Jul 10, 2012 | RAHB News |
Arbitration, Discipline and Professional Standards Committees
There were no Arbitration or Discipline Hearings during the second quarter. The Professional Standards Committee has reviewed 10 new complaints, four of which were deemed to fall under RECO’s jurisdiction, and six cases which were opened and are being investigated by RAHB.
Contact: Don Inglehart, Wilf Wallace and Ann Cosens
Burlington Council
The Burlington Council circulated a survey in May and responses are being reviewed. Names of those who responded to the survey were put in a draw for a free RAHB MCE-credit course and the winner was Izabella Bauer (Right at Home Realty Inc.). The Burlington Council will continue their support of local initiatives this fall with the support of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce’s September Business Forum and an upcoming Small Business Week Breakfast.
Contact: Jamie Edwards
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee continues to review and discuss ways in which to improve communication between members and the association, and sought input from Brokers of Record and Managers at their recent meeting. The Committee recommended that RAHB no longer participate in the Adopt-a-School Student Nutrition Program nor collect books for the Telling Tales literacy festival as the programs lack participation of members. Donations were made to Good Shepherd Square, Ronald McDonald House and the REALTORS Care Foundation/REALTORS® RIDE for Charity.
Contact: Marvin Caplan
Government Relations Committee
The Government Relations Committee has been busy conducting local MPP visits pushing government to allow real estate salespeople to incorporate, and to amend the Electronic Commerce Act to allow electronic signatures for real estate transactions. In May, RAHB reps travelled to Ottawa to meet with MPs to promote the indexation of the Home Buyers’ Plan and to lobby for rollover of the Capital Cost Allowance (CCA). Locally the committee has been focused on rental housing licensing, bylaw enforcement, affordable housing and promoting the Quality of Life program.
Contact: Tamer Fahmi
Membership Area Representation Committee (MARC)
RAHB’s April Town Hall meetings visited Stoney Creek, Waterdown and Dunnville and nearly 80 members came out to hear RAHB updates and provide feedback. More Town Hall meetings will be held in October and details will be announced in the coming weeks.
MARC’s 2012 Community Awareness Event was held in June and was in support of the Heart & Stroke “Big Bike Ride” – details of the two rides can be found on page 6 in this issue of REALinfo.
Contact: Tom Peddle
Professional Development
The Professional Development Committee offered 15 MCE courses during the last quarter. They will be offering four summer courses, three of which are new topics (see page 3 for details). The fall schedule will resume in September with 15 courses, five of which are new topics. Check the schedule in the Education section on REALTORLInk®.
Contact: Jim Duschl
Regional Commercial Council
The RCC held their 11th Annual Commercial Summit on May 3 at the Burlington Golf and Country Club. The event drew more than 110 attendees and showcased 11 sponsors and exhibitors. The full morning included speakers who presented national updates and local economic development opportunities, services and incentives. The closing speaker demonstrated the provincial investment attraction tools offered by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
The RCC is currently investigating possible education sessions for the fall. The RCC Election Dinner is scheduled for November 1 – more information to be announced shortly.
Contact: Hank Balfoort
Jul 10, 2012 | RAHB News |
The REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest members.
Justin Little
Homelife Professionals Realty Inc., Brokerage
Rosalyn Niewland
Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Xiuhua Li
Prudential By the Lake Realty Inc., Brokerage
Thomas Clive-Wilson
Realty Network: 100 Inc., Brokerage
Cindy Avis
RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Inc., Brokerage
Roger Phillips
RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage
Tobias Smulders
Mark Woehrle
RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc., Brokerage
Thomas Rebstock
Right At Home Realty Inc., Brokerage
Monika Dodik
Andrea Williams
Royal LePage State Realty Inc., Brokerage
Jul 10, 2012 | MLS®, Stats & Technology |
“PENDING SALE” STATUS CHANGED TO “SOLD” STATUS
– Effective August 1, 2012
When MLXchange was introduced in December 2004, “Pending Sale” status (a firm sale that has not closed) was adopted by RAHB as the new status default. Listings where a firm sale has been accepted are reported as a “Pending Sale” until the closing date at which time the system automatically changes the status to “Sold”.
With the introduction of Fusion and the joint MLS® database for RAHB and Niagara, and in an effort to offer consistent reporting methods for both Associations, “pending sale” status will be removed and all sales will be reported as “sold”.
This change becomes effective August 1, 2012, at which time all firm sales are to be reported as “SO” (SOLD) under the Status field.
Jul 10, 2012 | CREA/OREA/RECO News |
Want to know more about the CREA Data Distribution Facility (DDF)?
Go to the DDF page on the CREA website on REALTOR Link® (REALTOR Link®>CREA>Technology Products>Data Distribution Facility (DDF) Button) and check out the videos explaining the three modules of the DDF and read FAQs and updates.
Here’s what you’ll find:
CREA partners with NAR in its application for .REALTOR Top Level Domain Extention
The Canadian Real Estate Association partners with the National Association of REALTORS® in its application for .REALTOR Top Level Domain Extension.
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has entered into an exclusive partnership agreement with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) that will result in CREA members being able to operate websites using the .REALTOR Top Level Domain (TLD).
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization that controls the creation and distribution of domain names globally, has approved a procedure for establishing a new set of TLDs. If the NAR application is successful, CREA’s partnership arrangement will provide CREA members an alternative to the familiar .ca and .com Only licensed real estate professionals who are members of CREA and subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics have the right to call themselves a REALTOR® in Canada, and only REALTORS® will be allowed to use the new .REALTOR TLD.
Additionally, in order to protect its MLS® trademark, CREA has applied for the .MLS TLD.
ICANN is expected to make a decision on the application some time in 2013.
More details will be made available once ICANN approves the application.
Jul 10, 2012 | RAHB News |
Please note:
Staff photos do not appear on RAHB blog just in the PDF version of REALinfo.
Karin Condello
Karin is RAHB’s Accounts Coordinator. She is responsible for accounts receivable including pre-authorized payments and web payments; responding to enquiries from members regarding their invoices; overdue accounts and collections; ordering office supplies and acting as back-up to RAHB’s corporate services manager, membership coordinator and education coordinator.
Karin first started working in the RAHB info centre as a summer student. In 1997, she was hired as receptionist. She moved into the print department for five years and then moved into her current position a few years ago. Karin is a huge fan of classic rock music and is an avid concert-goer; she is also an enthusiastic collector of antiques.
Jason Hersey
Jason is one of RAHB’s newer staff members and is the Manager, Technology. His role is to define and execute technology goals as part of the management team; supervise and co-ordinate the Association’s use of technology; provide management, guidance and support to the technology staff; ensure internal and external systems are secure, available and efficient; and keep on top of technologies that may be useful for members and the association.
Jason joined RAHB in 2011 and came with wide experience from a 20-year career in IT. Jason’s background includes software development, national help desk coordination, consulting for small-to-medium size business and internet service provider network operations. Jason finds organized real estate to be “surprisingly dynamic” and noted that it provides him with some “unique challenges”. A proud father of three young girls, Jason spends much of his free time getting involved in his daughters’ extra-curricular activities.
Jul 10, 2012 | Member Services |
Portable Keysafe Lockboxes
$36.50* (Dial)
$36.85* (PB)
*taxes extra
These Portable Keysafes are the perfect lockboxes for a simple yet secure place to store keys. The Keysafe easily attaches to doorknobs, fences or railings and can hold up to three keys. Constructed of solid weather-resistant metal, with a protective rubber shell for door protection. Tamper-proof interlocking lid prevents unauthorized access. The code is simple to set and easily changed for greater security.
Lockboxes are an important tool for the real estate industry – all members are reminded to be particularly vigilant in their use. Practice the following measures at all times:
- NEVER use the pre-set factory combination that is standard with the dial lockboxes (which are sold across North America with this code). The Shoppe staff are happy to help you change the combination.
- When leaving a location where you have used the lockbox, ensure the lockbox is locked again: spin the dial of the dial lockboxes once they are shut, and re-key the number combination on the pushbutton style in order to re-insert the lid.
- Never give out a combination to someone you are not certain about.
Members are reminded of Section 2 – MLS® Listings, Sub-section 2.17 of the RAHB Rules and Regulations:
“Members shall ensure that lock boxes installed on each of their listings are set with a unique code for the security of their Seller’s property. Further, members shall change the lock box combinations, as required during the course of the listing to maintain reasonable security, and not use any preset manufacturer’s code.”
“Effective June 1, 2009 a member found to be in breach of the above, shall have a fine of $50 levied for the first offence, and for a second, and any subsequent offence, $200 will be levied.”
Jul 10, 2012 | Member Services |
Just a little knowledge can be a bad thing
Salvatore Salesperson was fairly new to the real estate profession. He may not have had a lot of experience, but he knew he was going to be successful – he was smart, he was personable, he had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances and he had ambition.
(more…)
Jul 10, 2012 | Member Services |
Four MCE courses offered this summer
Register now for one or more of RAHB’s summer courses:
The New Real Estate Wave: Tapping into the Grey Market – Wednesday, July 25
Feng Shui 101 – Thursday, July 26
iPhone Tips 101 – Wednesday, August 8
The Complete Story – GeoWarehouse from Top to Bottom – Thursday, August 9
For more information and to register, use the link on Message of the Day (MOD) or go to REALTOR Link® and click on the “Education” button.
Jul 10, 2012 | REALTORS Care® |
REALTORS® Ride for Heart
RAHB REALTORS®, along with their friends and families, took to the streets on Friday, June 15 in Ancaster, and on Tuesday, June 19 in Hamilton to participate in two Heart & Stroke “Big Bike Rides”. The RAHB team, a blend of REALTORS® from 15 real estate offices throughout RAHB’s market area, rode on a 30-seat tandem bicycle to help raise awareness and funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
RAHB’s participation in the event was organized by RAHB’s Membership Area Representation Committee (MARC). The teams showed their heart and generosity by raising a combined total of $5,735.
“This was a fabulous opportunity for RAHB members to show their support for a great cause,” noted 2012 MARC Chair Tom Peddle.
This was the fifth Celebrate Your Community event offered by RAHB in which members are encouraged to visit a community in the association’s market area and participate in a community event. Previous events have taken place in Dunnville, Cayuga, Grimsby and Hamilton. Each event has also raised funds for local charities and, to date, over $20,000 has been presented to charities in RAHB’s communities.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Big Bike Ride and helped raised funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation!
Charity golf tournament supports HOAP and education
Over 130 golfers and sponsors enjoyed the blue skies over Copetown Woods Golf Club during the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday, June 14. The annual tournament raised $15,250 to support RAHB’s Home Ownership Affordability Partnership (HOAP) and the Karan Barker Memorial Scholarship Fund.
“What a great day,” said Bill Kopac, Chair of the Golf Tournament Task Force. “Not only did participants enjoy a day of golfing and networking, but both our affordable housing program and scholarship fund benefited as well.”
The Top Foursome trophy went to John Pocobene, Todd Barker, David Seburn and Miles Kulik. Other prize winners were Pauline Lewis (ladies’ Closest to the Pin), Chuck Vitanza (men’s Closest to the Pin), Suzanne Boyce (ladies’ Closest to the Rope), Mark Biehler (men’s Closest to the Rope), Collin Maddern, Barb Sukkau, Doug Tunis (first, second and third, respectively, Putting Contest) and Kelly Christopherson (50/50 Draw).
Thank you to our golfers, sponsors and donors who made this another successful tournament.
Jul 10, 2012 | RAHB News, REALTORS Care® |
RAHB President Cameron Nolan presents the 2011 Outstanding Community Service Award to Larry Szpirglas (Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd.) at the recent Broker of Record/Manager meeting. Larry received the award for his volunteer work in the Jewish community, for the Canadian Diabetes Association and on behalf of the new home industry and REALTORS®.
Larry was unavailable to receive his award at the President’s Gala in January.
Jun 12, 2012 | MLS®, Stats & Technology |
Jun 12, 2012 | MLS®, Stats & Technology |
The REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported 1552 property sales through the RAHB Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) for the month of May. RAHB also reported an 8.6 per cent increase in average sale price for the month compared to May of last year.
Seasonally adjusted* sales of residential properties were one per cent lower than the same month last year, with the average sale price increasing 6.1 per cent for the month. Seasonally adjusted numbers of new listings, however, were 16.3 per cent lower than the same month last year.
Listing inventory continues to be down across the board when compared to the same month last year. The number of active listings at month end is almost 900 fewer than were active at the same time last year.
“This is almost exactly the same market we reported last month,” said RAHB President Cameron Nolan. “with less inventory, higher average sale prices and listings that move more quickly than last year at the same time.”
The condominium market is the only sector that saw a small decrease in average sale price for the month. The same market also experienced the most significant decrease in listing inventory compared to the previous year: the 526 active listings represent a 27.6 per cent decrease from May of last year.
“The residential resale market is strong in our market area,” added Nolan. “and we expect to see the same kinds of results while interest rates remain low.”
Year to date, residential listing inventory is just over 20 per cent down from the same January-to-May period last year. Sales are just over one per cent higher year to date, and average sale prices have risen 7.7 per cent over the same five-month period.
Every community in RAHB’s marketing area has their own localized residential market. Please refer to the accompanying chart for residential market activities in select areas of RAHB’s jurisdiction.
*Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal variations, enabling analysis of monthly changes and fundamental trends in the data.
