REAL info April ● 2016
News and Resource for MEMBERS
feature
Musings from RAHB CEO George O'Neill – page 2
MLS®/TECHNOLOGY Quick link to Matrix on your dashboard – page 3 Back up your seller's instructions with the right forms and actions – page 3 "X" doesn't always mark the spot – page 3
RAHB News RAHB welcomes new members – page 4 Print your RAHB invoices for your tax return – page 4 RAHB Director resigns – page 4 Scholarship application now available – page 4 REALTOR® CONNECTIONS highlights – page 5 What happened at the RAHB AGM? – page 6 RAHB Annual Charity Golf Tournament – page 12
Member services Professional Development for REALTORS® – page 8 Professional Standards – Golden Rule – page 8 Realty Shoppe – page 10 Government Relations – CREA`s take on the 2016 federal budget – page 11
Services spotlight Monthly Service Fee – page 12
OREA/OREA/reco/other news CREA eases rules for using REALTOR® certification mark – page 13 Are you using Form 801 properly? – page 14 RAHB member is new OREA Director – page 14 CRTC enforcement: National Do Not Call list – page 15 REALTOR® conference in PEI – page 15 Property rights special event – page 15
Mark YOUR Calendar What's coming up at RAHB – page 16
Empowering REALTORS ® to Succeed
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News and Resource for Members
Established in 1921, the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) represents more than 2,700 real estate brokers and salespersons from Hamilton, Burlington, and surrounding areas. Members of the association may use the REALTOR® trademark, which identifies them as real estate professionals who subscribe to a strict code of ethics. The Association operates the local Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System and provides ongoing professional education courses for its members. In addition, RAHB is an active participant in the Home Ownership Affordability Partnership (HOAP) and holds an annual auction in support of local charities. Advertisements of local MLS® property listings and information about the services provided by a REALTOR® can be found at www.REALTOR.ca. More information about RAHB is available at www.rahb.ca.
Mission Statement Empowering REALTORS® to Succeed President Kim Alvarez 905.407.7046 President-Elect Lou Piriano 905.628.6625 Vice-President Jack Loft 905.304.3303 Immediate Past President Donna Bacher 905.520.1946 Directors Ann Forbes Arndt Nikola Bucalo Kathy Della-Nebbia Gary Herron Paul Martindale Andrew Robertson Bob Van de Vrande
905.574.3038 905.388.1110 905.574.4600 905.388.1110 905.572.9465 905.308.8333 905.332.4111
Realinfo is published monthly by the REALTORS® Association of HamiltonBurlington (RAHB) 505 York Boulevard, Hamilton ON L8R 3K4 T.: 905.529.8101 F.: 905.529.4349 MLS® F.: 905.529.6636 Help Desk T.: 905.667.4650 Realty Shoppe: T.: 905.529.5979 F.: 905.529.7109 Email: info@rahb.ca Web site: www.rahb.ca Intranet site: www.realtorlink.ca Editor: Valerie Webster Editorial Assistant: Sheila Sferrazza Design: Maggie Inglis In-house Products: RAHB Print Services
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Musings
from Rahb Ceo George O'Neill RAHB’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on March 23 as part of REALTOR® CONNECTIONS. Thank you to the 445 members who came out and made it such an great meeting. For those of you who don’t know, RAHB’s Bylaws require the AGM include the presentation of the previous year’s audited financial statements, the appointment of the auditor for the current year, and an MLS® report. Traditionally, RAHB has also included a brief look at the strategic initiatives for the coming year. At this year’s meeting, RAHB President Kim Alvarez gave a high level look at the Association’s strategic imperatives developed to ensure your Association remains relevant and addresses your needs in a fast-and ever-changing environment. RAHB Audit Chair Lou Piriano presented the audited financial statements, which had been made available through a link in the Annual Report emailed to all members on March 11. He explained the factors that led to the year-end results, and recommended adoption of the audited statements as well as the appointment of Deloitte LLP as auditors for 2016, both adopted by majority vote. I had the pleasure of providing an update on Matrix and the regional MLS® initiative. I know Matrix has been a long time coming, and members are looking for information about when we will be going fully live. Remember you can now search for all regional listings within Matrix. Thank you for all the great questions at the meeting; I think we all have a better understanding now of the scope of the issues surrounding this important project. For more details about what transpired at the meeting, please read the synopsis on page 6 of this issue of REALinfo. Over the next few issues of REALinfo, I will be talking more about RAHB’s strategic initiatives that Kim spoke about at the AGM. The directors and staff have developed a completely member-centric mandate which we refer to as Member Development, Service, Engagement and Enablement, or MDSEE for short. It’s quite exciting, as MDSEE focuses strictly on members and their needs. I am looking forward to telling you more about it over the next few months.
Regards,
News and Resource for Members
MLS®/technology Quick link to Matrix on your dashboard A Matrix icon has now been added to your SSO dashboard, giving you a short and easy way to access Matrix. It is the first icon in the “Resources” section of your dashboard. Just remember – even though you can access Matrix through your dashboard, you will still have to sign in with your Matrix user ID and password. (your Matrix user ID is the same as your Fusion user ID with "HB" at the beginning)
Back up your seller’s instructions with the right forms and actions When you have a listing where offers are being held off until a particular date, please remember that there are two things you must do: 1. Have your seller sign the form “Direction re: No Offer Presentations” 2. Include the fact that offers are being held off in the “Remarks” field of the listing If the seller’s instructions change and offers are to be presented earlier, you must take additional steps: 1. Complete and have your seller sign the “Amendment to Listing Agreement” form 2. Make the necessary changes in the “Remarks” field for the listing 3. Contact – by telephone – all co-operating brokerages which requested a showing or registered offers with you, let them know the instructions about offers have changed and that offers will be presented earlier - and then arrange for the presentation of all offers to the seller. These instructions are found in Section 2.15 of the MLS® Rules and Regulations.
“X” doesn’t always mark the spot When your listings are submitted to Fusion and uploaded to Matrix, the listing number assigned by Fusion receives an “X” at the beginning of the number when it appears in Matrix. So a listing H1234567 in Fusion becomes XH1234567 in Matrix. When your clients view their listings sent from Matrix to their client portal they will see the MLS® numbers prefixed with the “X”. If your clients are searching for their listing on REALTOR.ca, they will not be able to find it with the listing number beginning with “X”. You should let them know that they can find their listing on REALTOR.ca by omitting the X from the beginning of the number. April
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News and Resource for Members
RAHB News RAHB welcomes new members The REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington extends a warm welcome to its newest members (February 24 to March 24). Derek Keyes Branden Pare Andrew Bridgman
Jennifer Kreidl Kathy Povrzenic Shawn LaFrance
Paul Mitrovich
Lori Mancini Andrew De Leon
Ambitious Realty Advisors Inc. Century 21 Aberwin Realty Inc.
Dalia Sabir
Century 21 Dreams Inc.
Randall Weese
COMFree Commonsense Network
Rebecca Holmes
Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd.
Keller Williams Complete Realty
Ravin Narayanan Rick Arnold Lesli Gaynor
Royal LePage Burloak Real Estate Services Inc.
Keller Williams Edge Realty
Mohamad Hamouda Bill Young
Gina Gratta Brad Blackborow Mike Wallace
Neil Angus Carrie Van Dixhoorn
RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.
Alex Marogy
RE/MAX Realty Enterprises Inc.
Royal LePage Macro Realty
Royal LePage State Realty
Jonathan Dalglish Patrick Mathew
Sutton Group Innovative Realty Inc.
Print your RAHB invoices for your tax return Tax time is here! Here’s how to print off your RAHB invoice: • Log into the Fusion Homepage • In the Resource section, select “Smartlinks” • From the drop down menu, select “Education/Account Services”. This will open a new window • Select “Print Members Statement” • Enter the date parameters of your choice. For example, if you want to create a copy of your 2015 invoices, you would enter a start date of 01/01/2015 and an end date of 12/31/2015 • Select “Run statement, Print”
** If you get a printer error, go to “select a format” (found above the RAHB logo), select “Acrobat Adobe PDF”, “export”, “print”. **
RAHB Director resigns RAHB Director Peter Holgate (Chase Realty Inc.), who was serving the second year of a two-year term, recently resigned from the RAHB Board of Directors. The RAHB Directors and members thank Peter for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours.
Scholarship application now available Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 Karan Barker Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a student who is or will be attending university or community college and is a child or grandchild of a RAHB member or RAHB employee. The student must demonstrate academic excellence, a high level of involvement in school and/or the community, maturity, initiative and/or strength of character. April
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Application deadline is Friday, August 12, 2016. The application can be found in REALTOR Link® under the Member Services tab or http://rahb.ca/memberinfo/2016/Scholarship2016.pdf.
News and Resource for Members
REALTOR® CONNECTIONS highlights Here are some of the highlights from REALTOR® CONNECTIONS 2016 held Wednesday, March 23 at the Hamilton Convention Centre:
RAHB AGM • Recognition of RAHB’s 95th anniversary • The 2015 audited financial statements were presented and received • RAHB CEO George O’Neill presented an update on Matrix and the regional MLS® System Professional Development • Rebecca Mountain led a session on Online Lead Generating: The Simple Solution • Rick Shelley spoke on Multi-Residential: The Ins & Outs • Don Patterson presented a CREA Update and Info for Commercial Practitioners • Pam Morton and Todd Targgart helped members Get (Re)Acquainted with Matrix • Industry leaders and service provides shared their expertise on a variety of topics in Knowledge Pods in the Exhibit Hall • Lunch Panel: "Planning the Future" Jason Thorne from the City of Hamilton and Mary Lou Tanner from the City of Burlington moderated by Keanin Loomis provided updates and insights on municipal planning initiatives CONNECTIONS Café • RAHB President Kim Alvarez and CEO George O’Neill were on hand to meet and speak with members • RAHB Directors chatted with members about their ideas and RAHB services Trade Show • Members met with suppliers of goods and services and left with great information and a few goodies Realty Shoppe • The Realty Shoppe buzzed with activity most of the day and offered show specials and prize draws MLS® Help • RAHB MLS® staff were on hand to answer your questions about Matrix and Fusion Winners! • $95 Tim Horton’s gift card, for being the 95th RAHB member to register for REALTOR® CONNECTIONS (to celebrate RAHB’s 95th anniversary!) – Suzanne Burnside (RE/MAX Real Estate Centre) • $100 Keg gift card from the social media contest leading up to REALTOR® CONNECTIONS – Michelle Shivbarran (Royal LePage State Realty) • Free 2017 RAHB Dues draw at RAHB AGM – Darlene Wissenz (Sutton Group Innovative Realty Inc.) • Paid registration to CREA’s Canadian Commercial Forum in Toronto Regional Commercial Network, courtesy of the Regional Commercial Network – Nicolas von Bredow (Royal LePage Macro Realty) • $50 Bon Appetit gift card, in Member Engagement Committee’s “Get Connected” contest – Ken Murphy (Royal LePage State Realty) • X6 Laser Distance Meter for responding to RAHB’s REALTOR® CONNECTIONS survey – Rose Cipriani (RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.) continued on page 6
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News and Resource for Members
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continued from page 5
REALTORS® Kids draws: • Sterling silver necklace – Stan Ivkovic (Royal LePage State Realty) • Rodney Carrington tickets – Roman Radojewski (Royal LePage State Realty) • Monster Jam tickets – Mary Atto (J.M. Edwards Associates Inc.) • Michael Kors wallet – Nicolette Wandio (Coldwell Banker Community Real Estate) • Gumball machine – Brian Gerrard (RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.) Realty Shoppe Draws for three baskets of Realty Shoppe goodies, each valued at approximately $180 • Kirk Sharpley (Keller Williams Edge Realty) • Natalie Pavkovic (Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd.) • Larry Paletta (Re/Max Escarpment Realty Inc.)
What happened at the RAHB AGM? RAHB’s AGM on March 23, 2016 at the Hamilton Convention Centre included a brief overview of RAHB’s strategic initiatives for 2016 by RAHB President Kim Alvarez, the presentation of the audited 2015 financial statement by Audit Chair Lou Piriano and an update on Matrix by RAHB CEO George O’Neill. Here are some of the details: Kim Alvarez – Strategic Initiatives • Strategic goals centre on ensuring RAHB addresses members’ needs • Strategic imperative known as Member Development, Service, Engagement and Enablement (MDSEE) • MDSEE is all about members – helping members expand their knowledge and skills, offering services REALTORS® need, engaging members and ensuring RAHB’s infrastructure (like MLS® service) is reliable Lou Piriano – Audited Financial Statements (Members received a link to the audited financial statements through the Annual Report emailed to each member on March 11, 2016) • Deficit of $47,335 at the end of 2015 • Increases in both revenue and expenses: revenue increased by $208,100 and expenses by $399,541. Contributing factors: • Increase in revenue ° 5.6% increase in membership – increased dues income; however, also increased monthly service costs and decreased income from monthly service fees from the $6 reduction approved by Directors in 2014 ° More professional development sessions, including designation courses (higher registration fees) ° Rental income increased as per lease agreement ° Decrease in investment income with decline in interest rates April
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News and Resource for Members
continued from page 6 • Increase in expenses ° Building operations increased 7% ® ® ° Increase of 6.5% in MLS services: increase in membership increased costs to provide MLS services through Fusion and GeoWarehouse; increase in cost of digital/virtual tour packages; increased computer costs related to data sharing with STARRS members ° Administrative and Office Expenses increased by 11%: salaries increased 3% (CPI increase); non-recurring expense in benefit payout for retiring staff; professional fees for CEO search; decrease in advertising and public relations costs; no member survey • Other factors ° Increase in outstanding accounts over 2014 due to waiver of monthly service fee in December, 2014 ° Long-term prepaid expense continuing to decline • Karan Barker Scholarship Fund ° Scholarships paid from interest earned $ ° Four students received 2,000 scholarships • Reserves $ ° According to policy, 50,000 was transferred to Building Reserve • Deloitte LLP appointed as auditors for 2016 George O’Neill – Regional Update • Overview of extent of area covered by eight associations participating in regional MLS® system – 8,200 REALTORS®, with 35% of total made up of RAHB members • Two separate initiatives – Matrix and ORTIS, the group overseeing and managing Matrix • Matrix is live and the sole MLS® system for Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo and Oakville/Milton associations; Matrix is available to RAHB, Brantford, Niagara and Simcoe for listings search across all the regional associations, but not fully for listing loading and maintenance • RAHB has concerns to resolve with regard to ownership of listing data, ORTIS mandate and cost control, governance and decision making structure, MLS® Rules and service quality – all being discussed among eight associations •
RAHB will not cutover to using only Matrix until, at the earliest, after the spring market and all concerns with ORTIS are resolved. Until cutover, Fusion will continue to run for loading and editing listings, in parallel with Matrix for listings search functionality across the regional area. We know this is not ideal from a member use perspective, but we believe it is better to resolve these concerns now when any potential negative impacts to members is minor.
Your local full service law firm www.rossmcbride.com
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News and Resource for Members
Member services Professional Development for REALTORS® iPad Agent Monday, April 18, 2016 – 9 a.m. – Noon Cost: $79+HST Early Bird (before April 11, 2016); $ 99+HST Regular Price http://rahb.ca/education/2016/iPad041816.pdf
SRES® – Seniors Real Estate Specialist® Wednesday and Thursday, May 25 and 26, 2016 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day Cost: $299+HST http://rahb.ca/education/2016/SRES.pdf
Social Media for Agents Monday, April 18, 2016 – 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $79+HST Early Bird (before April 11, 2016), $ 99+HST Regular Price http://rahb.ca/education/2016/SocialMediaRE041816.pdf
Master LinkedIn Bootcamp Monday, June 6, 2016 9 a.m. – Noon http://rahb.ca/education/2016/LinkedIn060616.pdf
e-PRO® Day 1 – Certification Course (Note: Day 2 is completed online) Wednesday, May 11, 2016 – 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cost: $199 +HST http://rahb.ca/education/2016/eProCertificationCourse.pdf HST for the Real Estate Professional Thursday, May 12, 2016 – 10 a.m. – Noon Cost: Free http://rahb.ca/education/2016/HSTRealEstateProfessional.pdf Increasing Your Competitive Edge and Demystifying the Mortgage Process Wednesday, May 18, 2016 – 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. http://rahb.ca/education/2016/IncreasingCompetitiveEdges051816.pdf
Master Facebook Bootcamp Monday, June 6, 2016 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. http://rahb.ca/education/2016/Facebook060616.pdf All courses will be held at the RAHB office, McCullough Room (lower level). For complete details and course descriptions, follow the links, or contact Angela (905.529.8101 x233 or angelam@rahb.ca). Watch for our monthly Professional Development update in your email inbox!
Professional Standards – Golden Rule The busy spring market is upon us and it’s time for a reminder about how important it is to treat clients, customers and fellow REALTORS® with respect. This article is reprinted from the November, 2014 issue of REALnfo … it’s as timely now as it was then. The Golden Rule is getting tarnished Almost everyone has heard of the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Treat others as you would like to be treated. The Golden rule is a philosophical, sociological and religious maxim. It is also the basis for CREA’s and RECO’s Code of Ethics and the basis for what we refer to as “common courtesy”. RAHB has been receiving complaints for the last few months about how uncommon courtesy has become among members. Do any of these situations sound familiar? • You call to book an appointment to show a property only to be told the seller requires “24 hours notice”, although it wasn’t indicated on the listing? • Someone scheduled a showing of your listing but didn’t leave a business card to let the seller know they were there? Or worse, they didn’t show up at all? • Getting feedback from a salesperson after he or she showed your listed property is impossible? Apparently the Golden Rule is getting a little tarnished in many places. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) provided the following guidelines for its members in the US to remind them of the importance of common courtesy – or, as they’ve termed it, showing respect – for the public, for property and for other REALTORS®. This list is not exhaustive, but it’s a good start for making courtesy a little more common again. April
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News and Resource for Members
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Respect for the Public
1. Follow the “Golden Rule” – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 2. Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information. 3. Schedule appointments and showings as far in advance as possible. 4. Call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment or showing. 5. If a prospective buyer decides not to view an occupied home, promptly explain the situation to the listing broker or the occupant. 6. Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion. 7. When entering a property, ensure that unexpected situations, such as pets, are handled appropriately. 8. Leave your business card if not prohibited by local rules. 9. Never criticize property in the presence of the occupant. 10. Inform occupants that you are leaving after showings. 11. When showing an occupied home, always ring the doorbell or knock – and announce yourself loudly – before entering. Knock and announce yourself loudly before entering any closed room. 12. Present a professional appearance at all times; dress appropriately and drive a clean car. 13. If occupants are home during showings, ask their permission before using the telephone or bathroom. 14. Encourage the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative. 15. Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon or slang that may not be readily understood. 16. Be aware of and respect cultural differences. 17. Show courtesy and respect to everyone. 18. Be aware of – and meet – all deadlines. 19. Promise only what you can deliver – and keep your promises. 20. Identify your REALTOR® and your professional status in contacts with the public. 21. Do not tell people what you think – tell them what you know.
Respect for Property
1. Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter a listed property. 2. Never allow buyers to enter listed property unaccompanied. 3. When showing property, keep all members of the group together. 4. Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission. 5. Enter property only with permission even if you have a lockbox key or combination. 6. When the occupant is absent, leave the property as you found it (lights, heating, cooling, drapes, etc). If you think something is amiss (e.g. vandalism) contact the listing broker immediately. 7. Be considerate of the seller’s property. Do not allow anyone to eat, drink, smoke, dispose of trash, use bathing or sleeping facilities, or bring pets. Leave the house as you found it unless instructed otherwise. 8. Use sidewalks; if weather is bad, take off shoes and boots inside property.
Respect for Peers
1. Identify your REALTOR® and professional status in all contacts with other REALTORS®. 2. Respond to other agents’ calls, faxes, and e-mails promptly and courteously. 3. Be aware that large electronic files with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a burden on recipients. 4. Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing. 5. Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets; security systems; and whether sellers will be present during the showing. 6. Show courtesy, trust and respect to other real estate professionals. 7. Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language. 8. Do not prospect at other REALTORS® open houses or similar events. 9. Return keys promptly. 10. Carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showings. 11. To be successful in the business, mutual respect is essential. 12. Real estate is a reputation business. What you do today may affect your reputation – and business – for years to come. Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Reprinted with permission
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Realty Shoppe – New Items Limited quantities – shop early for best selection! Journal – Executive w/Pen
Business Card Holder
• This super rich and classy journal includes a pen, blue ribbon page marker and 72 sheets of lined white paper. Navy blue cover with debossed REALTOR®. 7”h x 5”w x 1/2”d
• Expandable leather with debossed REALTOR® logo. Two card pockets and inside pocket. Holds 40 cards.
$
11.10 ea.*
$
12.90 ea.*
All-in-One Portfolio
REALTOR® Tote
• REALTOR logo and velcro flap closure. Organizational panel includes 5 tab document pockets, 2 CD/DVD pocket, 2 business card pockets, separate zipper pocket, pen loop and a 20-page lined recycled pad. Blue ®
$
REALTOR® Tote • Chic tablet mesh – pink trim Padded front zippered pocket accommodates a tablet. Velcro closure with 2 side mesh pockets. Made of 600 polyester. 19” x 10” x 14”
$
31
.65 ea.*
• Hercules grocery large open main compartment with double 20” reinforced handles and supportive bottom board. Reusable. 80g non-woven polypropylene. 14.5”h x 13”w x 10”L
19.85 ea.*
$
6.35 ea.*
Oversized Carry All Tote • Large open main compartment with a wire rim for shape and sturdiness. 14” handle drop height. 12” x 9” x 20.5”
$
23.75 ea.*
* All applicable taxes are extra. Prices subject to change.
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Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. T.: 905.529.5979 F.: 905.529.7109 E.: realtyshoppe@rahb.ca
Government Relations – CREA’s take on the 2016 federal budget Following an extensive pre-budget consultation process, the Minister of Finance Bill Morneau tabled Budget 2016, the first budget for the new Liberal government after rising to power on an ambitious plan centered on strengthening the middle class. The current fiscal reality has seen the national deficit increase to $29 billion as the federal government works to fulfill its election commitments, combat climate change and introduce measures to stimulate the economy amid a collapse in oil prices. Given the government’s concerns about home prices in high-priced markets (like Toronto and Vancouver) and its recent decision to increase minimum down payments, CREA did not expect our industry’s lobbying proposals for the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to be included in this year’s budget. CREA will continue to press for changes to the HBP in meetings between MPs and PAC representatives during our spring constituency visits and the PAC Days conference this fall. Budget 2016 also contains additional initiatives of interest to the REALTOR® community: • Middle income taxes are cut from 22 per cent to 20.5 per cent. A new tax bracket of 33 per cent for individuals earning more than $200,000 each year has been created. • The government will invest in social infrastructure, including affordable housing and senior facilities. They plan to increase Canadians’ access to affordable housing by building more units and renovating existing stock. They will also provide operational funding support for municipalities, including renewing support for Housing First initiatives that help homeless Canadians find stable housing. • An important investment will be made to First Nations communities to address on reserve urgent housing needs as well as the renovation and retrofit of existing units. The government will focus on establishing a National Housing Framework to support the construction and maintenance of on-reserve housing. • On December 11, 2015, the Government announced coordinated actions to strengthen the resiliency of Canada’s housing finance system, increase market discipline in residential lending, and promote long-term stability and balanced economic growth. The budget notes that the government will continue to closely monitor vulnerabilities related to housing and consumer debt and is prepared to implement further measures, should they be needed. • Budget 2016 proposes to address this data gap by allocating $500,000 to Statistics Canada in 2016-17 to develop methods for gathering data on purchases of Canadian housing by foreign homebuyers. • The government is not proposing any modifications to what is known as the “5 person rule” that defines an active business. • The government will invest $30 million over 3 years starting in 2016-17 to homeowners affected by Pyrrhotite, a mineral found in foundations in certain regions of Québec. • $3.4 billion over three years will be invested to upgrade and improve public transit systems across Canada. CREA will continue to monitor developments on these issues and keep the REALTOR® community informed as further details are disclosed.
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News and Resource for Members
Services spotlight
FIXED COSTS - MONTHLY FLAT FEcosts based on: Members 2780
Monthly Service Fee Teranet
18.30 Corelogic 14.95 The Association provides many resources and services. Here is a review of how your Monthly Services Fees Overhead costs* 6.44 are allocated: Clareity 1.55 HPI 0.57 SSO 0.10 built-in variable** 2.10
Your MonthlyService serviceFee fee-Your Monthly Your Monthly Service Fee where does it Go? Your Monthly Service Fee – Where Does It Go? Where Where Does Does It It Go? Go? TOTAL
44.01
TOTAL WITH VARIABLE
46.10
Teranet Teranet (36%) Teranet Teranet (36%) Teranet(36%) (42%) Corelogic Corelogic Corelogic (33%) Corelogic (33%) (34%) Corelogic (33%) Overhead co Overhead (14%) Overhead costs* (14%) Overhead costs* costs (15%) Overhead costs* (14%) Clareity Clareity Clareity(3%) (3%) Clareity (3%) HPITeranet (last half 2015)(2%) HPI (1%) Teranet (last Teranet (last half half 2015)(2%) 2015)(2%) SSOHPI SSO(1%) (0.02%)
HPI HPI (1%) (1%)
built-in vari SSO (0.8%) Built-in variable (5%) SSO (0.8%) SSO (0.8%)
built-in built-in variable** (10%) built-in variable** variable** (10%) (10%)
*Overhead costs include annual costs for services/staff/hardware related to MLS® services, broken
per month charge
*Overhead costs include annual costs for services/staff/hardware broken down to a ** in 2014, the Board of Directors approved a policy requiring arelated variableto ofMLS® 10% ofservices, the total known *Overhead *Overhead costs include annual costs for services/staff/hardware related to MLS® services, broken down to a *Overhead costs costs include include annual annual costs costs for for services/staff/hardware services/staff/hardware related related to to MLS® MLS® services, services, broken broken down down to to a a the monthly service fee to allow for unexpected changes member per month charge member per month charge member per month charge member per month charge
Register Today!
** In 2014, the Board of Directors approved a policy requiring a variable of known costs to be built 10% of the total ** ** In 2014, the Board of Directors approved a policy requiring a variable of of total known costs to be built ** In In 2014, 2014, the the Board Board of of Directors Directors approved approved a a policy policy requiring requiring a a variable variable of of 10% 10% of of the the total total known known costs costs to to be be built built into the monthly service fee to allow for unexpected changes into the monthly service fee to allow for unexpected changes into the monthly service fee to allow for unexpected changes into the monthly service fee to allow for unexpected changes
RAHB Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Thursday, June 23, 2016 Copetown Woods Golf Club 1430 Concession 2 West., Copetown Registration: 11 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. Shotgun: 1 p.m. sharp
165 + HST
$
To register go to http://rahb.ca/events/golf/2016/Golfregistration.pdf or email sheilas@rahb.ca or 905.529.8101 x234.
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2016
News and Resource for Members
CREA/RECO/OREA/other News CREA eases rules for using REALTOR® certification mark CREA has made a series of changes to the rules governing the use of the REALTOR® trademarks. The changes are intended to make using the marks easier, which should increase proper use and reduce improper use. The changes also reflect the reality of how CREA’s trademarks are used on the Internet. To summarize: 1. CREA’s previous rules required REALTOR® to be in all capital letters, followed by the ® registration mark. The new policy only requires that form for the first use in any publication. In all subsequent uses, the word can be spelled with only the ‘R’ capitalized, (i.e. Realtor) and omitting the ®. 2. Up until this point, members have been required to add the trademark statement “The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA”. The new policy allows members to choose one of five acceptable trademark ownership statements: a. Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®. Only REALTORS® are members of CREA. b. I’m more than a real estate agent. I’m a REALTOR®. c. What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®? Visit www.crea.ca/why to find out. d. REALTOR®. Member of The Canadian Real Estate Association and more. e. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. 3. CREA’s previous rules prohibited the use of modifiers with the REALTOR® term. The new policy allows it, provided that REALTOR® appears in all capital letters (e.g., Professional REALTOR®, Toronto REALTOR®). 4. CREA’s previous rules prohibited REALTOR® or REALTORS® being used as part of a firm name (e.g., Smith REALTORS®). The new policy allows that use, provided the following three conditions are met. a. The proposed name is approved by CREA; b. The member enters into a license agreement with CREA before using the name; c. REALTOR® must appear in all capital letters whenever it is used in the name. 5. CREA’s previous rules were silent on the use of REALTOR® or REALTORS® in a team name (e.g., REALTOR® Team Smith Jones). The new policy permits such use, subject to the same three conditions set out above. 6. CREA’s previous rules prohibited the use of REALTOR® or REALTORS® in corporate branding. The new policy permits such use (e.g., use of REALTOR® in slogans), but the prohibition on use of REALTOR® and REALTORS® in product names will remain. 7. CREA’s previous rules prohibited use of our marks in metatags. The new policy permits such use for both REALTOR® and MLS®. 8.
CREA’s previous policy provided that members may only use REALTOR® or REALTORS® in a domain name in association with their name or firm name. The new policy allows members to add modifiers to REALTOR® in domain names, email addresses, and social media usernames that contain their name, firm name, or team name (e.g. JohnJonesTorontoRealtor.com, JanetheProfessionalRealtor.ca, SmithTeamRealtors@gmail.com, @BigBobRealtor)
In order to implement the new usage requirements, CREA has re-written its Trademark Policy. A copy of that policy is found in the Resources and Compliance section on CREA’s REALTOR Link® page.
Did you know that the information about using CREA’s REALTOR® trademark appeared in CREA’s blog, “CREA Café”? Want to see what you might be missing? Check it out at www.creacafe.ca! Here’s a sample of other great info you can find on CREA Café. The following article is reprinted from the CREA Café, October 22, 2015.
Refresh your knowledge of the REALTOR® Code with CREA’s new online course
The words “REALTOR®” and “real estate agent” are not interchangeable, although some real estate agents might like them to be. continued on page 14 April
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continued from page 13
What sets CREA members—REALTOR® members—apart? Their adherence to the REALTOR® Code: the standard of conduct that helps to ensure the protection of the rights and interests of consumers of real estate services. As REALTOR® members are aware, CREA’s REALTOR® Code has been the measure of professionalism in organized real estate for many years. The first code was approved in 1913; members approved the first code of ethics specific to CREA members in 1959. The Code has since been amended many times, most recently in 2014, to reflect changes in the real estate marketplace, the needs of property owners and the perceptions and values of society. REALTOR® members can be justifiably proud of their Code. Like any set of principles, the Code is only truly valuable if incorporated into day-to-day practice. But what, you may ask, is the best way to go about doing that? In an ideal world, REALTOR® members would pick up the Code and refresh their memory on its various nuances, from time to time. That’s why CREA created the REALTOR® Code of Ethics Course. The course is designed to help increase awareness and understanding of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics amongst REALTOR® members, by presenting the code in a user-friendly manner, using practical examples and quizzes to help ensure the knowledge sticks, and providing members with up-to-date information on the most recent changes to the Code. For example, did you know that in March, 2015, the Code was amended to include, among other things: • A new commitment to civility; • A new Interpretation to reinforce the obligation on members that they are responsible for the improper use by businesses partners of CREA’s trademarks; and • A new Article with respect to unbecoming conduct (A REALTOR® shall not engage in conduct that is disgraceful, unprofessional or unbecoming of a REALTOR®). Pop quiz: Do you think this clause would apply if another REALTOR® member was curt with you? Take the course to find out! Hint: the answer is a two letter word starting with ‘n’ and ending with a vowel.
Are you using Form 801 properly? There continues to be some misunderstandings about how to use OREA Form 801 – Offer Summary Document. This form was created by OREA to give members a document to assist them to comply with Bill 55, which requires that a listing brokerage retain copies of all written offers to purchase or copies of a “prescribed document” (Form 801) for each of those offers. Here are three things you should know about the completion of Form 801: 1. In practice, the buyer’s representative can choose whether to provide the summary document and is not obligated to do so. The listing brokerage may have to complete Form 801 if that’s the document they intend to keep (instead of the offer). 2. The listing brokerage must present all offers, regardless of whether a cooperating brokerage has provided an offer summary document or not. Form 801 is not part of the offer, so it is not required before an offer can be presented. 3. An email or fax from the cooperating brokerage that there is an offer to present is sufficient for a listing broker to arrange for the offer presentation. You can find this, and much more, information on RECO’s Q&A at http://www.reco.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/Bill-55-Fact-Sheet.pdf Check it out!
RAHB member is new OREA Director Congratulations to Sean Morrison (Royal LePage State Realty) on being acclaimed as OREA provincial director! Sean will represent Southern Ontario on the OREA board of directors for a two-year term. Sean served on the RAHB Board of Directors from 2012-15, and as Vice-President for two years. He also served on numerous committees at RAHB. Sean currently sit as a member on OREA’s Government Relations committee. April
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CRTC enforcement: National Do Not Call List The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) continues to actively monitor and enforce the National Do Not Call List (DNCL). The DNCL is a list of consumer telephone numbers who have chosen to reduce the number of marketing calls they receive. Subject to limited exceptions, marketers are prohibited from contacting numbers on this National list. CREA has been informed by the CRTC it is increasing enforcement oversight of the National DNCL as it relates to the real estate sector. Members should be aware that non-compliance can result in significant financial penalties – so it is important to be sure you understand your responsibilities. As a reminder: • If your brokerage conducts telemarketing, the brokerage must register at https://www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/ind/insorg-regorg-eng. Telemarketing is making calls or sending faxes to consumers for the purpose of solicitation. • A brokerage that conducts telemarketing must (subject to limited exemptions) purchase a subscription for the area codes it intends to call (fees will be based on the subscription model you select). It is the responsibility of the brokerage to ensure its office has access to the most up-to-date version of the National DNCL and that those numbers are removed from their calling list. • The brokerage must also maintain an internal do-not-call list. If a consumer asks not to be contacted, the brokerage must add their name and number to its own internal do not call list. We urge brokerages to exercise caution when hiring a third party service provider to assist the brokerage in managing their telemarketing operations. The CRTC issued an administrative monetary penalty of $260,000 to one such provider, Telelisting, in January 2015. Telelisting obtained and disclosed contents of the National DNCL to their clients, a violation of CRTC’s Telecommunications Rules. An investigation by the CRTC could also result in monetary penalties to brokerages who were clients of Telelisting. It is important to remember that brokerages who conduct marketing and hire third party service providers still need to register with the DNCL Operator and subscribe to the National DNCL. For more information about the DNCL and members’ obligations, consult CREA’s FAQs.
REALTOR® conference in PEI The Atlantic Real Estate Association is hosting the Atlantic Connection conference in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from July 26 to 29, 2016. The conference will feature three learning tracks covering risk management, technology and health and wellness. Those attending can also expect networking events and can connect with industry service providers at the trade show. The slogan for the Atlantic Connection is “Come early, stay late” and the organizers are encouraging REALTORS® to stay Press Release after the conference and enjoy some fun in the sun.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information and to register, visit the Atlantic Connection website at www.atlanticconnection.ca.
Atlantic Connection - A R
Property rights special event
March 22, 2016 - Nova Scotia: REALT getting ready for a high-calibre, prof A special event has been scheduled to provide information about property rights, the Municipal Act, the Conservation Act, Bill 100 and Bill 118. Connection is coming to Charlotteto Saturday, April 23, 2016 inviting attendees to come for the to 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Kings Court Banquet Centre, 1159 King Rd, Burlington vacation and fun in the sun, thus the Are you interested in learning more about property rights, especially as they relate to two upcoming provincial Bills?
25.00
$
(roast beef buffet) Cash Bar Speakers will include Elizabeth Marshall, Tom Black and Jeff Bogaerts For more information, contact Don Johnson (Right at Home Realty Inc.), 905.637.1700.
April
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News and Resource for Members
Mark YOUR Calendar Computer
Member
Held at RAHB – 505 York Blvd. – Lower Level C – Chambers Room M – McCullough Room
Governance
Member Computer Training Level 1
New
Thursday, Thursday, Thursday, Thursday,
April April April April
7 – C, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 14 – C, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.. 21 – C, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 28 – C, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Professional Development Problems
with Older Homes Friday, April 8, 2016 – M, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. iPad
Agent
Monday, April 18, 2016 – M, 9 a.m. - Noon Social
Engagement Wednesday, April 20, 2016 – T, 10 a.m. Thursday, April 28, 2016 – T, 9 a.m.
Upcoming Events Annual
Charity Golf Tournament
Thursday, June 23, 2016 Copetown Woods Golf Club 1430 Concession 2 West., Copetown Registration: 11 a.m.
Office Closure The RAHB office will be closed Monday, May 23 – Victoria Day
Media for Agents *New
Monday, April 18, 2016 – M, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. e-PRO®
Day 1 – Certification Course Wednesday, May 11, 2016 – M, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Note: Day 2 is completed online) HST
for the Real Estate Professional
Thursday, May 12, 2016 – M, 10 a.m. – Noon Increasing
Your Competitive Edge and Demystifying the Mortgage Process Wednesday, May 18, 2016 – M, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Designation Course SRES® - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
Wednesday and Thursday, May 25 and 26, 2016 – M, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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April
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2016
3675-001
Board of Directors, Committee and Task Force Meetings
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Rosemarie Carr 905.526.4619 rcarr@thespec.com
Lynn Donohue 905.526.4693 ldonohue@thespec.com
www.thespec.com
Brad Miller 905.526.4610 bmiller@thespec.com