Broker Update, May 30, 2025
CEO mid-year report to members: Leadership in action in 2025
The first half of 2025 has reminded us how interconnected our profession is with the communities we serve and how impactful our leadership can be in uncertain times.
Together, we have faced profound challenges. The senseless tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver left us grieving the loss of the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) member Richard Le, his wife Linh Hoang, their daughter Katie and other members of our community.
Their deaths shocked us all. Richard’s son, Andy Le, survived only because he stayed home to finish homework. In response to this tragedy, GVR made a $10,000 donation on behalf of members to support Andy’s future. We are grateful to the many members who supported this effort.
Outside of this tragedy, we also continue to navigate broader uncertainty—from economic instability to shifting housing trends. The looming spectre of U.S. tariffs under the Trump era has added another layer of complexity and risk to our housing market and our broader economy.
As we enter into the sixth month of the year, I wanted to take a moment to share some of the key actions we have taken and outcomes that we have achieved at GVR on your behalf so far in 2025.
GVR launches deposit payment platform for brokerages’ home buyer clients through new partnership with Payload
We want to help our brokerage community streamline the way buyers’ pay deposits at no additional cost to you.
Our new partnership with the payment processing company Payload provides brokerages with the capability for home buyers to pay their deposits into your brokerage trust account directly from a branded web page on your brokerage website.
Payload provides a secure and intuitive payment automation platform designed specifically for real estate. Starting now, all GVR-member brokerages can access this service without cost to the brokerage. Payload is a PCI-compliant provider that has provided similar services with other real estate organizations across North American, including the Alberta Real Estate Association.
Payload allows buyers to pay their deposits through a secure, branded web portal that works with almost any bank, and deposits the funds directly into your brokerage account.
This partnership reflects GVR’s continued commitment to helping simplify your business operations while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and compliance.
Get full details about Payload and how you can sign up here.
Get a deeper understanding of Service Re-Imagined with these videos
Service Re-Imagined is GVR’s biggest, most transformative project yet. Providing you with faster, easier access to tools, information, and self-serve options is at the heart of it.
In this two-part video series, GVR’s Chief Corporate Development Officer Craig Munn recently sat down with key GVR staff working on the major projects Service Re-Imagined entails.
The Critical Path - A new way to engage, with GVR Account Executive Brian Spencer
The Account Executive model is a key component of the Service Re-Imagined initiative at GVR. The role will blaze a new trail for the way GVR engages and supports our broker community.
As GVR's first Account Executive, Brian Spencer will lead the way. Brian's a former Realtor who brings extensive insider knowledge to his new role along with a drive to enhance member professionalism through tailored support.
In this episode of the Critical Path, Brian walks us through what members can expect from GVR's Account Executives now and in the future.
Listen below:
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You can always catch the latest episodes of the Critical Path on every major podcast platform, including:
If you missed the last episode, check out Elevating women in real estate with CWIRE's Jacquie McCarnan.
We’re looking for your feedback in our 2025 Paragon Survey
Take 5-10 minutes to share your thoughts on Paragon! Your feedback is critical to ensure we always deliver the most effective service and options in your primary business tool.
Be sure to share this link with the members in your office and encourage them to complete the survey, too.
To thank you for your time, you could win an iPad or one of 50 $10 coffee cards if you complete the survey.
Thanks for your input!
Discuss the latest disciplinary decisions in your office
Stay on top of the work GVR 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 (C25-01 Consent to Discipline and Notice of Suspension).
Reminder: CREA's New Member Initiation Fee to increase June 1
At the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April, delegates voted in favour of an increase to the new member initiation fee to $500 from $200.
The new member initiation fee applies to members joining CREA for the first time or members who are rejoining the association after a period of 24-months.
According to CREA, the fee has remained unchanged since 2006 while there have been major investments and increases in services since then. The increase to $500 better reflects the current benefits they provide and will be used to replenish CREA’s Contingency Reserve Fund.
As of June 1, 2025, Greater Vancouver REALTORS® will be adjusting the CREA portion of new member entrance fees to $500 for applicable members.