Please join us for our new in-house training program, “Masters Edge”, newly created by Richard Robbins and branded just for RE/MAXT. This program focuses on real estate fundamentals to build a successful real estate career and strategies for continued success going forward.
Some of the topics that will be covered in this program are:
• How to run your business like a business
• How to track your business and recreate success
• The importance of listings and how best to obtain
and manage them
• How to manage your finances to ensure a
profitable retirement
• How to handle any objection with ease and confidence
• How to create powerful listing and buyer presentations,
marketing materials, websites and even consumer videos using the
exclusive RE/MAX Design Centre!
Course Start Date: Wednesday April 14th, 2010
Masters Edge will run for 11 weeks
Time: 9:30am - 11:30am
Location: Erindale Training Centre, Christine Mitchell (Facilitator)
And
Kingsway Office Boardroom, Darryl Mitchell (Facilitator)
Investment of: $450.87 (includes manual, tax and shipping)*
This will be charged to your monthly expenses
Schedule
Wednesday April 14th, 2010 10-12noon
Wednesday April 21st, 2010 10-12noon
Wednesday April 28th, 2010 10-12noon
Wednesday May 12th, 2010 10-12noon
Wednesday May 19th, 2010 10-12noon
Wednesday May 26th, 2010 10-12noon
Thursday June 3rd, 2010 10-12noon
Wednesday June 9th, 2010 10-12noon
Wednesday June 16th, 2010 10-12noon
Wednesday June 23rd, 2010 10-12noon
Wednesday June 30th, 2010 10-12noon
Seating is limited
If you would like to join this great training program please call
Joanna Cusimano
Before March 29th to book your seat and to ensure materials are shipped in time for the start date
905-270-8840
Ask about our professional development incentive program!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Competition Bureau says Competition in Real Estate Profession is Limited- You must be Kidding!
From the desk of RE/MAX Professionals, Darryl Mitchell, Managing Broker
There has been a tremendous amount of speculation as to the consequences of the Competition Bureau reviewing the way that organized real estate is performed in Canada. Some say that our industry is on the precipice to change that will overwhelm the existing participants. Others say no change will occur. Still others say this is the demise of our industry, Realtors will be dinosaurs fit for extinction and our customers will applaud.
Nothing is further from the truth. The Competition Bureau rightly reviews industries where they feel competition is controlled or inefficient. They are concerned that without competition, consumers and thus society will be hampered in their activities. The concept is good. They have served society well for many years.
It is interesting that they have chosen to review organized real estate where there are varied business models inside of and outside of the organized realm. Should reviews not be done on industries where there is little or no competition within the industry? Such is the lay of the land with the stock market monopoly, The Toronto Stock Exchange. One market controlled by the marketers! What about the Canadian banking industry? Few players in an oligopoly mode. Or what about the political industry in Ottawa! Four major players using their clout to prevent competition. Too bad we could not just prorogue the whole issue!
So the assumption here is that there is little or no competition in the real estate industry. Let us review the competitive nature of real estate sales in Canada.
The real estate industry is organized through cooperative real estate boards that provide a multiple listing service (MLS) as a means of registering current properties for sale. The cooperative nature of the business is almost 100 years old and was established at a time when real estate brokers did not cooperate on allowing others to sell their properties and obtain a payment, or commission on the sale. By cooperating, these foresighted individuals benefited the consumer by allowing an open and effective market place where consumers were represented fairly as buyers and sellers. The term “Broker” reflected this openness between parties to the sale.
Even with this cooperative MLS services, consumers are still allowed by the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act to sell their own homes without an agent. Lawyers for clients or estates are allowed to sell homes for a fee as well. Builders and Developers are allowed to sell real estate for their own businesses using their own employees.
Then why is it that the Real Estate Associations, Real Estate Boards, Brokers and Sales People are on the radar of the Competition Bureau? What has changed?
Do we, as real estate professionals have an open market place? Absolutely!
Do we not have competition for listings with negotiable commissions? Absolutely!
Has competition for listings, commission rates and prices become restricted by unfair practices? Absolutely Not!
Are different business models not allowed in our industry or within our country? Absolutely! There are more business models, franchised and independent offices and business opportunities than anyone can imagine! One only needs to review the business models of RE/MAX, Royal LePage, Coldwell Banker, Min Max Pear Tree and so on to realize there is tremendous competition among the major players, franchised or not.
Then why are we, Realtors, organized real estate if you will, targeted? Perhaps it is because we are easy, visible targets who have not explained our value proposition well in the past. It was not a year ago, when the real estate market was reeling in the recession that our professional services were valued much higher. Just ask those who are still in the realm of recession in the United States, how they value their Realtor friends. They now are pleased to pay an effective agent who can sell their home quickly and smoothly more than even a year ago, simply since they know it is not easy to do in a distressed marketplace.
And waht aboutthe increased cost our customers and clients must pay for government servcies just to get the sale completed? Why is it that our society allows new costs to the real estate transaction such as multiple land transfer taxes, environmental (green) home studies, HST increases on real estate fees and services, and so on with little or no fight?
Is the competition controversy simply a diversion from these increased government service costs?
Hmmm? Something to think about.
There has been a tremendous amount of speculation as to the consequences of the Competition Bureau reviewing the way that organized real estate is performed in Canada. Some say that our industry is on the precipice to change that will overwhelm the existing participants. Others say no change will occur. Still others say this is the demise of our industry, Realtors will be dinosaurs fit for extinction and our customers will applaud.
Nothing is further from the truth. The Competition Bureau rightly reviews industries where they feel competition is controlled or inefficient. They are concerned that without competition, consumers and thus society will be hampered in their activities. The concept is good. They have served society well for many years.
It is interesting that they have chosen to review organized real estate where there are varied business models inside of and outside of the organized realm. Should reviews not be done on industries where there is little or no competition within the industry? Such is the lay of the land with the stock market monopoly, The Toronto Stock Exchange. One market controlled by the marketers! What about the Canadian banking industry? Few players in an oligopoly mode. Or what about the political industry in Ottawa! Four major players using their clout to prevent competition. Too bad we could not just prorogue the whole issue!
So the assumption here is that there is little or no competition in the real estate industry. Let us review the competitive nature of real estate sales in Canada.
The real estate industry is organized through cooperative real estate boards that provide a multiple listing service (MLS) as a means of registering current properties for sale. The cooperative nature of the business is almost 100 years old and was established at a time when real estate brokers did not cooperate on allowing others to sell their properties and obtain a payment, or commission on the sale. By cooperating, these foresighted individuals benefited the consumer by allowing an open and effective market place where consumers were represented fairly as buyers and sellers. The term “Broker” reflected this openness between parties to the sale.
Even with this cooperative MLS services, consumers are still allowed by the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act to sell their own homes without an agent. Lawyers for clients or estates are allowed to sell homes for a fee as well. Builders and Developers are allowed to sell real estate for their own businesses using their own employees.
Then why is it that the Real Estate Associations, Real Estate Boards, Brokers and Sales People are on the radar of the Competition Bureau? What has changed?
Do we, as real estate professionals have an open market place? Absolutely!
Do we not have competition for listings with negotiable commissions? Absolutely!
Has competition for listings, commission rates and prices become restricted by unfair practices? Absolutely Not!
Are different business models not allowed in our industry or within our country? Absolutely! There are more business models, franchised and independent offices and business opportunities than anyone can imagine! One only needs to review the business models of RE/MAX, Royal LePage, Coldwell Banker, Min Max Pear Tree and so on to realize there is tremendous competition among the major players, franchised or not.
Then why are we, Realtors, organized real estate if you will, targeted? Perhaps it is because we are easy, visible targets who have not explained our value proposition well in the past. It was not a year ago, when the real estate market was reeling in the recession that our professional services were valued much higher. Just ask those who are still in the realm of recession in the United States, how they value their Realtor friends. They now are pleased to pay an effective agent who can sell their home quickly and smoothly more than even a year ago, simply since they know it is not easy to do in a distressed marketplace.
And waht aboutthe increased cost our customers and clients must pay for government servcies just to get the sale completed? Why is it that our society allows new costs to the real estate transaction such as multiple land transfer taxes, environmental (green) home studies, HST increases on real estate fees and services, and so on with little or no fight?
Is the competition controversy simply a diversion from these increased government service costs?
Hmmm? Something to think about.
Toronto Real Estate Board President's March Message
Tom Lebour, President Toronto Real Estate Board, March 15, 2010 -- Moving our clocks forward and an upcoming meeting in Ottawa are two perennial signs that spring is upon us, and the important issues being discussed at the Canadian Real Estate Association’s Annual General Meeting March 22nd are sure to make for an interesting start to the season.
You’re probably aware that last month the Commissioner of Competition filed a Notice of Application against CREA seeking to strike down certain CREA rules. One week prior to the Notice of Application, CREA advised the Commissioner of Competition and the Competition Bureau of its intention to move forward with rule changes to address the issues raised by the Bureau. Delegates from real estate boards and associations throughout the country, including Members of TREB’s Board of Directors, will vote on the proposed rule changes March 22nd.
If you’re interested in learning more about the proposed rule changes, a video message delivered by CREA’s external Competition Law counsel Katherine Kay, is posted on TorontoMLS. Further information on this issue is available under a tab called ‘Competition Bureau Information Zone’ on REALTORLink, which can be accessed directly from the TorontoMLS homepage. It includes CREA Dispatch 2010-03, which also outlines the proposed rule changes, on pages four and five of the document. Stay tuned to REALTORlink for an update as to the outcome of next week’s discussions.
Revisions to CREA’s television advertising campaign are also underway. Scheduled to be introduced April 5th, the campaign has been re-geared to reflect a more serious tone, focusing on the professional services that REALTORS® offer. TREB’s Board of Directors will soon be considering the development of a new advertising campaign as well, potentially focused on Buyer representation.
You may recall that last September I told you about the formation of a Buyers’ Services Task Force. The work of this group is progressing well, with a number of recommendations soon to be considered. This year’s new focus on Buyers’ Services extends beyond the Task Force as well.
Recently for example, a TREB-designed interface to facilitate Internet Data Exchange (IDX) was introduced. To date, more than 100 brokerages have taken advantage of this opportunity to advertise their listings on each other’s websites through reciprocal agreements.
The Connect project, which allows you to search and view the active listings and recent sales history of the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington, the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® and the Ottawa Real Estate Board, is poised to expand. Six other Boards have paid initiation fees to participate, and are in the process of developing templates to allow them to connect. It’s also important to note that five additional Real Estate Boards and Associations are included through the four founding groups. The Brampton Real Estate Board, the Durham Region Association of REALTORS®, The Mississauga Real Estate Board and Orangeville and District Real Estate Board are included through TREB and the Renfrew County Real Estate Board is included through the Ottawa Real Estate Board.
This initiative is an excellent example of the spirit of cooperation on which our profession was founded. There is though, much more that we can achieve by working together. Government Relations efforts for example, are well underway to coincide with this fall’s municipal election and I am happy to report that a Mayoral Candidate Debate will take place at this year’s REALTOR® Quest conference, May 5th and 6th at the Toronto Congress Centre. This debate is among the many highlights of this year’s conference: another expansive tradeshow, a wide selection of Continuing Education seminars and a full slate of entertainment attractions are also planned. Be sure to stay tuned for further details.
In the months leading up to the municipal election I also encourage you to help shape the future of the Greater Toronto Area by sharing your views on a daily basis through a special Op Ed section of the Toronto Star. Given that few other professions are as familiar with GTA communities, it’s important to ensure that the REALTOR® perspective on our city’s future is heard. To take advantage of this opportunity please visit http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/775190--a-civic-call-to-action.
I also look forward to receiving your comments, questions and suggestions in the coming weeks as activity in our profession becomes even more dynamic. Please feel free to write to me anytime at trebpres@trebnet.com.
Tom Lebour
President
You’re probably aware that last month the Commissioner of Competition filed a Notice of Application against CREA seeking to strike down certain CREA rules. One week prior to the Notice of Application, CREA advised the Commissioner of Competition and the Competition Bureau of its intention to move forward with rule changes to address the issues raised by the Bureau. Delegates from real estate boards and associations throughout the country, including Members of TREB’s Board of Directors, will vote on the proposed rule changes March 22nd.
If you’re interested in learning more about the proposed rule changes, a video message delivered by CREA’s external Competition Law counsel Katherine Kay, is posted on TorontoMLS. Further information on this issue is available under a tab called ‘Competition Bureau Information Zone’ on REALTORLink, which can be accessed directly from the TorontoMLS homepage. It includes CREA Dispatch 2010-03, which also outlines the proposed rule changes, on pages four and five of the document. Stay tuned to REALTORlink for an update as to the outcome of next week’s discussions.
Revisions to CREA’s television advertising campaign are also underway. Scheduled to be introduced April 5th, the campaign has been re-geared to reflect a more serious tone, focusing on the professional services that REALTORS® offer. TREB’s Board of Directors will soon be considering the development of a new advertising campaign as well, potentially focused on Buyer representation.
You may recall that last September I told you about the formation of a Buyers’ Services Task Force. The work of this group is progressing well, with a number of recommendations soon to be considered. This year’s new focus on Buyers’ Services extends beyond the Task Force as well.
Recently for example, a TREB-designed interface to facilitate Internet Data Exchange (IDX) was introduced. To date, more than 100 brokerages have taken advantage of this opportunity to advertise their listings on each other’s websites through reciprocal agreements.
The Connect project, which allows you to search and view the active listings and recent sales history of the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington, the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® and the Ottawa Real Estate Board, is poised to expand. Six other Boards have paid initiation fees to participate, and are in the process of developing templates to allow them to connect. It’s also important to note that five additional Real Estate Boards and Associations are included through the four founding groups. The Brampton Real Estate Board, the Durham Region Association of REALTORS®, The Mississauga Real Estate Board and Orangeville and District Real Estate Board are included through TREB and the Renfrew County Real Estate Board is included through the Ottawa Real Estate Board.
This initiative is an excellent example of the spirit of cooperation on which our profession was founded. There is though, much more that we can achieve by working together. Government Relations efforts for example, are well underway to coincide with this fall’s municipal election and I am happy to report that a Mayoral Candidate Debate will take place at this year’s REALTOR® Quest conference, May 5th and 6th at the Toronto Congress Centre. This debate is among the many highlights of this year’s conference: another expansive tradeshow, a wide selection of Continuing Education seminars and a full slate of entertainment attractions are also planned. Be sure to stay tuned for further details.
In the months leading up to the municipal election I also encourage you to help shape the future of the Greater Toronto Area by sharing your views on a daily basis through a special Op Ed section of the Toronto Star. Given that few other professions are as familiar with GTA communities, it’s important to ensure that the REALTOR® perspective on our city’s future is heard. To take advantage of this opportunity please visit http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/775190--a-civic-call-to-action.
I also look forward to receiving your comments, questions and suggestions in the coming weeks as activity in our profession becomes even more dynamic. Please feel free to write to me anytime at trebpres@trebnet.com.
Tom Lebour
President
CREA MEMBERSHIP APPROVES RULE AMENDMENTS
OTTAWA – March 22, 2010 – Today, during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Westin Hotel, the membership of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) approved amendments clarifying CREA’s rules relating to real estate Boards’ MLS® Systems.
“CREA is pleased that the amendments have passed”, says CREA president Georges Pahud.
Through these proactive clarifications of the existing rules, CREA believes that the concerns raised by the Competition Bureau are fully addressed. At the same time, these amendments ensure the continued integrity of MLS® Systems and the accuracy and quality of information on Board MLS® Systems that Canadians have come to trust.
About The Canadian Real Estate Association
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada's largest single-industry trade associations, representing more than 98,000 real estate Brokers/agents and salespeople working through more than 100 real estate Boards and Associations.
For more information, please contact:
Alyson Fair
613-237-7111 or 613-884-1460
Email: afair@crea.ca
“CREA is pleased that the amendments have passed”, says CREA president Georges Pahud.
Through these proactive clarifications of the existing rules, CREA believes that the concerns raised by the Competition Bureau are fully addressed. At the same time, these amendments ensure the continued integrity of MLS® Systems and the accuracy and quality of information on Board MLS® Systems that Canadians have come to trust.
About The Canadian Real Estate Association
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada's largest single-industry trade associations, representing more than 98,000 real estate Brokers/agents and salespeople working through more than 100 real estate Boards and Associations.
For more information, please contact:
Alyson Fair
613-237-7111 or 613-884-1460
Email: afair@crea.ca
U.S. existing-home sales fall 3rd month in row
By Rex Nutting WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) Market Pulse
March 23, 2010, 10:00 a.m. EDT
Resales of U.S. homes and condos fell 0.6% in February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.02 million, the lowest level in eight months, raising doubts about the durability of the housing recovery, the National Association of Realtors reported Tuesday. Sales of existing homes have fallen three consecutive months after rising steadily through the fall in response to a federal subsidy for first-time home buyers. The tax credit has been restored and expanded to repeat buyers, but there has been no increase in sales yet. Inventories of sales on the market jumped in February, rising 312,000 to 3.59 million, the highest since September.
March 23, 2010, 10:00 a.m. EDT
Resales of U.S. homes and condos fell 0.6% in February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.02 million, the lowest level in eight months, raising doubts about the durability of the housing recovery, the National Association of Realtors reported Tuesday. Sales of existing homes have fallen three consecutive months after rising steadily through the fall in response to a federal subsidy for first-time home buyers. The tax credit has been restored and expanded to repeat buyers, but there has been no increase in sales yet. Inventories of sales on the market jumped in February, rising 312,000 to 3.59 million, the highest since September.
GTA REALTORS® REPORTING MARCH MID-MONTH HOUSING STATISTICS
TORONTO, MARCH 17, 2010 - Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,353 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) during the first two weeks of March. This represented a 70 per cent increase compared to the 2,562 sales recorded during the same period in 2009 when resale transactions had dipped markedly due to the recession. The mid-month sales total was also 16 per cent higher than the previous March midmonth high reached in 2006. “The spring-like weather in the first half of March brought the first green sprouts of the recuring spring market. Every year, monthly sales climb steadily through May,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour. "People are buying homes because they are confident in the current economic recovery and mortgage payments on the average priced home remain affordable."
The average price for March mid-month transactions was $440,153 – a 20 per cent increase over 2009. New listings within the Toronto Real Estate Board boundaries were up 34 per cent to 8,540.
"Look for double-digit annual price increases to cease later in 2010, as new listings rebound from the low levels experienced in 2009," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "Increased listings will give buyers more choice, resulting in less upward pressure on home prices.”
Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 29,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board. Greater Toronto Area open house listings are now available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com.
The average price for March mid-month transactions was $440,153 – a 20 per cent increase over 2009. New listings within the Toronto Real Estate Board boundaries were up 34 per cent to 8,540.
"Look for double-digit annual price increases to cease later in 2010, as new listings rebound from the low levels experienced in 2009," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "Increased listings will give buyers more choice, resulting in less upward pressure on home prices.”
Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 29,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board. Greater Toronto Area open house listings are now available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com.
Monday, March 22, 2010
CBC Reports on MLS Changes
Follow this link to see the CBC Neews report on the MLS decision by CREA today:
http://www.cbc.ca/video/player.html?category=News&clipid=1448263726
http://www.cbc.ca/video/player.html?category=News&clipid=1448263726
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