Broker Update, November 10, 2023

REBGV unveils new three-year strategic plan

Leading professionalism and innovation in real estate.

That’s the new mission for your professional organisation, set out in our new strategic plan. See an overview of this three-year plan here.

We've been focusing on the future this past year, consulting a wide array of stakeholders and assessing the technological trends making waves across all sectors of the economy. Our new strategic plan for 2024-26 is the result of these collaborative efforts.

Management is now finalizing an operational plan with detailed objectives and measurements that map out the actions the organization will take to achieve these priorities.

Watch for more information in the months ahead about the initiatives associated with this new plan. We also encourage all members to attend our AGM in March for a detailed update on the Board’s long-term strategic work.

Read our announcement here.

Our new Oath of Professionalism is an oath to live by

Professionalism is a key pillar in our new strategic plan. When we published our Professionalism White Paper earlier this year, one recommendation within it was the writing and adoption of a member oath in support of professionalism.

The Ethics Guy® Kim Spencer has developed one for us. These words place greater responsibility on all of us, as professionals, to live up to and uphold the standards we represent.

Read Kim’s full column, and the oath, here.

You’ll hear more about this oath, and how we intend to incorporate it at member gatherings, in the weeks ahead. I hope we can count on your support as we move this forward.

You can also donate financially to the Blanket Drive!

We're once again combining our traditional collection and distribution of winter clothes and blankets this year with an online fundraiser to help people in need across the Lower Mainland.

This means there are two ways to give to the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive: Financially, or by donating new or lightly used winter clothing and blankets.

In addition to collecting as many clothing donations as we can, we're also looking to raise $15,000 to support our recipient charities. Last year, we exceeded our goal and raised $18,000. With your support we can make this another special year – donate today!

The REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive starts next week on November 14 and runs until November 21. Learn more.

Subject removal date will be a mandatory field for sales starting November 15

We’re adding a new, mandatory field for the subject removal date for all conditional MLS® sales on November 15.

This new field will allow us to provide better statistics on when contracts became unconditional and will help brokerages provide our regulator, the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA), with the information they require in their annual data collection calls..

To help you provide this information we have updated our Sales Report Form with the new field. The form will be available on WEBForms starting November 15. In the meantime, you can get the new Sales Report Form here.

You'll be required to state whether the accepted offer was conditional or unconditional.  If the sale was conditional but you don’t provide the final subject removal date when you report your sale to the Board, you’ll receive an email requesting further information before we can process it.

Questions? Contact us at mls@rebgv.org.

What’s the time commitment for REBGV’s directors?

We’re accepting nominations for candidates to run in our 2024 Board of Directors election in January. The nomination period closes at 5 pm this Wednesday, November 15.

REBGV directors focus on strategic direction, performance monitoring, financial performance, and risk management. Throughout the year, REBGV directors commit approximately two to four days each month for activities including:

  • An orientation session
  • Board meetings every four to six weeks
  • A two-day planning session
  • Governance education programs

Directors are also expected to attend meetings and special events like:

  • The Annual General Meeting
  • Industry events
  • Advocacy events
  • Networking events

Our website has helpful information about becoming a director. Learn more about what makes a great director, the election process, REBGV’s latest strategic plan and annual report, and more.

If you think you're ready to run, email us at becomeadirector@rebgv.org and we’ll send you the information you need to complete the nomination process.

Celebrate the season at Science World with a special group rate!

Wrap up the year with a touch of wonder and magic at REBGV’s Evening of Merry Holiday Celebration at Science World on December 7.

Treat yourself and the members in your office to a delicious slider bar, savor a signature cocktail, dance the night away, and let your inner child loose while immersing yourself in the gadgets, contraptions, and interactive displays of Science World.

As a special offer, if you purchase eight or more tickets for your office, you'll receive a $10 discount off the price of each ticket ($85 instead of $95)!

Last year's Evening of Merry SOLD OUT so don't delay - get your tickets today!

Real estate take notice: The consumer is undefeated

That’s the title of the article I recently co-authored with BC Real Estate Association CEO Trevor Koot for Real Estate Magazine (REM).

This op-ed explores the consumer-side of industry disruption, citing past examples where rapid innovation benefitted consumers of different industries.

I encourage you to read and share the article from REM's website.

Review the latest disciplinary decisions 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 Arbitration Committee seeks to resolve disputes between members. Review their latest rulings (Arbitration Case #193 and Arbitration Case #194).