TRREB Interboarding
Due to COVID-19, many TREB staff will be working remotely and will no longer be accepting Interboard Listing Requests via Fax to the Board’s head office. Instead, all relevant documents should be sent to [email protected].
Temporary RAHB Phone Numbers
If you are attempting to call the RAHB office and cannot get through, we have set up temporary phone numbers.
Reception:
Regular: 905.529.8101
Temporary: 905.963.1064
MLS® Help Desk:
Regular: 905.667.4650
Temporary: 905.481.0354
RAHB staff thank you for your patience during this time.
RAHB Physical Office Closed; RAHB Staff Working Remotely
In support of measures advised by government and health officials, the physical RAHB office is closed, with all staff working remotely during our regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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].
- We are accepting general calls through our regular business number at 905.529.8101. If you have any questions, please call during regular business hours or leave a message; we will assist you in any way we can.
- We have become aware that some members have been experiencing trouble while trying to get through to RAHB using the regular office phone number and MLS® support number. If you are experiencing troubles, please try the following numbers as an alternative – MLS Support at 905.481.0354 or reception at 905.963.1064.
- 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, which will be fulfilled once the office reopens. You can reach us at 905-529-5979 or [email protected].
- Online payments are highly encouraged; cheque payments may be dropped off in the RAHB mailbox, however processing of these payments may be delayed; cash payments are not permitted.
- RealTrack service is not accessible.
- OREA testing at the RAHB office has been cancelled until further notice.
Thank you for your patience as we all work together to keep our communities safe, while navigating extremely difficult and often unforeseen circumstances.
For Information/Updates on RAHB’s operations:
For updated information on COVID-19 as it relates to RAHB, please visit our blog page at https://blog.rahb.ca/
Virtual Showings
RAHB strongly encourages REALTORS® have virtual showings. One way you can show other REALTORS® that you have a virtual showing is to include this information within the REALTOR® or public (Client) remarks section of a listing.
But, please remember that REALTOR® contact information is not permitted within the REALTOR® or public (Client) remarks section of a listing – as per RAHB’s MLS® Policies Miscellaneous #5 and #6.
If you have any questions, please contact the MLS® Help Desk at 905.667.4650 or [email protected].
RAHB Dues & Fees
Today, your Board of Directors met virtually to discuss how RAHB can support members during this time. As has been decided by other boards and association across Canada, the RAHB Board of Directors is deferring decision on changes to membership dues and fees until such time as the Board of Directors has clear information on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the real estate industry and the Premier’s emergency measures to close all non-essential businesses.
We understand that this is a very uncertain time for everyone. No one is immune to the anxieties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. RAHB has not yet received word that payment collection will be deferred or waived by any of our service providers, and as such RAHB has a responsibility to meet our contractual obligations at this time. It is also the Board of Directors’ duty to secure the future of the Association on behalf of members, and with this comes the onus of having to make very difficult decisions at important junctures.
We want you to know that, as always, if you have any questions about your billing or would like to discuss the status of your account, please don’t hesitate to contact RAHB staff at 905.529.8101.
Thank you to Brokerages and RAHB Members!
This past weekend, RAHB Brokerages and REALTORS® showed true leadership as they cancelled open houses across our market area. President Kathy Della-Nebbia manned the phones all weekend, speaking directly with Brokerages and REALTORS® about the importance of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ontario emergency declaration.
Kathy was gratified to note that many REALTORS® understood the importance and urgency, and were already in the process of cancelling open houses. The RAHB IT and MLS® departments worked with members to quickly remove the open houses from our MLS® system and REALTOR.ca.
Thank you to all of the RAHB REALTORS® and Brokerages who made the health and safety of our community a priority this past weekend, and are doing the right thing by following the recommendations of government and health officials. This was a collaborative approach and a solution to an unenforceable rule.
Open Houses & Suppressing Option in Matrix
The RAHB Board of Directors continues to make the safety of members and the public its main priority. At an emergency meeting earlier today, the Board of Directors renewed this commitment by reiterating that it is the position of the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington that no further open houses should be held by RAHB members during the Ontario COVID-19 state of emergency. To reinforce this stance, RAHB is immediately suppressing the open house function in Matrix.
RAHB continues to support and follow the direction of the Premier of Ontario and the Chief Medical Officer of Ontario, and will provide members with more information about how REALTORS® are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as it becomes available.
Thank you for your understanding during this uncertain time.
As outlined in previous communications, RAHB does not have the authority to direct members to cancel open houses – only the provincial government or the real estate regulator can mandate an end to open houses.
RAHB Update for March 19, 2020, re: COVID-19 & Video Message From the President
In an effort to keep members informed of RAHB’s office operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are providing regular updates.
Please note, that our office operational status has changed:
RAHB Status Update:
- Due to the progression of COVID-19 throughout Ontario, and based on guidance from government and public health authorities, we have changed our operational status.
- As of Thursday, March 19, the physical RAHB office is closed, with all staff working remotely during our regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- A virtual emergency meeting of the RAHB Board of Directors is taking place early next week to discuss financial measures RAHB can take to support members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please know that your Board of Directors is committed to assisting members and doing everything it can to help members get through these unprecedented times.
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].
- We are accepting general calls through our regular business number at 905.529.8101. If you have any questions, please call during regular business hours or leave a message; we will assist you in any way we can.
- 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, which will be fulfilled once the office reopens. You can reach us at 905-529-5979 or [email protected].
- Online payments are highly encouraged; cheque payments may be dropped off in the RAHB mailbox, however processing of these payments may be delayed; cash payments are not permitted.
- RealTrack service is not accessible.
- OREA testing at the RAHB office has been cancelled until further notice.
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/
Sincerely,
Carol Ann Burrell, CEO
REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington
Video Message From RAHB President Kathy Della-Nebbia
Public Health Recommendations:
For information on COVID-19 – including current state, vulnerable populations, additional resources, etc. – please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at https://www.canada.ca/en/
Please be diligent in keeping up-to-date and following the recommendations and guidance of our health officials and governments.
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.
COVID-19: Collaboration with the Government – CREA
Information related to the efforts to mitigate the outbreak of COVID-19 is constantly evolving. First and foremost, we recommend REALTOR® members follow the guidelines and precautions set by Canada’s public health authorities. See Health Canada’s website for comprehensive coverage.
In ongoing discussions with government officials from various departments and agencies, we continue to emphasize the unique challenges facing REALTORS® as economic measures to support self-employed Canadians and small businesses are considered. The result of these advocacy efforts since the emergence of COVID-19 are captured below.
- Government introduced the Emergency Care Benefit, providing up to $900 bi-weekly for up to 15 weeks, to workers, including the self-employed, who are quarantined or sick with COVID-19, as well as those who are taking care of a family member who is sick with COVID-19, but do not qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits. Application for the Benefit will be available in April 2020 through the Canada Revenue Agency My Account secure portal, My Service Canada Account, or through an automated application process by telephone.
- Also announced was the Emergency Support Benefit, which will provide up to $5 billion in support to workers who are not eligible for EI and who are facing unemployment. This will be available to Canadians who are self-employed; more details will be provided in the coming days.
- Effective March 16, the Bank of Canada has lowered its target for the overnight rate by 50 basis points to ¾ percent as a proactive measure taken to counter negative shocks to Canada’s economy. In the interest of providing financial institutions with the confidence to continue lending to one another, as well as to businesses and consumers, the Bank of Canada will also be purchasing approximately $500 million in mortgage bonds per week, while the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation will acquire up to $50 billion of insured mortgage pools.
- For small businesses, government will provide a temporary wage subsidy for a period of three months, equal to 10% of remuneration paid during that period, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer. The subsidy is available to corporations eligible for the small business deduction, as well as non-profit organizations and charities.
- Businesses will also be allowed to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing between now and September 2020. This applies to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.
- Regarding the stress test, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions is suspending all consultations on regulatory matters, including on the proposed new Benchmark Rate for the minimum qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages. Government is also suspending the coming into force of the new Benchmark Rate for the minimum qualifying rate for insured mortgages until further notice.
The full list of measures announced by the government today is available here. It is expected the House of Commons will be recalled next week to pass the emergency economic measures.
While all the details of the various programs announced today are not yet available, the Governor of the Bank of Canada concluded today’s press conference with the assurance that “if people need the support, they will get it.” We will continue to monitor the evolution of these programs and continue to advocate on behalf of REALTORS®.
Canada’s six largest banks also announced financial relief for Canadians impacted by the economic consequences of COVID-19, including up to a six-month payment deferral for mortgages and the opportunity for relief on other credit products.
If you have any questions, our Government Relations team remains available to members and board and association staff.
RAHB Update for March 16, 2020, re: COVID-19
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.
- 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.
Public Health Recommendations:
For information on COVID-19 – including current state, vulnerable populations, additional resources, etc. – please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at https://www.canada.ca/en/
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/
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
Reminder: New Town of Oakville Sign By-Law
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:
REALTORS® who fail to comply with the sign by-law may face a fine of $300.
To read the full sign by-law, please click the button below:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
UPDATE as of Thursday, March 12, 2020
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
- Practice frequent hand hygiene
- Practice correct coughing and sneezing etiquette
- Refrain from touching your face
- 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:
https://bnonews.com/index.php/2020/02/the-latest-coronavirus-cases/
- US-Canada COVID tracker:
https://coronavirus.1point3acres.com/en
- Johns Hopkins University:
https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
- 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).
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Pneumonia in both lungs
For more information on COVID-19 – including current state, vulnerable populations, additional resources, etc. – please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html.
Please click the below button for a PDF version of this communication to share:
COVID-19 Resources for REALTORS®