to be added to a contract to keep the deal together, or us Realtors out of trouble. For goodness sake’, accept the information graciously and thankfully. We need to work together to make our business work.
  • Communication is paramount. I believe all Realtors should have their cell phone number on their listings, emails, and other correspondence. Often I’m told by real estate offices that a Realtor doesn’t allow their cell phone number to be given out. In this case, I must page the Realtor and wait for them to call me back (on their cell phone) at which time I record the number so I can call them easily if there are questions. This wastes time and is annoying. Being reachable by colleagues and clients is essential in our “new” marketplace.
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Money laundering in real estate – your opportunity to report what you know

If you have information on money laundering in real estate, you can anonymously report what you know to a provincial tip line. It’s part of the BC Government’s efforts to stop organized crime. Your Board is also helping.

Read more.

Housing affordability top issue for millennials

More than six in 10 millennials rank housing affordability as a top or very high priority, according to a new Canadian Real Estate Association survey.  

Read more.

Vancouver Empty Homes Tax declaration due February 4, 2019

Home owners in Vancouver must complete a declaration by February 4 claiming they live in or rent their home for six months each year. Otherwise they’ll pay Vancouver’s Empty Homes Tax.

Read more.

Important Speculation and Vacancy Tax declaration letter coming

Anyone who owns a house in Metro Vancouver, the Capital Regional District, and other areas of the province must complete a declaration that they live in or rent their home. Otherwise they’ll pay the BC Speculation and Vacancy Tax, according to a recent provincial government announcement.

Read more.

Other News

New discipline decisions 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 (C18-28).

You can also review the latest suspensions from the Real Estate Council of BC here.

Over $30,000 raised at REBGV events in 2018

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You raised $30,494.99 at Board events in 2018! Here’s a rundown:

REBGV Hockey Tournament

  • $600.68 donated to Monarch Place Transition House.

Pitt Meadows Golf Tournament

  • $11,001.88 donated to our REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive charities.

Viva Las Christmas

  • $1,330 donated to our REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive charities.

Real Thanksgiving Meal in Maple Ridge

  • Over 250 guests were provided with a hot turkey dinner with all the trimmings and entertainment (funded by local real estate offices).

Ridge Meadows Development and Planning Event, Ridge Meadows Slo-Pitch Tournament, and Real Thanksgiving Meal Surplus Funds

  • $700 to help make a joyful Christmas for a local family in need.
  • $241.10 for Ridge Meadows Seniors Society.
  • $241.10 for School Lunch Bag Program (Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries)

2018 Vancouver Slo-Pitch Tournament

  • $354.22 donated to our REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive charities.

Medallion Club Gala

  • $16,026.01 donated to our REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive charities.

Let’s keep up the charitable giving in 2019!

Thanks to our Aunt Leah's volunteers!

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In December, 26 REALTORS® came out to support Aunt Leah's Christmas Tree Lots at one of their five Metro Vancouver locations. Our volunteers (pictured here are Jacky Nelson, Leslie Gray, and Steve September) helped Aunt Leah's reach a record total in 2018, which means many local youth and moms and babies in need will have a brighter 2019. Thank you! 

Make sure you've completed Council’s two mandatory courses before your license expires

Before you submit your licence renewal application to the Real Estate Council of BC, please make sure you’ve completed its two mandatory courses:

  • Legal Update. All licensees must complete this course, which addresses the specific needs of trading services licensees, rental property management services licensees, and strata management services licensees. The course consists of two components: an online self-paced course and a one-day classroom course. 
  • Rule Changes: Agency and Disclosure. Trading services licensees and rental property management services licensees must also complete this online course to renew their license. Please note that strata management services licensees do not need to complete this course.

You must submit proof with your renewal application that you have completed these courses. Without it, the Council won't renew your licence.

Haven’t completed these courses?

You can register online: 

To ensure you have enough time to finish both courses, register at least eight weeks before your licence expires.

Click here for more information on your relicensing requirements.

Take our member survey

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Help us serve you better by completing our 2019 member survey.

You’ll receive an email invitation later this month to take our member survey. The email will come from Framework Partners, the company we’ve hired to do this research.

We do this survey every other year. Your responses provide invaluable insight into your satisfaction with the products and services we offer and great suggestions on how we can improve.

Please take the time to complete this survey.

Get better search results using Paragon’s Power Search

In a recent round of office presentations, we found that many members are unaware of the benefits of using Paragon's Power Search feature.

It allows you to search across multiple categories, including saved searches, listings, contacts, members, and offices.

Power Search lets you filter relevant items as you type – as you put in more information your search results will narrow.

How do I perform a Power Search?

Hover your cursor over the Power Search field at the top left-hand corner of the screen to display the tool tip.

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You can now type in the search field. Here you can input:

  • Up to 30 MLS® numbers separated by commas;
  • The name or partial name of a saved search;
  • The name or partial name of a member;
  • The name or partial name of an office; or
  • An address or partial address.

As you type, your results will appear.

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You can click on your desired result and Paragon will redirect you to the relevant section.

Questions? Call Help Desk at 604-730-3020.

Order your BC Home + Garden Show tickets today

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Our discounted tickets are $12 (value $16), and you only pay for the tickets your clients use.

Order your tickets here, while supplies last.

For every ticket sold through us, $3 goes to our REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive.

Pricing the property: A polarizing topic explained

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Courses and Events