May 3, 2016 | RAHB News |
Competition Tribunal decision with respect to TREB’s VOW policies
You are most likely aware that on April 27, 2016, the Competition Tribunal released its anxiously awaited decision with respect to the Commissioner of Competition’s claim against TREB. The decision was that certain aspects associated with TREB’s Virtual Office Website (VOW) policy include restrictions that constitute an abuse of dominant position under section 79 of the Competition Act. The full decision remains confidential pending the outcome of further submissions requested by the Tribunal. Those further submissions will assist the Tribunal to determine the appropriate remedy, at which time their ruling is expected to be made public, and at RAHB we will be in a position to fully understand the decision and determine implications for our members. As soon as we have that information, we will share it with you.
With just about perfect timing, Paul Feuer, Senior Competition Council from CREA, will be in Hamilton on May 10, 2016 to meet with our members to discuss competition issues and what is known about the TREB ruling. You can sign up for this free, joint RAHB-OMDREB two-hour session by contacting Sheila at 905.529.8101 x234 or sheilas@rahb.ca.
Regional Matrix MLS® System update
After May 10, RAHB is expected to be the only association of the original eight founding regional boards/associations in the regional MLS® System not fully cut over to Matrix. As communicated previously, we would not risk MLS® service interruption to our members during the busy spring market; therefore, we are currently considering a suitable cut over date later this summer. This assumes the remaining business/governance issues discussed at the March RAHB AGM are either resolved or are well on their way to being resolved with ORTIS, the company established to manage the regional MLS® System.
Because the other STARRS boards (Brantford, Niagara and Simcoe) are scheduled to cut over to Matrix on May 10, listings their members take within RAHB’s trading area will no longer be displayed in Fusion after that date. Therefore, if you are not already doing so, use Matrix for all search activities, and Fusion just to load and edit listings. Note that Fusion listings are automatically uploaded to Matrix every fifteen minutes (but Matrix listings are not downloaded to Fusion), and this parallel period will continue until RAHB fully cuts over to Matrix.
To access Matrix, visit http://onregional.ca or click the link from your SSO 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.
For additional information about using Matrix, be sure to review past issues of The Shift, which are posted on REALTOR Link®, under the MLS® tab. You can also call RAHB’s MLS® department at 905.667.4650 with your questions.
Apr 15, 2016 | MLS®, Stats & Technology |
RAHB has been notified that the Brantford Regional Real Estate Association (BRREA), Simcoe District Real Estate Board (SDREB) and Niagara Association of REALTORS® (NAR) are planning to go fully-live on Matrix on May 10th, and will stop using Fusion at that time. Those organizations have decided to do this prior to RAHB fully cutting over. RAHB will support those organizations during the cutover process so any impact to our and their members is minimal.
Just a reminder, as communicated in the March 15 edition of The Shift, all RAHB members should use Matrix for all searches since Matrix contains all listings within the regional area, and after May 10th will also include BRREA, SDREB and NAR listings. To access Matrix visit http://onregional.ca or click the link from your SSO 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.
RAHB will not cut-over to Matrix until sometime after the spring market, as stated at last month’s AGM. Until this time, please continue using Fusion to input and edit listings. Please note that Fusion listings are automatically uploaded to Matrix every 15 minutes.
Apr 7, 2016 | MLS®, Stats & Technology |
(April 6, 2016 – Hamilton, Ontario) The REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported 1,482 sales were processed through the RAHB Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System in March, a new record for the month. Sales were 6.8 per cent higher than the same month last year and 15.2 per cent higher than the 10-year average.
There were 1,858 properties listed in March, a decrease of 14.8 per cent compared to March of last year, and 11.1 per cent lower than the 10-year average.
“March was the ninth month out of the last 12 to see some sort of sales record broken in our market area,” said RAHB CEO George O’Neill. “The seller’s market just keeps roaring along.”
Seasonally adjusted* sales of residential properties were 4.7 per cent higher than the same month last year, with the average sale price up 7.8 per cent for the month. Seasonally adjusted numbers of new listings were 15 per cent lower than March of 2015.
Seasonally adjusted data for residential properties for the month of March, 2016:
Actual overall residential sales of 1,422 units were 6.6 per cent higher than the same month last year. Residential freehold sales were 9.2 per cent higher than March of 2015 while sales in the condominium market decreased by 3.7 per cent.
The median price of freehold properties increased by 7.1 per cent over the same month last year while the median price for condominium properties increased by 6.6 per cent compared to the same period.
The average price of freehold properties showed an increase of 9.3 per cent compared to March of last year; the average sale price in the condominium market increased by 4.3 per cent when compared to the same period.
Average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold through the RAHB MLS® System. Average sale price can be useful in establishing long term trends, but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. Contact a REALTOR® for information about your area or property.
The average days on market decreased from 34 to 28 days in the freehold market and from 34 to 27 days in the condominium market, compared to March of last year.
“There are some interesting comparisons to be made between the Hamilton market and the Burlington market,” noted RAHB President Kim Alvarez, “Hamilton saw the greater increases in sales and sale price, while Burlington saw a greater decrease in how long, on average, it takes to sell a property. That’s why it’s so important to work with a REALTOR® – every part of the RAHB market area is unique and requires the expertise of a professional who knows the market.”
Every community in RAHB’s market area has its own localized residential market. Please refer to the accompanying chart.
*Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal variations, enabling analysis of monthly changes and fundamental trends in the data.
Established in 1921, the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) represents more than 2,900 real estate brokers and sales representatives from Hamilton, Burlington and outlying 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®) and provides ongoing professional education courses for its members. 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.
Apr 7, 2016 | MLS®, Stats & Technology |
RAHB Average Price by District – (#) Residential Unit Sales
Hamilton
Hamilton West, 10 – 12
Hamilton East, 23, 24, 27 – 29
Hamilton Centre, 13, 14, 20 – 22
Hamilton Mountain, 15 – 18, 25 & 26
Burlington, 30 – 36, 38
Outlying
Flamborough, 40, 43 – 45
Dundas, 41
Ancaster, 42
Waterdown, 46
Stoney Creek, 50 – 52
Glanbrook, 53
Grimsby, 54 -55
West Lincoln, 56
Smithville, 57
Dunnville, 61
Cayuga, 62
Calendonia/Hagersville, 63 & 70
Onieda/Seneca, 71 & 64
Rainham, 65
Canborough/Dunn, 60
Apr 7, 2016 | MLS®, Stats & Technology |
Apr 7, 2016 | Member Services |
Monthly Service Fee
The Association provides many resources and services. Here is a review of how your Monthly Services Fees are allocated:
Apr 7, 2016 | Member Services |
Computer
Held at RAHB – 505 York Blvd. – Lower Level
C – Chambers Room M – McCullough Room
- New Member Computer Training Level 1
Thursday, April 14 – C, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m..
Thursday, April 21 – C, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, April 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 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.** Note: Elective course could be used toward the ABR® or SRS® designations
Board of Directors, Committee and
Task Force Meetings
Held at RAHB – 505 York Blvd. – First Floor
T – Thompson Room P – Purnell Room
- Government Relations
Monday, April 11, 2016 – T, 10 a.m.
- Member Engagement
Wednesday, April 20, 2016 – T, 10 a.m.
- Governance
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
Apr 7, 2016 | CREA/OREA/RECO News |
Are you interested in learning more about property rights, especially as they relate to two upcoming provincial Bills?
A special event has been scheduled to provide information about property rights, the Municipal Act, the Conservation Act, Bill 100 and Bill 118.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Kings Court Banquet Centre
1159 King Rd, Burlington
$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.
Apr 6, 2016 | CREA/OREA/RECO News |
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 after the conference and enjoy some fun in the sun.
For more information and to register, visit the Atlantic Connection website at www.atlanticconnection.ca.
Apr 6, 2016 | CREA/OREA/RECO News |
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:
- 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.
Apr 6, 2016 | CREA/OREA/RECO News |
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.
Apr 6, 2016 | CREA/OREA/RECO News |
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:
- 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).
- 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.
- 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 Fact Sheet . Check it out!
Competition Tribunal decision with respect to TREB’s VOW policies