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New Enhanced Resolution for TREB Listing Images – June 18

On Thursday, June 18, TREB will increase the default resolution for Listing images when they are loaded into the Stratus system. This enhancement will increase the default image size to a new larger format of 640 x 480 pixels.

This image upgrade will be effective for all new Listings being loaded into the system. For Listings already existing in the system, the images will have to be reloaded in order to take advantage of the enhanced resolution default.

This improvement in image quality will also be evident on REALTOR.ca when the photos are subsequently uploaded and viewed there.

Upload Your TREB eCard Photo Through Manage My Profile

The convenience of being able to upload your TREB eCard photo is now offered through the Manage My Profile interface. Simply log in and click the new Upload eCard Photo link under the Profile tab.

New Dashboards Added to TREB Market Stats

Two new dashboards have been added to the TREB Market Stats tool.

New Home Page Video Centre Launched

TREB has launched a convenient new way for Members to access training videos and education information, free of charge, from anywhere, at any time.

Home in Peel Affordable Ownership Program

The Home in Peel Affordable Ownership Program provides low-to-moderate income residents who are currently renting a unit in the Region of Peel (Brampton, Caledon or Mississauga), the opportunity to qualify for down payment loan assistance to buy a home in Peel Region.

This program will assist eligible applicants who have a total gross (pre-tax) household income of $80,000 or less to purchase a resale home in the Region of Peel that does not exceed a purchase price of $295,000. 

Please note that the program is limited. 

For more information on the program, please call 905-791-7800 ext. 3589 or visithttps://www.peelregion.ca/housing/home-in-peel/


Electronic Signatures, Personal Corporations and More

TREB has been working with the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) on multiple provincial government issues which impact Member business.

The issues are:

  • Employment Standards Act Review
  • Municipal Land Transfer Tax
  • Mandatory Home Energy Audits
  • Personal Real Estate Corporations
  • Condominium Act Review
  • Land Use Planning Review
  • Electronic Signatures

To learn more about TREB and OREA’s work on these issues, please read below.

Employment Standards Act Review

The government has initiated a full review of the Employment Standards Act (“ESA”), which is intended to update the Act and tackle the issue of precarious contract work.

One of the areas of focus for the review will be the exemptions that exist under the ESA. The ESA exempts real estate salespeople and brokers from having to comply with certain provisions under the Act. As a result, real estate brokerages do not have to pay salespeople or brokers overtime, vacation pay, and for statutory holidays, among others.

If the exemption were removed, brokerages could be faced with having to pay thousands of dollars per salesperson they employ –   much in the same way that other employers do under the Act.

If the exemption is removed, it could be disastrous for real estate brokerages who would face a significant increase in employment costs.

Moving forward, TREB and OREA will fight hard for the maintenance of the exemption.

Municipal Land Transfer Tax

The province has announced a formal review of the Municipal Act, City of Toronto Act, and Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

The review of these Acts will focus on three broad themes:

  • Accountability and Transparency 
  • Financial Sustainability
  • Responsive and Flexible Service Delivery

The review of these Acts will consider the issue of giving new “revenue tools” or taxes to municipalities. The province could create opportunities for new taxes.

If new revenue tools move forward, it is very unlikely that the province will exclude the Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT). The provincial government could also leave the decision to implement those taxes with local municipal councils.

TREB does not support MLTT as a revenue tool. TREB will work with OREA to ensure the MLTT does not spread to other municipalities in Ontario.

Mandatory Home Energy Audits

Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli informed OREA that the province is moving forward on the issue of mandatory home energy audits.

Back in 2009, the government introduced the Green Energy Act, 2009,which included a provision which stated that the person making an offer to purchase a home had the ‘right’ to receive the results of an energy audit, unless they waive that right.

Although the Act passed, OREA and TREB’s advocacy efforts were successful in stopping the government’s implementation of this section. The provision currently sits as an unproclaimed piece of the legislation.

Instead of requiring mandatory home energy audits at the time of offer, the province is now suggesting the audits must be completed by the time of listing.

More specifically, Ministry of Energy officials expressed interest in requiring an energy audit rating to be included on an MLS® Listing. In essence, the province is actively considering mandating requirements on MLS®.

TREB and OREA do not support mandatory home energy audits and will work together to dispute mandating energy audits on MLS®.

Personal Real Estate Corporations

TREB and OREA continue to lobby for the fair tax treatment of REALTORS® when it comes to forming personal corporations.

Thanks to these efforts, earlier this year, Bill 69, the Tax Fairness for REALTORS® Act, 2015, was reintroduced by Prince Edward-Hastings PC MPP Todd Smith. The bill was co-sponsored by Eglinton-Lawrence Liberal MPP Mike Colle. If passed, the bill would make the necessary amendments to the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA), to give REALTORS® the ability to operate their business through a personal real estate corporation (PREC). 

In the spring, TREB supported OREA’s Call-for-Action on Bill 69 which saw over 7,000 emails go from REALTORS® to the Minister of Finance.

Recently, the NDP announced its support of PRECs. PRECs now have the support of allpolitical parties. All party support of PRECs is a testament to the strength of the REALTOR® voice at Queen’s Park and of our ongoing advocacy on this issue.

OREA and TREB will continue to work with the government to find ways to move the bill forward.

Condominium Act Review

TREB and OREA had the opportunity to participate in the province-wide Condominium Act Review consultations. Recently, the government introduced amendments to the Condominium Act, 1998. There are five key areas of reform being proposed by the government:

  • Enable the establishment of a Condominium Authority, a delegated administrative authority similar to RECO and Tarion, which would provide dispute resolution assistance.
  • The Condominium Authority would be subject to oversight by the Auditor General.
  • Provide better rules to protect consumers from unexpected costs after purchasing a condominium.
  • Introduce new rules for condo corporations to prevent fraud and mismanagement, including giving condo owners information about their condo corporations’ financial matters.
  • Requires the licensing and regulation of condo managers and management firms. Regulations under the Act would set training and education requirements for condo managers and a code of ethics.

Further updates will be provided as the bill moves through the legislative process.

Land Use Planning Reviews

The industry has had the opportunity to participate in a number of reviews undertaken by the government pertaining to land use planning. OREA and TREB will also be participating in a review being conducted on the issue of affordable.

We continue to stress the importance of affordable home ownership and having the government look at initiatives to address brownfield redevelopment and implementing province-wide standards for second suites.

Electronic Signatures

TREB and OREA continue to make progress on proclamation of the amendment to the Electronic Commerce Act, 2000 which will allow the use electronic signatures on agreements of purchase and sale. OREA successfully lobbied for the inclusion of the amendment in Ontario Budget 2013.

Once proclaimed, REALTORS® and consumers will be able to utilize technology to help make transactions more efficient and accessible.

TREB will keep Members updated on this issue.

TREB Donates $10,000 to Camp Winston

TREB FEST, a networking and fundraising event held on April 29, raised $8,000 from ticket sales in support of Camp Winston. REALTORS® reached deep into their pockets again at the REALTOR® QUEST Silent Auction, resulting in another $2,000, bringing the total donation up to $10,000.

TREB President Paul Etherington was on hand Thursday, June 11 to present a cheque to Michele Papadamou, Director of Philanthropy for Camp Winston.  Camp Winston is an organization dedicated to providing specialized support to children with complex neurological disorders.  For more information, please visit www.campwinston.com.

GTA REALTORS® Release Mid-Month Resale Housing Figures

Toronto Real Estate Board President Paul Etherington announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 5,661 home sales through TREB’s MLS® System during the first two weeks of June 2015. This result represented a 15.7 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2014.

Off-Reserve Aboriginal Home Ownership Programs

The Province of Ontario supports off-reserve affordable home ownership through various programs. The programs offer Aboriginal Canadians down-payment assistance to purchase a home. The programs are run by the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, which delivers the program outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and theMiziwe Biik Development Corporation in the GTA.

Please note, these programs are meant for Aboriginal Canadians including status and non-status First Nations, Métis or Inuit.

For more details about the off-reserve affordable home ownership programs, please visithttp://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page6984.aspx

MEMBER ALERT: Suspicious FSBO Ad

A Member has reported a suspicious occurrence regarding a For Sale By Owner posting on a classified advertising website.

Upon noticing the posting, the Member contacted the individual who posted the ad with a request to discuss his real estate needs.

The individual insisted on meeting at the advertised property for a discussion; however, when the Member attempted to research the property, he discovered that an online map search did not display a home at the address provided. Additionally, a search of public records yielded no information.

A commercial directory search also offered no results, and the telephone number provided is associated with a different name and address.

Members are encouraged to take appropriate safety precautions when meeting a client for the first time, including meeting at the office; being accompanied by a colleague for showings, where possible; keeping a mobile phone on hand at all times; and updating the office on your itinerary.

 

Did you know? The following are all accessible from the Stratus home page via the Your Information Centre button.

 

 

The Property Brothers Are Looking For Fixer-Uppers!

Drew and Jonathan Scott, the stars of W Network’s Property Brothers, are looking for fun and interesting people who are buying a fixer-upper! 

Do you have any clients, friends or family who would be interested? 

Have them apply at https://propertybrothers.castingcrane.com

They receive $20,000+ value towards their reno that is completed in 6 weeks!

Criteria: Minimum $75,000 budget for renovation, have financing in place, and be available for 8 days of filming over 6–7 weeks.

Electronic Signatures Coming to Ontario for P&S Agreements

The use of electronic signatures on agreements of purchase and sale is around the corner. The amendment to the Electronic Commerce Act, 2000 allowing the use of electronic signatures is awaiting proclamation.

We expect electronic signatures to be permissible as of July 1, 2015; however, TREB will keep Members up to date on the progress of this proclamation.

Electronic signatures on agreements of purchase and sale will help improve transaction efficiency by reducing the time required to complete a deal. In doing so, electronic signatures will help improve the consumer experience while saving REALTORS® time and money.

Changes to Handling of Personal Information

On June 18, 2015, Bill S-4, the Digital Privacy Act, received Royal Assent in Parliament. The Bill makes a number of changes to Canada’s private sector privacy law, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). While the changes do not specifically target the real estate sector, Boards and Associations operating in provinces and territories where PIPEDA applies (all provinces and territories other than British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec) should be aware that Bill S-4 may impact how they handle personal information.

Of particular note are changes in the Bill that:

  • Exclude business contact information from the definition of “personal information” provided the business contact information is used to for purpose of communicating or facilitating communication with the individual in relation to their employment, business or profession.
  • Require organizations to maintain a record of all privacy breaches involving personal information under their control. The Federal Privacy Commissioner may request this record upon request.
  • Require privacy breach notifications where a breach creates a real risk of significant harm to an individual. In such cases organizations must report the breach to the affected individual, the Federal Privacy Commissioner and other government institutions where the government institution could mitigate the harm.
  • Provide the Federal Privacy Commissioner with a new power to enter into compliance agreements with an organization to ensure compliance with PIPEDA where the Commissioner believes, on reasonable grounds, that the organization has committed, is about to commit or is likely to commit a breach of PIPEDA; and
  • Create new offences for failing to report or keep a record of a privacy breach. Such offences are punishable by fines of up to $100,000.

The full text of the Bill is available online.

The changes in Bill S-4 related to breach notification and record keeping, and the related offences for failing to comply, are not yet in force. CREA will communicate this information once it becomes available.

If Boards and Associations have any further questions regarding the decision they may contact Simon Parham, at sparham@crea.ca.

MEMBER ALERT: Entertainment Industry Buyer

A Member has reported an unusual occurrence involving an individual who claimed to be an out-of-town Buyer interested in purchasing a home in Toronto.

The individual indicated that he was a performer in the adult entertainment industry and inquired as to whether his occupation was of any concern to her.

When the individual initially contacted the Member in November 2014, he indicated that he was interested in purchasing a home in the area of Bayview Avenue/Yonge Street/Avenue Road and Highway 401.

He indicated that he would contact the Member again in future, and when he did so in January, her attempts to arrange a meeting were unsuccessful.

In March, after the individual left a telephone message, the Member attempted to reach him; however, the number was not in service.  When he called again shortly thereafter and indicated that he was filming in Durham region, the Member made arrangements to meet him at a real estate office in that area.  The individual did not show up for the appointment.

This week, a caller from the 905 area code contacted the Member, claiming the individual who originally contacted her referred him. The Member noted that their voices sounded identical. The caller indicated that he was renting a place in Whitby and wanted to buy a home in Durham region.  When he indicated that he was in the process of a divorce and inquired as to whether his spouse would have any claim on his purchase, the Member suggested that he obtain legal advice and a mortgage pre-approval prior to meeting with her.

He then suggested that the Member should meet with him and the individual who originally contacted her, and inquired if the meeting could be at a place of his choosing. When the Member indicated that a meeting would have to take place in an office environment, he began to talk at length about the dangers of being a female REALTOR®, indicating in detail how she could be assaulted.

The Member then terminated the discussion.

Members are encouraged to take appropriate safety precautions when meeting a client for the first time, including meeting at the office, being accompanied by a colleague for showings where possible, keeping a mobile phone on hand at all times, and updating the office on your itinerary.

Did you know? The following are all accessible from the Stratus home page via the Your Information Centre button.

Electronic Signatures Permitted as of July 1, 2015

The use of electronic signatures on real estate agreements of purchase and sale will be permitted in Ontario as of July 1, 2015.

The Government of Ontario’s decision stems from the proclamation of the 2013 amendment to the Electronic Commerce Act, 2000 (ECA), which extended the legal protections of the Act to include electronic real estate agreements of purchase and sale.

The amendment to the Electronic Commerce Act will make electronic signatures legally equivalent to signatures on paper documents for real estate transactions.

For more information on the Government’s announcement, click here.>>

New Requirements for Handling of Offers - Best Practices & Info Sessions

The Government of Ontario’s Bill 55 made changes to REBBA 2002 regarding how an Agreement of Purchase and Sale must be handled as of July 1, 2015

To help Members comply with these new requirements, TREB has developed a “Best Practices for Handling of Offers.

In addition, to assist Members with these important changes to REBBA 2002, TREB is offering 1.5-hour Handling of Offers–Bill 55 complimentary information sessions in TREB’s Auditorium:

Tuesday, July 7, 2015
10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. and
1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Thursday, July 9, 2015
1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015
10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. and
1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Advance registration is required. To register, click e-Commerce or call the Education Department at 416-443-8108/8128/8149/8153.

For more information on the new requirements for handling offers, please visit,http://www.reco.on.ca/professionals-news/understand-new-rules-for-handling-offers/

TREB’s Civic Gathering for Giving & Appreciation Luncheon Series

TREB Committee and Task Force Members, political leaders, senior public officials and charitable organization representatives gathered at TREB’s annual civic luncheons held recently in Toronto, York Region and Durham Region to celebrate their achievements in fostering quality of life throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

The Toronto luncheon featured speakers Mark Saunders, Chief of the Toronto Police Service and Ene Underwood, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity GTA while York Region attendees heard from Steve Pellegrini, Mayor of the Township of King and Richard Solomon, Regional Vice President of Habitat for Humanity GTA York Region.  Roger Anderson, Regional Chair and CEO for the Region of Durham and Mary Bone, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Durham Region addressed guests at the east event.

Additionally, John Wright, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Ipsos Public Affairs gave a presentation at each event on the pulse of the public on a range of local issues. 

Charitable organizations were individually recognized at the events, and it was announced that TREB will continue its participation in the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation’s Every REALTOR® Campaign. In May, TREB Members voted for the eighth consecutive year to contribute $1 per Member, per month for a year to the Foundation. Last year, participation in the campaign allowed TREB to offer grants to 60 different shelter-related charities throughout the GTA, totalling $485,410.

Winners of TREB’s five annual scholarship awards were also recognized at the events.

TREB’s ninth annual Past President’s Scholarship Awards provide two $5,000 scholarships and two $2,500 scholarships to graduating high school students in the Greater Toronto Area who are planning to continue their education. The judging decision for the scholarships is based on community involvement and a 1,000-word essay.

For this year’s first essay topic, students were asked, “How may the Pan Am Games impact the surrounding communities prior to, during, and once the games have concluded?”

Andrew Kwong, who graduated this year from University of Toronto Schools, was chosen as this topic’s first award recipient. He plans to attend the University of Toronto this fall, where he will pursue Life Sciences.

Fairoza Manjra, a graduating student from David and Mary Thompson Collegiate Institute in Scarborough, was selected as the topic’s second recipient. She will be attending the University of Toronto, Scarborough, this fall for a Co-op Management program with an Economics specialization.

For the second essay topic, TREB posed the following question: “As our changing population produces new communities, there are many considerations to be addressed in making these communities successful. Identify a key consideration that you feel needs to be addressed to ensure success.”

Jacob Broz, who graduated this year from Port Credit Secondary School, was selected to receive the first award on this topic. He plans to attend Wilfred Laurier University this fall, to earn a BBA and a BA in Financial Math, as his goal is to forge a career in the financial sector. 

Amy Qiu, a graduating student from Glenforest Secondary School in Mississauga, was selected as the topic’s second recipient. She will be attending the University of Waterloo in the fall for a Co-op honours program in Biomedical Engineering. 

TREB’s sixth annual Commercial Committee Scholarship Award, granted to a university student enrolled in the MBA Program at Ryerson University, was presented to Lucine Edwards, who outlined her interest in researching the impact of LEED development charges and infrastructure. She began her four-month work term at TREB in May, during which time she will work on developing new financial models for Commercial Condominium and Apartments in the GTA; conducting research on Commercial Density nodes within the GTA; and undertaking work on her own Major Research Project for her MBA.

TREB’s Committee and Task Force volunteers were also recognized at the events for their important contributions to the Association’s initiatives throughout the 2014/2015 term.
Click here for photos of the events.

Join TREB at Salsa on St. Clair – July 4-5

TREB invites you to join the fun on July 4 and 5 at the 11th Annual Salsa on St. Clair! 

Don’t miss this FREE celebration of Latin culture that sizzles all along St. Clair Avenue West (from Winona Drive to Christie St.), includes live musical performances and Latin food, and is dubbed Canada’s hottest salsa party. You’ll be glad you added this street festival to your weekend agenda! 

Visit the TREB Booth on Saturday, July 4 from noon-10:00 P.M., and on Sunday, July 5 from noon-9:00 P.M. located on the south side of St. Clair in Area A, Booth #16 (near Winona Drive and opposite the 2015 Pan Am Games Booth). Bring a business card, identify yourself as a REALTOR®, and enjoy free giveaways all weekend long!

For more information about Salsa on St. Clair, please visit http://salsaintoronto.com/salsa-on-st-clair
 
The August calendar brings two more events for REALTORS® to enjoy in the GTA. Watch for more info on TREB’s participation in the Scotiabank Caribbean Grand Parade on August 1 and the TREB Booth at the TD Taste of South Asia Festival on August 15 and 16. Details to follow!

Home Ownership is a Great Investment Campaign Update

President Mark McLean will continue to communicate TREB’s Member message to consumers that "Home Ownership is a Great Investment, Consult with a Toronto Real Estate Board Member Professional." This message will be featured throughout the GTA on radio (CFRB NEWSTALK 1010), on television (Breakfast Television and CP24), as well as the stations’ respective digital channels. 

You can access the promotional spots and interviews as they become available on the campaign’s landing page.

TorontoMLS Unplugged to Retire on July 7

On Tuesday, July 7, TREB will retire the TorontoMLS Unplugged website.

On iOS devices, TREB Members can use the Stratus App available for free at the Apple App Store. Members using other mobile devices can use the Stratus MLS Mobile site at http://mobile.torontomls.net/.
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