RAHB holiday closure

The RAHB office will be closed from 1 p.m. Thursday, December 24, 2015 until Monday, January 4, 2016.

Watch next month’s REALinfo for more details about MLS® listings and photos during the holiday closure.

RAHB Annual Election 2015

RAHBX2015The RAHB Nominating Committee has received 17 nominations for the 2016 Board of Directors.  There are five vacant positions on the Board.

Candidates

Each candidate was asked the following question:
How will you use your skills for the benefit of the Association and its members?

Here’s what they had to say:

Jeff Bonner

Jeff BONNER – Salesperson, City Brokerage, Hamilton

I will endeavour to attend all meetings and get up to speed on current Board concerns and agenda items as a first step. From there, I will watch for opportunities to volunteer my time and talents, whether it is in Board functions, committee work or other situations, in cooperation with my fellow directors and in consultation with the CEO and Board Executive. I will continue to consider information presented, seeking to understand through further study and critical questions as necessary before coming to firm decisions. I will also continue to watch for opportunities for RAHB to influence public policy for the greater good, such as when the Municipal Land Transfer Tax issue was quietly being raised at city hall, and not hesitate to raise such concerns at the Board level for consideration and appropriate response as a professional association.

Nikola BucaloNikola BUCALO – Salesperson, Coldwell Banker Pinnacle Real Estate, Brokerage, Hamilton

Working in a team atmosphere comes naturally to me, this is key in any decision making group. As a committee member, vice-chair, and upcoming chair for Government Relations at our Board I’ve had a unique opportunity to learn about, and advocate for our profession on local, provincial and national levels. I’m not afraid to stand up for what is best for our membership, but I can recognize when it is time to listen and learn. I have a good ability to sift through and simplify complex ideas, for example I created the ‘why should you go to the AGM in 60 seconds’ video earlier this year.

Sean Cowan

Sean COWAN – Salesperson, Royal LePage Burloak Real Estate Services, Brokerage, Burlington

I have a strong contact with local media outlets. I think I can get our message out to consumers in a way we want.

 

Kathy Della-Nebbia

Kathy DELLA-NEBBIA – Salesperson, Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage, Hamilton

I have the ability to analyze and assess information, to listen to all sides and make independent judgements, and fact based decisions for the betterment of the membership as a whole. I have a love for learning and have developed strong critical thinking skills to make those informed decisions. I have passion and when I commit to something I put in tremendous effort and do the things that need to be done to be effective in my role. I am a forward thinker who is definitely not afraid of change or growth. Believing that you always need to move forward. I’m highly ethical and believe in transparency and democracy. An excellent communicator with great interpersonal skills. I believe in everyone’s right to express their opinion and that this should always be respected and also delivered respectfully. I believe in the power of brainstorming and strategic planning. I am excited about the future of our industry.

Jim Duschl

Jim DUSCHL – Salesperson, RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage, Waterdown

Moving both Board & it’s members forward in a positive direction.

 

 

Gary Gouldsborough

Gary GOULDSBOROUGH – Broker, City Brokerage, Hamilton

I will actively participate in meetings analyze and make suggestions on motions before the board.

 

 

Steve Holman

Steve HOLMAN – Salesperson Martel Commercial Realty Inc., Brokerage, Burlington

  • Participation/leadership on committees
  • Thoughtful participation in board meetings
  • Support for CEO Represent RAHB externally

 

Jack LaFleurJack LAFLEUR – Broker, RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage, Burlington

My background in real estate combined with my strong financial, ethical and reasoning skills will enable me to provide sound and logical direction which will benefit RAHB and our members with quick, decisive and insightful participation. This will ensure we stay on track and continuously move forward.

Dave NicholsDave NICHOLS – Salesperson, Royal LePage Burloak Real Estate Services, Brokerage, Burlington

You can rely on me to be a dependable and valuable contributor in helping the board directors make rational decisions through sound analysis for the benefit of our members. I will represent the interests of our members at all times.

Valentina Pasquini

Valentina PASQUINI – Salesperson, RE/MAX Escarpment Realty, Brokerage, Stoney Creek

My strong communication skills, and professionalism will help address specific issues involving our members, the general public, and our industry.

 

Lou Piriano

Lou PIRIANO – Broker of Record, L. Piriano Real Estate, Brokerage, Waterdown

  • –Two full years on the Board of Directors—experience-> effective leadership
  • –currently Vice-President of the Board of Directors
  • –Chair MLS Committee, Chair Regional Rules Task Force, Regional Governor
  • –2 years of service on audit and finance committees
  • –pivotal involvement in the Regional initiative and MLS® Rules
  • –my passion is to drive costs down for our members
  • –participated in 2014 fees reduction from $48 to $42/month
  • –voted in December/2014 dues holiday (remember that free month?) so a 20% reduction
  • –I know how to get things done for you

–My goal: MORE and BETTER services for LESS MONEY!

Andrew Robertson

Andrew ROBERTSON – Broker of Record, Keller Williams Complete Realty, Brokerage, Hamilton

I will work diligently and collaboratively to accomplish the tasks and projects as set out by the Board Members in a timely fashion, always bearing in mind to promote the professionalism of our industry.

 

Roman Radojewski

Roman RADOJEWSKI – Broker Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage, Ancaster

I have volunteered with the board since 2005. I hold a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a finance and marketing background. I am a professional who listens, takes directions, gives input and holds responsibilities given as the corner stone of the person I am.

Dave Sohal

Dave SOHAL – Broker of Record, Bridgecan Realty Corp., Brokerage, Hamilton

Well experienced in the business

 

 

 

Bob Van de Vrande

Bob VAN de VRANDE – Broker of Record, Apex Results Realty Inc., Brokerage, Burlington

I am often told that one of my most valued skills is to ‘see the big picture’ and to provide visionary direction to the organizations where I am privileged to serve. I am willing to work with others but also to challenge the status quo and look for new solutions to existing and future issues. Most importantly I see RAHB as being a service organization that must serve the needs of its members in the most effective way possible. Ensuring that all decisions are made with the objective of “Empowering our members to succeed” would be my goal as a director of RAHB.

Richard Weima

Richard WEIMA – Salesperson, Right At Home Realty Inc., Brokerage, Burlington

Being Open to Discussion and Change about non preforming practices, bylaws and mandates that negatively impact the Dues Paying Realtor Member. Reforms to answer the many questions about why there are barriers to appearing professional to the Public ie 3 MLS Board listings and numbers for 1 property (soon to be 2 with Regional)

 

David Zalepa

David ZALEPA – Salesperson, RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage, Waterdown

As director I will use my skills to make sure that we are getting maximum value for our membership dues. I want to see members get more value for the money they invest in our board.

 

 

Watch for more information about the candidates coming to you in your email inbox soon.

As well, plan to come to the RAHB office to meet the candidates on November 11 – this is your chance to talk to them about their priorities if they are elected.

 

Lots of goodies at the Annual Election Meeting!

Whether you prefer to vote online or vote in person, be sure to come out to RAHB’s Annual Election Meeting on
Wednesday, November 25 – there’s more on the agenda than just the election!

  • Scholarship presentations to exceptional students
  • Important bylaw changes that will affect the makeup of the Board of Directors
  • A look at what your association and Board of Directors have accomplished over the last year
  • Swearing in of the 2016 RAHB Board of Directors
  • Draws for RAHB dues
  • Continental breakfast

All this, plus, as a thank you for pre-registering for the AEM, you will receive a $10 Tim Horton’s gift card! That’s right! Simply pre-register online at http://registration.rahb.ca/MainList.aspx or by contacting Camryn at the RAHB office (905.529.8101 x 251 or camrynh@rahb.ca) before midnight, Sunday, November 22 and your Timmie’s gift card will be waiting for you when you check in at the Annual Election Meeting! But remember – you have to pre-register to get the gift card.

Here are the details about the Annual Election Meeting:

When: Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Time: 9:30 a.m. – registration        10 a.m. – meeting
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington

Watch for more details about electronic voting, proxy deadlines and the Annual Election meeting coming to your email inbox soon! In the meantime, here’s the election schedule:

Tuesday, November 10, 2015 – Slate of candidates to members
Wednesday, November 11, 2015, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Meet the candidates – RAHB office, Karan Barker Lounge.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, November 17, 18 & 19, 2015 – Electronic voting
(http://evoting.rahb.ca/ElectionList.aspx – note: this site is active only from 12:01 a.m. on November 17
until 11:59 p.m. November 19.)
Monday, November 23, 2015, 9 a.m. – Deadline for depositing proxies with the Association
Wednesday, November 25, 2015 – Election Meeting for 2016 Directors

RAHB welcomes new members

The REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington extends a warm welcome to its newest members (September 24 to October 23).

Leonardo Quattrociocchi
Ambitious Realty Advisors Inc., Brokerage

Vojislav Vukovic
City Brokerage, Brokerage

Mark Brown
Coldwell Banker Commercial Integrity Real Estate Inc., Brokerage

Nicolette Wandio
Coldwell Banker Pinnacle Real Estate Inc., Brokerage

Azim Sakhi
Homelife Professionals Realty Inc., Brokerage
Victor Ilagan
Shenli Bao
IPRO Realty Ltd., Brokerage

Shaldun Wilson
Alex Troncoso
Alex Pal
Rita Ventresca
Keller Williams Complete Realty Inc., Brokerage

Erin Kofoed
Laura Vandette
Keller Williams Edge Realty Inc., Brokerage

Chris Maynard
RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage

Andrew Lord
Rob Moser
Royal LePage Burloak Real Estate Services Inc., Brokerage

Christine Kiriakopoulos
Jasmeet Kaur
Royal LePage State Realty Inc., Brokerage

Manny Andrade
Joe Quintal
Jody McDonnell
Royal LePage Supreme Realty Inc., Brokerage

Leo Carnevale
Sutton Group Innovative Realty Inc., Brokerage

Matrix – Sometimes things have to change

Matrix compiles data from eight associations participating in the regional MLS® system. Therefore, to provide consistency in Matrix for all users, there will be terms and definitions in Matrix that are not consistent with Fusion – that’s just part of the system and part of the learning curve for you.

One of the changes is to the status of Sold. This category is divided into two sections in Matrix.

Sold Pending will be the status for all properties where a sale or lease has been reported but has not yet closed.

Sold Closed will be the status for all properties where a sale or lease has been reported and the closing date has passed.

Until we cut over to Matrix, however, the status of Sold will continue as it is in Fusion.

New broker load policy in effect

The Board of Directors recently approved a change to the policy requiring mandatory training for broker loading.

Effective immediately, mandatory training is no longer required before broker load privileges can be extended to members, office administrators and administrative assistants. Brokers of Record/Managers now need only complete the Broker Load Permission Form to authorize members in their office, office administrators and administrative assistants to broker load. The form must be completed in full and returned to the MLS® department (attention Pam Morton).

The form is available on REALTOR Link® under the Member Services tab. For more information, contact the MLS® department or Corporate Services department.

Find the daily membership changes on REALTOR Link®

Are you missing the membership changes that used to appear on the last page of now defunct RAHB topsheets?

Miss them no more.  All membership changes – additions, deletions, transfers, brokerage updates and obituaries – are now compiled and uploaded daily to REALTOR Link®.  They appear on the Member Services tab, near the bottom of the page.

Realty Shoppe

magnetsPopular Seasonal Item — 2016 Calendar Magnets

Our #1 marketing product — perfect for mailing or handing out at open houses, even in the new year

The last restocking order for the year has been placed.

Order now for best selection and availability.  December will be too late!  Envelope included.

45¢/47¢ each*

Contact the Realty Shoppe to order yours today!

 

Planner2016 Daily Planner

Available by advance order only until November 27!

Special Order – Limited Time Offer

This planner is in an attractive 3-ring burgundy binder, accented with the REALTOR® logo embossed on the cover. Inside, each day’s page (5 ½”w x 8 ½”h) provides for hourly appointments from 8:00 a.m. – 10 p.m. and has ample room for additional notes. Index tabs separate the months, and also identify telephone directory and reference sections for expense records, amortization charts and land transfer tax calculations.

Insert Only $16.00 each*

Binder Only $19.25 each*
_____________________________________________________________________________

* 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

Professional Development for REALTORS®

Master Open House
Monday, November 9, 2015, 9 a.m. – Noon
Cost: $139+HST

iPad Agent
Monday, November 9, 2015, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $139+HST

How Money Works – Lunch and Learn Workshop
Tuesday, November 10, 2015, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
McCullough Room
Cost: Free

Drones
Thursday, November 19, 2015, 10 a.m. – Noon
Cost: Free

VisitAble Housing
November 20, 2015, 10 a.m. – Noon
Cost: Free

SRS – Sellers Representative Specialist
November 23 & 24, 2015, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day
Cost: $299.00 + HST
Note:  elective course required for the ABR Designation
All courses held at the RAHB office, McCullough Rooms (lower level). Register with Angela at angelam@rahb.ca or 905.529.8101 x233.

Commercial listings leave ICX.ca to join REALTOR.ca

All commercial listings, formerly displayed on ICX.ca, have found their permanent home in the new commercial section on REALTOR.ca.

For your commercial clients, access to all listing types on one site will offer not only a more user-friendly experience, but greatly enhanced visibility for commercial searches.

Key benefits of adding commercial listings to REALTOR.ca:

  • More up-to-date commercial content because REALTOR.ca is updated up to four times per day (as opposed to once a day on ICX.ca).
  • Market-driven, user-tested approach to integration. Metrics from ca and REALTOR.ca indicated audience overlap on both sites.
  • Enhanced listing details. Not only are you, the REALTOR®, front-and-center, your commercial listings now have additional features such as demographics, Walk Score® and keyword search.

What does this mean?

REALTOR.ca now has two tabs for easy toggling from Commercial to Residential. The Commercial tab gives your commercial clients the ability to search for and view all commercial listings and the Residential tab allows your residential clients to search for and view residential listings along with all multi-family properties, some of which have previously only been available on ICX.ca.

 

Anyone who searches for ICX.ca or have it bookmarked in their browser will be automatically directed to the Commercial section of REALTOR.ca.

REALTOR.ca is now a one-stop shop for all your clients’ real estate needs.

 

(From CREA’s NEWS2Me blog)

Mark YOUR Calendar

Held at RAHB – 505 York Blvd. – Lower Level
C – Chambers Room           M – McCullough Room

Computer

  • New Member Computer Training Level 1
    Wednesday, November 11 – C, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
    Tuesday, November 24 – C, 9 a.m. – noon

Professional Development

  • Master Open House
    Monday, November 9, 2015 – M, 9 a.m. – Noon
  • iPad Agent
    Monday, November 9, 2015 – M, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • How Money Works – Lunch and Learn
    Tuesday, November 10, 2015 – M, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Drones Course
    Thursday, November 19, 2015 – M, 10 a.m. – noon
  • What is VisitAble Housing?
    Friday, November 20, 2015 – M, 10 a.m. – Noon

Designation Course(s)

  • SRS – Sellers Representative Specialist
    November 23 & 24, 2015 – M, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

To register for these courses, contact Angela at angelam@rahb.ca or call 905.529.8101 x233

Board of Directors, Committee and Task Force Meetings

Held at RAHB – 505 York Blvd. – First Floor
T – Thompson Room           P – Purnell Room

  • Nomination Committee
    Monday, November 9 – T, 9 a.m.
  • Audit Committee
    Wednesday, November 11 – T, 9 a.m.
  • Government Relations Meeting
    Friday, November 13 – T, 9:20 a.m.


Upcoming Events

  • Emerge Conference
    Thursday, November 5, 2015
    Burlington Holiday Inn
    3063 S. Service Rd., Burlington
    Contact OREA at 1.866.411.6732 to register.
  • Meet the Candidates Meeting
    Wednesday, November 11 – M, 1 p.m.
    RAHB office, Karan Barker Lounge
    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Broker Manager Meeting
    Wednesday, November 18, 2015
    McMaster Innovation Park
    175 Longwood Rd. S., Hamilton
    8:30 a.m. – Registration, 9 a.m. – Meeting
  • REALTORS®4Kids Charity Auction
    Thursday, November 19, 2015
    Michelangelo Events & Conference Centre
    1555 Upper Ottawa St., Hamilton
    6 p.m.
  • Annual Election Meeting
    Wednesday, November 25, 2015
    Royal Botanical Gardens
    680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington
    9:30 – Registration, 10 a.m. – Meeting
  • YRN Education Winter Series
    Monday, November 30, 2015
    9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Hot Breakfast
    10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Session:
    Kick Start – Get planning for 2016 “Top Ten Tips – What Works”
    McCullough Room
    $10+HST – Limited Seating

REALTORS®4Kids Charity Auction

Auction1

Auction4Exotic Trip

Auction5

Tiger Cat Package

 

Auction6

Upgrade your Entertainment Zone

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don’t forget our ever popular Bucket o Beer, Wheelbarrow of Wine or Single Malt raffle draw – $20 for 15 tickets.

New this year:  Suitcase Raffle (three suitcases each valued at $500) – $20/ticket

Silent auction items:  gift baskets, home entertaining, jewellery, theatre, sports and concert tickets, musical instruments, something for everyone!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Auction2

Auction3

Thursday, November, 19, 2015 – 6 p.m.
Michelangelo Events & Conference Centre, 1555 Upper Ottawa St., Hamilton

Tickets: $55 each (taxes included)
Table of 10: $500 (taxes included)
(Includes: sit down four-course meal, tea and coffee)

• New Format (sit down meal)
• New Auctioneer
• Raffles/Door Prizes

Contact Sheila at sheilas@rahb.ca or 905.529.8101 x234
to purchase your tickets.  Check rahb.ca/REALTORS®4Kids for more information

75% SOLD OUT!    Order Your Tickets Today!

 

Strong sales continue in October

(November 5, 2015 – Hamilton, Ontario)  The REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported 1,421 sales were processed through the RAHB Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System in October.  Sales were 13 per cent higher than the same month last year, 25.8 per cent higher than the 10-year average, and were a record for the month of October.  This is the third month in a row where records for monthly sales have been broken.

There were 1,811 properties listed in October, a decrease of 1.4 per cent compared to October of last year.

“The Fall real estate market just keeps going in our area,” said RAHB CEO George O’Neill. “October is often a good month for sales, but it’s not usually this good.”

Seasonally adjusted* sales of residential properties were 18.9 per cent higher than the same month of the previous year, with the average sale price up 6.8 per cent for the month.  Seasonally adjusted numbers of new listings were 1.7 per cent higher than the same month the year prior.

Seasonally adjusted data for residential properties for the month of October, 2015:

Seasonally

Actual overall residential sales of 1,363 units were 12.9 per cent higher than the same month last year.  Residential freehold sales were 12.6 per cent higher than last October while sales in the condominium market increased by 14.3 per cent.

The average price of freehold properties showed an increase of 9.3 per cent compared to the same month the previous year; the average sale price in the condominium market increased by 5.7 per cent when compared to the same period.

The average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold by RAHB members.  Average sale price information 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.

“Listing inventory is still down across the board,” noted O’Neill.  “Our sales-to-listings ratio is still firmly in the seller’s market range in the residential market.  Inventory in the condominium market is particularly tight, with only a month and half’s inventory left.”

The average days on market decreased from 41 to 35 days in the freehold market and from 38 to 35 days in the condominium market when compared to the same month the previous year.

Year to date, sales are 11.3 per cent higher compared to the same period last year; listings are 6.2 per cent higher than last year and the average sale price is 8.4 per cent higher for the period.

Comparison

Every community in RAHB’s market area has its own localized residential market.  Please refer to the accompanying chart for residential market activity in select areas in RAHB’s jurisdiction.

RAHB Market Activity for October

 

*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. 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.