Apr 6, 2016 | CREA/OREA/RECO News |
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:
- 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 ®.
- 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:
- Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®. Only REALTORS® are members of CREA.
- I’m more than a real estate agent. I’m a REALTOR®.
- What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®?
Visit crea.ca/why to find out.
- REALTOR®. Member of The Canadian Real Estate Association and more.
- 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.
- CREA’s previous rules prohibited the use of modifiers with the REALTOR® The new policy allows it, provided that REALTOR® appears in all capital letters (e.g., Professional REALTOR®, Toronto REALTOR®).
- 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.
- The proposed name is approved by CREA;
- The member enters into a license agreement with CREA before using the name;
- REALTOR® must appear in all capital letters whenever it is used in the name.
- 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.
- 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.
- CREA’s previous rules prohibited use of our marks in metatags. The new policy permits such use for both REALTOR® and MLS®.
- 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.
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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.
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.
Apr 6, 2016 | RAHB News |
Apr 6, 2016 | REALTORS Care® |
Apr 6, 2016 | Member Services |
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.
Apr 6, 2016 | Member Services |
NEW! Limited quantities – shop early for best selection!
Journal – Executive w/Pen
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″l.
$11.10 ea
All-in-One Office Portfolio with 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
$19.85 ea
REALTOR® Tote – 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
$6.35 ea
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
Tote – Oversized Carry All 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
Business Card Holder – Expandable leather with debossed REALTOR® logo. Two card pockets and inside pocket. Holds 40 cards.
$12.90 ea
* All applicable taxes are extra. Prices subject to change.
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
T.: 905.529.5979 F.: 905.529.7109 E.: realtyshoppe@rahb.ca
Apr 6, 2016 | Member Services |
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 REALINFO … 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.
Respect for the Public
- Follow the “Golden Rule” – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
- Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information.
- Schedule appointments and showings as far in advance as possible.
- Call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment or showing.
- If a prospective buyer decides not to view an occupied home, promptly explain the situation to the listing broker or the occupant.
- Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion.
- When entering a property, ensure that unexpected situations, such as pets, are handled appropriately.
- Leave your business card if not prohibited by local rules.
- Never criticize property in the presence of the occupant.
- Inform occupants that you are leaving after showings.
- 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.
- Present a professional appearance at all times; dress appropriately and drive a clean car.
- If occupants are home during showings, ask their permission before using the telephone or bathroom.
- Encourage the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative.
- Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon or slang that may not be readily understood.
- Be aware of and respect cultural differences.
- Show courtesy and respect to everyone.
- Be aware of – and meet – all deadlines.
- Promise only what you can deliver – and keep your promises.
- Identify your REALTOR®and your professional status in contacts with the public.
- Do not tell people what you think – tell them what you know.
Respect for Property
- Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter a listed property.
- Never allow buyers to enter listed property unaccompanied.
- When showing property, keep all members of the group together.
- Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission.
- Enter property only with permission even if you have a lockbox key or combination.
- 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.
- 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.
- Use sidewalks; if weather is bad, take off shoes and boots inside property.
Respect for Peers
- Identify your REALTOR® and professional status in all contacts with other REALTORS®.
- Respond to other agents’ calls, faxes, and e-mails promptly and courteously.
- Be aware that large electronic files with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a burden on recipients.
- Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing.
- Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets; security systems; and whether sellers will be present during the showing.
- Show courtesy, trust and respect to other real estate professionals.
- Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language.
- Do not prospect at other REALTORS® open houses or similar events.
- Return keys promptly.
- Carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showings.
- To be successful in the business, mutual respect is essential.
- 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
Apr 6, 2016 | Member Services |
iPad Agent
Monday, April 18, 2016 – 9 a.m. – Noon
Cost: $79+HST Early Bird (before April 11, 2016);
$99+HST Regular Price
Register
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
Register
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
Register
HST for the Real Estate Professional
Thursday, May 12, 2016 – 10 a.m. – Noon
Cost: Free
Register
Increasing Your Competitive Edge and
Demystifying the Mortgage Process
Wednesday, May 18, 2016 – 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Register
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
Register
Master LinkedIn Bootcamp
Monday, June 6, 2016 – 9 a.m. – Noon
Register
Master Facebook Bootcamp
Monday, June 6, 2016
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Register
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!
Apr 6, 2016 | RAHB News |
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 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 Marco Realty )
- $50 Bon Appetit gift card, in the 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.)
REALTORS®4 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.)
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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 statement 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
- 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
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 that 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.
Apr 6, 2016 | RAHB News |
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.
Application deadline is Friday, August 12, 2016. The application can be found in REALTOR Link® under the Member Services tab or here.
Apr 6, 2016 | RAHB News |
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.
Apr 6, 2016 | RAHB News |
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”. **
Apr 6, 2016 | RAHB News |
(February 24-March 24)
Derek Keyes
Branden Pare
Andrew Bridgman
Ambitious Realty Advisors Inc.
Paul Mitrovich
Century 21 Aberwin Realty Inc.
Dalia Sabir
Century 21 Dreams Inc.
Randall Weese
COMFree Commonsense Network
Rebecca Holmes
Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd.
Jennifer Kreidl
Kathy Povrzenic
Shawn LaFrance
Keller Williams Complete Realty Inc.
Lori Mancini
Andrew De Leon
Keller Williams Edge Realty Inc.
Gina Gratta
Brad Blackborow
Mike Wallace
RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.
Alex Marogy
RE/MAX Realty Enterprises Inc.
Ravin Narayanan
Rick Arnold
Lesli Gaynor
Royal LePage Burloak Real Estate Services Inc.
Mohamad Hamouda
Bill Young
Royal LePage Macro Realty
Neil Angus
Carrie Van Dixhoorn
Royal LePage State Realty
Jonathan Dalglish
Patrick Mathew
Sutton Group Innovative Realty Inc.
