Take advantage of an excellent opportunity to serve your Board in a significant way!
TREB is looking for candidates who are motivated, enthusiastic and qualified to take a leadership position on the Toronto Real Estate Board.
The Election of the 2017/2018 Board of Directors shall be held at the Spring Annual Meeting of the Toronto Real Estate Board on May 10, 2017.
On March 16, we email broadcast March's edition of the monthly, electronic Across The Board Member newsletter to all TREB Members. This issue features:
If you can’t find the email link to Across The Board in your Inbox, or you’ve accidentally deleted it, you may click here to open the newsletter.
If the link to open Across The Board doesn’t work on your computer, there is an alternate method to read the newsletter. To access Across The Board from within TorontoMLS/New Stratus:
To print Across The Board:
In case you missed TREB President Larry Cerqua discussing the benefits of home ownership and the value of a REALTOR on Newstalk 1010's "Ask the Experts" with Iain Grant!
REALTOR® QUEST, Canada's largest real estate trade show and conference, will take place on Wednesday, May 10 and Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Road, map). We're excited to unveil some of the big features in this year's lineup. Read on for some of the highlights and stay tuned for more BIG announcements in the weeks to come.
SPRING ANNUAL MEETING & KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY MARGARET TRUDEAU
Come check out our Spring Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m. in Hall B. The meeting will feature a keynote address from Margaret Trudeau. In her talk, entitled Changing My Mind, Trudeau will share her formidable life story and message of resilience with the goal of helping to inspire others and to erase the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
WORLD CLASS SPEAKERS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to Margaret Trudeau's keynote address, there will be over 35 Learning Quest sessions devoted to helping you achieve professional excellence in real estate.
Some of the highlights announced so far include Arlene Dickinson, who will share her Lessons from the Den, including how to succeed at business and being an entrepreneur. Arlene will address the REALTOR® QUEST audience on Thursday, May 11 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Hall B.
Based on the popularity of last year's session, Dan Riskin, host of Discovery Canada's Daily Planet, will be back to host two Emerging Technologies for Real Estate and the Real World sessions on Wednesday, May 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Thursday, May 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Hall B. This year's lineup will feature advances in 3D Printing, the Internet of Things Connected Home Technology, and 4D Virtual Experiences. Click here to watch the video.
This year's Learning Quest begins with a two-day Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®) Designation Course which will take place on Tuesday, May 9 and Wednesday, May 10. The REALTOR® QUEST Special Price for the 2-day designation course is $169.50 (HST included). Last year's designation course sold out, so be sure to sign up early and reserve your spot!
Are you a Commercial REALTOR®? Day 2 is chock-full of content targeted to the commercial professional. On tap will be the GTA Regional Economic Development Forum, which will feature representatives from all five regions serviced by TREB Members onstage together for the first time ever. There will also be presentations from industry stakeholders, including Metrolinx who will discuss Connecting People to Places and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) who will discuss getting a deal done with a Commercial Bank.
TRADE SHOW, ATTRACTIONS & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Other attractions to check out include the Trade Show, which features over 240 industry exhibitors; the Innovation Centre, showcasing the latest technologies that will impact the real estate industry; Health Quest, which will offer a variety of complimentary wellness services including massage and an oxygen bar; and the TREB Pavilion, where you'll find the answers to your questions about TREB tools and services.
This year, you won't want to miss checking out Centre Stage, where radio and TV personality Marc Saltzmanhost a My Favourite App session from 1:00 pm. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, helping REALTORS® understand some of the best apps for the industry. Click here to watch the video.
One of the best things about REALTOR® QUEST is the networking opportunities it presents, and nowhere is the networking opportunity so great as at our Networking Reception. Join us on Wednesday, May 10 at 4:00 p.m. at Centre Stage to connect with your colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere while listening to the sounds of The Kevan McKenzie Band featuring Michael Dunston.
ADMISSION & MORE INFORMATION
Admission to REALTOR® QUEST 2017 is free for all TREB, BREB, DRAR, and BDAR Members who show proof of membership at the door. No pre-registration is required. All other licensed real estate professionals can register here.
For more information on REALTOR® QUEST 2017, visit realtorquest.ca
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @TREBhome and on Facebook for even more updates on REALTOR® QUEST. We also invite you to join the conversation by using #RealtorQuest.
On Wednesday, May 10 at 11:00 a.m., Margaret Trudeau will kick off two days of incredible presentations with her keynote address at TREB's Spring Annual Meeting.
In her talk, entitled Changing My Mind, Trudeau, the former wife of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and mother to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, will share her formidable life story and message of resilience with the goal of helping to inspire others and to erase the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Spring Annual Meeting Details
When: Wednesday, May 10, 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: REALTOR® QUEST, Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road,
South Building, Hall B
Click here for more details on TREB's Spring Annual Meeting.
About REALTOR® QUEST
REALTOR® QUEST is Canada's largest real estate trade show and conference. This year, it will take place on Wednesday, May 10 and Thursday, May 11 at the Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Road, map). For more information about REALTOR® QUEST, visit realtorquest.ca
Don't forget to join the conversation on social media. Find us @TREBhome and join in by using #RealtorQuest. Talk soon!
On March 22, the Government of Canada released their 2017 budget, which included several provisions related to housing and the real estate industry.
Pulling from summaries provided by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), below is a summary of the provisions included (and excluded) in budget 2017 and how these could affect the interests of TREB Members.
What Was Included
$11.2 billion over 11 years to National Housing Strategy
$11.2 billion will be invested over 11 years to build, renew and repair Canada's affordable housing stock. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will be responsible for implementing a series of initiatives identified by various stakeholders as part of the National Housing Strategy consultation process, in which TREB took part in the fall of 2016.
$39.9 million over 5 years for a Housing Statistics Framework
The creation of a Housing Statistics Framework was promised in the budget. The proposed framework will include a nationwide database of all properties in Canada and data from the framework will be published by Statistics Canada starting in the fall of 2017. The Framework will also provide up-to-date information on purchases and sales, including the degree of foreign ownership, as well as information on homeowner demographics and financing. This data will allow policymakers to accurately analyze the housing market.
$5 billion over 11 years for a National Housing Fund
CMHC will receive funding to address housing issues by prioritizing support for vulnerable citizens.
$67.5 million over 4 years for Energy Efficiency Programs
In addition to the creation of a national program to review existing building codes, retrofit existing buildings and build new net-zero buildings, the $67.5 million will also be used to renew and continue existing energy efficiency programs.
Commitment to Study the Utility of Personal Real Estate Corporations (PRECs)
OREA noted that the federal government's decision to study the utility/use of private corporations doesn't preclude Ontario from acting to permit PRECs but the decision could make it more difficult for OREA to effectively lobby for this at the provincial level.
Changes to Legislation on Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime
The government reinstated their commitment to strengthening the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTF) by making changes to the legislation. These changes would focus on compliance and the functionality of the legislation.
What Wasn't Included
Changes to Capital Gains Tax
Despite much speculation that the budget would see an increase in the capital gains tax inclusion rate, the federal government opted to keep the rate at 50%. Instead of raising the inclusion rate, the government has stated that it will issue a consultation paper on the use of tax planning strategies involving private corporations that allow high-income earners to reduce personal taxes.
In light of this, OREA has noted that the chances of Ontario introducing its own demand-side tax measure to try and cool the housing market have increased. OREA further suggests that when Ontario releases its budget in April, it is expected that the province will introduce a number of measures to address affordable housing, including a possible measure to curb speculation and/or foreign buying activity in the housing market.
CREA has noted that they will monitor this issue closely and participate as necessary.
Changes to Home Buyers Plan
The budget did not include a provision for the extension and indexation of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP), an issue TREB and CREA have long lobbied for. Given the recent changes to mortgage rules amid federal government concerns about home prices, CREA notes that they did not expect this provision to be included. CREA will continue to press for improvements to the HBP in meetings between PAC representatives and MPs at CREA PAC Days this fall and TREB will join them in this endeavour.
What's Next
As CREA notes, the 2017 federal budget did not further tighten housing market regulations. The government has mentioned that changes announced in October 2016 are expected to have a modest, temporary impact on housing in the short term and that the government is ready to further adjust the housing finance framework, if and as required.
TREB will monitor and report on any developments related to federal housing policy between now and the release of the federal Fall Economic Statement in October 2017.
A Broker of Record has come forward to report that a Salesperson in their office has been the victim of harassment, experiencing threatening comments and lewd behaviour.
The Member has never to their knowledge met the individual, with the name K. Hoang, but has repeatedly been contacted by him via phone, email and text message. Mr. Hoang has also sent her disturbing pictures and suggested that he would visit the office to meet her in person this week.
The Brokerage has reported this individual to the police, but wanted TREB Members to be on alert for this individual.
Did you know? The following are all accessible from the Stratus home page via the Your Resource Centre button.
Tomorrow is the last day to submit your name for your 2017-2018 Board of Directors and you'll have until 12:00 p.m.
TREB invites you to take advantage of this opportunity to serve your fellow REALTORS® in an impactful way, while shaping the future direction of TREB and making a difference in the industry.
Did you know that any TREB Member is eligible to run for Director, with a few qualifying restrictions? Click here to read about eligibility for nomination.
Original nominations are to be delivered to the TREB Executive Offices at 1400 Don Mills Road, Toronto (map) no earlier than 12:00 noon Thursday, March 16, 2017 and will be accepted until 12:00 noon Friday, March 24, 2017.
Interested in applying?
Click here to download your copy of the nomination form.
Even if you don't apply, you're still eligible to vote for your 2017-2018 Board of Directors online May 2-8 via Stratus. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more information about this year's candidates.
Do you want to learn the key to succeeding at business and being an entrepreneur? On Thursday, May 11, join one of Canada's most high profile businesswomen, Arlene Dickinson, as she shares her "Lessons from the Den."
In this talk, Dickinson will distill a lifetime of experience to reveal everything you need to know – and do – to start, to run, and to grow a great business. On stage, as on the small screen, Arlene Dickinson displays a palpable and infectious belief in the entrepreneurial spirit; she reminds us of the major contributions Canadians have made to international business and the entrepreneurial tradition.
About REALTOR® QUEST
REALTOR® QUEST is Canada's largest real estate trade show and conference. This year, it will take place on Wednesday, May 10 and Thursday, May 11 at the Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Road, map). For more information about REALTOR® QUEST, visit realtorquest.ca
Don't forget to join the conversation on social media. Find us @TREBhome and join in by using #RealtorQuest. Talk soon!
On the evening of Tuesday, April 4, TREB will introduce Form 295 - Cottage/Rural/Waterfront MLS® Data Information Form. To be used in conjunction with the existing Freehold and Condo data information forms, this form has been designed to more effectively describe the details pertaining to residential cottage, rural, and waterfront properties.
The form will introduce the following fourteen new fields:
Within the Add/Edit module of Stratus, a new Waterfront section has been added for entering Form 295 information.
Subsequently, when the detail listing with Form 295 data included is printed, a new section will be automatically inserted above the Room Description section of the report for this information to be displayed. If no Waterfront data has been entered for the property, then this section will not be shown.
Along with the introduction of Form 295, TREB will be implementing a number of changes to the system that will enhance its effectiveness.
Five new fields have been added to Stratus, and modifications were made to a few existing fields. Also, several new options extend the choice sets of certain existing fields. Here is a list of the changes:
Form 295 is available for download by selecting the MLS Information tab on the Stratus home page, and then Forms and Clauses in the left side menu.
Also available at the same resource page are newly revised versions of the following data information forms which reflect the changes to fields and related options noted above:
Form 290 Freehold - Sale Rev.04/2017
Form 296 Freehold - Lease Rev.04/2017
Form 291 Condominium - Sale Rev.04/2017
Form 292 Condominium - Lease Rev.04/2017
Form 590 Commercial - Sale Rev.04/2017
Form 592 Commercial - Lease/Sub-Lease Rev.04/2017
The specific changes to these six data forms have been detailed here.
This week, REALTOR.ca launched one of its most requested consumer features: Notifications. This service makes it easier for consumers with REALTOR®.ca accounts to stay on top of listing changes by receiving notifications sent directly to them. By keeping REALTOR.ca relevant and easy to use, this will ensure that the value of REALTORS® remains front and centre throughout the consumer home buying and selling journey.
The service emails notifications only when changes are made to listings saved to "My Favourites" (e.g., new images, addition of an open house, etc.).
This service does not currently include an email notification when a new listing hits the market that matches a "Saved Search" criteria. New listing notifications will only appear in REALTOR.ca when a user is logged into their account.
How REALTOR.ca Notifications will Benefit REALTORS®
How does it work?
Notifications allow users with REALTOR.ca accounts to receive email alerts for changes to listings they have added to "My Favourites" (e.g., new images, addition of an open house, etc.).
In addition, upon log in, REALTOR.ca account users can also view new listing notifications based on their Saved Search parameters.
On Thursday May, 11 at 1:00 p.m., radio and TV personality Marc Saltzmanwill lend his expertise as host of RQ's newest hit feature My Favourite App at Centre Stage.
The session will feature an interactive exploration of the latest and greatest mobile apps and devices for REALTORS®, and you won't want to miss it.
About REALTOR® QUEST
REALTOR® QUEST is Canada's largest real estate trade show and conference. This year, it will take place on Wednesday, May 10 and Thursday, May 11 at the Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Road, map). For more information about REALTOR® QUEST, visit realtorquest.ca
Don't forget to join the conversation on social media. Find us @TREBhome and join in by using #RealtorQuest. Talk soon!
In case you missed TREB President Larry Cerqua on CP24 with Stephen LeDrew.
In case you missed TREB President Larry Cerqua on "Ask the Experts" with Newstalk 1010's Iain Grant. Together they discuss the GTA real estate market and how working with a TREB Member REALTOR® helps navigate buying and selling your home!
REALTOR® QUEST 2017, taking place Wednesday, May 10 and Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the Toronto Congress Centre (map) is just around the corner!
Watch below as TREB President Larry Cerqua shares some of the exciting features of this year's trade show and conference.
About REALTOR® QUEST
REALTOR® QUEST is Canada's largest real estate trade show and conference. This year, it will take place on Wednesday, May 10 and Thursday, May 11 at the Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Road, map). For more information about REALTOR® QUEST, visit realtorquest.ca
Don't forget to join the conversation on social media. Find us @TREBhome and join in by using #RealtorQuest. Talk soon!
As you may be aware there are several Boards/Associations that are in the process of selecting a new MLS® system provider as their current supplier will no longer be providing the service. Also it is TREB's understanding that there are some Associations who are considering establishing a New MLS® system in order to have a separate database.
Over the last few months TREB has been provided copies of communications distributed by certain Boards/Associations regarding their MLS® Provider search. TREB Members have expressed concern to TREB with some of the misleading and untrue allegations in those communications that refer to the Toronto Real Estate Board and the Stratus System. TREB understands and respects that the Boards/Associations are acting with due diligence to procure a system that best serves its membership however we would like correct the erroneous information.
TREB would like to communicate to its membership that it has acted in good faith in all dealings and discussions with all the Boards/Associations it has been engaged in discussions with regarding possible partnerships/service arrangements. TREB has gone above and beyond in accommodating requests and in providing information to the Boards/Associations and their consultants seeking to engage in discussions with TREB.
It is in this spirit that we recently sent a letter to one Board/Association expressing TREB's concerns about misleading statements we believe were made by that Board/Association in such a member communication. Below is a breakdown of TREB's position in response to some of their statements.
TREB Has Done Everything Possible to Accommodate all Boards & Associations Regarding TREB's Partnership Program
"We have been working hand in hand with the Toronto Real Estate Board and its staff for many years now. What impresses me the most is the ease of having our questions answered and the turnaround time for membership processing. Our members receive access to one of the largest MLS® databases in Canada and many additional tools and resources that are essential to their success. Our partnership is based on two way communication and the common goal of meeting our members' needs."
Gerry Verdone Executive Officer, Brampton Real Estate Board
TREB Focuses on Enhancing its Service Delivery to our Membership with our Partner Boards.
"Working with TREB and joining Stratus Ontario has been a full collaborative business relationship. The support and cooperation, including technological expertise, extended to BDAR by TREB and their team, has been exemplary. It is a true culture of support and innovation. Leveraging the strengths of all Stratus boards helps us develop the best database and associated benefits possible in an ever-evolving industry. From the outset, TREB has offered dedication, integrity and forward thinking solutions to create a partnership which benefits all partner associations in the Stratus Ontario group, as well as to the thousands of REALTORS® we represent."
Julia Price-Greig, Executive Officer, Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® Inc.
Stratus is a Superior and Highly Lauded MLS® System
"John Di Michele and the staff at the Toronto Real Estate Board have always been supportive of DRAR and our members. Our partnership with Toronto, Brampton and Barrie on the Stratus Ontario MLS® system ensure that our members have the opportunity to use a state of the art MLS® system which continues to evolve as technologies advance. TREB staff are always open to new ideas and suggestions that will help our partner boards and all our members succeed. For example DRAR discussed concepts for how statistics could be generated and distributed to our members faster and John & his team have gone above and beyond to ensure DRAR's concepts became reality. DRAR has been partnering with TREB for over 20 years and our Members benefit from sharing the Stratus ONTARIO system with their almost 52,000 fellow REALTORS®."
Wendy Giroux, Executive Officer Durham Region Association of REALTORS®