Recently RAHB has seen an increase in fines surrounding REALTOR® contact information appearing in either the REALTOR® or public (Client) remarks; which is not permitted as per RAHB’s MLS® Policies. This includes information relating to offers and showings (ie. E-mail offers to [email protected], call 123-456-7890 for showings, etc.).
The following is from RAHB’s MLS® Policies Miscellaneous #5 and #6:
MISCELLANEOUS
No contact information relating to the REALTOR® may appear in the REALTOR® remarks section of a listing; but may be included in the “Offer Instructions” field. If any REALTOR® contact information is included, MLS® staff is to remove it and a $50 fine levied to the Member. Where the seller directs the listing REALTOR® in writing to do so, the seller’s contact information may appear in the REALTOR® only remarks (non-public) section of the listing on the Association’s MLS® system.
No contact information relating to the REALTOR® with the exception of a direction to visit the REALTOR®’s website to obtain more information may appear in the internet ad copy/public remarks. If any of the REALTOR’S® contact information or specific website address, with the exception of a direction to the REALTOR’S® website, is included, MLS® staff will remove it and a $50 fine be levied to the Member.
The following is referred to as contact information:
Member’s first name, last name or both, team name
Brokerage office name Member’s phone number (cell phone, direct line, etc) or fax number
Member’s office phone number or fax number
Any e-mail addresses or website links
Note: Multi-media links (virtual tour, brochure, additional images) must appear in their respective fields and not in the remarks.
If any of the above items are found in either the REALTOR® or Public (Client) remarks, they will be removed and the member fined.
Any details regarding offers or showings should be entered in the appropriate field. Offer information should be entered in the “Offer Instructions” field, and showing information should be entered in the “Appointments” field.
If you have any questions please call the MLS® Help Desk at 905.667.4650 or e-mail [email protected]
On January 1, 2001, the new City of Hamilton was formed from the amalgamation of Hamilton and the five neighbouring municipalities: Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook and Stoney Creek.
However, despite the amalgamation, RAHB’s MLS® system has maintained the separate municipalities and city names as shown above, which allow members to search those specific areas and their neighbourhoods. Additionally, it ensures listings appear correctly in property searches in Matrix.
Furthermore, Matrix uses the address, including the specific city name to link to the property history. Should you view a listing displaying the incorrect city name, please report the error by clicking the “Report Error” link, located at the top of the REALTOR® Full report as shown below.
Should you have any questions, please contact the MLS® Help Desk at 905.667.4650 or e-mail [email protected]
On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, CoreLogic is updating Matrix to version 8.4. series. The new version provides new features and updates as follows:
Modernized E-mail Layout
Matrix 8.4 series features a more modern-looking and mobile-friendly e-mail layout.
Sort Order Indicators Added to Search Results Header
Single-line search results now display arrows in the column headers to indicate the sort order.
The weight of the arrow (bold, semi-bold, or not bold) indicates the field’s sort priority (primary, secondary, or tertiary).
A down arrow indicates an alphabetical sort / smallest value first.
An up arrow indicates a reverse-alphabetical sort / largest value first.
Add/Edit – New Map Location Warning
In Add/Edit, an alert indicates if the geocoder can’t find a precise location for the address, prompting the user to check the address and/or manually place the map pin.
“Select All” and “Select None” options added to Status Search Control
Select All – Selects all check boxes and populates predefined date ranges (e.g.: 1-180)
Select None – Clears all check boxes and dates ranges
Map Utilizes Full Width of Browser
The map view in the search results now extends the full width of the browser screen.
Map & Results Tabs Navigation added to Concierge Approvals Screen
Users can now view listings on a map view on the concierge approval screen.
Single Line Displays remember vertical scroll position
For single line displays longer than one screen, Matrix now remembers the vertical scroll position when switching between displays. This eliminates the need to scroll back down to the desired row. The position is maintained when clicking the browser back button and when clicking the single Line Display link.
New Action Tools Button Bar and Paging Controls
The action tools at the bottom of the Results page has been updated to a more modern look, and the paging controls at the bottom are now larger and thus easier to click.
New icons throughout Search module
New and larger map drawing tool icons have been added, and many icons elsewhere in the Search and Input modules have been updated for a cleaner appearance.
New Tooltips
Tooltips shown when hovering over an element now appear immediately and are easier to read.
New Footer
The layout and appearance of the global footer has been updated.
“Refresh” option added to “My Listings” widget on the home page
CMA Retention Period
CMA’s created in Matrix, will be retained for a default period up to 180 days, thus ensuring optimal system performance.
If you have any questions, please contact the MLS® Help Desk at 905.667.4650 or [email protected]
There is a great deal of uncertainty with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. The world is currently coping with a global health challenge with significant human impact, and our hearts go out to all who have been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19.
With COVID-19 continuing to rear its ugly head in Canada, Ontario and our RAHB communities, we want to keep you informed as to what is happening with the Association, as well as what REALTORS® can do to stay safe and healthy.
RAHB Status Update:
As of Monday, March 16, and due to changes in the situation in Canada over the weekend, the RAHB office is closed to members and the public in order to ensure the health and safety of our staff and our community.
RAHB staff are in the office during our regular business hours of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Over the course of this week, RAHB staff will be transitioning to a remote work environment on a cascading schedule.
We anticipate that by end of day Friday, March 20, 2020, the RAHB office will be fully closed and all staff will be working remotely. We will be sure to immediately inform members when this change takes effect.
We will keep members informed of any updates or changes in RAHB’s operational status.
We have not been informed of any RAHB staff or members who have tested positive for COVID-19.
We are actively monitoring news and measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic closely.
What Does This Mean for RAHB Members?
The MLS® Help Desk is open during regular business hours. You can reach us at 905-667-4650 or [email protected].
All in-person member meetings, events and education of any kind are postponed or will be conducted via teleconference.
The Realty Shoppe is closed for in-person shopping and in-person account payments; however, we are taking orders via phone and e-mail. You can reach us at 905-529-5979 or [email protected].
Online payments and cheque mailbox drop-off payments are encouraged; cash payments are not permitted.
RealTrack service is not accessible.
OREA testing at the RAHB office has been cancelled as of Tuesday, March 17.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 905.529.8101 and we will assist you in any way we can.
Recommendations for RAHB REALTORS®:
REALTORS® can be particularly vulnerable to sickness, as you are in constant contact with a variety of different clients and potential clients. A single open house can equal hundreds of interactions. While it is within the purview of your brokerage to make any final decisions, it is strongly recommended that you consider the following advice:
Cancel, reschedule and/or limit showings and open houses, especially if the occupants of the home are ill.
If showings and open houses proceed:
Limit the use of washrooms in the home.
Have cautionary signage and messages at the entrance of each property.
Ask potential open house attendees to not attend if they are sick.
Have hand sanitizer available for attendees of open houses for their and your protection.
Limit touching physical items throughout a home during open houses and showings.
Encourage homeowners to thoroughly clean their homes with disinfectant after showings and open houses.
Ask attendees to e-mail you their contact information, as opposed to writing it down at the open house to limit sharing of pens, etc.
Ask attendees of showings or open houses to notify you if they become ill within two weeks of the open house or showing.
If an attendee becomes sick or is diagnosed with COVID-19, be sure to communicate this with the homeowner, other open house or showing attendees, their REALTORS® and RAHB.
Refrain from greeting others with handshakes or hugs.
Encourage fellow REALTORS® to provide information digitally.
Be sure to regularly sanitize your phone, tablet, or any other digital devices you use.
Avoid sharing items such as pens, paper, phones, tablets, etc.
If you are over the age of 65, severely limit your interactions with others, and stay home.
Please be diligent in keeping up-to-date and following the recommendations and guidance of our health officials and governments.
For Information/Updates on RAHB’s Business Operations:
For updated information on COVID-19 as it relates to RAHB, please visit our blog page at https://blog.rahb.ca/coronoavirus-covid-19-information/. We will keep members informed as further decisions about RAHB business operations are made.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we work hard to minimize the impact to you and your business, but at the same time fulfill our corporate duty to follow the guidance and directives of health and governmental agencies. Thank you for doing your part to stay healthy, and ensure the safety of your family, colleagues and our communities.
With the support of members and the proactive efforts of staff, I know RAHB will navigate these uncertain times. I offer my best wishes to you and your family, and hope that you all remain safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Carol Ann Burrell, CEO
REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington
With the spring market comes the expected increased trading across all Board jurisdictions. Because of this, complaints about real estate signs and possible by-law infractions can become more frequent. The Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board (OMDREB) has asked us to remind RAHB members of the updated Oakville sign by-law pertaining to real estate directional signs, which came into effect on January 1, 2019. This is to ensure that members of surrounding boards and associations avoid unnecessary fines, sign confiscations, and general headaches when dealing with by-law enforcement.
To avoid a by-Law violation, below are some easy “best practices” when posting open house signage in the Town of Oakville:
REALTORS® are allowed up to five signs per open house;
Signage can only be displayed between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on the day of your open house;
Signage must not block main traffic arteries or be distracting to drivers on the road;
For sale signs must be on private property only and must be removed 14 days after the sale of a property.
Please click the button below for more information on Open House direction sign regulations for Oakville:
There are confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) within the RAHB area. With this virus occurring so close to home, below is some important information and trusted resources that will help keep you, your colleagues and clients safe and healthy.
There are several basic recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC):
Stay home if you are sick
Encourage those you know to stay home sick until they no longer have symptoms
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as toys and door handles
REALTORS® can be particularly vulnerable to sickness, as you are in constant contact with a variety of different clients and potential clients. A single open house can equal hundreds of interactions. It is recommended that you consider the following advice:
Cancel or reschedule showings and open houses if the occupants of the home are sick
Refrain from greeting others with handshakes or hugs
Ask potential open house attendees to not attend if they are sick
Have hand sanitizer available for attendees of open houses for their and your protection
Limit touching physical items throughout a home during open houses and showings
Encourage homeowners to thoroughly clean their homes with disinfectant after open houses
Ask attendees of showings or open houses to notify you if they become ill within two weeks of the open house or showing
If an attendee does become sick or is diagnosed with COVID-19, be sure to communicate this with the homeowner, other open house or showing attendees, and their REALTORS®
Encourage fellow REALTORS® to provide information digitally
Be sure to regularly sanitize your phone, tablet, or any other digital devices you use
Avoid sharing items such as pens, phones, tablets, etc.
It is also important to:
Be up-to-date with the current situation within our communities
Know the facts about COVID-19
When posting on social media, be sure to share the latest facts from credible sources, avoid hyperbole, and show solidarity with affected people by opening your community up to the stories of people who have been affected by the virus. David S Fisman, a Professor in the Division of Epidemiology at the University of Toronto and a Consultant in Infectious Diseases at the University Health Network, recommends following these trusted sources for up-to-date and relevant information:
Adam Kucharski, London School of Hygiene @AdamJKucharski
Steve Riley, Imperial @SRileyIDD
Caitlin Rivers, Johns Hopkins @cmyeaton
Ian Mackay (Australia) @MackayIM
Scott Gottleib, US @ScottGottliebMD
Kai Kupferschmidt @kakape
Tedros (WHO) @DrTedros
Cate Cadell @catecadell
Teresa Tam, PHAC @CPHO_Canada
Maureen Taylor @maureentaylor31
Carly Weeks @carlyweeks
Kate Allen @katecallen
Janine McCready @janinemccready
Susy Hota @HotaSusy
Helen Branswell @HelenBranswell
Vanessa Allen @vanessagallenBNO News COVID-19 tracker:
Additionally, it is advised you follow accounts specific to our communities:
City of Hamilton @cityofhamilton
Halton Region @RegionofHalton
City of Burlington @cityofburlington
Haldimand County @HalidmandCounty
Niagara Region @NiagaraRegion
And, of course, please keep in mind to not share information about someone else’s health concerns (such as someone affected by COVID-19 without their permission).
Some users have reported being unable to log-in to Matrix via Clareity Security when using Google Chrome as their browser. This is due to Google Chrome implementing a phased-in update roll-out; which has created a conflict for those users who have received the update, leaving them unable to log-in to my.rahb.ca using the Google Chrome browser.
Below is the work around which will resolve the conflict and allow members to log-in to my.rahb.ca using Google Chrome:
Open Google Chrome
In the address bar type “chrome://flags”
In the Search Flags area enter “SameSite”
Switch “Samesite by default cookies” from “Default” to “Disabled”
Switch “Cookies without Samesite must be secure” from “Default” to “Disabled”
Should you have any questions, please contact the MLS® Help Desk at 905.667.4650.
On March 4, the Bank of Canada lowered its target for the overnight rate to 1.25 per cent due to COVID-19’s adverse effect on both the Canadian and global economy. COVID-19 has halted business activity and disrupted the supply chain and as a result, pulled down commodity prices and the value of the Canadian dollar.
The Bank of Canada will continue to monitor the economic and financial conditions closely and will announce the next overnight rate targeted for April 15.
For more information, please click the button below for the Bank of Canada’s full press release:
OREA is seeking qualified REALTOR(S)® in Ontario to represent OREA on: the sale of the real property wherein OREA’s head office is currently located (99 Duncan Mill Road); the purchase of real property suitable for OREA’s head office given OREA’s pending downsizing from its current head office property; and, if necessary, any interim lease required to fill the gap between the sale of OREA’s current head office building and OREA’s use of the new head office location.
Interested Proponents can now visit the OREA Request for Proposal: REALTOR® Services For OREA Building Purchase and Sale (the “RFP”) web site at www.orea.com/buildingrfp. Access to this web site is limited to OREA members only.
As a precondition to submitting a response to this RFP (a “Proposal”), each Proponent must:
Register their intent to submit a Proposal by filing the provided Notice of Intent to Respond form with OREA; and
Sign and register the provided Confidentiality and Protection of Personal Information Agreement with OREA.
Both of these documents must be registered with OREA via email by 3 p.m. EST on March 9, 2020 as set out in section 1.4 of the RFP or as otherwise specified by OREA.
If you do not file the Notice of Intent to Respond and Confidentiality and Protection of Personal Information Agreement in full compliance with section 1.4 and 1.5 of the RFP your Proposal may be disqualified by OREA for purposes of this RFP.
The RFP Proposal submission deadline will be 3 p.m. EST on March 31, 2020.
The above dates are subject to change in OREA’s sole and absolute discretion and any date change(s) shall be communicated by OREA via e-mail. OREA may consider, not consider, deny and/or grant any request for extension of a deadline in its sole and absolute discretion.
All questions on the RFP process and related documents must be directed to the following OREA contact person:
The REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported 998 sales of residential properties located within the RAHB market area were processed through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System in February 2020. Sales are up 30 per cent over last month and up 25.5 per cent over February 2019. The average price for residential properties increased to $646,667, which is up 4.5 per cent from last month and up 15.5 per cent from the same month last year.
On February 27, the City of Burlington released that the Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL – also known as the “Downtown Development Freeze”) will remain in effect and will not end on March 5, as was previous reported by the City of Burlington. This is due to appeals filed with the City Clerk.
The City of Burlington received 31 appeals for both Official Plan Amendment 119 and Zoning Bylaw Amendment 2020.418. To view the amendments provided on February 6, please click the buttons below:
The ICBL will remain in effect until the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) has issued a final decision on each appeal of Zoning By-law Amendment 2020.418.
The recommendations from the findings of the ICBL study include proposed amendments to Burlington’s current in-force-and-effect Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw. The staff recommendation report and proposed amendments can be viewed online at www.burlington.ca/icbl.
The City is also working closely with Halton Region to confirm with the Province the requirements and next steps for approval of changes to the Downtown Urban Growth Centre (UGC) and Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) designations. City Council has directed the Chief City Planner to report back in May 2020 with recommendations.
The City will share more information on the ICBL appeal process and timelines as they become available, as well as details about the nature of the appeals. Residents can stay up-to-date by visiting the City website at www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/interim-control-bylaw-icbl.asp.
On February, Bill 145, the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (“TRESA”) passed unanimously in the Ontario Legislature. TRESA still needs final proclamation and certain sections require supporting regulations before officially becoming a law.
It adopts over 20 OREA recommendations, including:
Adopting specialty certifications;
Stopping a ban on multiple representation;
Strengthening the real estate discipline system;
Blocking a mandatory auction offer system; and,
Permitting personal real estate corporations (PRECs).
The Minister of Government and Consumer Services has also committed to changing regulations under REBBA to allow members to use REALTORS® or “real estate agent” in their advertising
