Broker Update, June 9, 2023

Leading the way - a roadmap to elevate REALTOR® professionalism

Last week, I shared our recently released discussion paper that highlights the key factors, barriers, and opportunities related to enhancing REALTOR® professionalism.

This body of work is based on years of comprehensive research from different sources, various focus group conversations, and a detailed comparative analysis of the standards and requirements for Realtors versus other professions in Canada.

It provides a clear picture of where professionalism in real estate is at today and where it needs to be if we aspire to achieve greater public trust and confidence.

Later this month, we’ll host an online event to present the discussion paper in more detail and discuss the recommendations that we are exploring. Watch for registration and other event details soon.

In the meantime, I encourage you to read this document and stay engaged with us as we work to make lasting improvements to the standards, accountability, and culture within our profession.

I hope we can count on your support as we continue work in this important area.

Multi-factor authentication, new password requirements coming to REBGV’s login screens in July

As part of our commitment to cybersecurity, your Board is implementing new password requirements and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to our secure login screen in July.

We’re updating our password requirements to align with modern cybersecurity best practices starting July 11. When you log in that day, you’ll be prompted to create a new password, even if your existing password meets the new requirements.

We’re also adding the new MFA system to the login screen starting July 18. MFA is a verification step after you enter your password that asks you to enter a system-generated code sent to you either by text message or email.

Get all the details here.

Our pre-budget submission is making news

Each year, the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services tours the province to hear recommendations on how to spend next year’s provincial budget. And each year, your Board prepares a submission of recommendations for the government about how they should consider using the budget on issues related to housing affordability and supply.

Read our full submission to the government here.

We shared our submission with the media and generated prominent coverage:

If you have questions about our submission or our advocacy efforts, email Harriet Permut at hpermut@rebgv.org

Changes to Medallion Club teams qualifications – what you need to know

We recently announced that we’re aligning the definition of a Medallion Club team with the BC Financial Services Authority’s (BCFSA) definition starting this year.

In short, members who are registered as a team with BCFSA will be considered part of a team for Medallion Club and won’t be eligible for individual Medallion Club status.

To help you understand this change we’ve created an FAQ.

Since our announcement, we’ve received feedback from members close to milestone achievements concerned about their status now that BCFSA defines their business model as a team.

We’re currently exploring options for members in this situation. We’ll let you know more about these options as soon as possible.

If you have questions or feedback on this change, please email us at medallionclub@rebgv.org.

Applications for REBGV entrance scholarships for members’ children are open

Is there a member in your office with a child graduating high school this year? Encourage them to apply for one of our annual entrance scholarships!

Each year we award five $1,500 entrance scholarships to our members’ children entering post-secondary education.

We award scholarships based on performance in academics, athletics, fine arts, and community service. A team of independent adjudicators choose the recipients.

Applications for our 2023 scholarships are due by August 25. Adjudication will take place in September, and we’ll notify successful applicants in October.

Get all the details and learn how to apply!

Review the latest disciplinary decision in your office

Stay on top of the work your Board does to uphold and enforce professional standards within the profession and resolve disputes between members.

Our Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) investigates alleged member breaches of the Realtor Code and our Rules of Cooperation. Review the PCC’s latest ruling (C21-02 Hearing Decision).

For Approval – a new option for loading listings

We’re offering a new option for you to load listings in your office called For Approval. It allows Brokers to let the REALTORS® in their offices load listings to a partial state on Paragon.

Brokers would then review the listing for accuracy and compliance before completing the listing to go live.

If you have questions about this new service or would like to set For Approval up for your office, contact the MLS® department at 604-730-3010 or email dryall@rebgv.org.