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August 15th - 2016
Ensure that your clients understand clearly which items will stay and which will go when a property sells. Three Realtors share insights.
Ensure that your clients understand clearly which items will stay and which will go when a property sells. Three Realtors share insights.
Many clients don’t understand the distinction between chattels and fixtures, and it’s up to you as a REALTOR® to educate them. The Edge newsletter talked with three real estate professionals and a lawyer about how to prevent confusion.
A chattel is a moveable possession and personal property that can be removed without injury to the property. Chattels are normally deemed to be excluded from the purchase price, unless they are specifically noted in the agreement of purchase and sale (APS). On the other hand, fixtures are normally deemed to be included in the purchase price, unless the APS specifically excludes them.
If buyers aren’t clear on the difference between chattels and fixtures, they could be very unhappy come closing day, says Rennie Lowes, a Peterborough Realtor with 13 years of experience.
“The buyers will call their Realtor with bad news that something they wanted was missing when they moved in, and it can be a real disappointment for them,” says Lowes. “The Realtor can feel helpless if the seller took the item. It may just take a phone call to clear things up, but the buyers may end up contacting a lawyer, so it’s best to prevent that from happening by being clear and specific from the beginning and getting things in writing.”
"The difference between chattels and fixtures should be explained to clients early in the process"
Lawyer Lou Radomsky, outside counsel for OREA’s standard forms committee, explains “The law says that fixtures stay with the property. Chattels are things that go. However, points of dispute can arise between buyers and sellers about whether something is a chattel or a fixture.”
Differing opinions about what constitutes a chattel versus a fixture can lead to litigation, says Stan Reljic, a Georgian Bay Realtor who has been in the business for eight years. “These disputes can end up in court with insurance companies getting involved,” says Reljic. “That’s not what you want, especially when these situations can be addressed in the first place and, in most cases, prevented.”
The difference between chattels and fixtures should be explained to clients early in the process, advises Lowes. He tells sellers specifically which items they should leave behind because those things are typically considered fixtures. Conversely, he explains to buyers which items normally stay and which ones go, outlining any exceptions.
“A buyer walk-through as part of the closing is very wise,” Lowes says. “If certain items are gone that you expected to be there, the walk-through gives you can opportunity to rectify the problem before the date of closing.”
Unfortunately, the status of some items is not always black and white. For example, wall-mounted televisions are a modern conundrum, because the brackets are attached to the wall, even though the TV is not. And are the brackets holding the drapes chattels or fixtures? The items discussed most often in this context are light fixtures and window coverings, Lowes notes. Mirrors, medicine cabinets and shelves can also be points of contention.
“Elaborate window coverings have tremendous value in a buyer’s eyes,” says Reljic, “but that doesn’t stop sellers from wanting to take them. And with an item such as a light fixture, if the seller plans to remove it, you should advise them to specify what happens afterward. Will it be replaced with a new fixture? It’s important to make it clear what will remain.”
Controversy about chattels and fixtures can lead to interesting inclusions and exclusions on an Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS), says Heather Hadden, a Toronto Realtor with 10 years of experience. She tells of a seller whose backyard contained an enormous fish pond stocked with exotic koi (carp). Although the pond stayed, the seller asked that the contract include provision for the koi to be removed, since they were imported from Asia at a substantial cost.
“It’s most important to specify what’s excluded,” Hadden says. “On the other hand, unexpected inclusions are a bonus for the buyer.”
Some Realtors suggest that sellers remove a dramatic item from the premises before showing the house if it is likely to cause confusion about whether it is included. However, Hadden doesn’t subscribe to that view. In Toronto, home staging is the norm and a beautiful fixture enhances the premises, making the property more appealing, she notes.
“We don’t want people to swap out glamorous light fixtures,” she says. “We want the house to look as amazing as possible. We simply need to exclude that item from the contract so the buyer is clear that the seller is taking that item. You don’t want people to be surprised.”
A surprising discovery can occur at a property if sellers have taken something unexpected with them, says Lowes. “Sometimes, I shake my head: shower curtain rods, toilet paper holders, nickel-and-dime items,” Lowes says. “It’s not worth fighting over them.”
Points of confusion can be different at rural or cottage properties, Lowes adds. Some people may not realize the value of specific chattels, he notes. Tractors, for example, can be more expensive than cars.
“On a farm, you can have controversy about gates,” Lowes notes. “They just lift off, but they’re expensive. There can also be disagreements about crops; a farmer has the right to harvest them after the closing, but it’s important to put that into the contract as an exclusion. Anything of value to the sellers that they plan to take with them should be mentioned in the contract, particularly if the item could be seen as a fixture that should stay.”
He tells of a rural property where the seller and the buyer disagreed over a donkey. “The buyers wanted it, but the sellers said it was a pet, and in the end, the deal didn’t come together because of it.”
When dealing with cottages, something that is often overlooked in discussions is the dock, Reljic adds. “Back in the day, docks were very simple, but today they can be elaborate, expensive systems costing $40,000 or more. I always try to be as specific as possible in the contract.”
Radomsky, the lawyer, agrees with that approach. “When in doubt, spell it out. Specify in the forms anything that might be a point of contention or confusion. For example, I may suggest that my buyer clients insert ‘Built-in dishwasher’ in the Chattels Included section of the APS. By specifying the item as included in the sale, everyone is clear about that and you don’t have arguments later about whether it was attached or not.”
“Put it in writing to make it as clear as possible what stays and what goes.”
How to Deal with Issues Surrounding Chattels and Fixtures:Story by Elaine Smith
Sources: Heather Hadden, Rennie Lowes, Lou Radomsky, Stan Reljic
Image © Flickr - ActiveSteveEditorial Policy: The REALTOR® EDGE newsletter is produced 11 times a year by the Ontario Real Estate Association. The newsletter aims to provide practical and useful news and information about the real estate industry to members of the association. The opinions expressed in the newsletter are not necessarily those of the publisher. The newsletter welcomes submissions from the real estate community, including letters to the editor, opinion pieces, events and news. The newsletter reserves the right to edit, based on space restrictions and/or suitability, and/or to refuse submitted material for inclusion in the newsletter without reason. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher, OREA, is prohibited. Contents are copyright of the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Editor: Mary Ann Gratton
Contributors to this issue: Elaine Smith, Merv Burgard, Mary Ann Gratton
Web Editor: Shade Lapite
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Newsletter
April 18, 2016
Assignments in real estate have been the focus of media attention recently. The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) answers questions about this type of transaction.
Newsletter
April 18, 2016
The Ontario Real Estate Association officially installed its new president and board of directors at the annual general meeting in Toronto in March.
Newsletter
March 13, 2016
Staying organized and managing your workload effectively is vital to success in real estate. Three REALTORS® from across Ontario share their strategies for time management.
Newsletter
March 13, 2016
Important changes are coming to pre-registration education on April 1 that will boost the knowledge of new entrants to the profession. The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) is making changes with support from the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).
Newsletter
March 13, 2016
If you want to learn more about the standard forms used in real estate, sign up for a free seminar offered by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
March 13, 2016
Two lively animated videos created by OREA reveal the results of surveys of consumers in the province of Ontario. They conclude with the importance of working with a REALTOR®.
Newsletter
March 13, 2016
A few years after purchasing a house, the buyers learned that previous owners had removed a load-bearing wall, rendering the second floor unsafe. The buyers sued the company that provided title insurance.
Newsletter
March 13, 2016
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and contribute to the real estate profession. Volunteer for a committee as a way to serve your profession and enhance your knowledge.
Newsletter
March 13, 2016
Residential real estate markets are stronger now than they were a year ago, according to a recent survey of consumers. The Ontario Home Ownership Index, a survey conducted by OREA, reveals that 40 per cent felt the market in their own city was stronger in 2016.
Newsletter
March 13, 2016
Review your home insurance policy and update your home inventory, advises the Insurance Bureau of Canada. These are among the steps you can take to protect your home and property, according to IBC.
Newsletter
March 13, 2016
The Ontario Real Estate Association’s Annual Assembly Meeting and REALTORS Care Foundation Annual General Meeting take place on March 9 in Toronto. It’s all part of the OREA 2016 Leadership Conference.
Newsletter
February 12, 2016
Mistakes in a real estate listing can hurt your clients and damage your career. That’s why accuracy in a listing is vital. Two experienced REALTORS® discuss common errors in listings and the consequences of making them.
Newsletter
February 12, 2016
It’s now possible to stage a home without painting or decluttering, thanks to virtual home staging. Read the second of two stories on enhancing a property the digital way.
Newsletter
February 12, 2016
Learn more about the forms often used in real estate by participating in an upcoming seminar or tutorial.
Newsletter
February 12, 2016
If you have questions or concerns about your real estate studies, the Customer Service Centre at the OREA Real Estate College can help. The satisfaction rate among callers rose to 95%, up 3 percentage points.
Newsletter
February 12, 2016
This lawsuit hinged on the state of the septic system at a rural property and claims about plumbing expertise made by the registrant.
Newsletter
February 12, 2016
Learn how others have met challenges, surmounted obstacles or met their goals. Check out the Leadership podcasts posted to the Ontario Real Estate Association website.
Newsletter
February 12, 2016
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and contribute to the real estate profession. Volunteer for a committee as a way to serve your profession and enhance your knowledge.
Newsletter
February 12, 2016
The Ontario Real Estate Association’s Annual Assembly Meeting and REALTORS Care Foundation Annual General Meeting take place on March 9 in Toronto. These events are part of the OREA 2016 Leadership Conference.
Newsletter
January 8, 2016
Winter is often one of the slowest periods in real estate, you must manage the slow times in order to remain in business during the hectic seasons. Three REALTORS® from different Ontario cities share their strategies for getting through the lean times.
Newsletter
January 8, 2016
A high-profile advocacy campaign to prevent the spread of the hated municipal land transfer tax has been highly successful. The Ontario Real Estate Association was vigilant in lobbying Queen’s Park to ensure the MLTT does not extend beyond Toronto.
Newsletter
January 8, 2016
Avoid the temptation to spend too much or abuse your credit cards when you start to succeed in the business, advises a Toronto REALTOR®.
Newsletter
January 8, 2016
If you’re new to real estate, involved in organized real estate and dedicated to doing community work, you can apply to win a prestigious award that helps you hone your leadership skills.
Newsletter
January 8, 2016
If your clients don’t have the time or energy to declutter or repaint before listing their place for sale, you can suggest “virtual staging” to create a stylish picture that appeals to buyers.
Newsletter
January 8, 2016
The seller installed an alarm system in his home before putting it on the market. After the property sold, a dispute arose over the payment of monthly fees for the alarm monitoring service.
Newsletter
January 8, 2016
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and contribute to the real estate profession. Volunteer for a committee as a way to serve your profession and enhance your knowledge.
Newsletter
January 8, 2016
Courtesy and professionalism are crucial in real estate. Read the final installment of tips in a series from the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR).
Newsletter
January 8, 2016
If your clients plan to renovate before selling their home, they should remember that upgrades and repairs cost time and money. RECO provides tips to protect consumers and their pocketbooks.
Newsletter
December 22, 2015
A multiple offer situation requires attention to detail and due diligence on a number of fronts, no matter where the property is located. The EDGE newsletter spoke to three REALTORS® in different cities about how they handle competing offers.
Newsletter
December 22, 2015
All REALTORS® are superheroes. Take part in a fun and interactive quiz to learn what kind of superhero you are.
Newsletter
December 22, 2015
The Ontario government has indicated it will make home buying even harder by giving all municipalities authority to levy a municipal land transfer tax (MLTT).
Newsletter
December 22, 2015
Are you interested in running for a position on OREA’s board of directors? Find out more.
Newsletter
December 22, 2015
Are you interested in running for a position on the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation board of directors? Find out more.
Newsletter
December 22, 2015
Short, dark days and colder temperatures are a reminder to start preparing your home for winter. The Insurance Bureau of Canada lists some steps to prepare for the arrival of those sub-zero days.
Newsletter
December 22, 2015
In this case, the buyers discovered a leak in the basement after moving into a house, and the concept of buyer beware played a key role in the court decision.
Newsletter
December 22, 2015
Safety and compliance should be top of mind when you conduct a real estate showing. Read the latest installment of tips from the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR).
Newsletter
December 22, 2015
A high proportion of complaints to RECO pertain to the handling of offers. Make sure the process and your conduct are fair, ethical, open and transparent.
Newsletter
November 23, 2015
The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) has developed a fun and interactive quiz that asks what kind of superhero you are. Play the game now.
Newsletter
November 23, 2015
Learn about the peculiarities of the condominium market from two REALTORS® who have been selling condos for 25 years or more. They share insights and experiences to help you navigate a market that is different from other residential real estate.
Newsletter
November 23, 2015
Starting a career in real estate is like a new romance. Treat it like a budding romance to find yourself in wedded bliss rather than divorce court, advises one Ottawa Realtor.
Newsletter
November 23, 2015
Are you interested in running for a position on OREA’s board of directors? Find out more.
Newsletter
November 23, 2015
Are you interested in running for a position on the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation board of directors? Find out more.
Newsletter
November 23, 2015
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and contribute to the real estate profession. Serve your profession and enhance your knowledge by volunteering for a committee.
Newsletter
November 23, 2015
Getting a Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA) signed at the beginning would have prevented problems and a lawsuit in this commercial case.
Newsletter
November 23, 2015
A funny new video about a millennial client and her older REALTOR® exposes a generation gap in language.
Newsletter
November 23, 2015
Don’t overstep your bounds or give advice beyond your own level of expertise. Read the fifth installment of tips from the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR).
Newsletter
October 18, 2015
Showing properties is a crucial step in selling a home, but special challenges exist when young children are involved. Three REALTORS® talk about their approach to ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
Newsletter
October 18, 2015
Television and billboard ads that promote the value of using a REALTOR® are running this fall across Ontario. The ads are part of the REALTORS® we do the homework campaign.
Newsletter
October 18, 2015
Heritage properties need not be a source of fear if you work in real estate. They are a substantial part of many markets across the province and one expert predicts their numbers will only increase over time.
Newsletter
October 18, 2015
The registrant in this transaction promoted a property as having two units, highlighting the rental potential with no mention of zoning restrictions. Read the decision from the Real Estate Council of Ontario after a complaint was submitted.
Newsletter
October 18, 2015
Come to one or more events this fall to keep you on the cutting edge of technology in real estate and hone your skills. Sign up for an event as part of Emerge: Moving You Forward with the tools for Tomorrow.
Newsletter
October 18, 2015
In this transaction, the owner sold her brokerage to buyers who later argued it was supposed to be a turnkey operation – a business already set up and ready to go with no changes needed. A lawsuit ensued.
Newsletter
October 18, 2015
Courtesy and common sense are vital ingredients for a successful real estate career. Read the fourth installment of tips and advice from the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR).
Newsletter
October 18, 2015
Sunny skies warmed the riders at this year’s Motorcycle Ride for Charity, who completed a successful ride from Toronto to Ottawa for a good cause. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the ride organized by the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation.
Newsletter
October 18, 2015
The OREA Real Estate College has won a prestigious educational award for its blended learning curriculum from the Real Estate Educators Association, beating out hundreds of other programs across North America.
Newsletter
September 22, 2015
The guidance of experienced professionals can help you grow in your career and personal life. Mentorship takes different forms, from one-on-one sessions to group meetings or formal training. Three REALTORS® talk about how mentoring has helped them.
Newsletter
September 22, 2015
It can be stressful to learn that you are the subject of a complaint to the Real Estate Council of Ontario. A service created by the Ontario Real Estate Association helps you navigate the process and know what to expect at a challenging time.
Newsletter
September 22, 2015
When a property is not yet built, ask many questions and use due diligence to prevent surprise and disappointment for your buyers, advises one Toronto REALTOR®.
Newsletter
September 22, 2015
Television and billboard ads that promote the value of using a REALTOR® will be running this fall across the province. They are all part of the REALTORS® we do the homework campaign.
Newsletter
September 22, 2015
A short video and web tutorial help you understand Form 801, the new document created to help comply with legislation to prevent phantom offers.
Newsletter
September 22, 2015
Dates and locations are now confirmed for fall tools and technology events as part of Emerge: Moving You Forward with the Tools for Tomorrow. Find out about upcoming events in your region of the province.
Newsletter
September 22, 2015
The seller took legal action against her REALTOR®, claiming she was misled by flawed advice to sell her property at a price below market value.
Newsletter
September 22, 2015
More Ontarians have a favourable opinion of the real estate market in their local city or town, according to new research released in an index produced by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
September 22, 2015
Courtesy is paramount in the real estate industry, according to the latest installment of tips and advice on professional behaviour in real estate from the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®.
Newsletter
August 22, 2015
Real estate can be a stressful career. Erratic hours, stiff competition and an uncertain income all contribute to the stress. Three seasoned REALTORS® talk about how they cope with stress and share their tips.
Newsletter
July 1, 2015
Legislation is now in place to allow electronic signatures to be used for the agreement of purchase and sale (APS) in real estate transactions.
Newsletter
August 22, 2015
A new form is available to help you comply with legislation aimed at preventing phantom offers. The Ontario Real Estate Association has created Form 801, an offer summary document that satisfies the conditions of Bill 55, The Stronger Protection for Consumers Act.
Newsletter
August 22, 2015
The registrant moved to a new brokerage and changed the lawn signs on properties for clients whom he had represented through his old brokerage. Read the decision from the Real Estate Council of Ontario after complaints were submitted.
Newsletter
August 22, 2015
Managing your time in the demanding real estate profession can be a challenge. REALTOR® Eric McCartney of York Region shares some of his insights into getting – and staying – organized.
Newsletter
July 18, 2015
If you want to stay on the cutting edge of technology in real estate, come to one or more events this fall around the province as part of the series called Emerge: Moving You Forward with the Tools for Tomorrow.
Newsletter
July 18, 2015
What do Ontario consumers really think about the current real estate market? Learn more in the newest results from the Ontario Home Ownership Index research study.
Newsletter
July 18, 2015
The registrant was selling two vacant rural lots and his signs and advertisements stated that the properties were “fully serviced” by an electricity source on the road at the edge of the property. A court case ensued when the buyer learned that electricity service was lacking.
Newsletter
July 18, 2015
Treat your colleagues, customers and clients the way you would like to be treated. Read the second installment of tips and advice from the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR).
Newsletter
June 7, 2015
Courtesy, communication and common sense are the three “C”s that real estate brokers and salespeople should follow in doing business. The London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® shares some tips from its “Miss Real Estate Manners” summary of good behaviour.
Newsletter
June 5, 2015
The rubber meets the road on Wednesday, July 8 in this year’s Motorcycle Ride for Charity. Take part in the ride or sponsor a rider to support the many shelter-related charities that benefit from the ride organized by the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation.
Newsletter
June 8, 2015
Make sure your real estate advertisements follow the provincial guidelines to prevent complaints and fines for false or misleading advertising. The industry regulator, the Real Estate Council of Ontario, outlines some of the most common mistakes spotted in real estate ads.
Newsletter
June 6, 2015
Big data is everywhere, and more consumers are doing at least some online searches of their own before contacting a REALTOR®. Find out how big data can help you give a better service to your clients and customers even in today’s wired world.
Newsletter
June 4, 2015
The sellers in this case experienced water damage at their property, a fact not disclosed during the real estate transaction. A lawsuit was launched after the buyers learned from their new neighbours about previous water and mould problems at the house.
Newsletter
June 3, 2015
Volunteers are the backbone of many organizations. That’s why the efforts of volunteers in the province’s real estate community were recognized by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).
Newsletter
June 1, 2015
A video blog post on how to give clear classroom instructions has found popularity on YouTube. It is just one in a series of instructional videos for trainers that help facilitate classroom sessions.
Newsletter
June 2, 2015
Many REALTORS® help families find the perfect home, but they also do a great deal of volunteer work to support charities that give shelter to the homeless and others in need. The Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation honoured various individuals and groups for their charity work.
Newsletter
June 8, 2015
The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) has published tips to help consumers select the best mover. Share these tips from Consumer Protection Ontario with your clients and customers.
Newsletter
May 6, 2015
Even a flock of chickens can be the subject of dispute in a real estate transaction. Negotiation is vital in this line of work, and the more you hone your negotiating skills, the more successful your career will be. Read more about negotiating skills and the art of the deal from three Ontario REALTORS®.
Newsletter
May 5, 2015
Branding in real estate yields tangible results. A pair of REALTORS® learned this after asking some tough questions in the process of developing their brand. Find out how an Ottawa team achieved lasting recognition by developing its brand.
Newsletter
May 5, 2015
Be cautious in your approach to properties with basement apartments, second suites or in-law suites. That’s because the laws vary across the province and can be a legal minefield.
Newsletter
May 4, 2015
The president of the Ontario Real Estate Association notes that change is the new normal in today’s business world. Patricia Verge discusses the challenges and changes in real estate today.
Newsletter
May 5, 2015
A registrant’s mistaken price presentation leaves the sellers out of pocket and the buyers out of luck following this transaction, which leads to a RECO complaint.
Newsletter
May 2, 2015
A closing that was scheduled for a Saturday in an agreement of purchase and sale (APS) led to legal issues in an Ontario property transaction.
Newsletter
May 6, 2015
A graduate’s connection to his or her college should not end on graduation. That’s why the OREA Real Estate College has launched a new alumni program.
Newsletter
May 3, 2015
A new survey of members of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) provides valuable information and helps create a profile of members across the province. Find out more about the age, language, locations, and type of real estate transactions conducted by members.
Newsletter
May 2, 2015
This year’s Motorcycle Ride for Charity organized by the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation will take place on Wednesday, July 8. Riders depart from the OREA headquarters in Don Mills, with several stops on the way to Ottawa.
Newsletter
May 1, 2015
An interactive version of the 2015 annual report of the Ontario Real Estate Association is now posted to the OREA website, with electronic links to bring you more information on the products and services provided by OREA.
Newsletter
May 3, 2015
It has never been more important for young and old to work together. In an industry that is constantly evolving, both new and seasoned REALTORS® must collaborate and share knowledge, argues one Ontario broker.
Newsletter
May 1, 2015
The board of directors of the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation for 2015 was officially installed at the annual OREA conference.
Newsletter
May 3, 2015
The Real Estate Council of Ontario recently unveiled its new website. The site has been revised to better serve the needs of both consumers and real estate professionals.
Newsletter
April 4, 2015
Word-of-mouth advertising is a vital way to build your business. Referrals and repeat business are crucial to your success in real estate. In this feature article, three Ontario REALTORS® talk about the strategies they use to get referrals and generate repeat business.
Newsletter
April 3, 2015
An ad campaign designed to promote REALTOR® value to the public will continue until the end of 2018. That decision is the result of a vote on a special levy to fund the extension of the campaign at the annual general meeting of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).
Newsletter
April 1, 2015
Many personal and professional benefits come from volunteering, as the president of a local real estate association learned after a year in office.
Newsletter
April 2, 2015
On May 6 and 7, thousands of real estate professionals will gather at the Toronto Congress Centre for Canada’s largest REALTOR® trade show and conference, featuring seminars, learning opportunities and up to 240 exhibitors.
Newsletter
April 3, 2015
A bill introduced recently at Queen’s Park aims to change legislation to allow real estate salespeople in Ontario to incorporate. The Tax Fairness for Realtors Act would bring Ontario in line with six other Canadian provinces.
Newsletter
April 2, 2015
A contract became null and void after forms were not completed properly and a notice waiving conditions was not delivered personally to the seller.
Newsletter
April 3, 2015
RETechTalks is a conference with a focus on technology and real estate, described as a day to learn from the very best people in Toronto real estate.
Newsletter
April 3, 2015
The Ontario Real Estate Association officially installed its new president and board of directors at the annual meeting in Toronto on March 11.
Newsletter
April 1, 2015
Solid increases in Ontario home prices were key to the slight erosion in housing affordability across Canada, according to a housing trends report.
Newsletter
March 26, 2015
Although springtime means sunshine and flowers in bloom, it represents the busiest time of year in real estate. Three experienced Ontario REALTORS® share their ideas and insights on how to cope and thrive during the industry’s busiest season.
Newsletter
March 19, 2015
The business case for environment-friendly buildings has never been stronger. Learn more at the upcoming Green Real Estate Conference on April 23 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Newsletter
March 19, 2015
Drive according to weather conditions. That’s the message of a new road safety video produced by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) featuring Canadian women’s hockey star Kelly Terry. Watch the video here.
Newsletter
March 22, 2015
In this RECO decision, the registrant was disciplined after the owner of a property discovered that her property had been turned into a rooming house for students.
Newsletter
March 24, 2015
Renovation work done by the wrong contractor can create expensive problems. The Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services has crafted tips to help consumers select contractors who work safely.
Newsletter
March 25, 2015
The landlord and tenant in this commercial dispute disagreed over the installation of an automated teller machine (ATM) on the property. The court case drained cash at a pace that rivalled that of the dispensing machine itself.
Newsletter
March 20, 2015
An exciting new slate of advertisements is being released March 2 to promote REALTOR® value to consumers across Ontario.
Newsletter
March 20, 2015
A bold new look and feel is evident on the OREA website, making it quicker and easier for you to get what you need to succeed in your real estate career.
Newsletter
March 20, 2015
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet real estate colleagues and make a contribution to your profession. The deadline to apply is March 20.
Newsletter
February 22, 2015
OREA is pleased to launch an all-electronic version of The REALTOR® EDGE newsletter, full of useful news and information to help you in your real estate business.
Newsletter
February 22, 2015
Safety is highly important for those working in real estate. Three REALTORS® share their experiences and talk about the importance of taking precautions when showing properties or hosting an open house.
Newsletter
February 22, 2015
Canada’s economy is expected to see higher export growth in 2015, despite the recent decline of oil prices, says a new report.
Newsletter
February 22, 2015
Most regions posted modest gains in average prices of residential homes despite increased inventory in many of Canada’s housing markets, according to a recent report from RE/MAX.
Newsletter
February 22, 2015
For two years OREA has promoted the value of REALTORS® via a mass advertising campaign. Delegates to the OREA AGM in March will be asked to vote on a special levy to continue to fund the campaign.
Newsletter
February 22, 2015
Six out of 10 Ontarians surveyed say the state of their city’s economy is good, up from 53 per cent last year, according to a research study commissioned by OREA and Ipsos Reid.
Newsletter
February 22, 2015
The heritage market is growing swiftly thanks to a boom in home renovations. Conservation expert Robert Hulley shares his insights for REALTORS® who want to capitalize on the opportunities.
Newsletter
February 22, 2015
An executive seeking to develop commercial condos spent nearly $100,000 on marketing then sued his brokerage for reimbursement after the relationship soured.
Newsletter
February 22, 2015
It's time to jot down the date for the Ontario Real Estate Association’s Annual Assembly Meeting and REALTORS Care® Foundation Annual General Meeting.
Newsletter
February 22, 2015
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and make a contribution to the real estate profession. Serving your profession in this way works to enhance your knowledge of and connections to the field.
Newsletter
January 22, 2015
Starting next month, The REALTOR® EDGE newsletter will be delivered in an electronic format only. This month's issue is the last print edition, marking the end of an era - and a new beginning - for the highly popular newsletter produced by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
January 22, 2015
Many couples find that working together at the same real estate brokerage strengthens both their marriage and their business, as well as drawing on complementary skills.
Newsletter
January 22, 2015
If you haven’t backed it up, then you don’t have it. So goes the rule about copying and archiving your computer data. If your files - documents, photographs, videos, music etc. - are not backed up in at least one secondary place, then they’re as good as gone.
Newsletter
January 22, 2015
Almost half (45%) of first-time buyers and 41% of home owners wish they had done something differently during the transaction, says a survey from the Real Estate Council of Ontario.
Newsletter
January 22, 2015
A modest amount of overvaluation was observed by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), meaning that house prices in the country are slightly higher than what underlying factors suggest they should be.
Newsletter
January 22, 2015
This case focused on ongoing issues between a condominium corporation and one of its unit owners who continued to defy restrictions at the property.
Newsletter
January 22, 2015
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and make a contribution to the real estate profession. Serving your profession in this way works to enhance your knowledge of and connections to the field.
Newsletter
January 22, 2015
It's time to jot down the date for the Ontario Real Estate Association’s Open Forum, Annual Assembly Meeting and REALTORS Care® Foundation Annual General Meeting.
Newsletter
January 22, 2015
Music, dancing and jamming were all for a good cause at the Jam with a Past President held in conjunction with OREA’s recent Political Affairs Conference (PAC) in Toronto.
Newsletter
December 28, 2014
A new year offers a fresh start and a chance to embrace change. The EDGE newsletter spoke to REALTORS® from across the province who shared their thoughts about books and ideas to ring in 2015.
Newsletter
December 28, 2014
OREA President, Costa Poulopoulos, reports on the latest advocacy work being undertaken by the Ontario Real Estate Association on issues that matter to REALTORS® and real estate in his winter message.
Newsletter
December 28, 2014
The OREA Real Estate College has won an educational programming award from the Learning Resources Network (LERN), the world’s largest association devoted to continuing education and lifelong learning.
Newsletter
December 21, 2014
Interested in running for a position on OREA’s 2015 board of directors? The following positions are up for election: four Provincial Directors (made up of one each from the Western, Northern, Eastern and Central Ontario Areas), and two Directors-at-Large.
Newsletter
December 21, 2014
Interested in running for a position on OREA’s 2015 board of directors? The following positions are up for election: four Provincial Directors
Newsletter
December 21, 2014
Driving is a big part of our jobs. Having been raised by a REALTOR®, I learned that fact early on.
Newsletter
December 21, 2014
Real estate transactions involve pages and pages of forms, and a key part of your job is to help consumers navigate their way through them.
Newsletter
December 21, 2014
The short, dark days at this time of year provide an opportunity to turn your attention to household safety.
Newsletter
December 21, 2014
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and make a contribution to the real estate profession.
Newsletter
December 21, 2014
The business case for green buildings has never been stronger. Market interest in greening new and existing buildings is at an all-time high.
Newsletter
December 21, 2014
Join OREA’s research panel and your valuable opinions will help to guide policies, develop educational opportunities and evaluate OREA services.
Newsletter
December 21, 2014
Pay attention to safety issues and develop good habits to ensure that you keep safety in mind at all times when working in real estate.
Newsletter
December 21, 2014
The Standard Forms Committee of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) has approved the revisions and creation of new forms and clauses for 2015.
Newsletter
November 20, 2014
Dumping a client does not happen often, but over the course of your real estate career a breakup or two is bound to occur.
Newsletter
November 20, 2014
Pre-qualify buyers. Sometimes they are not realistic. Everything comes down to qualifying. Sort out wants, needs and “must haves” and make sure that the money for a purchase is actually available.
Newsletter
November 20, 2014
A significant loss of jobs and economic activity in Mississauga, London, Hamilton, Ottawa and Thunder Bay will occur if a municipal land transfer tax is imposed in those cities
Newsletter
November 20, 2014
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has launched a call to action to REALTORS® to urge the government to index the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to inflation.
Newsletter
November 20, 2014
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has launched a call to action to REALTORS® to urge the government to index the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to inflation.
Newsletter
November 20, 2014
The following decision from RECO Discipline and Appeals Hearings has been condensed and all names have been changed.
Newsletter
November 20, 2014
Promoting the value of using a REALTOR® to the public has been the focus of a recent advertising campaign by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), and the message is getting through.
Newsletter
November 20, 2014
One of the buyers of a property had respiratory problems. Before making a purchase, the buyers instructed their real estate representative to ask whether a fire had ever occurred in that house.
Newsletter
November 20, 2014
The Ontario Real Estate Association will hold its 2014 Political Affairs Conference (PAC) from Nov. 23 to 25 at Toronto’s Park Hyatt Hotel, 4 Avenue Road.
Newsletter
November 20, 2014
Interested in running for a position on OREA’s 2015 board of directors?</strong> The following positions are up for election: four Provincial Directors
Newsletter
November 20, 2014
Interested in running for a position on the Foundation’s 2015 board of directors? The following positions are up for election: three REALTOR® Directors
Newsletter
October 23, 2014
Many buyers today are looking for investment properties like apartment buildings or vacation homes that they can rent out.
Newsletter
October 23, 2014
Ontarians planning to buy a home in the next two years cited various financial strategies to save for a down payment
Newsletter
October 23, 2014
The following decision from RECO Discipline and Appeals Hearings has been condensed and all names have been changed.
Newsletter
October 23, 2014
Fires claim lives and cost millions of dollars in damage every year. To prevent these tragedies, the Insurance Bureau of Canada offers tips for preventing house fires and saving lives.
Newsletter
October 23, 2014
A rebound in economic growth recently and expectations for future solid growth bode well for employment prospects, according to a new report.
Newsletter
October 23, 2014
The Ontario Real Estate Association will hold its 2014 Political Affairs Conference (PAC) from Nov. 23 to 25 at Toronto’s Park Hyatt Hotel, 4 Avenue Road.
Newsletter
October 23, 2014
Real Estate Professionals at Work is a new online professional development course designed for REALTORS® to apply the principles of professionalism in their day-to-day practices.
Newsletter
October 23, 2014
The commercial tenant in this case had a three-year lease that was renewed for two years and then for a further two years.
Newsletter
October 23, 2014
A new video aimed at helping you to connect with consumers has been produced by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).
Newsletter
October 23, 2014
Boosting your technology skills and enhancing your strategic approach to your real estate business are the focus of a series of events offered this fall by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
September 23, 2014
Once an offer is accepted by both parties in a real estate deal, the buyer’s deposit must be delivered to the brokerage in accordance with the terms outlined in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS).
Newsletter
September 23, 2014
Here’s a quiz to test your knowledge. In all of these instances, assume that the offer has been accepted by both parties to an APS and that the deposit in question has been delivered in accordance with the terms of the APS. T
Newsletter
September 23, 2014
What do Ontario consumers really think of the current real estate market?
Newsletter
September 23, 2014
A new mobile app was launched by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) this summer.
Newsletter
September 23, 2014
Home prices are expected to increase steadily in Canada for the remainder of 2014, with the average price of a home in Canada rising between 3.9 and 5.2 per cent in the year’s second quarter, according to a new report.
Newsletter
September 23, 2014
The consumer perception of what we do in our line of work is very different from the reality of my daily activities.
Newsletter
September 23, 2014
Boosting your technology skills and enhancing your strategic approach to your real estate business are the focus of a series of events offered this fall by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
September 23, 2014
The purchaser of this Ontario recreational property was a long-time developer.
Newsletter
September 23, 2014
The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) has won an award for its efforts on workplace diversity.
Newsletter
September 23, 2014
An updated and enhanced student handbook produced by the OREA Real Estate College is now available.
Newsletter
September 23, 2014
Good riding weather helped to ensure the success of this year’s Motorcycle Ride for Charity.
Newsletter
August 23, 2014
Starting out in real estate can be financially challenging, especially given the initial lack of income and the volume of upfront expenses.
Newsletter
August 23, 2014
Keep your technology skills sharp by attending one or more in a series of events offered by the Ontario Real Estate Association in the coming months.
Newsletter
August 23, 2014
The 9th annual Global Property Market is a targeted opportunity for Canadian institutional investors, real estate income trusts, real estate operating companies and private equity funds.
Newsletter
August 23, 2014
Manufacturers in Canada recently signalled the slowest improvement in overall business conditions in four months, largely reflecting a further moderation in output growth,
Newsletter
July 27, 2014
Security is important to consumers and it’s one of the reasons they choose to use a REALTOR®.
Newsletter
July 27, 2014
The listing agreement in this case stipulated that: a commission will be paid if the property is sold; the commission will be paid after the sale is completed;
Newsletter
July 27, 2014
The Ontario Home Ownership Index is an exciting new initiative from the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) to help you learn more about the public’s views on the real estate market across the province and at a more local level.
Newsletter
July 27, 2014
A new video aimed at helping you to connect with consumers has been produced by OREA.
Newsletter
June 22, 2014
While many real estate salespeople focus on serving consumers who are buying or selling properties, a broker of record serves a different clientele -- the REALTORS® themselves.
Newsletter
June 22, 2014
The municipal land transfer tax (MLTT) in Toronto is responsible for a massive loss of economic activity and a corresponding loss of thousands of jobs, according to new research by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).
Newsletter
June 22, 2014
Revving up their engines, REALTORS® from across the province will be participating in this year’s Motorcycle Ride for Charity.
Newsletter
June 22, 2014
A financial plan can play a pivotal role in easing financial stress for the 3.8 million Canadians with a disability and those caring for them, according to a new report.
Newsletter
June 22, 2014
It used to be that in order to turn a light on or off, you walked over to it and flicked a switch. Since then we have progressed to timers, so if you aren’t home, you can set the lights to go on and off at predetermined times.
Newsletter
June 22, 2014
Is there a duty at common law to bargain in “good faith”? Various courts in the United States have replied that there is. However, most Canadian courts have responded that there is not.
Newsletter
June 22, 2014
If you want to stay on the cutting edge of technology in real estate, come to one or more in a series of events offered in the months ahead by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
June 22, 2014
Foundation announces new name and logo
Newsletter
May 26, 2014
The ability to work with people of different cultures and backgrounds is not only a good interpersonal skill, but it can also help your business.
Newsletter
May 26, 2014
The heart often overrules the head when it comes to buying a home, according to a new study into the behaviour of Ontario’s home owners released by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO).
Newsletter
May 26, 2014
Following the annual review of its insurance products and capital requirements, CMHC is increasing its mortgage loan insurance premiums for home owners and rental properties of one to four units, effective May 1.
Newsletter
May 26, 2014
Preventing the spread of municipal land transfer taxes (MLTT) is the focus of a new advocacy campaign at the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
May 26, 2014
With the arrival of spring, we are often filled with a sense of renewal. This is an ideal time to assess our business plan and set new goals.
Newsletter
May 26, 2014
Electronic agreements of purchase and sale will mean faster and more convenient transactions for REALTORS® and consumers.
Newsletter
May 26, 2014
The sellers in this case initially tried to sell their home in Ancaster, Ontario by themselves. They subsequently listed it with the REALTOR® on May 6. The commission was 5 per cent and there was a 60-day holdover period.
Newsletter
May 26, 2014
Find out what your association has been doing for you over the past year. A new annual report from the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) outlines the products and services available to you, as well as summarizing association activities over the past year.
Newsletter
May 26, 2014
If you want to stay on the cutting edge of technology in real estate, come to one or more in an upcoming and popular series of events offered by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
May 26, 2014
The OREA 2014 Annual Conference at Toronto’s Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in March was a great success.
Newsletter
April 22, 2014
Buying a home can be a highly emotional experience, and REALTORS® who work with first-time buyers often find themselves tempering their clients’ dreams with a dose of reality.
Newsletter
April 22, 2014
Registration opens on May 7 for the 2014 REALTORS® Conference and Expo organized by the U.S.-based National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
Newsletter
April 22, 2014
Eighty-five per cent of Canadians feel that the financial services industry has made progress in addressing women’s issues, but more work needs to be done.
Newsletter
April 22, 2014
A dramatic increase in mobile traffic to the website of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) has occurred over the past year, according to a new report.
Newsletter
April 22, 2014
Thoroughness takes time - a commodity often in short supply in our line of work. The demands on our time, from client meetings and office work to family commitments, can make it difficult for REALTORS® to be thorough.
Newsletter
April 22, 2014
This case deals with the amount of parking provided to a commercial tenant in a shopping mall. The tenant, Farm Boy Inc., operates grocery stores in the Ottawa area and leased space in a mall.
Newsletter
April 22, 2014
The Ontario Real Estate Association officially installed its new President and Board of Directors at the Annual Assembly Meeting and Leadership Conference from March 4 to 6 in Toronto.
Newsletter
April 22, 2014
The REALTORS Care Foundation officially installed its new President and Board of Directors for 2014 at the OREA Leadership Conference in Toronto.
Newsletter
April 22, 2014
Home ownership is important to the younger residents of Ontario, according to a new survey conducted by Ipsos Reid for the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). In the research, 79 per cent of those surveyed in Generation X
Newsletter
March 21, 2014
REALTOR shows buyers a commercial buildingWalk through any town in Canada and you’ll undoubtedly see signs on lawns and billboards promoting local brokerages.
Newsletter
March 21, 2014
REALTOR workingBrokerages will now be able to give consumers more options on how to pay for real estate services.
Newsletter
March 21, 2014
The Canadian Real Estate Technology Conference will take place on Thursday, April 10 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building.
Newsletter
March 21, 2014
Conditions for the real estate market across Canada continue to be strong and increasing prices are predicted for the spring market, a new report states.
Newsletter
March 21, 2014
If you’ve ever had a question about courses you need or continuing education you wish to pursue in real estate, the Customer Service Centre at the OREA Real Estate College is there to respond.
Newsletter
March 21, 2014
The house owner in this case sold her property for $1.7 million and then changed her mind. Her major complaint was that she learned that the buyer might demolish the house.
Newsletter
March 21, 2014
The Ontario home inspection industry should be regulated, according to the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
March 21, 2014
The Thunder Bay Real Estate Board is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2014.
Newsletter
February 21, 2014
Negotiating in real estate can be difficult when emotions get in the way.
Newsletter
February 21, 2014
Realtor shows professional man a property on left side of campaign posterAn exciting new ad and media relations campaign has enhanced the public perception of REALTORS®, recent surveys reveal.
Newsletter
February 21, 2014
The 10th annual Land & Development Conference will take place on May 13, 2014 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building.
Newsletter
February 21, 2014
Canada’s economy is expected to perk up in 2014, supported by an increase in exports and strengthening business investment, according to a new report.
Newsletter
February 21, 2014
Valuing a heritage home requires certain specialized skills.
Newsletter
February 21, 2014
A typical OREA conditional clause may include the following words: “Unless the buyer gives notice in writing delivered to the seller personally or in accordance with any other provisions for the delivery of notice in this Agreement of Purchase and Sale or any Schedule
Newsletter
February 21, 2014
Ontarians seem hopeful about the provincial real estate market, according to new research conducted by the polling firm of Ipsos Reid for the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).
Newsletter
February 21, 2014
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and make a contribution to the real estate profession.
Newsletter
February 21, 2014
The Ontario Real Estate Association’s Open Forum, Annual Assembly Meeting and REALTORS Care Foundation Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 5 at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto.
Newsletter
January 26, 2014
In today’s go-go-go world, where wireless connections allow for instant communication any time of day or night, no-one is immune to stress from the fast pace of life.
Newsletter
January 26, 2014
Be aware of your stressors and take the following preventative steps:
Newsletter
January 26, 2014
The demand for skills and knowledge of tools and technology in real estate continues to grow, according to organizers of a new series of events offered this past fall by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
January 26, 2014
The Ontario legislature recently passed a bill to make carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in homes across the province.
Newsletter
January 26, 2014
While unprecedented levels of demand were reported for commercial real estate in key Canadian markets in 2013, a shortage of available product continues to hamper sales activity virtually across the board,
Newsletter
January 26, 2014
Interested in earning some quick cash (or gift cards)? It’s as easy as gathering up your old technology and selling it or trading it in.
Newsletter
January 26, 2014
Interested in earning some quick cash (or gift cards)? It’s as easy as gathering up your old technology and selling it or trading it in.
Newsletter
January 26, 2014
The Standard Forms Committee of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) has approved the revisions and creation of new forms and clauses for 2014.
Newsletter
January 26, 2014
The Ontario Real Estate Association’s Open Forum, Annual Assembly Meeting and REALTORS Care Foundation Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 5 at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto.
Newsletter
January 26, 2014
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and make a contribution to the real estate profession.
Newsletter
December 7, 2013
In the fast-paced world of real estate, time management is more important than ever.
Newsletter
December 7, 2013
Take a basic computer course to learn more about how to operate your system. If something goes wrong, there’s a greater likelihood that you’ll have some idea of what to do.
Newsletter
December 7, 2013
In Ontario, real estate salespeople are among the few regulated professions that are not permitted to incorporate under current laws.
Newsletter
December 7, 2013
Although robust economic conditions have not yet returned across North America, market interest in greening new and existing buildings is at an all-time high.
Newsletter
December 7, 2013
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) expects total housing starts to be stable in 2014, as fundamentals such as employment growth and migration continue to support the Canadian housing market.
Newsletter
December 7, 2013
As a REALTOR®, I am always thinking about my client base – how to build it and how to maintain it.
Newsletter
December 7, 2013
In this case that took place in the United States, an Ohio couple wanted to buy a house.
Newsletter
December 7, 2013
Interested in running for a position on OREA’s 2014 board of directors? The following positions are up for election
Newsletter
December 7, 2013
Interested in running for a position on the Foundation’s 2014 board of directors? The following positions are up for election
Newsletter
December 7, 2013
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and make a contribution to the real estate profession.
Newsletter
November 12, 2013
An amendment – a change to one or more terms in an agreement – is a tool commonly used in real estate.
Newsletter
November 12, 2013
This fall marks the launch of an exciting new campaign to promote the value of REALTORS®.
Newsletter
November 12, 2013
Moving in together is a big step in any relationship, and RE/MAX has provided some suggestions of discussions that couples should have before taking the plunge.
Newsletter
November 12, 2013
Canadians choose small businesses based largely on how those firms use technology, according to a survey by TD Canada Trust.
Newsletter
November 12, 2013
Social media is many things. It is about conversations, storytelling and relationship building through the sharing of useful content. This column focuses on how to share content.
Newsletter
November 12, 2013
In this case, the appellant is a self-employed residential REALTOR® working with RE/MAX who was remunerated on a commission basis.
Newsletter
November 12, 2013
Interested in running for a position on OREA’s 2014 board of directors? The following positions are up for election
Newsletter
November 12, 2013
Interested in running for a position on the Foundation’s 2014 board of directors? The following positions are up for election
Newsletter
November 12, 2013
The Ontario Real Estate Association will hold its 2013 Political Affairs Conference (PAC) from Nov. 26 to 28 at Toronto’s Courtyard Marriott Hotel.
Newsletter
October 11, 2013
Dealing with challenging clientsDifficult clients can drain you of time and energy and compromise other transactions.
Newsletter
October 11, 2013
An exciting new advertising campaign to promote the value of REALTORS® has been launched by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
October 11, 2013
More than $850 million in insurance claims have been filed following property damage caused by the intense record rainfall and flash floods in Ontario that occurred on July 8, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reports.
Newsletter
October 11, 2013
Foreclosure inventories fell 32 per cent in July compared to the previous year, another sign that the foreclosure crisis in the U.S. may finally be over, according to the latest foreclosure report released by CoreLogic and posted to the newsroom of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
Newsletter
October 11, 2013
The following decision from RECO Discipline and Appeals Hearings has been condensed and all names have been changed.
Newsletter
October 11, 2013
Ontario municipalities charge builders and developers fees for things such as building permits and development costs.
Newsletter
October 11, 2013
The Ontario Real Estate Association will hold its 2013 Political Affairs Conference (PAC) from Nov. 26 to 28 at Toronto’s Courtyard Marriott Hotel.
Newsletter
October 11, 2013
If you want to learn more about using social media, you can take part in a free webinar series hosted by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) and the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).
Newsletter
October 11, 2013
If you want to stay on the cutting edge of technology in real estate, come to one or more events being offered this fall by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
September 9, 2013
Enduring a FINTRAC audit takes time and effort, but failure to comply can have serious consequences for you and your brokerage.
Newsletter
September 9, 2013
A new service was launched a year ago for members of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) who are the subject of a complaint to the industry’s regulator, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO).
Newsletter
September 9, 2013
Investors, developers, managers and owners may be interested in the 2013 Canadian Apartment Investment Conference happening on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Newsletter
September 9, 2013
A majority of REALTORS® say their clients between the ages of 48 and 67 are searching for smaller properties, according to a June survey.
Newsletter
September 9, 2013
If you want to stay on the cutting edge of technology in real estate, come to one or more in a series of events offered this fall by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
September 9, 2013
How much do REALTORS® know about the Buyer Representation Agreement, the Listing Agreement, and the National Do Not Call list?
Newsletter
September 9, 2013
Should the courts allow parol evidence in the context of a written agreement?
Newsletter
September 9, 2013
The value of using a REALTOR® is at the heart of an exciting new advertising and media campaign being launched by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).
Newsletter
September 9, 2013
Motorcycle riders put the rubber to the road this past July to raise funds for the REALTORS Care Foundation.
Newsletter
September 9, 2013
You can earn two Continuing Education credits by enrolling in a Leadership 200 workshop being offered in class on Friday, Sept. 27 at the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) office in Don Mills.
Newsletter
August 9, 2013
Advertising matters in real estate -- it can be a powerful tool to attract clients.
Newsletter
August 9, 2013
Take steps to make your home or cottage cool, comfortable and sustainable this summer since energy efficiency is always in style, says Phil Dorner, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
August 9, 2013
Generation Y -- those individuals born between 1980 and 1994 -- still want to own a home despite the challenges, according to a survey.
Newsletter
August 9, 2013
Real estate prices continue to rise, but a new poll says that hasn’t damaged home owners’ belief in the market in the Greater Toronto Area.
Newsletter
August 9, 2013
Most people with smartphones and tablets take advantage of their devices by installing apps that provide them with up-to-the-minute weather and news reports, improve productivity or just for fun. Admittedly, some apps are more useful than others.
Newsletter
August 9, 2013
The parties entered into an agreement of purchase and sale on this high-end B.C. property with a closing date no later than Oct. 20, 2008.
Newsletter
July 5, 2013
If you’d like to learn more about volunteering and leadership, check out the new electronic newsletter produced by the OREA Centre for Leadership Development.
Newsletter
July 5, 2013
Listen to what our graduates are saying about their experiences at the OREA Real Estate College and why it is a great place to learn.
Newsletter
July 5, 2013
Stay on the cutting edge of technology in real estate by attending a series of events being organized this fall by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
July 5, 2013
It’s not too late to pledge your support for this year’s Motorcycle Ride for Charity.
Newsletter
July 5, 2013
The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) website continues to evolve to meet the needs of our students and members.
Newsletter
July 5, 2013
How much do REALTORS® know about the Buyer Representation Agreement, the Listing Agreement, and the National Do Not Call list?
Newsletter
June 5, 2013
Ten seconds is all it takes for someone to drown.
Newsletter
June 5, 2013
Vigilance - Never leave a child alone near water, not even for a second. Don’t be distracted by a ringing phone, doorbell, task or another child.
Newsletter
June 5, 2013
If you’re selling a home with a swimming pool, be sure your buyer is aware of the risks and responsibilities as well as the benefits.
Newsletter
June 5, 2013
Monthly housing starts in Canada totalled 182,754 units compared to 188,369 a month earlier, according to a news release from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Newsletter
June 5, 2013
Canada’s housing market is being supported by an unprecedented combination of low interest rates, flattening house prices and a strengthening economy, according to a recent survey.
Newsletter
June 5, 2013
The following decision from RECO Discipline and Appeals Hearings has been condensed and all names have been changed.
Newsletter
June 5, 2013
Two Ontario real estate boards have announced their merger following a membership vote on April 17.
Newsletter
June 5, 2013
Questions sometimes arise in real estate about how to deal with the sale of a property in the neighbourhood of a convicted sex offender.
Newsletter
June 5, 2013
The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) successfully advocated for a legislative amendment to the Electronic Commerce Act, 2000, that would facilitate faster, smoother real estate transactions.
Newsletter
June 5, 2013
Revving up their engines, REALTORS® from across the province will be participating in this year’s Motorcycle Ride for Charity.
Newsletter
May 5, 2013
First impressions can apply to property as well as people.
Newsletter
May 5, 2013
Electronic agreements of purchase and sale save time and money for consumers and REALTORS®.
Newsletter
May 5, 2013
Registration opens on May 6 for the 2013 REALTORS® Conference & Expo organized by the U.S.-based National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
Newsletter
May 5, 2013
Four in 10 Canadians who plan to enter the housing market in the next two years are first-time buyers, according to a new poll.
Newsletter
May 5, 2013
Example of a word cloudA picture is worth a thousand words, which helps explain the growing popularity of infographics (information + graphics).
Newsletter
May 5, 2013
The creation of a province-wide registry of homes that were former marijuana grow operations or clandestine drug laboratories is the goal of a bill introduced in the provincial legislature and supported by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).
Newsletter
May 5, 2013
A new survey by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) offers a snapshot of the association’s members across the province.
Newsletter
May 5, 2013
The buyer in this case bought a condominium unit in Toronto. She was under the impression that the unit comprised three floors, from the basement floor up to the ceiling of the third floor of a townhouse complex.
Newsletter
May 5, 2013
Find out what your association has been doing for you over the past year.
Newsletter
May 5, 2013
Get up-to-the-minute news on the real estate industry that you can easily share through the free OREA application for iPhone and iPad.
Newsletter
April 5, 2013
Working in real estate is a challenge at the best of times, but combining it with single parenthood is even more daunting.
Newsletter
April 5, 2013
Many people are not aware of all of the charitable work and volunteer time that REALTORS® contribute to worthy causes.
Newsletter
April 5, 2013
Despite the perception that aging baby boomers may create a glut of traditional single-family homes as they downsize into smaller residences, a new survey shows that demand for suburban detached homes remains strong among those born between 1947 and 1966.
Newsletter
April 5, 2013
Housing starts in Canada totalled 195,087 units in February, revealing a moderation in demand for housing that means builders are adjusting accordingly, according to a recent news release from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Newsletter
April 5, 2013
Taking your website from static to “standout” was the subject of a talk I heard recently in New York. Nicole Nicolay (@nik_nik), founder of Agent Evolution, spoke about ways to transform your website from the same old static venue into something that stands out from the rest and helps generate more business leads.
Newsletter
April 5, 2013
This situation involved two salespeople who worked at the same brokerage.
Newsletter
April 5, 2013
The Ontario Real Estate Association officially installed its new President and Board of Directors at the Annual Assembly Meeting on March 6.
Newsletter
March 5, 2013
The difference between a client and a customer is a crucial one in real estate.
Newsletter
March 5, 2013
The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) recently announced changes to the way that mandatory continuing education is delivered to real estate registrants in the province, effective Aug. 1.
Newsletter
March 5, 2013
If you want floors and carpets to stay clean at open houses, an automatic shoe cover dispenser may interest you.
Newsletter
March 5, 2013
Fewer homes are expected to trade hands in the first half of 2013, which should slow the pace at which home prices rise, according to a new survey.
Newsletter
March 5, 2013
When I started working as a real estate administrator, I was 19 years old, didn’t own property and definitely didn’t have kids. I had a nine-to-five job and was ready to take on the world.
Newsletter
March 5, 2013
A tax credit for modifications to help Ontario seniors make modifications in their homes to improve accessibility is now available.
Newsletter
March 5, 2013
The owner of a Toronto apartment building appealed his property tax assessment. Before the city made a decision on the taxes, he sold the property.
Newsletter
March 5, 2013
Members of the Ontario Real Estate Association who wish to examine proposed amendments to the OREA By-law prior to the Annual Assembly meeting can access the material on the OREA website.
Newsletter
March 5, 2013
The OREA Open Forum, Annual Assembly Meeting and REALTORS Care Foundation Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 6.
Newsletter
March 5, 2013
The OREA website continues to attract more viewers with features that make it faster and easier to find what you need.
Newsletter
February 18, 2013
If you’re used to a regular paycheque, working for commission can be a big adjustment.
Newsletter
February 18, 2013
Most REALTORS® (88 per cent) surveyed for recent OREA research own their own homes.
Newsletter
February 18, 2013
As a result of prudent mortgage lending practices, the number of mortgages in arrears in Canada has been trending downward, according to a report released recently by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Newsletter
February 18, 2013
iPhone with OREA appA dynamic new mobile application has been launched by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
February 18, 2013
Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board that lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web.
Newsletter
February 18, 2013
After being denied a tax rebate for a home renovation, this Quebec taxpayer appealed. He had applied for a GST rebate through a program that enabled home owners to recoup some costs for work on a new residential complex or one that had undergone substantial renovation.
Newsletter
February 18, 2013
The OREA Open Forum, Annual Assembly Meeting and REALTORS Care Foundation Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 6, 2013.
Newsletter
February 18, 2013
Gain valuable insights into leadership in just five minutes. Podcasts featuring a variety of renowned speakers and authors are now available for you to hear in short segments via the Ontario Real Estate Association website.
Newsletter
February 18, 2013
The Young Professionals Network (YPN) at the Ontario Real Estate Association continues to grow.
Newsletter
January 24, 2013
The baby boom generation forms a demographic bulge that has reshaped society as it passed through.
Newsletter
January 24, 2013
Municipalities in Ontario are gearing up to force the province to grant them the authority to charge a municipal land transfer tax (LTT) on home buyers.
Newsletter
January 24, 2013
The market for heritage homes – although not as frenetic as the condo boom -- has rapidly gained interest in recent years.
Newsletter
January 24, 2013
Almost half of REALTORS® (47 per cent) own a tablet computer, and nearly 62 per cent said they plan to buy one within the next two years.
Newsletter
January 24, 2013
Canada’s housing market became more affordable as a result of modest declines in home prices and further gains in household incomes, according to a new report.
Newsletter
January 24, 2013
An overwhelming majority of Ontario residents (93 per cent) want to know if the home they plan to buy was once a marijuana grow-op or clandestine drug lab, a new survey reveals.
Newsletter
January 24, 2013
The owners of a hotel first listed their property for sale with a RE/MAX brokerage, where Angelo Muraco worked as their REALTOR®. Although several potential buyers expressed interest, no sale occurred.
Newsletter
January 24, 2013
The OREA Open Forum, Annual Assembly Meeting and REALTORS Care Foundation Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 6 at the Sheraton Centre Hotel, 123 Queen Street West, Toronto.
Newsletter
January 24, 2013
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and make a contribution to the real estate profession.
Newsletter
January 24, 2013
The Motorcycle Ride for Charity organized by the REALTORS Care Foundation has now raised more than $30,000.
Newsletter
January 24, 2013
A new video to help your real estate board recruit new volunteers has been developed by the OREA Centre for Leadership Development.
Newsletter
January 24, 2013
A new brochure has been published highlighting the good work of REALTORS® in fundraising for charities and shelters in Ontario.
Newsletter
December 5, 2012
It may be as simple as falsifying information on a mortgage application.
Newsletter
December 5, 2012
Two videos that promote the value of using a REALTOR® have been created by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).
Newsletter
December 5, 2012
More Canadian entrepreneurs are planning to hire employees this year, according to a new survey.
Newsletter
December 5, 2012
Canadian prices have edged up but the number of house sales has fallen compared to the same period last year, according to a recent survey.
Newsletter
December 5, 2012
When we sell a property, our product is not just four walls and a roof.
Newsletter
December 5, 2012
Ontario real estate salespeople and brokers who use WEBForms® should watch for upgrades to this product in the new year.
Newsletter
December 5, 2012
The $110 per year that you pay to the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) enables you as a member to receive products and services that are most important to you.
Newsletter
December 5, 2012
This Ontario deal was supposed to close on July 27, but the transaction failed to close. The seller resold the property and sued the buyer for losses of $28,000.
Newsletter
December 5, 2012
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and make a contribution to the real estate profession.
Newsletter
December 5, 2012
Updated forms and clauses will soon be available on the Ontario Real Estate Association website.
Newsletter
December 5, 2012
The OREA Real Estate College is offering every member a free nine-credit bundle of Continuing Education online courses.
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
Vacant possession & the APSThe concept of vacant possession is sometimes glossed over by real estate practitioners, but you ignore it at your peril.
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
Beyond worrying about the state of the real estate market, Ontarians are most concerned about understanding the process and legal documents when selling a home, a new survey reveals.
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
Severe weather and hurricanes can have a devastating impact on communities and homes, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, which follows developments related to severe weather across the country.
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
The value of Canadian farmland continues to reach new heights, according to the RE/MAX Market Trends Report, Farm Edition 2012.
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
We often hear that “strong” passwords are an important part of keeping our online transactions safe.
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
Share your voice and let us know what the Ontario Real Estate Association can do for you.
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
A dynamic new mobile application is being developed by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
While working on Legal Forum, I received the following question from a REALTOR® on an issue related to multiple representation, formerly known as dual agency.
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
Interested in running for a position on OREA’s 2013 Board of Directors?
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
Interested in running for a position on the Foundation’s 2013 Board of Directors?
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
The Ontario Real Estate Association joined thousands of companies around the world to participate in National Customer Service Week.
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
The Ontario Real Estate Association is holding its Political Affairs Conference (PAC) this month.
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
The OREA Real Estate College is offering every member a free nine-credit bundle of Continuing Education online courses.
Newsletter
November 15, 2012
Dinaz Garda, CAE, manager, executive office operations at OREA, has been honoured with the 2012 President’s Award from the Trillium Chapter of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE).
Newsletter
October 12, 2012
In the heat of real estate deals, changes to documents often happen quickly in a flurry of pen strokes.
Newsletter
October 12, 2012
Safety, perceived value and a location close to shopping or transportation are the most important factors Ontarians consider when buying a home, according to a new survey.
Newsletter
October 12, 2012
The majority of buyers say they would have done some things differently after purchasing a home, according to a new survey.
Newsletter
October 12, 2012
The average price of a home in Canada increased year-over-year between 3.3 and 5.5% in the second quarter of 2012, according to The Royal LePage House Price Survey and Market Survey Forecast.
Newsletter
October 12, 2012
November is fast approaching, and so is OREA’s Political Affairs Conference (PAC).
Newsletter
October 12, 2012
The following decision from RECO Discipline and Appeals Hearings has been condensed and all names have been changed.
Newsletter
October 12, 2012
Podcasts on leadership available to OREA membersYou can gain valuable insights into leadership in just five minutes.
Newsletter
October 12, 2012
In a typical real estate transaction, the sellers must provide clear title on closing. The OREA agreement of purchase and sale (APS) says:
Newsletter
October 12, 2012
A member of OREA who is the subject of a RECO complaint can now speak with OREA lawyer Diana Russo, who will provide legal information on the RECO investigative and adjudicative process.
Newsletter
October 12, 2012
The OREA Real Estate College is offering every member a free nine-credit bundle of Continuing Education online courses.
Newsletter
October 12, 2012
The REALTORS Care Foundation will host a gala on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Premiere Ballroom & Convention Centre in Richmond Hill, north of Toronto.
Newsletter
October 12, 2012
Local REALTORS® from the Rideau-St. Lawrence Real Estate Board raised more than $8,000 in a golf tournament that they donated to five food banks in the area.
Newsletter
September 4, 2012
When her husband started his real estate career, Elaine Rocca recalls that he worked most evenings and was often out until 1 and 2 a.m. presenting offers and getting established in the field.
Newsletter
September 4, 2012
Real estate in cottage country often attracts more attention in warmer months, but this year several areas piqued the interest of more than just consumers -- real estate professionals were watching closely too.
Newsletter
September 4, 2012
The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) announced the appointment of Joseph (Joe) Richer as its next registrar, effective Sept. 17.
Newsletter
September 4, 2012
The seventh annual Global Property Market Conference offers a unique, targeted opportunity for strategic information and networking on investment and development around the world.
Newsletter
September 4, 2012
An overwhelming majority of Canadians (94 per cent) believe small businesses play a crucial role in the economy’s growth and almost nine in 10 view them as vital job creators, according to a new survey.
Newsletter
September 4, 2012
The law indicates that on the date the bank signs an unconditional agreement of purchase and sale with a buyer, the original borrower has no further legal right to pay off his mortgage.
Newsletter
September 4, 2012
The Ontario Real Estate Association will hold its 2012 Political Affairs Conference (PAC) from November 20 to 22 at Toronto’s Courtyard Marriott Hotel.
Newsletter
September 4, 2012
Several events are being planned this fall by the Young Professionals Network (YPN) at the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
September 4, 2012
Motorcycle riders braved extreme heat this past July to participate in the Motorcycle Ride for Charity that left from the Ontario Real Estate Association’s Don Mills headquarters.
Newsletter
September 4, 2012
The OREA Real Estate College is offering every member a free nine-credit bundle of Continuing Education online courses.
Newsletter
September 4, 2012
The Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Formed in 1937, the association now represents more than 1,200 real estate professionals and is the 15th largest real estate association in Canada.
Newsletter
August 8, 2012
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Newsletter
August 8, 2012
After 10 years as registrar at the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), Allan Johnston is retiring at the end of July.
Newsletter
August 8, 2012
A recent Royal LePage national survey shows that potential cottage buyers and those already in the market have different plans for generating income.
Newsletter
August 8, 2012
The 2012 RealREIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) Conference takes place on Sept. 19 in Toronto.
Newsletter
August 8, 2012
Even if you aren’t yet a user of Pinterest, you’ve likely heard of it. Similar to a corkboard or bulletin board, this electronic locale allows you to “tack” or “pin” visuals and text to view and share with others online.
Newsletter
August 8, 2012
Celebrating OREA's 90th BirthdayThe OREA Real Estate College is offering every member a free nine-credit bundle of Continuing Education online courses.
Newsletter
August 8, 2012
The action arose after a house was purchased by the plaintiff, Ms. H. Graham in the City of West Quinte in 2002.
Newsletter
August 8, 2012
I really liked the article, “Keep clothing professional” that appeared in REALTOR® EDGE’s June issue. I’d like to add a couple of points:
Newsletter
August 8, 2012
A private member’s bill that would facilitate the use of electronic agreements of purchase and sale for real estate transactions was introduced recently in the provincial legislature, and the concept has been endorsed by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).
Newsletter
August 8, 2012
For the fourth consecutive year, the Newmarket Century 21 Heritage Group has won the team spirit award for the Heart & Stroke Foundation’s York North BIG Bike fundraiser.
Newsletter
August 8, 2012
The Young Professionals Network (YPN) at the Ontario Real Estate Association has hosted several successful events recently, and more are scheduled in the future.
Newsletter
August 8, 2012
Two OREA videos that highlight the value of using a REALTOR® have won several awards recently.
Newsletter
June 11, 2012
Image of scales of justiceLegal Forum, one of the most popular features on the Ontario Real Estate Association’s website, has received its 5,000th question.
Newsletter
June 11, 2012
As the weather warms up, hemlines seem to get shorter, necklines get lower and toes begin to make public appearances.
Newsletter
June 11, 2012
Discover what’s new in the commercial real estate industry at BOMEX, the Building Owners and Managers Association annual conference and exhibition, to be held Sept. 11 to 13 at the Westin Ottawa Hotel.
Newsletter
June 11, 2012
A house or condo is a good investment, according to nine out of 10 Ontarians, who show more confidence in real estate than those surveyed in other Canadian regions, according to the 19th annual RBC Homeownership Poll.
Newsletter
June 11, 2012
In order to stand out in the real estate industry, you need to find your UVP.
Newsletter
June 11, 2012
The buyers did not have enough money on the closing date of July 6, 1999, to complete their deal. Their REALTOR® lent them $74,500.
Newsletter
June 11, 2012
Two OREA videos that highlight the value of using a REALTOR® won a silver medal from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) recently.
Newsletter
June 11, 2012
If you’d like to take some professional development on leadership but are short on time or travel funds, a new eWorkshop format may be right for you.
Newsletter
June 11, 2012
The volume of phone calls into the Customer Service Centre at OREA is up about 11 per cent over the same quarter last year, according to recent figures.
Newsletter
June 11, 2012
Registration is now taking place for the Motorcycle Ride for Charity organized by the REALTORS Care Foundation.
Newsletter
June 11, 2012
The Real Estate Council of Ontario has launched a new service that allows online transfers and terminations.
Newsletter
May 6, 2012
The Ontario Real Estate Association has been awarded a prestigious national designation for outstanding environmental efforts.
Newsletter
May 6, 2012
Although the number of homes containing UFFI (urea formaldehyde foam insulation) has declined greatly in recent years, many real estate documents still take into account the existence of this controversial substance.
Newsletter
May 6, 2012
Ontarians were among the most optimistic in the country about the national economy two years ago, but their outlook has been sliding and they are now among the least optimistic, according to a recent survey.
Newsletter
May 6, 2012
With warmer-than-normal temperatures occurring in many regions over the past winter, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is encouraging Canadians to ensure that they have adequate water damage protection on their home insurance policies.
Newsletter
May 6, 2012
Ontario’s economic prospects for the next three years include moderate growth and continued high unemployment as government spending is cut and businesses expand carefully.
Newsletter
May 6, 2012
The following decision from RECO Discipline and Appeals Hearings has been condensed and all names have been changed.
Newsletter
May 6, 2012
In this case, a REALTOR® sued for $1.25 million for commission related to undeveloped land sold for $29 million following the death of a farmer and landowner.
Newsletter
May 6, 2012
The new annual report of the Ontario Real Estate Association has been published and distributed to real estate boards across the province.
Newsletter
May 6, 2012
Registration is now taking place for the Motorcycle Ride for Charity organized by the REALTORS Care Foundation.
Newsletter
May 6, 2012
A new topic, Respect Client Relationships, has now been posted to OREApedia.
Newsletter
May 6, 2012
More than 2,500 people now “like” the OREA Real Estate College Facebook page, the college reported.
Newsletter
April 3, 2012
For some consumers, the most daunting aspect of the buying or selling process is the move itself.
Newsletter
April 3, 2012
The baby boomers are flexing their demographic muscle once again.
Newsletter
April 3, 2012
Canada’s largest insurer of commercial titles, First Canadian Title, recently launched a website designed specifically for the commercial real estate market.
Newsletter
April 3, 2012
Housing markets are expected to remain steady in 2012 and 2013, according to the latest Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Housing Market Outlook.
Newsletter
April 3, 2012
The original meeting took place in England, where an Ontario real estate professional was participating in an emigration fair.
Newsletter
April 3, 2012
A new board of directors was installed for 2012 at the annual OREA leadership conference in Toronto.
Newsletter
April 3, 2012
The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) has moved office locations, as of March 26.
Newsletter
April 3, 2012
Candidates running for a seat on the RECO board of directors are invited to attend an upcoming OREA area meeting.
Newsletter
March 4, 2012
In Glengarry Glen Ross, a movie based on the play by David Mamet, motivational salesperson Blake confronts the employees of a Chicago real estate office about their less than stellar performances.
Newsletter
March 4, 2012
Back in 1922, a loaf of bread cost 12 cents and a pound of butter set you back about 70 cents.
Newsletter
March 4, 2012
A few months ago, here in the Wired Office column in REALTOR® EDGE, you read about Google+, which is yet another social media platform that enables people to connect on the Web.
Newsletter
March 4, 2012
Learn about development strategies, challenges, opportunities and risks as well as where land values in the Greater Golden Horseshoe are heading at the Real Estate Forum’s Land and Development Conference on May 1 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Newsletter
March 4, 2012
House prices are expected to continuing going up across the country despite some high-profile reports to the contrary, a new survey reports.
Newsletter
March 4, 2012
More than eight out of 10 REALTORS® in the province are 40 years of age or older, according to a recent survey by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
March 4, 2012
The developer in this Alberta case marketed land that was not yet subdivided.
Newsletter
March 4, 2012
Members of the Real Estate Council of Ontario who are interested in serving on its 2012 board of directors are required to submit their nomination forms by Monday, April 2 no later than 2:00 p.m.
Newsletter
March 4, 2012
The Canadian Real Estate Association has launched the MLS® Home Price Index, in partnership with: the Toronto Real Estate Board, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board,
Newsletter
March 4, 2012
The OREA Centre for Leadership Development is the only one of its kind in North America, providing comprehensive, phased-in training to volunteer association leaders.
Newsletter
February 7, 2012
It’s a field known for seasonal ups and downs and market shifts.
Newsletter
February 7, 2012
Although many OREA standard clauses are designed to protect your clients, the holdover clause in a listing agreement was specifically created to protect REALTORS® by ensuring that you receive the commission you’ve earned if a house sells.
Newsletter
February 7, 2012
The Real Estate Forum’s Green Real Estate conference will examine the economics, benefits and value of green buildings.
Newsletter
February 7, 2012
Ontario housing demand is expected to slow in the coming months due to fewer first-time buyers and a modest pace in economic and job growth, says a recent CMHC report.
Newsletter
February 7, 2012
Forty per cent of baby boomers in Ontario plan to move for their retirement, but many are waiting to sell their homes in the hope that values will increase, according to a recent report.
Newsletter
February 7, 2012
The following decision from RECO Discipline and Appeals Hearings has been condensed. All names have been changed.
Newsletter
February 7, 2012
This case involved the sale of a Niagara Falls motel. The registrant, Neelam Bhalla and her brokerage, Sutton Group Results, acted in a multiple representation (dual agency) situation in the sale of the motel by Surma, the seller, to the buyers.
Newsletter
February 7, 2012
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and make a contribution to the real estate profession.
Newsletter
February 7, 2012
Ontario REALTORS® have made a significant contribution to human rights with a donation of $55,000 to the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Newsletter
February 7, 2012
All members are invited to attend the OREA Annual Assembly Meeting on Wednesday, February 29 at Toronto’s Sheraton Centre Hotel, 123 Queen Street West.
Newsletter
February 7, 2012
Immediately following the OREA Annual Assembly Meeting (see previous item) on February 29 will be the first REALTORS Care Foundation Annual General Meeting and elections for the foundation board of directors,
Newsletter
February 7, 2012
The 2012 OREA Leadership Conference takes place from Feb. 28 to March 1 and features various motivating speakers at the event at Toronto’s Sheraton Centre Hotel.
Newsletter
January 7, 2012
Representing more than one party in the same deal is a challenging scenario in real estate.
Newsletter
January 7, 2012
Issues related to advertising in real estate were among the most common complaints about registrants to the Real Estate Council of Ontario over the past year, according to the council’s 2010-2011 annual report.
Newsletter
January 7, 2012
Standard forms produced by the Ontario Real Estate Association play an important role in the day-to-day business of brokers and salespeople across the province.
Newsletter
January 7, 2012
This case raises the issue of whether a real estate brokerage is entitled to a portion of the commission from the listing brokerage after a commercial sale when a Confirmation of Co-operation and Representation (OREA Form 320) has not been signed.
Newsletter
January 7, 2012
Licensed mortgage brokers or agents in Ontario will need to take an approved re-licensing (RE) course in order to renew their licenses by March 31, 2012.
Newsletter
January 7, 2012
Rising agricultural values and tight inventory have pushed the price of Ontario farmland up significantly in the past year, according to RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada.
Newsletter
January 7, 2012
All members are invited to attend the OREA Annual Assembly Meeting on Wednesday, February 29 at Toronto’s Sheraton Centre Hotel, 123 Queen Street West.
Newsletter
January 7, 2012
Immediately following the OREA Annual Assembly Meeting (see item above) on February 29 will be the first REALTORS Care Foundation Annual General Meeting and elections for the Foundation board of directors, with real estate boards being the voting members.
Newsletter
December 3, 2011
You knew this going in – you need certain skills to be a successful real estate salesperson.
Newsletter
December 3, 2011
The Ontario Real Estate Association website has undergone a major renovation.
Newsletter
December 3, 2011
The wind is howling and the snow is falling. Safe and cozy indoors with a warm fire roaring in the fireplace, you are curled up in your favourite chair, happily reading your… ebook.
Newsletter
December 3, 2011
The Ontario Real Estate Association hit the campaign trail during this fall’s provincial election with the Home Ownership Matters initiative.
Newsletter
December 3, 2011
Did you know that, as of January 1, 2012, a new law takes effect? The Customer Service Standard of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is part of a goal to make Ontario completely accessible for persons with disabilities by 2025.
Newsletter
December 3, 2011
Canadian real estate professionals are increasingly anxious about prospects for the next year, as a sector that has led the country’s economic recovery shows signs of slowing along with the broader world economy.
Newsletter
December 3, 2011
Addresses of Canadian homes containing dismantled marijuana grow-ops will now be listed on the RCMP website as part of the National Grow Initiative.
Newsletter
December 3, 2011
A typical Ontario Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) requires that the sellers provide clear title on a property, subject to the stated matters that buyers accept.
Newsletter
January 3, 2011
Fifty-four real estate topics are now posted to OREApedia.
Newsletter
December 3, 2011
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and make a contribution to the real estate profession.
Newsletter
November 3, 2011
Experiencing stressStiff competition, erratic hours, and an uncertain income are just a few of the reasons that a career in real estate can be stressful.
Newsletter
November 3, 2011
One of the most important forms used in real estate on a regular basis is the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS).
Newsletter
November 3, 2011
The following decision from RECO Discipline and Appeals Hearings has been condensed. All names have been changed.
Newsletter
November 3, 2011
The average price of a home in Canada increased between 5.7 and 7.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the previous year, according to a recent Royal LePage report.
Newsletter
November 3, 2011
A North Bay condominium corporation brought an application against the owners of townhouse units to enforce the terms of the declaration and bylaw registered many years ago.
Newsletter
November 3, 2011
The 2011 Real Estate Forum promises a hard-hitting and information-packed two days.
Newsletter
November 3, 2011
Canada’s housing market stands out among developed world nations for its resilience and longevity, according to a recent report by Scotia Economics.
Newsletter
November 3, 2011
Interested in running for a position on OREA’s 2012 Board of Directors?
Newsletter
November 3, 2011
In February 2011, the voting members of the REALTORS Care Foundation passed the revised REALTORS Care Foundation Bylaw.
Newsletter
October 3, 2011
It’s a scenario you dread: You’re showing your clients the home of their dreams. Every room is better than the last and they’re falling in love with the place, when suddenly they recoil in horror and beat a hasty path to the door. The culprit? The harsh spectre of mould.
Newsletter
October 3, 2011
In a profession that relies on cold calls and consumer contacts, the national Do Not Call List may seem like an impossible roadblock for real estate professionals.
Newsletter
October 3, 2011
Seven out of 10 repeat home buyers in Ontario (71 per cent) are moving to larger or more luxurious homes and many are doing so earlier than originally planned.
Newsletter
October 3, 2011
Canada’s top real estate executives are predicting a bright future for commercial real estate.
Newsletter
October 3, 2011
Fewer buyers and more listings will result in a more balanced resale housing market in Ontario over the next year, according to the third quarter Housing Market Outlook by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Newsletter
October 3, 2011
The following decision from RECO Discipline and Appeals Hearings has been condensed. All names have been changed.
Newsletter
October 3, 2011
A real estate brokerage sued for its commission under a signed Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA).
Newsletter
October 3, 2011
The leadership training that has been developed by the OREA Centre for Leadership Development is in demand from other outside organizations.
Newsletter
October 3, 2011
More than 2,000 people “like” the OREA Real Estate College Facebook page.
Newsletter
October 3, 2011
Ed Barisa, chief executive officer of the Ontario Real Estate Association, was elected chair of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) at the society’s annual conference in Saskatoon in September.
Newsletter
September 1, 2011
You’ll encounter many different situations over the course of your real estate career, but one that can be particularly tricky is the sale of a matrimonial home following a marriage breakdown.
Newsletter
September 1, 2011
Sending documents by email and through the internet is becoming increasingly common in business, including real estate.
Newsletter
September 1, 2011
The federal government has renewed the popular ecoENERGY Retrofit - Homes program. Until March 31, 2012, homeowners can receive grants up to $5,000 to make their homes more energy-efficient and save energy costs
Newsletter
September 1, 2011
An unusually rapid recovery in the Canadian housing market played an important role in ensuring that Canada’s recession, although sharp, was also short, according to Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney.
Newsletter
September 1, 2011
Google has recently launched a new social media platform called Google+ (plus).
Newsletter
September 1, 2011
The following decision from RECO Discipline and Appeals Hearings has been condensed and all individual and corporate names have been changed.
Newsletter
September 1, 2011
An unexpected municipal work order required the sellers to move a lakeside storage shed away from the shoreline.
Newsletter
September 1, 2011
This year’s Motorcycle Ride for Charity was a great success, with organizers anticipating that funds raised to support the REALTORS CARE Foundation may total more than $50,000 once all pledges are in.
Newsletter
September 1, 2011
The Ontario Real Estate Association is at the forefront of new technologies by strategically developing a dynamic social media presence.
Newsletter
July 1, 2011
Success in real estate – as in hockey – is all about playing your best and maximizing your strengths to try to beat your opponents.
Newsletter
July 1, 2011
You’ve finished your real estate courses and you’re eager to get started, but how can you build a client base to grow your business?
Newsletter
July 1, 2011
The green building market is booming and is expected to reach $173.5 billion (U.S.) by 2015.
Newsletter
July 1, 2011
Although Canadians are still coping with the recession’s effects, they feel more optimistic about their personal finances and the housing market is playing a key role, a survey in Consumerology Report reveals.
Newsletter
July 1, 2011
Warmer weather often turns people’s thoughts to getting away from it all, and a recent survey reveals that many Ontarians love their cottages.
Newsletter
July 1, 2011
The following decision from RECO Discipline and Appeals Hearings has been condensed. All individual and corporate names have been changed.
Newsletter
July 1, 2011
When you meet your sellers, go over their financial position and ask some basic questions and confirm their answers. Here are some suggested questions to ask them before listing.
Newsletter
July 1, 2011
A new and exciting way to shop for tools to help you in your career is now available to students and members of the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
July 1, 2011
A new and exciting way to shop for tools to help you in your career is now available to students and members of the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
July 1, 2011
The OREA Real Estate College has introduced an online exam option for both the admissions test and the examination for the first pre-registration course, Real Estate as a Professional Career.
Newsletter
June 1, 2011
The most common complaint to the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) is from consumers who say they didn’t understand what they were signing when they entered into a Buyer Representation Agreement.
Newsletter
June 1, 2011
A new website design has recently been launched by The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO).
Newsletter
June 1, 2011
Canadians are surprisingly conservative on the mortgage front despite a decade of low interest rates, according to a survey commissioned by ING DIRECT.
Newsletter
June 1, 2011
Advertising can be a powerful tool to attract potential clients, whether it’s through flyers, newspaper ads, billboards or blogs.
Newsletter
June 1, 2011
Materializing with increasing frequency in magazines and on flyers, business cards, billboard ads and websites, these boxes with funky designs are known as Quick Response or QR codes.
Newsletter
June 1, 2011
The buyer sued the sellers, the home inspector and her REALTOR® after water infiltration and basement flooding occurred in her Saskatchewan home.
Newsletter
June 1, 2011
A revised online version of Your Career in Real Estate: A Student Handbook has recently been released by the OREA Real Estate College.
Newsletter
June 1, 2011
Pledge forms are still available for the Motorcycle Ride for Charity organized by the REALTORS Care Foundation.
Newsletter
June 1, 2011
Members of the Ontario Real Estate Association from across the province came to Toronto in April for Campaign College, which took place over two days and gave members the tools and information they need to prepare for this fall’s provincial election.
Newsletter
May 4, 2011
In a seller’s market, multiple offers are common, but they can also happen in a balanced or buyer’s market.
Newsletter
May 4, 2011
Ask any REALTOR® to recall their first day on the job and most will tell you it was overwhelming.
Newsletter
May 4, 2011
A television commercial featuring a modern day retelling of the Mother Goose fable of The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe is the latest addition to CREA’s national ad campaign.
Newsletter
May 4, 2011
Driven by the potential of higher interest rates in the future, first-time buyers are contributing to a strong upward momentum in residential housing markets across the country, according to a recent RE/MAX report.
Newsletter
May 4, 2011
Ontario’s economy has picked up and posted its best performance since 2002, according to the latest Provincial Economic Outlook report by RBC Economics.
Newsletter
May 4, 2011
The following decision from RECO Discipline and Appeals Hearings has been condensed. All individual and corporate names have been changed.
Newsletter
May 4, 2011
Mr. Guido and his company worked to assist people with marketing and financing.
Newsletter
May 4, 2011
The efforts of volunteers were recognized at the 2011 OREA Annual Conference at Toronto’s Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.
Newsletter
May 4, 2011
Registration and pledge forms are now available for the Motorcycle Ride for Charity organized by the REALTORS Care™ Foundation.
Newsletter
May 4, 2011
A revised online version of Your Career in Real Estate: A Student Handbook has recently been released by the OREA Real Estate College.
Newsletter
April 1, 2011
You’ve worked hard to seal the deal and to get the buyer and seller to come to an agreement. But what happens to the deposit if the deal fails to close?
Newsletter
April 1, 2011
A video that explains to prospective buyers the facts about the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and the housing market was recently released by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) and the provincial government.
Newsletter
April 1, 2011
Find out which market factors and dynamics are affecting land acquisition and development in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) at the 2011 Land and Development Conference on May 5 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Newsletter
April 1, 2011
Canadian home sales for 2011 are expected to be better than previously predicted, thanks to improving consumer confidence which will partly offset the anticipated negative impact of interest rate hikes, The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) reports.
Newsletter
April 1, 2011
Lately, a new term has crept into business lingo -- “personal branding.” According to Wikipedia, personal branding is “the process whereby people and their careers are marked as brands.
Newsletter
April 1, 2011
The following decision from RECO Discipline and Appeals Hearings has been condensed. All individual and corporate names have been changed.
Newsletter
April 1, 2011
The buyer and the REALTOR® had maintained a casual friendship and occasional business relationship for 15 years before the events that occurred leading to this action.
Newsletter
April 1, 2011
The OREA 2011 Annual Conference at Toronto’s Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in March was a great success.
Newsletter
April 1, 2011
OREA staff members are busy finalizing the details for the 2011 OREA Campaign College scheduled to take place April 18 and 19 at the Sutton Place Hotel in downtown Toronto.
Newsletter
April 1, 2011
Once again this year, the REALTORS Care™ Foundation has organized a Jam with a Past President event. Brian Walker, OREA’S President in 2007, hosts the annual event, which will be held during Campaign College (see item above).
Newsletter
March 1, 2011
The February issue of REALTOR® EDGE contained incorrect information in an article about power of sale.
Newsletter
March 1, 2011
Although Henry Ford famously remarked that “history is bunk,” people with a love of all things historical would disagree with the renowned automaker.
Newsletter
March 1, 2011
Accurately pricing a property and listing it reasonably close to market value so that it’s not overpriced is an important aspect of a REALTOR®’s job.
Newsletter
March 1, 2011
CIBC recently introduced the Home Advisor App to give home buyers access to helpful information, tools, and advice right from their iPhone or BlackBerry while they’re out house hunting.
Newsletter
March 1, 2011
Although conventional wisdom suggests that most singles would rather live in an urban setting, a survey conducted by Coldwell Banker revealed that the majority of single homeowners (52 per cent) chose suburbia.
Newsletter
March 1, 2011
Fears of a U.S.-style housing crash in Canada were unfounded and the resale market in this country has landed safely, according to a recent report by TD Economics.
Newsletter
March 1, 2011
The following decision has been condensed from RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Hearings and Appeals. All names have been changed.
Newsletter
March 1, 2011
A large commercial sign situated on a piece of property in western Ontario is at the centre of this dispute.
Newsletter
March 1, 2011
Joining a committee or task force at OREA is a great way to serve your profession while enhancing your leadership skills.
Newsletter
March 1, 2011
Members of the Real Estate Council of Ontario who are interested in serving on its board of directors are required to submit their nomination forms no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 1.
Newsletter
March 1, 2011
To prepare member boards and associations to advance REALTOR® issues during provincial election years, OREA is hosting a two-day Campaign College.
Newsletter
February 1, 2011
First you see that the lawn has not been cut and the weeds are taking over. Then you notice that the newspapers and mail are piling up on the front porch. The windows look dirty, and the house looks forlorn and neglected.
Newsletter
February 1, 2011
Giving a competitive edge to REALTORS® is the goal of several new technology innovations being developed by the Canadian Real Estate Association’s MLS® and Technology Council (MTC).
Newsletter
February 1, 2011
Eighty per cent of REALTORS® in the United States use social media, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) technology survey for 2010.
Newsletter
February 1, 2011
News of a strengthening economy and low interest rates may result in a stronger-than-expected housing market for early 2011.
Newsletter
February 1, 2011
Canadians are enthusiastic users of the internet. Perhaps the long, cold winters push us towards our internet interfaces.
Newsletter
February 1, 2011
The following decision has been condensed from RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Hearings and Appeals. All names of individuals, brokerages and other businesses have been changed.
Newsletter
February 1, 2011
The buyer signed an Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) for a pre-sale unconstructed condominium unit that she wished to own. The document contained a condition that stated:
Newsletter
January 3, 2011
A mobile application of REALTOR.ca for Windows® Phone 7 is now available to help consumers check out houses while they’re on the go, CREA announced.
Newsletter
January 3, 2011
The market for resale homes in Canada was firmer for a third straight month in October 2010, suggesting a soft landing for the once red-hot sector and stable market conditions for the next two years, according to industry reports.
Newsletter
January 3, 2011
Wishing they had a crystal ball, many commercial real estate experts expressed uncertainty about 2011 market prospects in the North American and global economies at the Annual Global Property Market and Toronto Real Estate Forum.
Newsletter
January 3, 2011
The new year often inspires people to make a fresh start, spurring a rush to the self-help section of bookstores everywhere.
Newsletter
January 3, 2011
Canadians are very cognizant of the dangers of excessive debt leverage, according to a special report by Scotia Economics.
Newsletter
January 3, 2011
The following decision from RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals has been condensed.
Newsletter
January 3, 2011
A question was asked about whether a builder was obligated to disclose to a buyer that an intruder broke into a house and committed suicide just before the sale closed.
Newsletter
January 3, 2011
All OREA members are invited to attend the Annual Assembly Meeting on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto.
Newsletter
January 3, 2011
The Ontario Real Estate Association has applied to the Canada Green Building Council for LEED status for its renovated headquarters in Don Mills.
Newsletter
January 3, 2011
Joining a committee or task force is a great way to meet colleagues and make a contribution to the real estate profession.
Newsletter
January 3, 2011
REALTORS® can check out the two new topics posted to OREApedia recently.
Newsletter
December 12, 2010
BMO (Bank of Montreal) has added the Happy Homeowner to its First-Time Homebuyers series of podcasts.
Newsletter
December 12, 2010
For their next move, Ontario boomers are looking to downsize to smaller homes.
Newsletter
December 12, 2010
Now that an agreement has been reached between CREA and the Commissioner of Competition does that mean the public can list properties on the MLS® System? Not without a REALTOR® they can’t.
Newsletter
December 12, 2010
A full 56 percent of Ontarians mistakenly believe that the new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) applies to the full purchase price of a resale home, according to an Ipsos Reid survey commissioned by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).
Newsletter
December 12, 2010
With the holiday season coming there has been much ado about a new breed of technology currently being referred to as the digital tablet.
Newsletter
December 12, 2010
One of the benefits of being a member of organized real estate is the right to call yourself a REALTOR®.
Newsletter
December 12, 2010
The sellers had serious legal disputes with their neighbours Ms. Belzberg and Mr. Knechtel about restrictive covenants. That went to court and the sellers lost.
Newsletter
December 12, 2010
If you’ve ever thought of serving your profession, why not sign up for an OREA committee?
Newsletter
December 12, 2010
The first-ever educational open house aimed at promoting real estate as a career was a great success for the OREA Real Estate College.
Newsletter
December 12, 2010
At a recent meeting of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in New Orleans, two volunteer leadership training courses developed by the OREA Centre for Leadership Development were presented to participants at the U.S. meeting on request from the Americans.
Newsletter
November 12, 2010
In a recent TD Poll, which compared investment attitudes of Gen X (born between 1965 and 1976) and Gen Y (born after 1980), Gen Xers said saving more each month, paying off debt, and opening an RSP are the top financial decisions they would make differently if they were 25 again.
Newsletter
November 12, 2010
The value of housing activity related to new home construction, as well as the rental, sale and renovation of existing homes in Canada reached $307 billion in 2009, or more than one-fifth of Canada’s total gross domestic product, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) latest Canadian Housing Observer report.
Newsletter
November 12, 2010
A new Seller Commission Agreement form will help protect the commission of co-operating brokers in situations where they are dealing directly with the seller. This new form was created for 2011 and a large number of existing forms have been revised.
Newsletter
November 12, 2010
REALTORS® have the opportunity to help first time home buyers make their dream of home ownership come true.
Newsletter
November 12, 2010
Ontarian's economic confidence slipped 18 points (from 97 to 79 points) over the previous quarter, the highest of all regions across Canada -- according to the latest RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook. Just 57 per cent of Ontarians believe the state of the economy is good, down nine points from June and compared to 60 per cent nationally.
Newsletter
November 12, 2010
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO website at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
November 12, 2010
This case concerns the interpretation of a commercial lease. It asks how the contribution the tenant is to make in respect of property taxes is to be calculated.
Newsletter
November 12, 2010
The OREA Real Estate College has launched two new initiatives to help you stay up-to-date with College news and events.
Newsletter
November 12, 2010
Interested in running for a position on OREA’s 2011 Board of Directors?
Newsletter
October 10, 2010
The Ministry of Energy has decided not to proceed with plans to introduce mandatory home energy audits on real estate transactions.
Newsletter
October 10, 2010
A recent survey by Royal LePage shows that consumers in Ontario and British Columbia have misconceptions about how the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) affects real estate transactions.
Newsletter
October 10, 2010
Is the Canadian real estate market in a bubble about to burst or not?
Newsletter
October 10, 2010
Basement flooding, cracks in the foundation, mould – what do sellers need to disclose and what do REALTORS® need to find out?
Newsletter
October 10, 2010
Gone are the days of sitting around in your office waiting for an important call or for that essential email to arrive.
Newsletter
October 10, 2010
Real estate is definitely a people business and, as a REALTOR® you meet lots of people on the job.
Newsletter
October 10, 2010
The buyer sees a house in Carlisle, Ontario that meets his needs.
Newsletter
October 10, 2010
Enrolling in OREA Real Estate College courses is a whole lot easier thanks to the “web self-serve” functionality on the www.orea.com website.
Newsletter
October 10, 2010
For its successful campaign against the Ontario government’s proposed mandatory energy audits, OREA was awarded the CSAE’s 2010 Associations Make a Better Canada Award in the Public Affairs/Government Relations category.
Newsletter
October 10, 2010
At the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) we are proud to be participating in National Customer Service Week (October 4 - 8, 2010), and wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for being a "customer" of OREA. We value and appreciate your business.
Newsletter
September 10, 2010
A new report finds the Canadian commercial real estate industry is playing catch-up with respect to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when compared to international peers.
Newsletter
September 10, 2010
Homeowners are in the best shape when it comes to financial fitness in Canada. Sixty five per cent of homeowners pay off their credit card balances each month, vs. 48 per cent of non-homeowners.
Newsletter
September 10, 2010
Get it in writing…and get it right. A good clause in an Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) exists to make sure that the requests of both parties are accurately reflected.
Newsletter
September 10, 2010
A new television commercial promoting the value of REALTORS® began airing across Canada at the end of August.
Newsletter
September 10, 2010
When the Bank of Canada (B of C) raised its overnight lending rate by 25 basis points in July, it sent fear into the hearts of many would be home buyers.
Newsletter
September 10, 2010
The following RECO Discipline decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO website at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
September 10, 2010
I act for a builder buying several lots from a developer on which individual homes will be built.
Newsletter
September 10, 2010
The OREA Real Estate College now offers the classroom method of course delivery for Real Estate as a Professional Career, the introductory course to The Salesperson Registration Education Program.
Newsletter
September 10, 2010
Knowing the types of defects to look for and what information needs to be disclosed to your clients is part of the REALTOR®’s duty.
Newsletter
September 10, 2010
A new one-credit, online, CE course, Be the REALTOR® Every Client Wants, is now available!
Newsletter
August 10, 2010
Following the Real Estate Council of Ontario’s Annual Meeting in June, the Board of Directors elected George Lavallee as Chair and Keith Tarswell as Vice-Chair for 2010 – 2011.
Newsletter
August 10, 2010
Housing starts rebounded in the second half of 2009 and early 2010 and will stabilize over the next two years, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) second quarter Housing Market Outlook Canada Edition.
Newsletter
August 10, 2010
Real estate transactions are loaded with issues that require carefully worded clauses and conditions to keep the deal on track. OREA Standard Clauses are used by members on a daily basis.
Newsletter
August 10, 2010
What if a complaint is filed against you with the Registrar? What can you expect? How long is the process going to take?
Newsletter
August 10, 2010
Conduct an internet search on yourself by entering your name in a search engine (e.g., Google, Bing, etc.).
Newsletter
August 10, 2010
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO website at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
August 10, 2010
The lender started Ontario Power of Sale proceedings and sued the mortgagor-owner who defended on several grounds. None were found in the owner's favour.
Newsletter
August 10, 2010
Applicants to OREA’s Salesperson Registration Education Program can now write the OREA Real Estate College’s own real-estate focused Admissions Test to comply with the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005 mandated ‘Grade 12 or equivalent’ admissions requirement to our program.
Newsletter
August 10, 2010
More brokers today feel that the viability of the real estate industry is in jeopardy, according to the 2010 Broker Viability study.
Newsletter
June 16, 2010
Residents and businesses in disaster-stricken communities across Ontario will be able to recover and rebuild more quickly, thanks to a plan launched in May by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and The Home Depot Canada.
Newsletter
June 16, 2010
A Bank of Montreal (BMO) survey released in April says among current homeowners and future first-time homeowners, location is the main reason they would consider offering more than the asking price for a home.
Newsletter
June 16, 2010
The new harmonized sales tax (HST) takes effect July 1st. Ontario REALTORS® need to prepare for the changes now.
Newsletter
June 16, 2010
To become registered or renew registration with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), applicants not only have to have the appropriate real estate education, they must also be able to prove financial fitness and disclose any criminal charges against them.
Newsletter
June 16, 2010
Almost halfway through the year and the recovery in the Canadian economy is strong, but to what extent is this recovery the real thing and to what extent is it sustainable at the current rate?
Newsletter
June 16, 2010
Bill 168, Ontario’s new workplace violence and harassment legislation, will require every real estate brokerage to take specific steps to comply with the new law which comes into effect on June 15, 2010.
Newsletter
June 16, 2010
The brokerage sued their buyer client for $21,774.50 under an Ontario Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA).
Newsletter
June 16, 2010
The OREA Real Estate College has started two campaigns to remind students of the time restrictions for completion of the Salesperson Registration Education Program.
Newsletter
June 16, 2010
Show your support for the REALTORS Care Foundation’s fifth annual REALTOR® ride for charity, a motorcycle ride in support of shelter-related charities.
Newsletter
May 5, 2010
Effective March 31, 2010, the ecoENERGY Retrofit program that provided grants of up to $5,000 to Canadians who make their homes more energy efficient, stopped accepting new bookings for pre-retrofit evaluations.
Newsletter
May 5, 2010
Canada’s big five banks have begun raising rates on certain fixed mortgages, including the benchmark five-year mortgage.
Newsletter
May 5, 2010
Quick and easy access to the vast amount of information on the OREA website is now possible through a feature called OREApedia.
Newsletter
May 5, 2010
OREA was recently registered as a Private Career College under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005 (PCCA).
Newsletter
May 5, 2010
Searching on the internet has become an integral part of our lives. There is an infinite amount of information sitting just a few keystrokes/mouse clicks/touch and presses away.
Newsletter
May 5, 2010
CREA has changed its MLS® rules to clarify that the nature of services to be provided to the seller or buyer is a matter of agreement between the REALTOR® and his or her client or customer.
Newsletter
May 5, 2010
The condo unit owners installed two satellite dishes on the patio of their unit which the condominium corporation said were contrary to the Declaration, Bylaws and Rules.
Newsletter
May 5, 2010
In an effort to assist students and registrants in planning their course schedules for 2010 and meet their timelines to complete required courses, the OREA Real Estate College introduced a schedule of ‘Guaranteed Course Dates’.
Newsletter
May 5, 2010
The Ontario 2010 budget was highlighted by a large provincial deficit and little in the way of help for the provincial real estate industry.
Newsletter
April 5, 2010
The Real Estate Forum’s 2010 Land & Development Conference will offer insights on trends and strategies for land acquisitions and development in the Greater Golden Horseshoe as well as speculate on where land values are heading for 2010 and beyond.
Newsletter
April 5, 2010
Housing starts rebounded in the second half of 2009 and will strengthen in 2010, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) first quarter Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition.
Newsletter
April 5, 2010
What should be one of the happiest moments in a person's life can sometimes be spoiled by the discovery of structural defects that were unknown or undisclosed at the time of purchase.
Newsletter
April 5, 2010
“REALTORS®are people people so the opportunities available to you through social media are tremendous.”
Newsletter
April 5, 2010
Home buying momentum in Canada continues to gain steam.
Newsletter
April 5, 2010
The following RECO Discipline Hearing decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO website at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
April 5, 2010
When the buyer took possession of his Winnipeg house, he found that the space heaters had been removed, and the pipes were frozen.
Newsletter
April 5, 2010
Karen Shartun of the Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Board was awarded the OREA Volunteerism Award for an Individual, presented at the 2010 OREA Annual Conference.
Newsletter
April 5, 2010
ExamTutor© 2 CD-ROM is now available to students taking the Articling Segment and Real Estate Broker Courses, including Real Property Law, Real Estate Investment Analysis, Principles of Appraisal, Principles of Mortgage Financing, Principles of Property Management and the Real Estate Broker Course.
Newsletter
April 5, 2010
The Brampton Real Estate Board is once again hosting the REALTORS Care Foundation annual charity motorcycle ride, from July 7th to 10th, 2010.
Newsletter
April 5, 2010
Interviews with speakers from the recent leadership conference can now be heard on the OREA website.
Newsletter
March 8, 2010
The Real Property Association of Canada (REALpac) has developed a Green Lease Guide for Commercial Office Tenants.
Newsletter
March 8, 2010
The Index of Consumer Confidence rose 13.8 percentage points in January to a 23-month high, according to the Conference Board of Canada’s latest Index of Consumer Confidence.
Newsletter
March 8, 2010
As energy conservation becomes more of a concern for both government and consumers, REALTORS® can better serve their clients by knowing more about heating system upgrades and government grant programs for them.
Newsletter
March 8, 2010
Self-employed REALTORS® can now participate in the Employment Insurance (EI) program, CREA, the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and the Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism announced on February 1.
Newsletter
March 8, 2010
More than 1,300 real estate brokers and sales representatives met the requirements to be licensed as mortgage brokerages, brokers or agents under the new Mortgage Brokerages, Lenders and Administrators Act, 2006 (the Act).
Newsletter
March 8, 2010
By now, you’ve probably heard some mention of Microsoft’s new operating system known as Windows 7. Released in late October 2009, most new PCs now come with Windows 7 pre-loaded.
Newsletter
March 8, 2010
REALTORS® working with properties that enter onto public highways in Ontario need to be aware of guidelines for entrance permits as well as real estate signage.
Newsletter
March 8, 2010
The buyer used REALTOR® “S” to look for a condominium unit but refused to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA).
Newsletter
March 8, 2010
Risk Management Strategies for Errors and Omissions Insurance is a new six-credit course designed to help real estate professionals understand terms used in errors and omissions insurance policies.
Newsletter
March 8, 2010
OREA’s 2010 Annual Conference was made possible by the donation of our generous sponsors.
Newsletter
March 8, 2010
Has studying got you stressed? The new passit online study guides are designed to help ease the stress of studying for real estate pre-licensing courses in Ontario.
Newsletter
February 4, 2010
A private investor group, in which Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan is the lead sponsor, is set to buy the Canadian mortgage insurance business of American International Group Inc (AIG).
Newsletter
February 4, 2010
Canada's residential real estate market is forecast to remain unusually strong through the first half of 2010, according to the Royal LePage Market Survey Forecast and House Price Survey.
Newsletter
February 4, 2010
One of the most significant changes made to the OREA 2010 Standard Forms was the revision of the Notices clause in Form 100, the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
Newsletter
February 4, 2010
Many homebuyers consider purchasing a property with an existing or potential for a second suite.
Newsletter
February 4, 2010
According to many of Canada’s top economists, higher interest rates – and debt servicing costs – may be just around the corner.
Newsletter
February 4, 2010
Mortgage fraud continues to be a major concern for the real estate industry.
Newsletter
February 4, 2010
Welton owned two lots and sold one. He then built a driveway that both lots could use. The driveway is located on the lot that he sold. He has continued to service and maintain the driveway since 1963. A dispute arose between Welton and the new owners of that lot who had bought it in 1985.
Newsletter
February 4, 2010
If you’ve ever thought of serving your profession, why not sign up for an OREA committee?
Newsletter
February 4, 2010
None of the province’s amendments to Ontario’s record of site condition regulation 153/04, released in December, address concerns raised by OREA during the consultation process.
Newsletter
February 4, 2010
AERO Insurance Brokers has just negotiated a 33 per cent increase on the discount offered to OREA members. As a benefit of OREA membership, you have access to great group rates with two of Canada’s leading insurance companies.
Newsletter
January 5, 2010
The Ontario Home Builders' Association (OHBA) is asking the provincial and federal governments to implement a permanent renovation tax credit or rebate for homeowners to mitigate the effect of the HST.
Newsletter
January 5, 2010
The Bank of Canada will most likely keep its promise to hold the key interest rate at near-zero levels through the second quarter of 2010 according to a recent Reuters poll of Canada's primary securities dealers.
Newsletter
January 5, 2010
Most REALTORS® say referrals and repeat business are their main source of business leads. However, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Technology Survey, 53 per cent of respondents feel the Internet is very important to generating leads.
Newsletter
January 5, 2010
CREA successfully won its recent battle to have “Realtor vs. Realtor”, a Canadian real estate reality TV series, taken off the air.
Newsletter
January 5, 2010
In past EDGE articles we’ve learned how to price heritage properties and that a number of Ontario municipalities have initiated programs to provide tax relief, grants and loans to heritage property owners. But how do you identify one?
Newsletter
January 5, 2010
Teranet has launched the GeoWarehouse Store to assist REALTORS® in helping their clients make more informed real estate decisions.
Newsletter
January 5, 2010
OREA held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony in December to celebrate the completion of the green building renovations to the Duncan Mills office.
Newsletter
January 5, 2010
The buyers bought a house in Saskatchewan and received the seller's Property Condition Disclosure Statement (PCDS) that indicated there were no unrepaired roof leaks or moisture or water problems in the house, but also stated that there were previous backyard drainage problems which had been repaired to the best of his knowledge.
Newsletter
January 5, 2010
The Ontario Real Estate Associations is sad to report that 1975 OREA President Earl Leroy (Lee) Hoppe passed away on Sunday, November 22, 2009 in Kitchener. He was 78.
Newsletter
January 5, 2010
Despite vigorous opposition by OREA and other groups, the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada have both passed legislation that will implement the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
Newsletter
January 5, 2010
All OREA members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Assembly on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto
Newsletter
December 14, 2009
The Conservative government has introduced a bill to extend Employment Insurance (EI) special benefits, such as maternity and compassionate care leave, to the self-employed for the first time.
Newsletter
December 14, 2009
Canadian commercial real estate executives feel the real estate markets have moved up meaningfully over the past quarter.
Newsletter
December 14, 2009
It used to be the three most important rules in real estate were Location, Location, Location.
Newsletter
December 14, 2009
Although organized real estate is still working to derail it, the HST train seems to be headed straight for us and unlikely to be knocked off track.
Newsletter
December 14, 2009
Four out of ten REALTORS® believe the real estate industry is starting to recover from the economic crisis.
Newsletter
December 14, 2009
Energy efficiency makes sense to most homebuyers.
Newsletter
December 14, 2009
The insurance brokerage employees had written contracts which contained a restrictive covenant which stipulated that for two years after the termination of employment, they were not to "conduct business with any clients or customers of H. L. Staebler Company Limited that were handled or serviced by you at the date of your termination".
Newsletter
December 14, 2009
If you’ve ever thought of serving your profession, why not sign up for an OREA committee?
Newsletter
December 14, 2009
The REALTORS Care Foundation granted nearly $300,000 in 2009.
Newsletter
December 14, 2009
Feedback from the Broker Viability Task Force research showcase presentations has been very positive.
Newsletter
November 13, 2009
Building Blocks, a special series launched last month on the Globe Investor website is geared towards educating young Canadian families about various personal finance topics.
Newsletter
November 13, 2009
Global real estate markets are showing tentative but growing signs of stabilization, according to the recent Global Real Estate Trends report released by Scotia Economics.
Newsletter
November 13, 2009
Well-written standard forms and clauses help to make the trade in real estate an open and transparent process.
Newsletter
November 13, 2009
A number of Ontario municipalities have initiated programs to provide tax relief, grants and loans to heritage property owners.
Newsletter
November 13, 2009
As consumers, we often want the latest and greatest techie toys with the newest bells and whistles.
Newsletter
November 13, 2009
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO website at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
November 13, 2009
The REALTOR® knew that a development property might be for sale and discussed it with the sellers.
Newsletter
November 13, 2009
Interested in running for a position on OREA’s 2010 Board of Directors?
Newsletter
November 13, 2009
In response to the call from member real estate boards and associations, OREA has developed materials for boards, associations and REALTORS® to use to implement quality of life principles and practices in their day to day business.
Newsletter
October 13, 2009
Bill 118, banning drivers from using handheld devices while operating a vehicle on the road, will become law on October 26, 2009.
Newsletter
October 13, 2009
More Canadian employers will be hiring in the October to December period of 2009, according to the latest results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.
Newsletter
October 13, 2009
Got a burning real estate question? Chances are you will find the answer to it on OREA’s online Legal Forum.
Newsletter
October 13, 2009
This fall, OREA will be continuing the very successful residential campaign that impresses upon consumers the importance of using a REALTOR®.
Newsletter
October 13, 2009
The outlook is brightening for the economy in general and the housing industry, specifically, according to some recent reports.
Newsletter
October 13, 2009
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO Web site at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
October 13, 2009
The sellers sold commercial condominium premises and a business used as a party hall primarily for Hindu wedding receptions.
Newsletter
October 13, 2009
To better prepare students for Registration Education course examinations, OREA Real Estate College has launched ExamTutor© CD ROMs.
Newsletter
October 13, 2009
Speaking in favour of stronger, better defined property rights, OREA made a presentation in August to the Standing Committee on General Government regarding Bill 173, the Mining Amendment Act.
Newsletter
September 8, 2009
CMHC will host five Housing Outlook Conferences in Ontario from November 3 to November 19 tailored to each specific local market.
Newsletter
September 8, 2009
The Ontario preliminary Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) of home starts across all areas declined to an estimated 39,100 units in July, down from 45,800 units in June, reports the CMHC.
Newsletter
September 8, 2009
REALTORS® need to stay abreast of ever changing issues, laws and regulatory activities in the real estate industry.
Newsletter
September 8, 2009
Receiving a letter from the Registrar indicating a complaint has been filed against you can be very intimidating.
Newsletter
September 8, 2009
You’ve created a great Web site full of information that your clients and potential clients will find useful and interesting.
Newsletter
September 8, 2009
With the heavy rainfall in Southern Ontario throughout the spring and summer of 2009, moisture has to be a concern for homeowners and buyers alike.
Newsletter
September 8, 2009
A property was being developed as a golf course, ran into financial problems and went into receivership.
Newsletter
September 8, 2009
As of this past August, Becoming a Leader, Leadership 200 and Enhancing Leadership Skills, Leadership 300 are now RECO continuing education credited courses.
Newsletter
September 8, 2009
Salespeople need to know about the properties they are trying to sell and they need to know how to close a real estate transaction.
Newsletter
September 8, 2009
Back by popular demand, the REALTORS Care Foundation is pleased to announce Jamming with a Past President – Brian Walker and his band – at Stop 33 in the Sutton Place Hotel on Tuesday October 27th, 2009 during the OREA Political Affairs Conference (PAC).
Newsletter
July 8, 2009
Following the Real Estate Council of Ontario’s Annual Meeting in June, the Board elected Glenda Brindle to serve as Chair and George Lavallee to serve as Vice-Chair.
Newsletter
July 8, 2009
According to Genworth Financial Canada's First-Time Homebuyer's Monitor released in June, 84 per cent of those surveyed said that owning a home goes beyond its financial value and feel that homeownership pays off in more ways than one. First-time homebuyers closely associate financial security and emotional well being with homeownership.
Newsletter
July 8, 2009
The trend towards “green real estate” continues to accelerate as homebuyers, sellers and REALTORS® see the benefits of a more environmentally friendly living space.
Newsletter
July 8, 2009
Many of Ontario’s commercial REALTORS® recognize brownfield redevelopment offer business opportunities.
Newsletter
July 8, 2009
Environmental legislation is extensive and varied. It covers all aspects of the environment, from drinking water protocols to snow removal.
Newsletter
July 8, 2009
The economy is beginning to respond to stimulus by the Bank of Canada, but Canadians can expect to see a very different economy when the smoke clears.
Newsletter
July 8, 2009
Members in the Course 3, articling or broker courses will have noticed a change in OREA exam format. Members and other students who enroll in a registration education course having a start date on or after April 1, 2009 are writing examinations using an all multiple choice testing format.
Newsletter
July 8, 2009
Two opportunities for brokerage services are available from Ontario Realty Corp (ORC).
Newsletter
July 8, 2009
The buyer was led to believe that her unit would have granite countertops in the kitchen and a crawl space with a forced air heating system. As it turned out, it did not.
Newsletter
July 8, 2009
The Government of Ontario has adopted an OREA 2009 pre-budget recommendation, increasing the amount of funding available to Ontario homeowners for home energy retrofit rebates under the Home Energy Savings Program.
Newsletter
July 8, 2009
OREA Government Relations recently updated all our issue summaries which became our Spring Legislative and Regulatory update.
Newsletter
June 8, 2009
Ontario home starts moved lower in April. Ontario preliminary Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) of home starts across all areas declined to 36,300 unit starts, down from 62,600 starts in March.
Newsletter
June 8, 2009
A report, titled "Big Hit on GTA Middle-Class Homebuyers with the Ontario Budget's HST Proposals," reveals that middle-class families get hit the hardest by the $800 million tax increase on new homebuyers across the province under the Provincial government's planned harmonized sales tax (HST).
Newsletter
June 8, 2009
Over-leveraged properties can be difficult to sell. If the market won’t support the home’s asking price, it puts the whole transaction in jeopardy – including commission.
Newsletter
June 8, 2009
A power of sale is a forced sale of a property by a mortgagee due to a default of one or more of the mortgagor’s obligations under the mortgage.
Newsletter
June 8, 2009
Anybody and everybody can have a website. Register a domain, follow a template, and in minutes you can have a website. Having a “good” website takes considerably more thought and effort.
Newsletter
June 8, 2009
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO website at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
June 8, 2009
The seller listed the property with Re/Max for a year but it did not sell. He then signed a co-listing with LePage and Re/Max for 90 days although the actual listing was in the name of LePage.
Newsletter
June 8, 2009
Concerted effort from OREA and REALTORS® to get the Ontario government to drop the idea of mandatory home energy audits when a home is sold has met with success. Ontario Bill 150, proposing amendments to the Green Energy Act, has been amended to allow buyers to waive the mandatory home energy audit requirement.
Newsletter
June 8, 2009
Southern and Eastern Board members (brokers and broker –managers only) will get a chance to hear the results of the Broker Viability Task Force research in June.
Newsletter
May 5, 2009
The National Association of Green Agents and Brokers (NAGAB) offers a Greenrealestate™ program leading to the Accredited Green Agent™ and Accredited Green Broker™ (AGA™ & AGB™) designations.
Newsletter
May 5, 2009
Ontario home starts bucked a three month downward trend in March; preliminary Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) of urban home starts rose to 60,900 unit starts, up from 45,100 starts in February, according to CMHC.
Newsletter
May 5, 2009
Technology has dramatically changed the way that real estate transactions are processed and completed in Ontario.
Newsletter
May 5, 2009
The McGuinty governments plan to harmonize the GST and PST is hitting a wall of opposition built by REALTORS®.
Newsletter
May 5, 2009
Concerns over the cost of living have led to a bunker mentality among Canadian consumers according to a recent Pollara Strategic Insights survey.
Newsletter
May 5, 2009
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO website at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
May 5, 2009
Do you know how land transfer tax is calculated on the purchase of a vacant lot which is subject to a construction contract?
Newsletter
May 5, 2009
Students who enroll in courses in the OREA Real Estate College Path to Success real estate program will have access to an electronic workbook, or e-Book. These environmentally friendly e-Books provide students with interactive versions of the course accessible directly from their personal My Portfolio account. Students will also be able to access a PDF of the course providing them with the ability to download to their computers and/or print course material.
Newsletter
May 5, 2009
Show your support for the REALTORS Care Foundation’s fourth annual REALTOR® ride for charity, a motorcycle ride in support of shelter-related charities.
Newsletter
May 5, 2009
Visit the OREA Cyber Café during REALTOR® QUEST 2009 on May 6th and 7th at the Toronto Congress Centre and enter the draw to win a free iPod Touch!
Newsletter
April 5, 2009
The Canada Green Building Council launched a new green home rating system in March, which it says will provide health and cost benefit and preserves resale value.
Newsletter
April 5, 2009
The Canadian economy is expected to contract about two per cent in 2009, marking the nation's first recession in 17 years, according to the BMO Financial Group.
Newsletter
April 5, 2009
REALTORS® who deal in new home and condominium sales take heed: there are new provisions for registering vendors with Tarion Warranty Corporation.
Newsletter
April 5, 2009
Urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) has been sold illegally in Canada. In a consumer advisory, Health Canada says RetroFoam of Canada Incorporated imported and illegally sold RetroFoam insulation.
Newsletter
April 5, 2009
Digital cameras are still one of the top tools used regularly by REALTORS®. According to the National Association or REALTORS® NAR’s latest member profile, 96 per cent of REALTORS® use a digital camera in their business.
Newsletter
April 5, 2009
The ability to obtain property insurance is a critical component of any real estate transaction.
Newsletter
April 5, 2009
The buyer's agent contacts a seller and asks for a list of permitted uses of the unlisted land zoned "highway commercial." He is given a long list of permitted uses.
Newsletter
April 5, 2009
In recognition of its success recruiting and training its volunteers, the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) has won the OREA Volunteer Award, presented at the 2009 OREA Annual Conference.
Newsletter
April 5, 2009
In conjunction with the new Path to Success in Real Estate program, examination procedures will also be changing for courses beginning after April 1, 2009.
Newsletter
March 12, 2009
Four times a year, we publish the INSIDE EDGE, with news more related to the work that OREA is doing.
Newsletter
March 12, 2009
During the fourth quarter of 2008, Canada's real estate market weakened in both unit sales and house prices, according to a House Price Survey released by Royal LePage Real Estate Services.
Newsletter
March 12, 2009
Under REBBA 2002, each brokerage must have a designated broker of record.
Newsletter
March 12, 2009
Everything you need to know about the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and how it applies to REALTORS® is contained in the recently updated REALTORS® guide to GST/HST/QST.
Newsletter
March 12, 2009
The Federal Budget 2009 introduced several incentives to get Canadians spending by buying a first time home, or renovating the one they are already in.
Newsletter
March 12, 2009
To survive as REALTORS® we have to show potential customers who have not used a REALTOR® our worth.
Newsletter
March 12, 2009
Changing market conditions and new market research have prompted changes to the National Ad Campaign.
Newsletter
March 12, 2009
The answer to a question mulled over in the abstract just a couple of years ago has now become quite relevant: How can a brokerage struggling in good times be viable when the market turns?
Newsletter
March 12, 2009
REALTORS Care Foundation thanks our 42 real estate boards and our Ontario REALTOR® members for their continued support in 2008.
Newsletter
March 12, 2009
In today’s real estate market brokers and salespeople are often asked to suggest a value or asking price for heritage properties.
Newsletter
March 12, 2009
The buyer and seller were represented by the same brokerage. T, an owner of the brokerage, was a dual agent.
Newsletter
March 12, 2009
OREA’s 2009 Annual Conference was made possible by the donation of our generous sponsors.
Newsletter
March 12, 2009
Almost 15,000 members have discovered the advantages of single sign-on access on the OREA website.
Newsletter
February 6, 2009
Members of the Real Estate Council of Ontario who are interested in serving as directors of the Council are required to submit their nomination form by no later than 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2009.
Newsletter
February 6, 2009
Nationally, average house prices are forecast to dip by 3.0 per cent from last year to $295,000, while transactions are projected to fall to 416,000 (-3.5 %) unit sales in 2009, according to the Royal LePage 2009 Market Survey Forecast released in January.
Newsletter
February 6, 2009
The current economic situation has many potential homebuyers worried and confused about their prospects for buying a home. For many buyers – especially first time buyers – mortgage insurance is an option that may help them buy their own home sooner.
Newsletter
February 6, 2009
In a hot real estate market, even homes that don’t give the greatest first impression will still sell. However, as the market cools off, the listings that show well will be the ones that sell faster and for a better price.
Newsletter
February 6, 2009
Sending a text message has become a very popular way to communicate quickly and conveniently.
Newsletter
February 6, 2009
On bitter cold winter days, a wood-burning stove or fireplace can add warmth and comfort to any home. For many of us, it’s part of our childhood memories.
Newsletter
February 6, 2009
Fife lives at # 205 and has used a mutual driveway for more than 20 years. The right of way as registered is 76 feet long and 7 feet wide so that the two neighbours could access the backyard parking areas as long as no additions were built onto the back of the houses.
Newsletter
February 6, 2009
Effective April 1, 2009, the Path to Success in Real Estate for individuals aspiring to become real estate professionals in Ontario will be changing.
Newsletter
February 6, 2009
All OREA members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Assembly on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto, starting at 10:00 a.m.
Newsletter
January 1, 2009
The Government of Ontario land transfer tax exemptions also include transfer of land to a family business corporation.
Newsletter
January 1, 2009
Construction of new homes dropped to 172,000 units in November, down from 211,800 units in October, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Newsletter
January 1, 2009
The slowing economy has commercial real estate professionals anticipating various scenarios. What do you need to do to look out for your client? Can a tenant restructure his business without paying a penalty? Are landlords prepared to deal with a potential increase in tenant defaults and restructuring requests? What steps can be taken to anticipate default and minimise risk?
Newsletter
January 1, 2009
Welcome to the new look of the REALTOR(r) EDGE. This year as the whole organization looked to refresh OREA's look, we took the opportunity to talk to members to see if there were any changes that they would like to see.
Newsletter
January 1, 2009
The world economy is going down the drain because of some repossessed, boarded up, unsellable homes in Cleveland.
Newsletter
January 1, 2009
Seller A and Seller B listed a property located at 1-AB Street for sale with Brokerage A. The listing salesperson was Seller Representative A. The sellers reduced the asking price from $349,995 to $337,995. Two days after the price reduction, an offer was received and presented by Seller Representative A under dual agency.
Newsletter
January 1, 2009
In an effort to reduce waste and help the environment, all Real Estate Update course materials will now be available in either an e-book format or a PDF version for download as of February 1, 2009.
Newsletter
January 1, 2009
The buyer signed an offer to buy a house in her own name but when the bank needed someone else on title, her mother was added to the Deed. Three years later she decided to sell the house and listed it with the same REALTOR® that helped in her purchase.
Newsletter
January 1, 2009
All OREA members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Assembly on Wednesday February 25, 2009 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto, starting at 10:00 A.M.
Newsletter
January 1, 2009
Representatives from the Toronto Real Estate Board and OREA met in November with Teranet to discuss providing member boards with low cost access to Teranet’s Geowarehouse service.
Newsletter
January 1, 2009
The 2009 version of Form 220, SPIS, is now available. Unlike the other forms, these no carbon required (NCR) forms are available in packages of 50 at a cost of $20 per package and have a 2009 copyright date. Other forms will continue to be sold in packages of 25. Any forms that did not need to be updated will continue to have the 2008 date.
Newsletter
December 8, 2008
The Government of Ontario is expanding exemptions under the land transfer tax to include transfers of farmland from a family farm corporation to one or more family members.
Newsletter
December 8, 2008
The seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts was 211,800 units in October, down from 218,600 units in September, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Newsletter
December 8, 2008
While the majority of Canadian financial gurus continue to maintain that Canada will not experience the same economic meltdown as the United States, the global credit crisis is most certainly having an impact here. Just ask anyone looking to find mortgage financing. It seems the days of easy credit are over as financial institutions tighten up on lending policies.
Newsletter
December 8, 2008
Identifying parties to a transaction, reporting suspicious transactions and keeping good records took on added meaning this year with the stricter FINTRAC requirements.
Newsletter
December 8, 2008
Navigating the REALTOR.ca Web site should now be easier thanks to changes recently implemented by CREA.
Newsletter
December 8, 2008
Being a member of organized real estate has many benefits including the right to call yourself a REALTOR®.
Newsletter
December 8, 2008
Do-Not-Call List promotions by various companies should not be confused with any requirement to subscribe to the national Do-Not-Call List, CREA reminds members.
Newsletter
December 8, 2008
The typical Ontario Agreement of Purchase and Sale provides that, "Upon completion, vacant possession of the property shall be given to the buyer...".
Newsletter
December 8, 2008
In this increasingly complex and competitive market, it is essential for the real estate salesperson to be able to accurately price a single family property and list it as close to market value as possible.
Newsletter
December 8, 2008
If you’ve ever thought of serving your profession, why not sign up for an OREA committee?
Newsletter
December 8, 2008
OREA Leadership Courses will be offered during the 2009 OREA Leadership Conference.
Newsletter
November 8, 2008
Brookfield Residential Property Services of Toronto is buying GMAC Home Services LLC, which operates one of the largest real estate brokerage companies in the United States.
Newsletter
November 8, 2008
New home construction will begin to slow in 2008, but will remain high by historical standards, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) third quarter Housing Market Outlook report.
Newsletter
November 8, 2008
The need for and benefits of green commercial buildings have been discussed for several years, and many commercial landlords agree that green is the way to go.
Newsletter
November 8, 2008
Ontario residential property taxpayers will see an average assessment increase of five per cent in 2009, the first year of a four-year phase-in plan.
Newsletter
November 8, 2008
Like many professionals, REALTORS® can accumulate a lot of information on their computers over time. Between E-mails, instant messages, digital photos, PDF documents, spreadsheets, and other files, locating a specific tidbit of information can be like finding a needle in a haystack.
Newsletter
November 8, 2008
When banks conduct a residential property assessment as part of a loan application, the property owner has a right to receive a copy of the assessment.
Newsletter
November 8, 2008
The sellers were aware of some water damage and had professionals do some repairs and restoration work.
Newsletter
November 8, 2008
Interested in running for a position on OREA’s 2009 Board of Directors?
Newsletter
November 8, 2008
Activate your OREA Card online today, or call our Customer Service Contact Centre at 1-866-234-0186 to activate your card!
Newsletter
November 8, 2008
OREA CEO Edward Barisa was elected to the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Board of Directors at the CSAE National Conference and Showcase in October. Ed also received a 20 year membership service pin at the conference.
Newsletter
October 18, 2008
Canada's real estate developers will soon face the same tougher transaction reporting rules as REALTORS®.
Newsletter
October 18, 2008
New MLS® listings rose to 80,147 nationally this summer, up 14.4 per cent year-over-year, according to CREA.
Newsletter
October 18, 2008
REALTORS® are often asked to suggest improvements that will make their clients’ homes more saleable and provide the biggest return on investment (ROI).
Newsletter
October 18, 2008
Computers play an important role in a REALTORS®’ daily business and most use them at home or in a home office.
Newsletter
October 18, 2008
Real estate is such a relationship-based business that it’s no wonder REALTORS® across North America are embracing social networking.
Newsletter
October 18, 2008
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO Web site at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
October 18, 2008
During a 5 per cent listing the buyer made several offers through its agent but no transaction was made.
Newsletter
October 18, 2008
OREA’s leadership courses have been so well received that they have been demanded nationally.
Newsletter
October 18, 2008
OREA offers this new two-credit, classroom only course to teach members about the Do-Not-Call registry.
Newsletter
October 18, 2008
What would the needs of the member be? What services would be required?
Newsletter
September 8, 2008
Tarion, the province’s new home warranty program, will soon have a New Home Buyer Ombudsperson to mediate homeowner's complaints, as well as to suggest any changes in policy or practice that may be needed.
Newsletter
September 8, 2008
House prices are expected to rise modestly overall in Canada this year, but national sales are projected to fall from last year's levels, according to a recent Royal LePage forecast.
Newsletter
September 8, 2008
It worked so well for residential REALTORS®, why not give commercial REALTORS® their own ad campaign?
Newsletter
September 8, 2008
The Real Estate Council of Ontario has selected the Ontario Real Estate Association as its designate to provide enhanced registration education under a five year agreement signed on July 31, 2008.
Newsletter
September 8, 2008
Marketing, specifically telemarketing, gets a little tougher by the end of this month when the National Do Not Call List (DCNL) will be up and running on September 30, 2008.
Newsletter
September 8, 2008
As of October 15th, 40-year mortgages with no money down will no longer be covered through the federal government insurance program administered by Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC).
Newsletter
September 8, 2008
REALTORS® are big users of the latest technology in their business whether it’s the newest cell phone, GPS, digital camera or laptop.
Newsletter
September 8, 2008
The tenant paid $179 per month rent for her occupancy of land in an Ontario land lease park.
Newsletter
September 8, 2008
OREA’s reputation for providing quality continuing education courses is spreading across the country.
Newsletter
September 8, 2008
In August, Premier McGuinty announced a reorganization that moves the Consumer Services Division of the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services to the newly named Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services.
Newsletter
August 8, 2008
Following the Real Estate Council of Ontario’s Annual Meeting in June, the Board elected Brian Sukkau to serve a second term as Chair and Glenda Brindle to serve as Vice-Chair. The following people, elected by RECO members in May, were installed as Directors at the Annual General Meeting:
Newsletter
August 8, 2008
New home construction will remain above historical averages, with housing starts in Ontario climbing to 72,175 units in 2008, before moderating to 65,000 units in 2009, according to the 2008 Second Quarter CMHC Housing Market Outlook - Canada Edition.
Newsletter
August 8, 2008
The specific regulations for the real estate sector for anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing took effect on June 23rd, 2008.
Newsletter
August 8, 2008
OREA members arranging seller take-back (or vendor take-back) mortgages as part of a real estate transaction are exempted from the requirements of the Mortgage Brokerages, Lenders and Administrators Act, 2006 (MBLAA).
Newsletter
August 8, 2008
Hard to believe it was more than 60 years ago that Polaroid introduced the instant camera amazing consumers with its ability to produce a printed picture within 60 seconds.
Newsletter
August 8, 2008
CREA has created the booklet “The National Do-Not-Call List” to provide more information to REALTORS® about how they will be affected when the list comes into effect on September 30, 2008.
Newsletter
August 8, 2008
The seller, buyer's lawyer, buyer's agent and seller's agent were all guilty of negligence in failing to properly deal with property measurements and parking requirements.
Newsletter
August 8, 2008
OREA’s CEO, Ed Barisa, CAE, has won the Chapter Service Excellence Award from the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Trillium Chapter.
Newsletter
August 8, 2008
The York Region Real Estate Board was dissolved on July 1, to better serve all REALTORS® within the board’s boundaries.
Newsletter
August 8, 2008
Watch for OREA’s new look in all of its printed material, including the REALTOR® EDGE.
Newsletter
June 6, 2008
The Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP) has launched a new website to provide consumers with the tools to find the best mortgage options to suit their needs.
Newsletter
June 6, 2008
The deterioration in economic and financial conditions in the United States will have direct consequences for the Canadian economy, the Bank of Canada said in May.
Newsletter
June 6, 2008
On June 23, REALTORS® will have to begin complying with new requirements under Canada’s anti-money laundering legislation.
Newsletter
June 6, 2008
Telemarketers, including REALTORS®, will face a new marketing challenge and will have more rules to observe as the National Do Not Call List (National DNCL) comes into effect on September 30, 2008.
Newsletter
June 6, 2008
The Apple iPhone’s much-hyped debut in the U.S. almost a year ago left many Canadian technophiles anxiously awaiting the product’s release in Canada.
Newsletter
June 6, 2008
Getting the right tenant with the right landlord or the right developer often requires masterful negotiations.
Newsletter
June 6, 2008
Goodyear owned a property which was sold to buyer 1 in 1988 and then sold to buyer 2 in 1996 who discovered a buried oil tank. Goodyear was sued by buyer 2.
Newsletter
June 6, 2008
OREA is recognized as a leader in quality continuing education not only in the province of Ontario, but across the country.
Newsletter
June 6, 2008
Responding to the requests of many boards, OREA is making access to the information you need to know easier.
Newsletter
June 6, 2008
The Ontario Real Estate Association is sad to report the passing of 1978 President Arthur F. Johnson, 72, in Guelph, in May.
Newsletter
May 6, 2008
New this year, registrants can vote on-line in the upcoming RECO elections.
Newsletter
May 6, 2008
For the first quarter of 2008, actual Canadian housing starts in both rural and urban areas combined increased by 12.8 per cent compared to the same period last year according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Newsletter
May 6, 2008
Two lawyers are now required for many real estate transactions involving a transfer of title following recent amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct by the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC).
Newsletter
May 6, 2008
A fairer property tax appeal system is expected with changes announced by the provincial government.
Newsletter
May 6, 2008
New product development in the computer technology industry could be the stuff spy action-thrillers are made of.
Newsletter
May 6, 2008
The fog of confusion of complying with some of the new requirements of Canada’s anti-money laundering legislation may be a little less dense now that FINTRAC has provided CREA and members with some answers and tools.
Newsletter
May 6, 2008
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeal decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO web site at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
May 6, 2008
The buyer presented an offer to the seller who discussed it with her husband. Subsequent discussions and negotiations also involved the husband.
Newsletter
May 6, 2008
Construction has begun at OREA to add an extension onto our office at 99 Duncan Mill Road.
Newsletter
May 6, 2008
Keep cell phones, PDAs, portable MP3 players, or sunglasses within easy reach on the dash of your car with the OREA Real Estate College Cell-Mate.
Newsletter
May 6, 2008
Two new one-credit courses, Introduction to Blackberry® 101 – “Trackball” and Introduction to Blackberry® 101– “Trackwheel” are now offered by the OREA Real Estate College.
Newsletter
May 6, 2008
Take the opportunity to continue your leadership training by taking and perhaps completing OREA’s current series of leadership courses at upcoming workshops.
Newsletter
April 7, 2008
On July 1, 2008, the new Mortgage Brokerages, Lenders and Administrators Act, 2006 comes into full effect.
Newsletter
April 7, 2008
Real estate return on investment remained strong throughout 2007 according to results of the recently released ICREIM/IPD Canadian Annual Property Index. IPD, a leading commercial real estate performance analysis service,
Newsletter
April 7, 2008
Changes to Canada’s anti-money laundering legislation, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PC(ML)TFA) come into effect on June 23, 2008,
Newsletter
April 7, 2008
The Canadian real estate market is not on the brink of collapse and is expected to have balanced conditions in 2008, and REALTORS® need to get that message out.
Newsletter
April 7, 2008
If you are one of those people who carries two cell phones – one for business and one for personal use – you may be happy to hear about a relatively new offering from Rogers Wireless called Second Voice Line Service (SVLS).
Newsletter
April 7, 2008
Tarion Warranty Corporation is introducing new regulations regarding delayed closing and delayed occupancy warranties for new homes and condominiums which will come into effect on July 1.
Newsletter
April 7, 2008
An employee/salesperson alleged that his employers had breached a provision of the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act by charging clients a flat processing fee and a percent sales commission.
Newsletter
April 7, 2008
In recognition of its success recruiting, training, and recognizing the contributions of its volunteers,
Newsletter
April 7, 2008
Take the opportunity to complete OREA’s Leadership series of courses at the upcoming Toronto Real Estate Board REALTOR QUEST conference at the Toronto Congress Centre, May 12 and 13.
Newsletter
April 7, 2008
Show your support for the REALTORS Care Foundation’s third annual REALTOR® ride for charity, a motorcycle ride is support of shelter-related charities.
Newsletter
March 7, 2008
Produced in English and French, both www.BusinessRealEstateCanada.com and www.ImmoCommCanada.com feature job search and career information to serve the Canadian commercial real estate industry.
Newsletter
March 7, 2008
High levels of demand combined with limited inventory have pressured winter recreational property prices upward according to the 2008 Royal LePage Winter Recreational Property Report.
Newsletter
March 7, 2008
As a further sign of a more professional regulatory environment in the real estate industry, a new requirement comes into effect this month.
Newsletter
March 7, 2008
A new online registry will allow potential homebuyers in Ottawa to find out if the house they want to buy has been used as a marijuana grow house or crystal meth lab.
Newsletter
March 7, 2008
Over and over again, studies show that consumers want to start their search for a home online and expect REALTORS® to have a Web site. According to NAR’s latest technology survey more than 75 per cent of respondents have their own real estate business Web site.
Newsletter
March 7, 2008
The end of a three-year assessment freeze could mean homeowners in some parts of the province may face double-digit hikes in property taxes.
Newsletter
March 7, 2008
Grants are available for homeowners going green. Both the provincial and federal government have programs designed to encourage energy reduction.
Newsletter
March 7, 2008
The Agreement of Purchase and Sale described the lands as being approximately 98,950 square feet as outlined on [a Schedule] attached.
Newsletter
March 7, 2008
OREA’s 2008 Annual Conference was made possible by the donation of our generous sponsors.
Newsletter
March 7, 2008
Registrants must remember that as of April 1, 2008 the term associate broker can no longer be used in advertising.
Newsletter
March 7, 2008
The REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) recently bestowed its Award of Merit on 2005 OREA President Tamer Fahmi.
Newsletter
February 11, 2008
We’ve seen the 30-year and even the 40-year mortgage.
Newsletter
February 11, 2008
Housing starts in 2007 reached their second highest level in nearly two decades, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Newsletter
February 11, 2008
REALTORS® are seen as professional, knowledgeable and communicative according to a recent OREA online consumer survey.
Newsletter
February 11, 2008
With some economists telling Canadians to prepare themselves to pay $1.50 a litre for gasoline and predicting oil to reach US$150 per barrel, purchasing a gasoline station may seem like a sound investment.
Newsletter
February 11, 2008
In the ever-changing world of mobile communication technology, voicemail to text conversion is a hot new trend.
Newsletter
February 11, 2008
RECO has received several questions regarding home inspections and who should be present during the inspection as well as how client instructions should be handled.
Newsletter
February 11, 2008
Ontario's economy will continue to struggle with a beleaguered manufacturing sector and the effects of Canada’s high dollar slowing growth to 1.4 per cent in 2008, according to a provincial forecast released in January by RBC.
Newsletter
February 11, 2008
The buyers viewed a home for sale with a REALTOR® and while other potential purchasers were present, they did not observe any evidence of mice.
Newsletter
February 11, 2008
The Student Handbook is now available, replacing the Real Estate Career Guide of previous years.
Newsletter
February 11, 2008
Board leaders are invited to the 2008 OREA Annual Conference, February 26 to 28, at the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto, to discover the secrets of how to be a leader in this industry.
Newsletter
February 11, 2008
All OREA members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Assembly on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto, starting at 10:00 a.m.
Newsletter
January 12, 2008
First time buyers of resale homes are now eligible for a refund from the provincial government of up to two thousand dollars of the land transfer tax paid.
Newsletter
January 12, 2008
Home ownership is a high priority for new Canadians. According to a recent report by Genworth Financial, half of new Canadian immigrants purchase a home within three years of their arrival in the country.
Newsletter
January 12, 2008
The melt-down of the U.S. real estate market has left many homebuyers wondering if and how it may affect the housing market in Canada.
Newsletter
January 12, 2008
The tax changes outlined in the federal government’s economic statement will bring significant savings to new homebuyers, but will also benefit existing homeowners.
Newsletter
January 12, 2008
Consumer surveys consistently reveal that potential homebuyers want to see lots of pictures in online listings.
Newsletter
January 12, 2008
A new rule regarding heating systems in Ontario means all natural draft gas and propane-fired boilers in homes will require annual inspection and testing.
Newsletter
January 12, 2008
The buyer paid a deposit of $60,000 with an offer for a Toronto home.
Newsletter
January 12, 2008
What gives the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) the right to go onto your property and assess it?
Newsletter
January 12, 2008
All OREA members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Assembly on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto, starting at 10:00 a.m.
Newsletter
January 12, 2008
New forms have been introduced and changes have been made to enhance the readability of existing forms.
Newsletter
December 5, 2007
RECO is conducting its second registrant satisfaction survey in order to assess its service delivery, identify areas for improvement
Newsletter
December 5, 2007
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) fourth quarter Housing Market Outlook predicts residential construction in Canada will decline to about 214,000 units next year.
Newsletter
December 5, 2007
REALTORS® rely on OREA’s standard forms extensively in their day-to-day businesses.
Newsletter
December 5, 2007
OREA’s online Legal Forum has hit another milestone.
Newsletter
December 5, 2007
A new survey by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) suggests REALTORS® invest heavily in technology with more than half of brokers, salespeople, and managers saying they spent more than $1,000 last year.
Newsletter
December 5, 2007
Having knowledge about septic systems is important for REALTORS® who deal with cottage and rural properties.
Newsletter
December 5, 2007
The mortgagee started a British Columbia foreclosure action and the court ordered that the property was to be sold.
Newsletter
December 5, 2007
Guiding sellers through the sale of their home is always easier if they come into the process with some knowledge.
Newsletter
December 5, 2007
If you’ve ever thought of serving your profession, why not sign up for an OREA committee?
Newsletter
December 5, 2007
Leadership 200, Becoming a Leader is the second in a series of leadership courses offered by the OREA Centre for Leadership Development.
Newsletter
November 8, 2007
A day after the provincial election was held in October, the Ontario government confirmed that it would create a new statutory holiday called Family Day.
Newsletter
November 8, 2007
Condo market demand across Canada is expected to ease slightly although new construction and resale activity will remain high by historical standards according to a report by Genworth Financial Canada.
Newsletter
November 8, 2007
Proposed changes to Canada's anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing framework could be costly for REALTORS®.
Newsletter
November 8, 2007
How well do you know Canada’s Competition Act?
Newsletter
November 8, 2007
Wireless technology is becoming more common in notebooks, PDAs, and especially cell phones.
Newsletter
November 8, 2007
In 2007 OREA instituted the OREA Centre for Leadership Development, and the time could not have been better.
Newsletter
November 8, 2007
Under Ontario's new home legislation there are provisions dealing with a delayed or extended closing of a transaction.
Newsletter
November 8, 2007
OREA CEO Ed Barisa has won the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) 2007 Pinnacle Award.
Newsletter
November 8, 2007
Interested in running for a position on OREA’s 2008 Board of Directors?
Newsletter
October 9, 2007
New Zealand-based Senior's Money International has announced it will open a Canadian branch to offer "reverse mortgages" that will compete against the Canadian Home Income Plan product offered by Home Equity Income Trust.
Newsletter
October 9, 2007
According to CREA, resale home transactions in Canada hit a fourth straight monthly record in July, with the average price rising to $332,442, a 13.1 per cent increase over July 2006.
Newsletter
October 9, 2007
OREA’s Seller Property Information Statement (SPIS) is a valuable tool that all REALTORS® should consider using at all times.
Newsletter
October 9, 2007
A reliable supply of clean drinking water is always a concern for homebuyers of rural and recreational property.
Newsletter
October 9, 2007
Technology has forever changed the world of real estate marketing.
Newsletter
October 9, 2007
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety in the 2007 Discipline and Appeals Decisions on the RECO Web site at http://www.reco.on.ca/.
Newsletter
October 9, 2007
The issue in this case was whether the mortgage broker was engaged pursuant to a contract of services or a contract for services.
Newsletter
October 9, 2007
OREA and the OREA Centre for Leadership Development has won a national award for Education and Professional Development from the Canadian Society of Association Executives’ (CSAE) “Associations Make a Better Canada Award”.
Newsletter
October 9, 2007
The two-hour, two-credit course Multiple Offers: Risks and Rewards is now available on-line.
Newsletter
October 9, 2007
OREA has bestowed an Honorary Life Membership on 2007 Past President Tim Lee for his many years of service.
Newsletter
September 9, 2007
CMHC will host five Housing Outlook Conferences in Ontario from November 6 to November 22.
Newsletter
September 9, 2007
Despite concerns over a higher Canadian dollar and its impact on the province’s manufacturing sector, stronger than expected consumer confidence levels have fuelled extraordinary demand for properties across Ontario
Newsletter
September 9, 2007
Most people want to own a home. But with legislation restricting the places where people can build, how will that affect consumers?
Newsletter
September 9, 2007
At only 1.4 per cent, the Ontario rent increase guideline for 2008 will be the lowest guideline since rent increase guidelines were introduced more than 30 years ago.
Newsletter
September 9, 2007
If you’re just getting comfortable with using the Internet in your business, hang on to your mouse!
Newsletter
September 9, 2007
Low-income seniors and disabled people in the City of Ottawa who own their homes may be able to defer some of the taxes on their property.
Newsletter
September 9, 2007
Heritage properties are becoming an area of focus for some Ontario real estate salespeople and brokers. In Brampton (at time of writing), for example, there are no fewer than 400 listed heritage properties on the municipal inventory.
Newsletter
September 9, 2007
A 74 acre parcel of farmland sold for $850,000 in a Purchase Agreement that contained an addendum that was allegedly drafted to allow the seller to acquire title to the farm’s residential parcel if the rest of the property was ever subdivided.
Newsletter
September 9, 2007
Ontario is Canada’s second-largest overall rental apartment market, trailing only Quebec.
Newsletter
September 9, 2007
The OREA Centre for Leadership Development is now accepting applications for Leadership Instructors to teach the newly developed leadership courses.
Newsletter
July 9, 2007
Following the Real Estate Council of Ontario’s Annual Meeting in June, the RECO board elected Brian Sukkau to serve as chair and Lawrence Bremner to serve as vice-chair. In earlier voting for its 2007 Board of Directors, members elected the following people:
Newsletter
July 9, 2007
Canada’s housing market is expected to cool off gradually this year thanks mainly to rising interest rates, an increased supply of homes on the market and an aging population according to Scotiabank’s most recent economic report.
Newsletter
July 9, 2007
Brokers, REALTORS®, regulators and other certification bodies have all expressed a need to implement more rigorous registration standards to prepare real estate professionals to deal with consumers and other professionals with credibility and authority.
Newsletter
July 9, 2007
As a result of amendments to the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 and regulations, the consequences of failing to pay required insurance amounts have changed.
Newsletter
July 9, 2007
From getting listings to showing properties to closing sales -- REALTORS® are often away from their desks.
Newsletter
July 9, 2007
When your clients buy a rural property do you think they know they might be buying hydro poles, too?
Newsletter
July 9, 2007
A recent decision of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) shows how an employee’s “slip of the tongue” during a relatively routine telephone call about debt collection resulted in her employer getting into trouble with the Privacy Commissioner.
Newsletter
July 9, 2007
The buyer purchased a New Brunswick gas station site “as is” and added it to other adjacent lands for development.
Newsletter
July 9, 2007
OREA Real Estate College offers a new online one-credit course to help REALTORS® make good choices when it comes to hand held technology.
Newsletter
July 9, 2007
The OREA Centre for Leadership Development is about to launch its second leadership development course, Leadership 200.
Newsletter
July 9, 2007
If you are looking for a new computer, now might be the time to buy.
Newsletter
June 10, 2007
Network Communications, Inc. (NCI), publisher of the Real Estate Book, recently signed an agreement with LiveDeal.ca, to post all Canadian listings of homes for sale from The Real Estate Book on LiveDeal.ca.
Newsletter
June 10, 2007
According to the 2007 RE/MAX Recreational Property Report, sales of luxury recreational properties are set to soar in the coming months across the country.
Newsletter
June 10, 2007
Web presence in the early days of the Internet was mainly limited to big business.
Newsletter
June 10, 2007
For the last 40 years, homebuyers have been required to buy mortgage insurance unless their down payment totalled at least 25 per cent of the purchase price.
Newsletter
June 10, 2007
Considering the amount of time a REALTOR® spends out of the office, mobile Internet technology can have many advantages.
Newsletter
June 10, 2007
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO Web site at http://www.reco.on.ca/.
Newsletter
June 10, 2007
The RECO Code of Ethics now falls under the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002.
Newsletter
June 10, 2007
QUESTION: The buyers accepted the bank's offer on power of sale listing (price etc.) except that the bank's agent brought an offer which indicated that GST is "in addition to" the agreed up on price of a resale property "sold as is where is".
Newsletter
June 10, 2007
The course “Agency Fundamentals: The National Perspective” has been chosen as the Real Estate Educators Association’s (REEA) Education Program of the Year for 2007.
Newsletter
June 10, 2007
Feeling like a valued customer or client is important in any service relationship.
Newsletter
June 10, 2007
OREA Instructor Geof Smith addresses instructors at a seminar with a focus on "Classroom Performance — Achieving Excellence”.
Newsletter
May 10, 2007
Real estate brokerages are invited to submit proposals to be considered as Vendor of Record as detailed in Ontario Realty Corporation’s (ORC) Request for Proposals (RFP) RFP 06C037.
Newsletter
May 10, 2007
Canada's housing market got off to a surprisingly strong start in 2007 with average house prices rising in all major markets surveyed, according to a first quarter report released by Royal LePage Real Estate Services.
Newsletter
May 10, 2007
WEBForms™ officially released Version 4 to REALTORS® across Canada at the end of March. Prior to the release, the upgrade was put through three months of beta testing with over 80 REALTORS® and staff.
Newsletter
May 10, 2007
NAR’s most recent Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers showed that potential clients look for a good reputation and trustworthiness when choosing a REALTOR®.
Newsletter
May 10, 2007
A picture tells a thousand words as the saying goes. But, when it comes to listing photos, a bad picture can tell a negative story and can hamper your ability to sell a house for the best price possible.
Newsletter
May 10, 2007
There are many situations when REALTORS® should recommend to their clients to have a survey of the property completed.
Newsletter
May 10, 2007
The owner gives a first mortgage at a time when he owes money to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for GST and source deductions.
Newsletter
May 10, 2007
The OREA Centre for Leadership Development launched Leadership 100 in April.
Newsletter
May 10, 2007
Take advantage of the OREA College’s Spring into Action promotion for continuing education online course credits.
Newsletter
April 8, 2007
Reliant Home Warranty Corporation's Canadian subsidiary, Reliant Home Mortgage Canada Inc.
Newsletter
April 8, 2007
According to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association, resale housing activity in Canada's major markets remained strong in February 2007.
Newsletter
April 8, 2007
Did you know that as of May 1, 2007, all existing fuel oil storage tanks (aboveground and underground) and associated appliances must undergo a comprehensive inspection?
Newsletter
April 8, 2007
The Residential Tenancies Act (the RTA) came into effect on January 31, 2007.
Newsletter
April 8, 2007
The rate of change in computer technology may prompt you to upgrade your PC every few years.
Newsletter
April 8, 2007
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO Web site at http://www.reco.on.ca/.
Newsletter
April 8, 2007
The seller listed his property for sale with a real estate salesperson and retained a lawyer to act for him in connection with the sale of the property. During the listing period he sold the property pursuant to a private agreement of purchase and sale.
Newsletter
April 8, 2007
At the 2007 OREA Annual Conference, OREA Past President Tim Lee (second from left) presented the OREA Volunteer Award to the Windsor Essex County Real Estate Board for its successes encouraging member involvement, retaining volunteers and developing leaders through an exemplary recognition program.
Newsletter
April 8, 2007
Show your support for the REALTORS Care Foundation’s second annual Dash for Cash, a charity motorcycle ride in support of shelter-related charities.
Newsletter
March 8, 2007
Bell Canada offers a new, customizable surveillance service that is controlled by the homeowner via a secure personalized Web site.
Newsletter
March 8, 2007
According to the Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD) almost 3 million Canadians are spending too much of their income on housing including 40 per cent who are renters.
Newsletter
March 8, 2007
When it comes to the single largest investment most of us will make – buying a home – consumers want to make sure they’ve protected that investment to the best of their abilities.
Newsletter
March 8, 2007
If you have potential buyers still hesitant to get into the market, they should consider the following: as well as providing them with the house of their dreams, real estate has proven to be a solid investment over the last 25 years.
Newsletter
March 8, 2007
According to Statistics Canada, there are currently more than 16.3 million wireless subscribers across the country. REALTORS® are a significant part of that group with more than 90 per cent indicating that they use a cell phone in NAR’s most recent technology survey.
Newsletter
March 8, 2007
Home inspections used to be initiated almost exclusively by the buyer in a real estate transaction.
Newsletter
March 8, 2007
The buyers met with the agent, SP, when they became interested in purchasing a lot.
Newsletter
March 8, 2007
OREA’s 2007 Annual Conference was made possible by the donation of our generous sponsors.
Newsletter
March 8, 2007
All students in pre-registration, articling and professional brokerage courses are expected to have a working knowledge of the Act and associated regulations of REBBA 2002.
Newsletter
March 8, 2007
The Ontario Real Estate Associations is sad to report that 1987 OREA President Francis Martin “Frank” Reardon passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2007. He was 86.
Newsletter
March 8, 2007
The Quick Offer computer software package for OREA standard forms, formerly produced by Nereosoft, is now produced by FormPaper Inc.
Newsletter
February 18, 2007
The CEO of AIG United Guaranty, the third company to provide mortgage insurance in Canada alongside CMHC and Genworth Financial, predicts 50-year mortgages will be available in the future.
Newsletter
February 18, 2007
Canada's housing market is poised for continued, yet moderate growth in 2007 with average house prices forecast to rise by 6.5 per cent to $293,000, according to the 2007 Royal LePage Market Survey Forecast.
Newsletter
February 1, 2007
Mandatory testing for radon gas in private homes may become a condition of sale if Health Canada adopts recommendations for stricter radon guidelines.
Newsletter
February 18, 2007
New revenue-generating powers granted to municipalities through taxation and licensing measures will not adversely affect the viability of REALTOR® businesses, thanks to efforts of OREA and the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).
Newsletter
February 18, 2007
Whether your computer is an old clunker or you just want the latest technology, the time will eventually come when you will need to replace your hardware.
Newsletter
February 18, 2007
Representing both a buyer and a seller in a real estate transaction can be tricky.
Newsletter
February 18, 2007
Representing both a buyer and a seller in a real estate transaction can be tricky.
Newsletter
February 18, 2007
Canada Trustco started Power of Sale proceedings and obtained two appraisal reports prepared by appraisers holding AACI designations from the Appraisal Institute of Canada.
Newsletter
February 18, 2007
Encouraged by so much positive feedback, CREA takes its campaign across the country to educate consumers on the value REALTORS® bring to the real estate transaction.
Newsletter
February 18, 2007
The indoor air quality of a condominium building is a result of the interaction between the location, temperature, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, pollution sources, construction techniques, building maintenance and occupant activities.
Newsletter
February 18, 2007
Board leaders are invited to attend the 2007 OREA Annual Conference, February 27 to March 1, 2007, at the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto, to build your leadership repertoire.
Newsletter
January 6, 2007
Anyone who deals in mortgages will need a license now that Bill 65, the Mortgage Brokers, Lenders and Administrators Act, passed final reading in the Ontario Legislature.
Newsletter
January 18, 2007
The upward pressure on Canadian house prices will start to ease off thanks to an influx of new listings over the next year, according to the latest RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic report.
Newsletter
January 18, 2007
Title fraud is a daunting problem for all stakeholders in real estate, and it’s not just an Ontario problem; it affects the industry across Canada and the United States.
Newsletter
January 18, 2007
The federal privacy law has changed the way REALTORS®, as well as every commercial organization in Ontario, conduct their businesses since PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) came into effect three years ago on January 1, 2004.
Newsletter
January 18, 2007
Seventy-seven per cent of homebuyers begin their search for a home on the Internet according to the latest NAR Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers.
Newsletter
January 18, 2007
More focus on the environment and sustainability is not just a wave of the federal opposition party.
Newsletter
January 18, 2007
The seller signed a listing agreement with the REALTOR® for the sale of the seller's farm for $1,260,000.
Newsletter
January 18, 2007
OREA’s Volunteer Handbook has been honoured again.
Newsletter
January 18, 2007
Effective January 1, 2007, Form 200 Listing Agreement and Form 300 Buyer Representation Agreement will be $15.00 for a package of 25.
Newsletter
January 18, 2007
The 2007 Real Estate Career Guide is now available, and the book sports a new look. Gone is the old 8 ½” by 11” format in favour of a smaller, more portable 6” by 9” size.
Newsletter
January 18, 2007
Learn to be a good conductor of your band of board volunteers.
Newsletter
January 18, 2007
All OREA members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Assembly on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Newsletter
December 4, 2006
On November 14, the Registrar issued Final Notices revoking the registrations of 100 brokers and salespersons who failed to submit the required insurance renewal premium, resulting in a breach of a condition of registration under REBBA 2002.
Newsletter
December 4, 2006
Canada's housing market is likely to outperform the American market through 2007 according to a report by Royal LePage Real Estate Services.
Newsletter
December 1, 2006
Time is drawing near for registrants to begin complying with the REBBA 2002 advertising rules regarding the words brokerage and brokers of record.
Newsletter
December 4, 2006
Whether the concern is disclosing interest on deposits, legibility of agreements, or defining relationships, changes to REBBA 2002, and subsequently to OREA Standard Forms, seek clarity for customers and clients.
Newsletter
December 1, 2006
Most people rely heavily on their computers to carry out their day-to-day business and the thought of a computer breakdown or crash is a nightmare.
Newsletter
December 1, 2006
It’s been over six months since REBBA 2002 and its regulations took effect. Since then, brokers and salespeople have had to get familiar with the changes and begin complying with them.
Newsletter
December 1, 2006
The REALTOR® had a Listing Agreement for $123,900 and presented an offer for $120,000 which the seller refused, insisting that she wanted her full asking price. Several days later the REALTOR® presented a second offer from the same buyer for the full asking price.
Newsletter
December 1, 2006
If you’ve ever thought of serving your profession, why not sign up for an OREA committee?
Newsletter
December 4, 2006
OREA past-president Laura Leyser has been chosen to receive the 2006 Michael Ludolph Award by the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI).
Newsletter
December 4, 2006
Inform your clients about the programs that will help them save money.
Newsletter
November 11, 2006
REALTORS® can earn 15 RECO credits at the Ontario Building and Renovation Forum taking place January 11 and 12, 2007, at the Hilton Suites Toronto-Markham.
Newsletter
November 11, 2006
According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) urban starts decreased by 4.3 per cent in Ontario in September compared to August.
Newsletter
November 11, 2006
Consumers think more highly of real estate practitioners when they know more about the real estate process and the extent of the education REALTORS® and brokers require.
Newsletter
November 11, 2006
If your insurance premium is not paid, you cannot get paid. That is one of the changes of the Real Estate Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA 2002) and one RECO has started to enforce.
Newsletter
November 11, 2006
OREA has succeeded in its push to amend legislation that would have made Ontario REALTORS® subject to regulation by the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC).
Newsletter
November 11, 2006
Real estate professionals need to know their way around town.
Newsletter
November 11, 2006
Have you ever wondered if your contribution to the profession could make a difference? This past year, over 140 real estate professionals dedicated their time to the Ontario Real Estate Association, and found out that, yes, they could effect change.
Newsletter
November 11, 2006
When the buyer inquired about the property, the real estate agent represented that the land size was 81.00 feet x 143.00 feet or 11,583 square feet.
Newsletter
November 11, 2006
The Renfrew County Real Estate Board is appealing to REALTORS® across the country to join them in sending a little reminder of home to Canadian troops in Afghanistan this holiday season.
Newsletter
November 11, 2006
Members can earn their next MCE credits from the comfort and convenience of their own home, office or even hot spot! OREA Real Estate College has added five three-credit courses to the online offering, bringing the selection to 13 courses.
Newsletter
November 11, 2006
Interested in running for a position on OREA’s Board of Directors?
Newsletter
October 7, 2006
The McGuinty government announced proposed legislation in September that, if passed, will ensure that property owners do not lose their homes as a result of real estate fraud or become responsible for fraudulent mortgages.
Newsletter
October 7, 2006
Ontario home starts will moderate over the next year, but still remain above historical averages according to a recent Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) report.
Newsletter
October 7, 2006
Not every real estate salesperson in Ontario can call themselves a REALTOR®.
Newsletter
October 7, 2006
A new law came into effect in August giving police, municipalities and electricity companies the power to crack down on marijuana grow houses.
Newsletter
October 7, 2006
Wireless technology, combined with a good laptop or hand held computer, has made it easy to bring your office just about anywhere.
Newsletter
October 7, 2006
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO Web site at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
October 7, 2006
The sellers were approached by Loblaws to buy about 12 acres of a 56 acre parcel for $1.8 million based on a price of $150,000 per acre.
Newsletter
October 7, 2006
Members can avoid the rush just before registration renewal and finish their course requirements at their own pace over the two year renewal period.
Newsletter
October 7, 2006
OREA has bestowed an Honorary Life Membership on 2006 Past President Tamer Fahmi for his many years of service.
Newsletter
October 7, 2006
The Shelter Ball, the OREA Foundation Gala, takes place on Friday, October 20, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Granite Club in Toronto.
Newsletter
October 7, 2006
Articling students and those studying to become brokers can check out the 2007 schedule of courses on the OREA College Web site, under Registration Education.
Newsletter
October 7, 2006
Articling students and those studying to become brokers can check out the 2007 schedule of courses on the OREA College Web site, under Registration Education.
Newsletter
September 7, 2006
CMHC’s annual Housing Outlook Conferences provide focused information on local and regional housing markets.
Newsletter
September 7, 2006
Resale housing activity in Canada’s major markets in the first six months of 2006 surpassed all previous records for the first half of any year, according to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
September 7, 2006
Ontario REALTORS® will not be subject to two sanctions for the same infraction under two Codes of Ethics thanks to an agreement between OREA and CREA.
Newsletter
September 7, 2006
Is it UFFI all over again? Recent media coverage reporting the health risks associated with vermiculite insulation containing asbestos has sparked fear in the minds of some homeowners and even a class action lawsuit.
Newsletter
September 7, 2006
The days of spending hours chained to your desk are gone. With today’s mobile technology, and the growing availability of hotspots, REALTORS® are able to conduct business anywhere, anytime.
Newsletter
September 7, 2006
The new and proposed amendments to the Planning Act will make development in Ontario a complicated, expensive and time-intensive process, with the onus on the developer to make the process efficient and transparent.
Newsletter
September 7, 2006
An owner had two homes and three carports and one driveway on one lot and received approval to sever them into two lots. One of the conditions of that approval was that the centre carport be removed.
Newsletter
September 7, 2006
The Ontario Real Estate Association is sad to report the loss of two active directors this past summer. Emile Boudreau, 2006 Commercial Director, died suddenly on July 24. Edward (Ted) D. McCracken, 2006 Director-at-large, passed away on August 7.
Newsletter
September 7, 2006
OREA past-president Laura Leyser has been appointed to serve as a member of the board of directors of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
Newsletter
July 7, 2006
Following the Real Estate Council of Ontario’s Annual Meeting in June, the RECO board elected Joe Pinheiro to serve as chair and Brian Sukkau to serve as vice-chair.
Newsletter
July 7, 2006
ntario's housing market witnessed a mild drop in affordability across all classes, according to a recent report by RBC Economics.
Newsletter
July 7, 2006
OREA scored a major victory for members recently with an extension to the REBBA 2002 advertising compliance deadline until the end of this year for the use of the words brokerages and brokers of record.
Newsletter
July 7, 2006
Buyers can get the word out to several listing REALTORS® that they are interested in purchasing a home, and still only sign one representation agreement.
Newsletter
July 7, 2006
The Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002(REBBA 2002) contains new provisions regarding any interest generated on money held in trust by a brokerage.
Newsletter
July 7, 2006
Consumers want pictures, pictures and more pictures when shopping for a home according to CREA’s most recent mls.ca® survey.
Newsletter
July 7, 2006
The lure of cottage life is mighty powerful for most Ontarians – especially at this time of year.
Newsletter
July 7, 2006
The owners of a Kemptville golf course sold it and took back a mortgage and other security.
Newsletter
July 7, 2006
Cash flow problems are often the reasons new real estate ventures falter.
Newsletter
July 7, 2006
OREA is pleased to welcome Lenovo to the exclusive list of affinity partners.
Newsletter
July 7, 2006
If real estate is your profession, politics is your business.
Newsletter
June 7, 2006
A new province-wide citizen’s coalition has been formed to fight for a five per cent cap on annual property assessment increases and reforms to the property tax system.
Newsletter
June 7, 2006
The full impact of an aging baby boom generation is hitting recreational property markets across the country, according to the RE/MAX Recreational Property Report, which highlights activity in 40 major Canadian centres.
Newsletter
June 7, 2006
Ontario homebuyers can save thousands of dollars this summer on newly-built homes thanks to the Federal government plan to reduce the GST from seven per cent to six per cent, effective July 1, 2006.
Newsletter
June 7, 2006
REALTOR® safety on the job is of real concern. The very nature of real estate involves personal risk because REALTORS® often work alone in vacant buildings with people who are complete strangers.
Newsletter
June 7, 2006
Sharing information is something most REALTORS® want.
Newsletter
June 7, 2006
Whatever happened to paying down the mortgage faster?
Newsletter
June 7, 2006
The buyers hired an agent, viewed this rural property and made an offer that was conditional on financing, a home inspection and being satisfied with the "quality and quantity" of water.
Newsletter
June 7, 2006
The updated version of the consumer brochure Working with a REALTOR®, is now available in French. The brochure had been updated to clarify representation and customer service agreements for consumers, to comply with the REBBA regulations.
Newsletter
June 7, 2006
Show your support for the Dash for Cash, a 1300-km charity motorcycle ride from Toronto to Nashville, Tennessee on July 20 to 22, 2006.
Newsletter
May 5, 2006
Earn mandatory continuing education credits at the Land Conference, June 13 in Toronto.
Newsletter
May 5, 2006
Ontario's housing market is showing signs of a controlled cooling down, according to a Housing Affordability Index issued by RBC Economics in March.
Newsletter
May 5, 2006
It may be possible for a brokerage to set an office policy on commissions and avoid competition issues, but certain steps should be followed.
Newsletter
May 5, 2006
Most REALTORS® believe sharing MLS® information is a good idea that will benefit them and their clients, according to a recent OREA survey.
Newsletter
May 5, 2006
Computer viruses are an unfortunate reality in today’s technological world. These nasty bugs that commonly show up in e-mail attachments are capable of eating all of your files including your business data.
Newsletter
May 5, 2006
An adequate deposit is one of the essential elements of an agreement to buy or lease real estate.
Newsletter
May 5, 2006
The buyer lost his job and decided not to complete his purchase.
Newsletter
May 5, 2006
The Ontario Real Estate Association is sad to report that 1969 president Albert Fish passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 in Guelph. He was 83.
Newsletter
May 5, 2006
In an effort to better understand the needs of its members, OREA is in the process of setting up an Internet based advisory panel.
Newsletter
May 5, 2006
We’ve all heard it before: “You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression.”
Newsletter
May 5, 2006
The 11th Annual OREA Foundation Golf Classic charity golf tournament will take place on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at the Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville.
Newsletter
April 5, 2006
The General Insurance OmbudService (GIO), a federal not-for-profit corporation, has set up a new national toll-free number, 1-877-225-0446.
Newsletter
April 5, 2006
Strong non-residential and engineering construction will offset a long-anticipated decline in housing starts to maintain industry profits in 2006, according to the Conference Board of Canada’s latest outlook on Canada's construction industry.
Newsletter
April 5, 2006
The Code of Ethics in the new Real Estate and Business Brokers Act (REBBA), 2002 identifies that real estate is a service profession where the consumer relies on the expertise of its members, and takes them at their word.
Newsletter
April 5, 2006
Technology is transforming how North Americans buy and sell homes in unexpected ways, including how they work with real estate professionals, according to the 2005 National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
Newsletter
April 5, 2006
“Am I entitled to be paid for the work that I have done showing homes?” This question, and variations of it, is very common on OREA’s online Legal Forum, which hit the 2,000-question mark in March 2006.
Newsletter
April 5, 2006
Technology is transforming how North Americans buy and sell homes in unexpected ways, including how they work with real estate professionals, according to the 2005 National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
Newsletter
April 5, 2006
For as long as listings have existed, many real estate practitioners have been of the opinion that, since a listing agreement is really a contract, the broker should sign as a party to the agreement as well as the seller.
Newsletter
April 5, 2006
The OREA Listing Agreement - Form 200 04/2006 now contains an expired listing consent clause to give sellers an opportunity to consent to being marketed to by other REALTORS after expiry of their property listing.
Newsletter
April 5, 2006
The Loggerhead Shrike is a small bird that is an 'endangered' species protected under Ontario's Endangered Species Act.
Newsletter
April 5, 2006
OREA has created a new course that focuses on the revised Real Estate and Business Brokers Act.
Newsletter
April 5, 2006
At the 2006 OREA Annual Conference, OREA past presidents Laura Leyser and Dianne Usher presented the OREA Volunteer Awards to two boards.
Newsletter
March 5, 2006
Sales of existing Canadian homes will slow down from a record 481,900 sales in 2005 to 461,500 units this year and to 444,000 units in 2007 according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s first quarter Housing Outlook report.
Newsletter
March 5, 2006
Can a REALTOR contact a seller whose listing has expired if the only information taken from the MLS® system is the fact that the listing has expired and the actual contact information is obtained from the phone book?
Newsletter
March 5, 2006
The many changes to rules, regulations and terminology adopted under the new Real Estate and Business Brokers Act (REBBA) have resulted in numerous revisions and updates to the OREA standard forms.
Newsletter
March 5, 2006
Getting organized is listed as one of the top New Year’s resolutions.
Newsletter
March 5, 2006
REALTORS need to learn about REBBA 2002–which comes into effect March 31 – and what the changes to the Act and the Code of Ethics will mean to them.
Newsletter
March 5, 2006
Two pamphlets available to OREA members contain plenty of important information to help you comply with the new REBBA 2002 regulations.
Newsletter
March 5, 2006
Are you dealing with financially sound people? REALTORS should be concerned about liens or potential liens and attempt to determine if their buyers or sellers owe monies to anyone including spouses.
Newsletter
March 5, 2006
Guiding first time buyers through their purchase is always easier if they come into the process with some knowledge.
Newsletter
March 5, 2006
OREA’s 2006 Annual Conference was made possible by the donations of our generous sponsors.
Newsletter
March 5, 2006
RECO has always required that seller clients and buyer clients clearly understand the nature of their relationship with the brokerage.
Newsletter
March 5, 2006
OREA has made several of its standard forms available for purchase by Ontario lawyers.
Newsletter
February 5, 2006
Under changes to the Ontario Fire Code that take effect March 1, 2006, every floor of every house in Ontario must have a working smoke detector.
Newsletter
February 5, 2006
The effects of an unusually strong fall market are expected to carry through into the first half of 2006 resulting in an average house price increase of about 6 per cent in most areas of Canada according to the Royal LePage Real Estate Services 2006 Market Survey Forecast.
Newsletter
February 5, 2006
You are an owner and occupant of an older office building. You have high operating costs, high ongoing capital costs, and your employee productivity is low, partly related to high absenteeism.
Newsletter
February 5, 2006
Toronto’s waterfront represents a great opportunity for business and REALTORS as revitalization efforts are working to create cultural institutions, commercial enterprises and residential communities.
Newsletter
February 5, 2006
Hidden programs may be running on your computer that track and communicate your online activities without your knowledge or consent.
Newsletter
February 5, 2006
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO website at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
February 5, 2006
New real estate salespeople graduate from OREA’s Real Estate College with a comprehensive education, but often struggle with practical knowledge in the first weeks and months on the job.
Newsletter
February 5, 2006
A dentist warranted and agreed that he would not carry on a dental practice within a radius of 15 kilometres of the existing practice being purchased.
Newsletter
February 5, 2006
Today more than ever REALTORS need to stay informed about legislation that affects the real estate profession.
Newsletter
February 5, 2006
All OREA members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Assembly on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 in the Harbour Ballroom at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel
Newsletter
February 5, 2006
In recent years consumers have faced tougher standards when looking to buy insurance for their homes.
Newsletter
January 5, 2006
Bill C-66 – the Energy Costs Assistance Measures Act – received royal assent just prior to the federal general election call at the end of November.
Newsletter
January 5, 2006
According to TD Bank Financial Group’s Housing Bubble Watch the risk of a housing bubble remains low in most Canadian markets because prices are being driven by fundamental factors like historically low mortgage rates and a rise in incomes as opposed to speculation.
Newsletter
January 5, 2006
Breaking the rules will mean stiffer penalties for registrants starting next spring when a new Real Estate and Business Brokers Act (REBBA, 2002) comes into effect. Maximum fines for violating the Act have increased from $25,000 to $50,000 for an individual and from $100,000 to $250,000 for corporations.
Newsletter
January 5, 2006
Showing a rental unit without giving proper notice to the tenant could be a criminal offence.
Newsletter
January 5, 2006
Technological inventors had a busy year in 2005 coming up with several practical and not-so-practical gadgets.
Newsletter
January 5, 2006
Real estate markets seem to be plateauing and the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is trying to reflect that in their property value assessments.
Newsletter
January 5, 2006
Unsolicited telemarketing has become a serious irritant for many Canadians.
Newsletter
January 5, 2006
The landlord who was also the seller agreed to sell this rented residential premises to the buyer who was also the landlord's real estate agent as well as the agent for the buyer.
Newsletter
January 5, 2006
Add a little fuel to your creativity engine and build your leadership skill set by attending the 2006 OREA Annual Conference, February 21 to 23, 2006, at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto.
Newsletter
January 5, 2006
Expanded sections on Canadian regulators, accounting procedures and mortgage financing can be found in the recently released upgraded of the OREA College Real Estate Encyclopedia, Canadian Edition.
Newsletter
January 5, 2006
All OREA members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Assembly on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 in the Harbour Ballroom at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, 1 Harbour Square in Toronto, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Newsletter
December 6, 2005
Hydro One has teamed up with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to provide financial incentives for energy-efficiency upgrades to low-income Hydro One customers who heat their homes with electricity.
Newsletter
December 6, 2005
A new Canadian Study of green buildings reveals a clear link between the market value of real estate and its environmental friendliness.
Newsletter
December 6, 2005
You may be an expert at selling a house, but what do you know about condos?
Newsletter
December 6, 2005
Several updates have been made to the standard forms this year with a view to simplicity and identifiability for the REALTOR and the client, and consistency in the wording.
Newsletter
December 6, 2005
“Blogs,” short for Weblogs, are the hot new trend in Internet technology.
Newsletter
December 6, 2005
The functionality and portability of a personal digital assistant (PDA) makes it an indispensable tool for a growing number of REALTORS.
Newsletter
December 6, 2005
The buyers relied on a 13 year old survey which did not show that the driveway encroached on the neighbour's property.
Newsletter
December 6, 2005
On the heels of having its Real Estate Instructor Designation and Instructor Assessment adopted as the national model and designation, the OREA Real Estate College was awarded in November the 2006 Learning Resources Network (LERN) Award in the category of Best Management Practice.
Newsletter
December 6, 2005
Are you grappling with privacy compliance concerns surrounding a CMA or just sold properties?
Newsletter
November 6, 2005
Notices for Ontario's 4.4 million properties will be delivered to owners this fall indicating the updated assessed value of their properties.
Newsletter
November 6, 2005
A report by Clayton Research suggests renovation spending in Canada will hit $40.7 billion this year and $43.5-billion in 2006.
Newsletter
November 6, 2005
Standard clauses can mean the difference between a smooth real estate transaction and a deal gone wrong.
Newsletter
November 6, 2005
For the second consecutive year OREA is partnering with the Ontario Government and other consumer and business groups in a province-wide consumer protection campaign.
Newsletter
November 6, 2005
E-mail scammers are using realistic bait to lure unsuspecting consumers onto their hooks these days.
Newsletter
November 6, 2005
More than 140 dedicated real estate professionals volunteered their time over the past year to keep the Ontario Real Estate Association running smoothly for its members.
Newsletter
November 6, 2005
The seller entered into a listing agreement to sell his house with Sutton for a six per cent commission.
Newsletter
November 6, 2005
Interested in running for a position on OREA’s Board of Directors?
Newsletter
November 6, 2005
OREA has awarded an Honorary Life Membership to 2005 Past-President Laura Leyser for her many years of service to the association and the profession.
Newsletter
November 6, 2005
If you’ve ever thought of serving your profession, why not sign up for an OREA committee?
Newsletter
November 6, 2005
Is access to all MLS information something that is important to you?
Newsletter
October 5, 2005
Canada's car, home and business insurers said they expect to pay out more than $400 million to help Southern Ontario recover from the August 19 storm.
Newsletter
October 5, 2005
Housing affordability improved in Ontario in the second quarter, according to the RBC Financial Group Housing Affordability Index.
Newsletter
October 5, 2005
Dirty, smelly and expensive; these are three common misconceptions about oil heat about which the Canadian Oil Heating Association (COHA) would like to clear the air.
Newsletter
October 5, 2005
OREA is working to ensure that any changes to agency guidelines as a result of the Canadian Regulators Group (CRG) Agency Task Force recommendations are practical and workable for the day-to-day activities of members.
Newsletter
October 5, 2005
D.U. txt? If you are an avid text message fan, you know that means, “Do you text?” in short code.
Newsletter
October 5, 2005
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety In the Regulatory Activity, Discipline and Appeals section of the RECO web site at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
October 5, 2005
An owner of a Saskatchewan business "listed" it for sale with an Internet business and signed a "Website Agreement."
Newsletter
October 5, 2005
The Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) has awarded the 2005 Associations Make a Better Canada Award for Ethical, Technical or Professional Standards to OREA for its Volunteer Handbook.
Newsletter
October 5, 2005
Inform your clients about the dangers of grow houses and what they should do if they suspect one is in their community.
Newsletter
October 5, 2005
The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) has given its support to victims of Hurricane Katrina with a donation of $100,000 US to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) REALTORS Relief Foundation.
Newsletter
September 9, 2005
CMHC’s annual Housing Outlook Conferences provide focussed information on local and regional housing markets.
Newsletter
September 9, 2005
The 2005 RE/MAX Recreational Property Report states buyer resistance to higher recreational property values has put the brakes on price increases in many Ontario markets.
Newsletter
September 9, 2005
With prices starting at close to a half million dollars in the Wasaga Beach area and on the larger lakes in Muskoka, chances are good clients are going to want to inspect the property and the lakefront.
Newsletter
September 9, 2005
Every successful REALTOR knows that referrals are the lifeblood of their real estate business. So how do you ensure a steady stream of referrals from your customers?
Newsletter
September 9, 2005
A new Code of Ethics, designed by REALTORS, and governed by REALTORS, is set for implementation next year, following a strong vote of support for the Code at CREA’s spring Annual General Meeting.
Newsletter
September 9, 2005
What will the best-dressed cell phones be wearing this season? Some of the innovations introduced at the CTIA Wireless 2005 trade show last spring are not only fashionable, but might help you solve problems you didn't even know you had.
Newsletter
September 9, 2005
With federal legislation for a do-not-call registry looming, REALTORS need to work around another potential barrier to their marketing efforts: do not e-mail.
Newsletter
September 9, 2005
The buyers were interested in purchasing a home and enlisted the services of a real estate agent.
Newsletter
September 9, 2005
Training sessions and promotional launches for the OREA Card have been a success in boards in the north, northeast, east, and west ends of the province.
Newsletter
September 9, 2005
Aon Reed Stenhouse announced a change to its insurance policy coverage for MVA-Residential Appraisals.
Newsletter
September 9, 2005
Inform your clients about government programs that will help them save money.
Newsletter
September 9, 2005
Grey Bruce-Owen Sound Real Estate Board has changed its name to REALTORS Association of Grey Bruce Owen Sound.
Newsletter
September 9, 2005
Inform your clients about government programs that will help them save money.
Newsletter
August 9, 2005
Following the Real Estate Council of Ontario’s Annual General Meeting in June, Bruce Law ( Burlington) was elected Chair and Joe Pinheiro (London) was elected Vice-Chair.
Newsletter
August 9, 2005
Rising prices, slower income growth and higher utility costs took a bite out of housing affordability according to the Royal Bank of Canada’s affordability index for the first quarter of 2005.
Newsletter
August 9, 2005
Do you routinely check for skeletons in the closets when you take a new listing?
Newsletter
August 9, 2005
Eighty dollars of the annual dues you pay to your real estate board goes to the Ontario Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
August 9, 2005
If you do a lot of your business on the go, you might appreciate some of the new ultra portable notebooks that are making the technology scene lately.
Newsletter
August 9, 2005
The first privacy decision involving a real estate issue has been rendered, and the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has reinforced the requirement to obtain consent before disclosing anyone’s personal information – be it client or competitor.
Newsletter
August 9, 2005
Whether you are a veteran broker or brand new salesperson, having good resources available will increase your job success.
Newsletter
August 9, 2005
The buyers bought a 70-year old house for $650,000 and had a home inspection that noted repairs amounting to $70,000 including major work on the roof.
Newsletter
August 9, 2005
Did you know that you can get free articles for your newsletter or other marketing materials on the Member Services section of the OREA web site?
Newsletter
August 9, 2005
Now when you finish your mandatory RECO Real Estate Update course, you won’t be receiving your transcripts in the mail.
Newsletter
August 9, 2005
MapArt, Canada’s largest map publisher, provides folded maps, street guides, road atlases, wall maps and mapping software at a discount to OREA members.
Newsletter
June 9, 2005
MapArt, Canada’s largest map publisher, provides folded maps, street guides, road atlases, wall maps and mapping software at a discount to OREA members.
Newsletter
June 9, 2005
According to a recent Royal LePage survey, 51 per cent of first-time buyers in 2004 were women, compared to 49 per cent for men.
Newsletter
June 9, 2005
Do you know about the Boost and Flip? That’s when a fraudster quickly purchases a listed home and gets the listing broker to remove it from MLS so fewer people know about it.
Newsletter
June 9, 2005
First time buyers will get a break on mortgage insurance thanks to a 15 per cent reduction in premiums by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Newsletter
June 9, 2005
Multi-function printers (MFPs) or “all-in-ones” are perfect for home offices where space is often limited.
Newsletter
June 9, 2005
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety in the Regulatory Activity, Discipline and Appeals section of the RECO web site
Newsletter
June 9, 2005
OREA took a stand to keep costs low and standards high in its submission to the Real Estate Council of Ontario in response to the Council’s plan to restructure its Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) program.
Newsletter
June 9, 2005
These buyers of modest means purchased a condominium unit and arranged a mortgage through an experienced mortgage broker.
Newsletter
June 9, 2005
OREA Real Estate College standards are now national standards in terms of instructor assessment and recognition.
Newsletter
June 9, 2005
For a limited time only, you can buy two MCE CD-ROM courses at $25.00 each, and get a third free.
Newsletter
June 9, 2005
A new pamphlet, “Resources to Assist REALTORS when Dealing with the RECO CCD Process,” is now posted in the Legal Pamphlets section of the MyOREA website.
Newsletter
June 9, 2005
The Toronto Real Estate Board was the winner of the 2005 NCC Merit Award, presented during the opening ceremonies of the CREA Leadership Conference,
Newsletter
May 18, 2005
The new president of the Canadian Home Builders' Association, David Wassmansdorf, wants the federal government to boost the GST rebate for buyers of new homes to reflect higher home prices.
Newsletter
May 18, 2005
According to RBC Royal Bank’s 12th Annual Homeownership Survey, this spring will be another busy house hunting season.
Newsletter
May 18, 2005
“Who is looking out for my best interest?” Home sellers and buyers alike will certainly have the question foremost on their minds when they enter into the process of buying or selling a home.
Newsletter
May 18, 2005
The Ontario government is modernizing the legislation regulating the mortgage broker industry.
Newsletter
May 18, 2005
The evolution of cell phone technology has been as rapid as has the increase in cellular users.
Newsletter
May 18, 2005
Never run out of hot water again and save up to 50 per cent on hot water heating bills – two claims being made by distributors of new “tankless” water heaters.
Newsletter
May 18, 2005
The buyer sued the seller after discovering large cracks in the basement foundation that caused a severe water problem in this Regina home.
Newsletter
May 18, 2005
OREA CEO Edward Barisa assumed the role of Chair of the Association Executives Council (AEC) at the annual CREA conference in early April.
Newsletter
May 18, 2005
The Yukon Real Estate Association (YREA) will be able to offer online courses to its members for the first time, thanks to a partnership with OREA College.
Newsletter
May 18, 2005
Complementing OREA’s educational courses on ethics and professional practice, OREA’s Legal Resource Committee has created a compilation of RECO CCD Discipline Decisions, which is posted under Legal Pamphlets on the MyOREA website.
Newsletter
May 18, 2005
Names are no longer required to fill OREA committee rosters, as all committees are staffed. Thanks to all who volunteered.
Newsletter
May 18, 2005
OREA’s MVA-Residential Committee is pleased to advise that Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc. has confirmed insurance coverage for MVA-Residential designees.
Newsletter
April 8, 2005
Rogers Wireless announced in February the availability of wireless fidelity (WiFi) service in select Second Cup locations across Canada.
Newsletter
April 8, 2005
Private institutional investors enjoyed a total return on direct investment in Canadian property of 12.9% in 2004, up sharply from 8.4% in 2003
Newsletter
April 8, 2005
Marijuana grow house operations and their implications have been headline news in Ontario and the rest of the country, and often linked to other heinous crimes.
Newsletter
April 8, 2005
Some exciting new features have been added to WEBForms including WEBKits, a personal library of WEBForms with more options than before!
Newsletter
April 8, 2005
A little knowledge can go a long way to helping REALTORS® make effective use of the Internet and technology.
Newsletter
April 8, 2005
If you ask most salespeople today whether they are an independent contractor or an employed salesperson, most of them will probably say independent contractor.
Newsletter
April 8, 2005
A seller has a water problem and her husband "fixes it." Several years later she sells the house.
Newsletter
April 8, 2005
At the 2005 OREA Conference, Past Presidents Laura Leyser and Linda Baumgartner present the OREA Volunteer Awards to the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Association of REALTORS®
Newsletter
April 8, 2005
Members can earn their next MCE credits from the comfort and convenience of their own home or office.
Newsletter
April 8, 2005
For lowest rates, book online at www.budget.com and enter your OREA customer number (BCD A436700).
Newsletter
March 4, 2005
New software has been developed to reduce by as much as 50 per cent the time it takes for lawyers to complete transactions.
Newsletter
March 4, 2005
The longest and most consistent residential housing bull market in over 30 years will continue with further price increases in 2005, according to Century 21 Canadas year-end national house price survey.
Newsletter
March 4, 2005
REALTORS could unknowingly become party to mortgage fraud an activity that according to the Canadian Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders (CIMBL) is on the rise and costing Canadians hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
Newsletter
March 4, 2005
OREA has opposed CREAs proposed Education Protocol which would require REALTORS to take a mandatory Code of Ethics course every four years.
Newsletter
March 4, 2005
PDAs, notebooks and other mobile technology have taken the spotlight in the computer world lately, but any home office would not be complete without the basic desktop PC.
Newsletter
March 4, 2005
Will telecommuting, e-tailing and outsourcing mean the end of office and retail space as we know it?
Newsletter
March 4, 2005
A home the buyers purchased was described in an MLS listing as being connected to the city sewer system. In fact the home turned out to have a septic tank.
Newsletter
March 4, 2005
PRIMUS Canada offers to members great savings on communications needs.
Newsletter
March 4, 2005
The Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) has partnered with OREA Real Estate College to offer the online course Recognizing Structural Deficiencies in Homes.
Newsletter
March 4, 2005
OREAs 2005 Annual Conference could not have been a success without the support of our sponsors.
Newsletter
February 4, 2005
For five consecutive years Scotia Capitals real estate investment funds have outperformed the Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index based on total returns
Newsletter
February 4, 2005
Low mortgage rates bring home ownership within the reach of many renter households shrinking demand for rental housing, according to the CMHC Rental Market Survey.
Newsletter
February 4, 2005
REALTORS facing multiple offer situations will find great value in a new OREA standard form entitled, Offer Presentation Acknowledgement (Form 109).
Newsletter
February 4, 2005
A younger, better educated REALTOR has emerged in the past three years, according to member research conducted for OREA late last fall.
Newsletter
February 4, 2005
The Internet offers a wealth of resources for REALTORS.
Newsletter
February 4, 2005
Federal privacy law has changed the way REALTORS, as well as every commercial organization in Ontario, conduct their businesses since PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) came into effect just over one year ago on January 1, 2004.
Newsletter
February 4, 2005
The buyer bought a development property and gave a mortgage back to the sellers.
Newsletter
February 4, 2005
The Ontario Real Estate Association is sad to report that 1985 OREA President Bill Hopkins passed away on Thursday, January 6.
Newsletter
February 4, 2005
If you're not sure if you'd like at-home learning, you can give it a try at no cost. A demo of the Buyer Agency course on CD-ROM is available on the OREA College site.
Newsletter
February 4, 2005
With double the call lines and double the staff, the OREA Real Estate College has expanded its customer contact centre to deal with the increased volume of education calls.
Newsletter
January 4, 2005
There were 1.96 million unique users to mls.ca in September 2004, which is another monthly record, CREA reported.
Newsletter
January 4, 2005
Just under 50 per cent of buyers use the Internet to obtain mortgage information according to a recent CMHC survey.
Newsletter
January 4, 2005
Businesses and professionals regularly advertise to attract new business and promote themselves.
Newsletter
January 4, 2005
Making home ownership more attractive and attainable are the objectives behind new incentives recently introduced by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Newsletter
January 4, 2005
No, we're not referring to nightclubs or local watering holes.
Newsletter
January 4, 2005
More Ontario residents won't be able to afford homes if the provincial government's Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt proposal becomes law.
Newsletter
January 4, 2005
Should a buyer's agent disclose an obvious sloping floor to her client and suggest a home inspection?
Newsletter
January 4, 2005
The 2005 OREA Annual Conference will take place February 23 & 24, 2005 at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto.
Newsletter
January 4, 2005
All OREA members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Assembly on Wednesday February 23, 2004 in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Centre Hotel
Newsletter
January 4, 2005
Two new schedules, available now on the OREA web site and on WebForms, are designed to assist members who deal in new home sales.
Newsletter
January 4, 2005
Until February 14 Rogers offers specials on cell phones and new low prices for Blackberry and TREO data plans. Members can also get three months of unlimited local data with a TREO data plan.
Newsletter
December 5, 2004
GE Mortgage Insurance Canada, a unit of General Electric Co. that provides default insurance for homebuyers, has changed its name to Genworth Financial Canada.
Newsletter
December 5, 2004
CMHCs Housing Outlook predicts Ontarios 2004 annual home starts to surpass last years level to set a 15-year record.
Newsletter
December 5, 2004
In a business that relies on the exchange of personal information, the privacy legislation introduced this year has a major influence.
Newsletter
December 5, 2004
Federal agents want to know if your firm has a policy in place for handling large cash transactions. To find out, they may do an audit.
Newsletter
December 5, 2004
Global positioning systems (GPS) are fast becoming a popular option in many new vehicles.
Newsletter
December 5, 2004
OREA's objections to proposed changes to CREA's Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice has held them for further consideration, thanks to amended motions that passed at the CREA Special Assembly on October 23.
Newsletter
December 5, 2004
The owner of a condo went into arrears on his mortgage when he lost his job and moved back to his parents' home.
Newsletter
December 5, 2004
If you love the convenience of OREA's CD-ROM courses, be sure to check out the newest offerings for furthering your education.
Newsletter
December 5, 2004
OREA's latest affinity partner is Rent Check Credit Bureau.
Newsletter
November 8, 2004
The Technology Council of the Canadian Real Estate Association recently reported that the number of unique visitors to mls.ca grew throughout the summer.
Newsletter
November 8, 2004
According to a recent Bank of Nova Scotia report, rising rates of home ownership and house prices have contributed to a 27 per cent national increase in overall household financial assets since mid-2001.
Newsletter
November 8, 2004
As the name suggests, OREAs Confirmation of Co-operation and Representation form serves two purposes.
Newsletter
November 8, 2004
OREA has partnered with the Ontario government and other consumer and business groups to create a province-wide consumer protection campaign.
Newsletter
November 8, 2004
What's a PDA and should you have one? PDA stands for Personal Digital Assistant, and is essentially a powerful, hand-held computer.
Newsletter
November 8, 2004
This past year, more than 130 dedicated real estate professionals have volunteered their time in order to make the Ontario Real Estate Association work well for its members.
Newsletter
November 8, 2004
The sellers were the original owners of the house and sold to Relocation Services.
Newsletter
November 8, 2004
OREA has awarded an Honorary Life Membership to 2004 Past-President Linda Baumgartner for her many years of service to the association and the profession.
Newsletter
November 8, 2004
Interested in running for a position on OREA's Board of Directors? The following positions are up for election: four Provincial Directors (made up of one each from the Eastern, Northern, Western and Central Ontario Areas), four Directors-at-Large, and one Commercial Director.
Newsletter
November 8, 2004
If you're willing to serve the profession, why not sign up for an OREA committee?
Newsletter
November 8, 2004
About 700 randomly selected members will be asked for feedback on OREA products and services, with a telephone survey to begin later this fall.
Newsletter
October 9, 2004
Union Energy recently announced an expanded rental program that includes not only water heaters, but furnaces, air conditioners, humidifiers and air cleaners.
Newsletter
October 9, 2004
Although the overall value of building permits fell 11.4 per cent in July, Statistics Canada reports permits for single-family dwellings rose 2 per cent to $2.1-billion
Newsletter
October 9, 2004
For sale by owner? Can you turn a competitor into a client? The fact is that many homeowners believe they can save thousands of dollars in fees for the services REALTORS provide by selling their property on their own.
Newsletter
October 9, 2004
The Ontario Real Estate Association has told the Ministry of Finance that it is prepared to accept changes to the deemed registration provision of the existing Mortgage Brokers Act that allows real estate brokers to be deemed mortgage brokers.
Newsletter
October 9, 2004
Are you among the 50.5 per cent of REALTORS who have a personal web site for business purposes?
Newsletter
October 9, 2004
Providing value added service is so important in today's hot real estate market.
Newsletter
October 9, 2004
The seller was a municipal planner who bought a home that he knew did not have a full basement.
Newsletter
October 9, 2004
Impressed by the content and design of OREA's continuing education courses, the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) now offers three of them.
Newsletter
October 9, 2004
Understanding the Internet for Real Estate Professionals is an online and classroom course that will teach you how to drive traffic to your website
Newsletter
October 9, 2004
A tool to help real estate boards reach their members effectively was launched at the end of September.
Newsletter
October 9, 2004
Can't find the right words? The Guidelines for Residential & Commercial Clauses can provide some guidance.
Newsletter
September 6, 2004
A new online toolkit to help consumers understand the real costs of mortgages is available through the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC).
Newsletter
September 6, 2004
New homes are going up at a near record pace, with 84,500 new units expected in Ontario this year, according to a CMHC housing forecast.
Newsletter
September 6, 2004
It's known as loose language; any conversation or phrase that can be interpreted as anti-competitive by nature. REALTORS who use "loose language" in their dealings with customers
Newsletter
September 6, 2004
In October 2002, a Calgary REALTOR was attacked by a man who claimed to be looking for a new home for his family.
Newsletter
September 6, 2004
Many REALTORS find keeping office space at home along with some key mobile technology gives them precisely the flexibility required to run a successful real estate business.
Newsletter
September 6, 2004
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline decision been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO website at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
September 6, 2004
The buyer sued the sellers who knew or ought to have known that there were latent defects in the house they had constructed themselves, lived in and then sold to her for $375,000.
Newsletter
September 6, 2004
A power of sale is a forced sale of a property by a mortgagee due to a default of one or more of the mortgagors obligations under the mortgage. These obligations include, among others:
Newsletter
September 6, 2004
TD Insurance Home and Auto (an OREA member savings program participant) is offering the opportunity to win one of four trips to Mexico or $7,000 cash simply by requesting a home or auto insurance quote.
Newsletter
July 6, 2004
According to a recent Toronto Star article, prices for a standard cottage, condo or chalet are up between nine and 10 per cent from last year.
Newsletter
July 6, 2004
Following the Real Estate Council of Ontario’s Annual General Meeting in June Terry Landon (Cornwall) was elected Chair and Bruce Law (Hamilton) was elected Vice-Chair
Newsletter
July 6, 2004
Proposed regulations will give brokerages an extra three day leeway to deposit money in trust accounts.
Newsletter
July 6, 2004
The new Ontario Liberal budget will have a greater impact on REALTOR pocketbooks than on the real estate profession.
Newsletter
July 6, 2004
REALTORS heading out to list or sell residential property should consider taking along a SPIS.
Newsletter
July 6, 2004
Busy REALTORS can't always find the time to complete continuing education courses - even online courses - during the allotted schedule.
Newsletter
July 6, 2004
REALTORS know how important a home's first impression can be to its ultimate selling price.
Newsletter
July 6, 2004
Are you still an "agent" with fiduciary duties when you become the "buyer?"
Newsletter
July 6, 2004
Changing the time and venue of their annual golf tournament was a positive step for the OREA Foundation.
Newsletter
July 6, 2004
An updated French version of the Working with a Realtor Brochure, (Traiter avec un agent immobilier) is now available.
Newsletter
June 8, 2004
RECO's annual general meeting will be held on June 17, 2004 at the Old Mill Inn in Toronto commencing at 10:00 a.m.
Newsletter
June 8, 2004
The Ontario New Home Warranty Program will now be known as Tarion Warranty Corporation.
Newsletter
June 8, 2004
Even though the seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban housing starts declined 6.8 per cent in Ontario for April, according to CMHC
Newsletter
June 8, 2004
With the appropriate disclosure, registrants will be allowed to represent more than one party in a transaction if proposed regulations for the new Real Estate and Business Brokers Act are passed.
Newsletter
June 8, 2004
Supply remains low and prices continue to rise in the current housing market.
Newsletter
June 8, 2004
The market conditions for Ontario along with Alberta and Atlantic Canada are expected to stabilize as more supply in the form of new housing and new resale listings become available this year.
Newsletter
June 8, 2004
Keeping track of prospects, clients and customers both past and present is vital to a REALTOR's business success.
Newsletter
June 8, 2004
Obtaining property insurance at a reasonable premium has become increasingly difficult for some homebuyers over the past few years.
Newsletter
June 8, 2004
A buyer submitted an offer which provided for a deposit of $10,000 to be made.
Newsletter
June 8, 2004
Accessing online continuing education courses has just gotten easier.
Newsletter
June 8, 2004
Ontario REALTOR Eugene Barna was one of 18 Canadians to receive the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award from her excellency, Adrienne Clarkson, at Rideau Hall in April.
Newsletter
May 4, 2004
The Ministry of Consumer and Business Services plans to release the consultation draft of the REBBA regulations in two parts
Newsletter
May 4, 2004
Low interest rates, higher household incomes and economic growth combined with moderate house price increases mean good news
Newsletter
May 4, 2004
Proposed changes to the CREA Code of Ethics might subject REALTORS to double jeopardy, a concern OREA will relate to the Canadian Real Estate Association task force considering those changes.
Newsletter
May 4, 2004
Commercial members are highly satisfied with OREA's standard forms and clauses according to a survey conducted by OREA's Ontario Commercial Council.
Newsletter
May 4, 2004
What type of property does the typical 60-something, empty-nester, recent retiree want you to find for them?
Newsletter
May 4, 2004
While not all boomers will be extra wealthy in retirement, the affluent boomers will drive the market says RE/MAX.
Newsletter
May 4, 2004
Today's REALTOR relies on technology more than ever according to the latest survey by the National Association of REALTORS Center of REALTOR Technology.
Newsletter
May 4, 2004
The sellers made several false representations when selling their ranch about the coverage of the irrigation pivots, the ton per acre production, the yield of calves and average weight and price,
Newsletter
May 4, 2004
Everything you need to know about buyer agency is now available on CD-ROM.
Newsletter
May 4, 2004
Raising money was on the menu at the inaugural OREA Foundation luncheon.
Newsletter
May 4, 2004
Carol Smith-Gee, Executive Officer of the Woodstock-Ingersoll and District Real Estate Board, recently received the Frank Johns Award in recognition of her dedicated service as an association executive.
Newsletter
April 7, 2004
Two-thirds (68%) of Canadian homeowners and prospective home buyers believe that they will own their dream home, according to a recent CIBC telephone poll conducted by Decima Research.
Newsletter
April 7, 2004
OREA's online Legal Forum has been a valuable source of legal information for members since November 1999. More than 1000 questions have been submitted to the forum covering everything from advertising to UFFI clauses.
Newsletter
April 7, 2004
Ontario's commercial and investment properties received a promotional boost from the provincial government with the launch of its new tourism investment web site.
Newsletter
April 7, 2004
Commercial members often handle confidential information when pursuing properties for their clients.
Newsletter
April 7, 2004
New colour printing technology can help real estate offices to save money and increase productivity by creating marketing materials in-house.
Newsletter
April 7, 2004
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals decision has been condensed
Newsletter
April 7, 2004
The sellers list a subdivision property using a typical Ontario Listing Agreement.
Newsletter
April 7, 2004
The 2004 Board of Directors for OREA was elected at the Leadership Conference in February.
Newsletter
April 7, 2004
Former OREA President Dianne Usher has joined the CREA Board of Directors as Regional Director for Ontario as of April 2004.
Newsletter
April 7, 2004
Earn your next MCE credits on CD-ROM anywhere, anytime.
Newsletter
March 6, 2004
Beginning March 8, 2004 electronic land registration is being introduced on an optional basis in the City of Peterborough.
Newsletter
March 6, 2004
A recent study by the National Centre for Real Estate Research in the United States calculated the value that is added to the selling price of a home with the following home features
Newsletter
March 6, 2004
Alan Carson argues that if homes were inspected before they went on the market
Newsletter
March 6, 2004
OREA's Commercial members have known about the benefits of the Commercial Property Database (CPD) for some time. Now the CPD is about to become even better with the launch of some significant enhancements this spring.
Newsletter
March 6, 2004
More photos, more options and more marketing power are the key benefits members and consumers will find on their next visit to www.mls.ca.
Newsletter
March 6, 2004
OREA members can log on to the My OREA section of the web site by simply typing in their REALTOR id and password.
Newsletter
March 6, 2004
The following RECO Complaints, Compliance and Discipline Appeals decision has been condensed and can be viewed in its entirety on the RECO web site at www.reco.on.ca.
Newsletter
March 6, 2004
Seller broker A1 was found to be in breach of Rules 2 and 6 of the RECO Code of Ethics
Newsletter
March 6, 2004
According to a recent Royal LePage survey, more Canadians are purchasing vacation homes.
Newsletter
March 6, 2004
The buyer signed an offer for a 1.3 acre parcel of undeveloped land.
Newsletter
March 6, 2004
The 2004 OREA Leadership Conference was a great success and the support of our conference sponsors made it possible.
Newsletter
March 6, 2004
The new edition of OREAs Real Estate Encyclopedia is now available.
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
RECO's Board of Directors recently extended the double credit hour eligibility of the RECO Code of Ethics Course until December 31, 2004.
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
Canada's housing market will cool in the coming years, but there is no reason to fear a major correction, according to TD Bank's report
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
What do you do when a buyer decides to select Customer status rather than become a Client of your firm?
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
OREA's new form 310 Buyer Customer Service Agreement is an ideal solution to this common problem.
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
The Buyer Customer Service Agreement is non-exclusive.
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
If you're considering a VOW, a virtual office web site, stop to smell the coffee. There could be strychnine in it.
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
Now that privacy is law, how should you handle a request about personal information?
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
Under PIPEDA and the CREA Privacy Code, REALTORS have a responsibility to provide individuals with access to their personal information.
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
Consumers may complain to the Privacy Commissioner if they are not satisfied with your response to their request for information or if they believe that your firm has not complied with the PIPEDA privacy principles.
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
While Bluetooth may sound like something your dentist should warn you about, it's actually a new technology that is going to change the way people interact with machines.
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
Petro-Canada, the latest partnership in OREA's line up of member savings programs
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
REALTOR X, a principal broker in the U.S. firm XYZ, was technologically savvy and constantly looking for ways to use the Internet to promote his firm and drive additional traffic to his web site.
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
The Ontario Real Estate Association is sad to report that former OREA President, Maurice Lamond passed away in late December.
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
OREA's Annual Conference takes place February 25 26 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto.
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
All OREA members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Assembly on Wednesday February 25, 2004
Newsletter
February 6, 2004
Members interested in serving on OREA committees are encouraged to send their resumes to their Provincial Directors or OREA's chief executive officer or apply online
Newsletter
January 6, 2004
A two-car garage in the upscale neighbourhood of North Toronto - no house - has sold for $135,000
Newsletter
January 6, 2004
The average rental apartment vacancy rate in Canada's metropolitan areas rose to 2.2 percent in October 2003
Newsletter
January 6, 2004
It's a new year and a new law is in effect. Starting January 1 all businesses must comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) when collecting, using and disclosing an individual's personal information.
Newsletter
January 6, 2004
This is the first article in an ongoing series about OREA Standard Forms written by Geof Smith, who is OREA's Student & Faculty Services Manager and an OREA College instructor.
Newsletter
January 6, 2004
Real estate is a highly competitive industry. So, it's vital that every REALTOR understand competition law and the penalties for non-compliance.
Newsletter
January 6, 2004
Staying current with all the issues in the world of real estate can be challenging for a busy REALTOR. Here are a few key sources of "quick" real estate related information.
Newsletter
January 6, 2004
Earn your next MCE credits while sitting in front of your computer.
Newsletter
January 6, 2004
OREA's Annual Conference takes place February 25 - 26 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto.
Newsletter
January 6, 2004
All OREA members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Assembly
Newsletter
January 6, 2004
Members interested in serving on OREA committees are encouraged to send their resumes to their Provincial Directors or OREA's chief executive officer
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
Only 713 RECO registrants were terminated for non-payment of their premium for the Consumer Protection Program.
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
The cost of home ownership in Ontario rose to 31 percent of pre-tax household income needed to carry a home
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
OREA standard forms will be easier to read and easier to fax thanks to a new 8 1/2 by 11 inch size and a redesigned layout.
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
Three new residential and two new commercial forms have been created.
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
To deal with the complexities of commercial leases, OREA created an additional Agreement to Lease - Commercial form 511.
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
A clause has been added to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale indicating that the buyer has had the opportunity to obtain a home inspection.
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
All OREA Standard Clauses are now indexed alphabetically by topic making it a lot easier to find the clause you need.
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
Insurance issues topped the list of priorities for home inspections this past year.
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
In a few weeks protecting personal privacy will become a "way of life" for REALTORS as well as all businesses in Canada.
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
As most of us have learned, some more painfully than others, it's generally easier to dispose of money than to acquire it. But that's not always the case and one exception involves the return of deposits in the case of a failed agreement of purchase and sale.
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
Most top performing REALTORS will tell you that to succeed in the business of real estate you need to know yourself well and be constantly improving your skills.
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
A commercial REALTOR and his firm went to court to resolve commission disputes about amounts owing to each other after the REALTOR left the firm.
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
OREA's Annual Conference takes place February 25 - 26 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto.
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
Rogers AT&T Wireless is offering holiday specials on cell phones which include 200 weekday minutes
Newsletter
December 15, 2003
OREA's online Continuing Education courses are now 50% off.
Newsletter
November 25, 2003
Starting this month, Waterloo Land Registry Office clients will be able to transact business by electronic means as well as by the current manual paper-based process.
Newsletter
November 25, 2003
All the do's and don'ts of privacy compliance may sound complicated, but resources abound for REALTORS to learn everything they will need to know in order to comply with the requirements of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.
Newsletter
November 25, 2003
Behind the scenes of any successful not-for-profit organization can usually be found a dedicated, hardworking group of volunteers.
Newsletter
November 25, 2003
REALTORS are offering virtual tours of properties for sale as a part of their services more than ever before.
Newsletter
October 5, 2003
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has announced that effective September 22 2003
Newsletter
October 21, 2003
The average monthly cost of financing a new home, based on an average five year fixed mortgage, dropped 1.7 per cent from a year ago
Newsletter
October 21, 2003
All the education needs of a real estate professional can now be met under one roof with the launch of the OREA Real Estate College.
Newsletter
October 21, 2003
OREA's online Continuing Education courses are now 50% off.
Newsletter
October 21, 2003
OREA has recently introduced its latest online Continuing Education course titled
Newsletter
October 21, 2003
If your license is coming up for renewal, remember that you must take either the RECO Real Estate Update or the RECO Real Estate Update
Newsletter
October 21, 2003
As of January 1, 2004 all Ontario REALTORS will need to comply with the requirements of PIPEDA
Newsletter
October 21, 2003
Looking for forms? Need a form? Thanks to Internet technology REALTORS can access a variety of real estate related forms with a few clicks of a mouse.
Newsletter
October 21, 2003
An experienced REALTOR dealing with property owned by a deceased person, in other words an estate sale, will know that there may be concerns in connection with the authority of the seller
Newsletter
October 21, 2003
OREA's online Continuing Education courses are now 50% off. This promotion started on July 1, 2003 and runs until December 31, 2003.
Newsletter
October 21, 2003
OREA is delighted to announce a preferred financial services arrangement with Scotiabank.
Newsletter
October 21, 2003
OREAs Standard Forms committee has added another insurance clause to provide REALTORS with another option for the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
Newsletter
September 5, 2003
A Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is making homeownership more affordable through a 15 per cent reduction
Newsletter
September 5, 2003
Condominiums in the Toronto area can expect monthly maintenance fees to double over the next 10 years
Newsletter
September 5, 2003
If you haven't visited www.orea.com lately, you need to check it out! The OREA website has been relaunched with an enhanced format that's much more user-friendly.
Newsletter
September 5, 2003
Legislation to protect the personal privacy of every individual will take effect on January 1, 2004.
Newsletter
September 5, 2003
Do you have your own website yet? Many REALTORS are taking advantage of Internet technology to market themselves and their listings to consumers.
Newsletter
September 5, 2003
As the incidence of grow house operations in Canada continues to increase, questions about the disclosure responsibilities and potential liabilities of REALTORS dealing with these properties are also on the rise.
Newsletter
September 5, 2003
The seller decided to sell his farm and listed it for sale at $173,500 and told the REALTOR he did not want a VTB mortgage as he was 91 years old and in poor health.
Newsletter
September 5, 2003
OREA's online Continuing Education courses are now 50% off. This promotion started on July 1, 2003 and runs until December 31, 2003.
Newsletter
September 5, 2003
Two of OREA's member service partners have gone through name changes, but their services to our members have not changed.
Newsletter
July 5, 2003
A new comprehensive condominium buyers' guide, developed by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will help homebuyers by providing the basic information needed to start on the path to condo ownership.
Newsletter
July 5, 2003
The Real Estate Council of Ontario recently held elections for its 2003 Board of Directors.
Newsletter
July 5, 2003
Scotiabank is offering a mortgage for self-employed people, in order to provide small business customers with up to 85 per cent home financing
Newsletter
July 5, 2003
REALTORS need to develop their own brand, and clearly specify the value of the services they provide to consumers, according to a recent Consumer Branding Study commissioned by the Canadian Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
July 5, 2003
Entering into a buyer agency relationship with a client is more than just having the buyer sign a buyer agency agreement.
Newsletter
July 5, 2003
Despite your advice to the sellers, your listing is overpriced.
Newsletter
July 5, 2003
If your license is coming up for renewal, remember that you must take either the RECO Real Estate Update or the RECO Real Estate Update Commercial as part of your 24 hours of MCE credits
Newsletter
July 5, 2003
OREA members now have the opportunity to purchase a Fujistu LifeBook through a member services program with Albert White Technologies at an excellent price.
Newsletter
July 5, 2003
This is the fourth in a series of five articles about the features of the members only section of the OREA web site.
Newsletter
July 5, 2003
OREA recently announced a partnership with OKI Data Americas for a special discount price on colour and monochrome laser printers.
Newsletter
July 5, 2003
Issues involving cellular towers, wrong building size and contamination are just some of the areas you'll learn about when you take OREA's new RECO Real Estate Update - Commercial course.
Newsletter
June 6, 2003
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is introducing five new mortgage insurance innovations
Newsletter
June 6, 2003
A new report from the BMO Financial Group Economics Department says the average monthly carrying cost of new home ownership is now 30.5 per cent of household income
Newsletter
June 6, 2003
If you're one of those people who likes to be the first on your block to own new technology, check out some of the latest offerings in digital cameras.
Newsletter
June 6, 2003
The forms are standard and you see them all the time; in fact, you may scarcely notice the wording any more, even if some of it has changed.
Newsletter
June 6, 2003
Who would want an MVA - Residential (Market Value Appraiser) designation?
Newsletter
June 6, 2003
Clearly defined relationships are the mark of any successful business transaction and, in real estate, are mandated by the RECO Code of Ethics.
Newsletter
June 6, 2003
The seller sued her REALTOR for an alleged overpayment of commission.
Newsletter
June 6, 2003
The commercial version of the RECO Real Estate Update (6 credits) is now available online or by correspondence.
Newsletter
June 6, 2003
In the May issue of the EDGE, we featured an article about insurance that suggested that if there is any doubt about the house's insurability to include a condition regarding the buyer being able to obtain home insurance.
Newsletter
June 6, 2003
How can you help protect your commissions? Through RECO's Insurance Program.
Newsletter
June 6, 2003
The Real Estate and Business Brokers Act states that a person must be registered under the Act in order to trade in real estate.
Newsletter
June 6, 2003
The Hamilton-Burlington and District Real Estate Board announced at the OREA assembly meeting that his board would be donating $2.00 per member to the OREA Foundation and challenged all real estate boards to make a contribution.
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
To learn more about CCD process, visit RECO's web site at www.reco.on.ca
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
To learn more about CCD process, visit RECO's web site at www.reco.on.ca
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
Acquiring home insurance is usually one of the last steps a buyer takes in the home buying process.
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
How well is the well on that rural property you're listing?
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
The Canadian Real Estate Association has been awarded an interlocutory injunction by the Quebec Superior Court that protects the listings displayed on the mls.ca web site.
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
Over the past year, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) has made some notable improvements to its Complaints, Compliance and Discipline (CCD) process.
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
Under this lease for Ontario commercial premises the tenants were required to pay occupancy costs which were the operating costs times the square footage of the leased premises.
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
Congratulations to Don Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB), for being honoured with the Frank Johns Awards by the Association Executives Council (AEC) of the Canadian Real Estate Association.
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
OREA CEO, Ed Barisa was recently elected to the Association Executives Council (AEC) Board of Directors.
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
Former OREA President, Maurice Mo Park passed away in early April.
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
OREA's e-EDGE has been in production now, since February.
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
An RBC Royal Bank/Ipsos-Reid study shows that when they get older, proximity to friends and family is the most important external factor (46 per cent) in a home for Canadians.
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
If you have a website for your business or you are planning on creating one, give careful consideration to the images you portray.
Newsletter
May 4, 2003
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recently announced a new online publication titled Your Guide to Renting a Home
Newsletter
April 6, 2003
Starting this month, Essex Land Registry Office clients will be able to transact business by electronic
Newsletter
April 6, 2003
Rising house prices coupled with higher mortgage rates will likely cause housing affordability in Ontario to deteriorate further over 2003
Newsletter
April 6, 2003
Multiple offers on houses in today's real estate market are not unusual and can be rewarding if everyone involved remembers the basic principles of fair play
Newsletter
April 6, 2003
Why do REALTORS volunteer in organized real estate and what do they get out of it?
Newsletter
April 6, 2003
The real estate market is big business, and not just in the buying and selling of homes.
Newsletter
April 6, 2003
The sellers are aware that there are problems with water in the basement of their home.
Newsletter
April 6, 2003
The 2003 Board of Directors for OREA was elected at the Leadership Conference in February.
Newsletter
April 6, 2003
The Guidelines for Residential and Commercial Clauses are available in hard copy at a cost of $6.00.
Newsletter
April 6, 2003
OREA's Board of Directors would like to thank the volunteers who expressed their interest to serve on various committees for 2003.
Newsletter
April 6, 2003
This is the third in a series of five articles about the features of the members only section of the OREA web site. T
Newsletter
March 6, 2003
The commercial version of the mandatory RECO Real Estate Update course is now available.
Newsletter
March 6, 2003
RECO's Insurance Committee announced that the Errors and Omissions Insurance premium will increase by only $10 per registrant this year.
Newsletter
March 6, 2003
An average 11 per cent of households surveyed in cities across Canada say they are in the market to buy a home
Newsletter
March 6, 2003
Need to catch up on the latest real estate issues and trends, but don't have much time?
Newsletter
March 6, 2003
MLS.ca generated record traffic and page view levels this year.
Newsletter
March 6, 2003
Advertising plays an important role in a REALTORS day-to-day business and should be carefully thought out for maximum effect.
Newsletter
March 6, 2003
The 2003 OREA Leadership Conference was a great success and the support of our conference sponsors made it possible.
Newsletter
March 6, 2003
More than 175 participants at the 11th Annual Real Estate Forum received up to 10 RECO MCE credits
Newsletter
March 6, 2003
Three new legal pamphlets are now available to members on OREA's website bringing the total number of topics to nine.
Newsletter
March 6, 2003
Your clients may be looking for a Victorian home, but do they want a Queen Anne, a Stick or another style from the Victorian era?
Newsletter
March 6, 2003
Email can be a highly efficient way to communicate, and in many businesses it has flourished, both internally and externally.
Newsletter
March 6, 2003
The property owner signed a commercial listing agreement which expired November 16th.
Newsletter
February 8, 2003
Today's technologically savvy REALTOR probably uses e-mail, a cell phone and maybe even an electronic organizer.
Newsletter
February 8, 2003
Explaining both the benefits and the requirements of MLS to your clients up front can prevent misunderstandings and concerns later in the real estate process.
Newsletter
February 8, 2003
OREA wants all levels of government to work together to increase incentives for the remediation of brownfield sites.
Newsletter
February 8, 2003
A commercial REALTOR acted for seller #1 in a conditional deal and was to get $375,000 commission (later reduced to $210,000).
Newsletter
February 8, 2003
The issue of mould growth and its impact on the real estate profession is getting a lot of attention lately especially in the U.S.
Newsletter
February 8, 2003
Owners of contaminated property in Ontario can recover damages from neighbouring polluters, even if the owners do not intend to clean up the contamination.
Newsletter
February 8, 2003
A CIBC report says Canadian consumer spending will continue to buoy the national economy in 2003.
Newsletter
February 8, 2003
OREA's Licensing Education web pages have a new look and are easier to navigate.
Newsletter
February 8, 2003
OREA's Leadership Conference takes place February 27 28 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto.
Newsletter
February 8, 2003
OREA members will soon be receiving a copy of e-EDGE via e-mail.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
Recent changes to Ontario's Tenant Protection Act include revised forms and changes to the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal's Rules of Practice
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
More homebuyers shopped around when seeking a mortgage in 2002
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
After 50 years without any substantive changes, a new Ontario Real Estate and Business Brokers Act (REBBA) was passed in December.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
Seven new forms have been added to OREA's line up of standard forms for 2003.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
Two new forms tailored for commercial real estate transactions were also developed.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
Several other forms were changed including the Seller Property Information Statement (SPIS) and the Registrant's Statement.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
The number of REALTORS accessing real estate forms online through WEBforms on REALTORLink has increased from 905 users in January of this year to 7,504 users by the end of October.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
You asked for it - you got it! In a recent OREA membership survey
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
This is the first in a series of five articles about the features of the members only section of the OREA web site.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
Long gone are the days of real estate where deals were finalized on a handshake.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
Title Insurance - online Title Insurance Basics is the latest addition to OREA's slate of online course offerings.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
One of the most important assets a REALTOR has to offer is knowledge.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
With OREA's online course, REALTORS will learn the basics of title insurance as it relates to a residential real estate transaction.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
Understanding the ins and outs of title insurance can help REALTORS answer clients' questions and provide general guidance.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
Prior to closing the purchaser's condominium unit purchase, her lawyer received an estoppel certificate from the condominium corporation that revealed no deficiencies.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
Prior to the closing of the consumer's purchase, the local municipality had issued a Notice of Violation regarding a dead tree on the property.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
While surveying a neighbouring property, the surveyor observed that the septic system servicing the insured's property appeared to encroach onto the other property.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
After the seller said that it was a "good" house, the buyer prepared an offer conditional on a home inspection.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
OREA's Leadership Conference takes place February 27 - 28 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto.
Newsletter
January 7, 2003
Two new online legal pamphlets were recently added to the Members Only section of the OREA web site.
The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.
OREA AI Assistant