drar_bulletin_13-04


Introducing: We Give
Where You Live….….Pg 3
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Home Buyer/Seller
Survey…………………Pg 8

Education Info…….Pg 10
April 2013
DRAR
Bulletin
Inside this issue...
Ontario’s Big City Mayors Call for
Action to End Gridlock
2
Introducing...We Give Where You
Live!
3
March Brings a Boost to the Real
Estate Market in Durham
4
Community Corner
4
New Mandatory Continuing
Education
5
CREA Conference Report
6
Calling All REALTORS®
7
Home Buyer/Seller Survey
8
RECO Mandatory Updates
9
Reminder of MLS® Rules
9
Did You Know...
9
Education Information
10
Check Your Junk Mail for RECO
Voting Details
11
Membership Changes
12
Spring Annual General Meeting
Highlights
At the AGM on April 18th, attending members were updated on the
state of the Association, as well as some exciting projects on the
horizon. Below are some highlights:

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Congratulations to Laurel McHale for receiving the W. Paul
Ristow Founder’s Cup!
Congratulations to Janice Parish for receiving the Community
Spirit Award!
Year-end financials were presented and are available for viewing
on REALTOR Link®.
The Home Buyer/Seller Survey initiative was introduced - See
Pg 8 for details!
The Lakeridge Health Membership Giving Campaign was
officially launched - More details on page 3!
Visit the DRAR Facebook Page for Photos!
Durham Region Association of REALTORS® is committed to helping its Members excel as real estate professionals.
DRAR
Bulletin
Ontario’s Big City Mayors Call for Action to End Gridlock
Durham LUMCO Mayors - Oshawa, Whitby and Ajax agree it’s time to talk new revenue tools
The Mayors of large urban areas in Ontario are united on
the need for new revenue to invest in roads and transit.
“Ending Gridlock in Ontario is our number one priority,”
stated Mayor McCallion, the Chair of the Large Urban
Mayors’ Caucus of Ontario (LUMCO). “What has been
done in the past is not enough, and the results are clear:
overloaded transit systems, and traffic jammed highways.
We need it fixed.”
The Mayors of the large urban cities in Ontario do support
new revenue tools that are fair and reasonable to help end
Gridlock in Ontario. It is likely a number of revenue tools will
be needed to address gridlock, sharing the burden with all
those with a stake in the solution. However, Ontario’s Big
City Mayors do not support adding a “transit tax” to the
already overburdened property tax bill.
“Families and businesses agree: gridlock is one of the most
important issues facing our communities today. It’s costing
us jobs, investment and wasting our precious time stuck in
traffic. It is time to have a frank conversation about new
revenue tools, and for our provincial leaders to know they
Ontario’s Big City Mayors have come together in
have the support of the Mayors in Ontario to commit to
agreement that it’s time to talk about new revenue tools to investing in addressing gridlock, and these methods must
address the issue of gridlock. This is not just a Greater
not affect the residential property taxes,” stated Mayor
Toronto Area issue; gridlock affects all of Ontario. Whether Perkins of Whitby.
it’s a slowdown of goods moving from Windsor to London,
Kingston to Ottawa, or the GTA to Niagara, gridlock is
Mayor Parish added, “The time is now to end the
costing Ontario jobs and is a key priority for all cities - large headaches that gridlock creates for our residents and
and small.
businesses. We must work together to determine what
revenue tools will offer tangible and fair solutions to the
“The time for discussion is over. The ability for our
transit issues we face throughout Durham Region and the
municipalities to move goods, create jobs and compete on entire GTA.”
the world stage diminishes with every day that this problem
continues. The residents, businesses as well as their
As Metrolinx and ultimately the Province are faced with
families’ quality of life is complicated by the worst commute developing the necessary revenue to address gridlock, the
times in North America,” said Oshawa Mayor John Henry. Mayors of major urban areas are supportive as they seek
ways of putting the brakes on gridlock.
ISSUE # 28
PAGE 2
APR 2013
DRAR
Bulletin
Introducing...
WE GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE
DRAR Membership Giving Campaign
On Thursday April 18, 2013 the “WE GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE” Campaign was officially launched
at the Durham Region Association of REALTORS® Annual General Meeting.
The membership giving campaign is a simple, yet effective way for you to make a significant
difference in our local healthcare. DRAR has joined forces with the Lakeridge Health Foundation to
initiate a program to raise funds for the Emergency and Critical Care Program.
DRAR members are encouraged to support this campaign by making a donation to be collected
with your monthly membership dues. Each Brokerage will be receiving member information
kits for all its representatives within the next few weeks.
Enrollment Forms Are Also Available at the DRAR Office!
Note: At your request, funds can be directed to the Lakeridge Health Hospital of your choice instead of the Emergency and Critical Care program.
ISSUE # 28
PAGE 3
APR 2013
DRAR
Bulletin
March Brings a Boost to the Real Estate Market in Durham
DURHAM REGION – The Durham Region Association of REALTORS® (DRAR) reported 948 sales for the month of
March. This represents a 26% increase compared to February but sales for the first quarter have fallen 15% compared to
the first quarter of 2012. "The spring market is off to a slower start this year due to the low inventory. This will be self
correcting as we continue to move into the spring market," commented Ian Smith, President of the Durham Region
Association of REALTORS®.
The inventory of re-sale homes on the market increased significantly in March. DRAR saw 1,508 new listings enter the
market, an increase of 30% compared to last month. As of the end of March there were 1,559 re-sale homes available in
Durham Region which is still a 15% decline over last year.
The average selling price in March fell slightly to $347,055 compared to $353,114 in February but this month's average
still represents a strong 6% increase compared to this time last year. "We often see minor fluctuations in average price
month-to-month but the overall upward trend indicates growth in the Durham real estate market, " added President Ian
Smith.
March 2013 - Single Family Dwelling Resale
Listings
Sales
Avg. Selling Price
Dollar Volume
There are still spaces left!!
8th Annual Economic Outlook Breakfast
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Jubilee Pavillion, 55 Lakeview Park, Oshawa
For tickets and more information contact the City of
Oshawa, Economic Development Services at
905-436-5617
ISSUE # 28
PAGE 4
APR 2013
Mar/13
YTD
New: 1,508
Total Active: 1,559
3,713
948
2,179
$347,055
$345,851
$329,008,544
$753,608,471
DRAR
Bulletin
New Mandatory Continuing Education
The DRAR Board of Directors reviewed implications of RECO's recent announcement regarding changes to the
Mandatory Continuing Education Program at their January 30th meeting.
The Real Estate Council of Ontario has announced its intention to assume full responsibility for the development
and delivery of all continuing education courses online as part of its required continuing education program.
The transition to RECO’s new continuing education program will take place over a 2 year period beginning August
1, 2013.
DRAR will continue to offer MCE sessions planned for 2013 and plan to actively oppose this decision on behalf of
our membership and lobby for the choice of classroom sessions as well as online offerings.
For more information and to read RECO's Announcement, please visit REALTOR Link®.
ISSUE # 28
PAGE 5
APR 2013
DRAR
Bulletin
CREA Conference Report
March 23-24, 2013
By: Cail Maclean, Executive Officer
Your Board of Directors recently returned from attending
the CREA and MTC Annual General Meetings and
Leadership Summit in Ottawa and would like to report
the highlights of the meetings.
AGM:
 65 Boards/Associations on DDF with 11 Third party
destinations (10 more to be added in coming months)
 New TV adds available for Boards/Associations and
Members to post on their web sites
 New REALTOR® Action Network – calls to action by
members
 Stats Canada looking at using the industries HPI
rather than average prices
 Launch of new Blog “Café” – get up-to-date info
 Brad Scott of Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board
won the AEC Award of Excellence
 2012 Year End Financials report a $4,514,937
revenue over expenses
ISSUE # 28
PAGE 6
APR 2013
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A motion to provide a dues credit to members from
Quebec effective 2014 for 3 years that is
proportionally equivalent to the amount budgeted by
CREA for a national ad campaign for each year
Revisions to the REALTORS® Code processes were
approved
FIT Recommendations:
A) Rate your REALTOR® was voted down
B) Alternative to Independent Tech Co was voted
in – therefore no separate Tech Co – all decisions
to be streamlined within CREA and MTC Advisory
group
C) CREA Governance changes being considered
at the Fall Special Assembly Meeting
Leadership Summit:
The Leadership included speakers talking about “All
Change is Personal”; “What is your REALTOR® Value
Proposition”; an enlightening session on “Governance
Myth Busters” and closed with Amanda Lang of CBC’s
the National and the Lang & O’Leary Exchange talking
about Canada’s productivity gap.
DRAR
Bulletin
Calling All REALTORS®: The Canadian REALTORS Care®
Foundation Needs Your Help
Dear members,
The Canadian REALTORS Care® Foundation needs your help. They are on a mission to solve a mystery: how much
money and time REALTORS® gave to charity last year. A total amount would send a powerful message about the kind
of people REALTORS® are and they want to share it with the general public, the media, and decision-makers on
Parliament Hill. As a Board, we can use this total to promote our own members as well. It would benefit all of organized
real estate.
Uncovering this total is a big undertaking. The Foundation can’t come up with a total amount unless REALTORS® like
you from coast to coast tell them about the donations you’ve made. Please visit their website to watch a quick video and
fill out a simple form before the end of tax season. You can also complete the attached PDF and submit it to them by
mail, fax, or email.
Thank you,
Canadian REALTORS Care® Foundation
Agent Assist … brought to you by Agent’s Equity
“Helping real estate agents get more listings, buyers &
commission using less time, money & effort”




Don’t use old, tired slogans in your advertising
Stand out in an online world by using “old school” postcards
Negotiate special discounts from area merchants for your clients
Develop a short, wow answer to – “Why should I list with you?”
Are you a unique and talented real estate agent? Are the properties
you list special? Do you want the world to know that you are not just
any ordinary agent – a commodity, ripe for a “commission negotiation”? Doing any of these will enable you to surpass many agents in really
communicating the unique value you provide to those considering
which agent they will contact today.
Then why do things like your marketing often look the same as every
other agent out there? Just because everyone has found what seems
to be a quick and easy way of doing things, doesn’t mean it’s a good
Just a couple of thoughts – hope they help! May your next deal be
idea.
double-ended.
Given the changing, competitive market place, here are some quick tips Warmest regards,
to better showcase “your stuff” for Mr. Seller and Ms. Buyer –
Joe Johnston
Vice President, Agent & Broker Services
 Have something unique about your business card and voicemail
 Never use look-the-same “cookie cutter” templates for your listings Agent’s Equity
 Provide an amazing guarantee on parts of your service
Agent's Equity Commission Financing
HELPING AGENTS FUND THEIR TRAINING & MARKETING CAMPAIGNS SINCE 1989
* Don't Wait Weeks or Months For Your Commission - Invest In Your Continuing Education & Business Today *
www.AgentsEquity.com
Phone: 416-483-0483 or Toll Free: 800-331-9756 Email: [email protected]
ISSUE # 28
PAGE 7
APR 2013
DRAR
Bulletin
Home Buyer/Seller Survey
Why is DRAR Conducting a Survey?
DRAR is continually looking for new services to provide its
members to help them be successful in real estate and also
to stay ahead of the curve of this ever changing industry.
During this year's strategic planning process your Board of
Directors discussed consumer surveys that other Real Estate
Associations have done to assist their members in their
marketing efforts. The members of both the National
Association of REALTORS® and the Vancouver Island Real
Estate Board have found these surveys to be a very useful
tool.
This is NOT a satisfaction survey! This survey will provide
you with valuable information on buyers and sellers such as:

Demographics of people buying and selling in Durham
Region

Where buyers are moving from

Where sellers are moving to

How consumers found their REALTORS®

What motivates consumers to move

How often consumers move

How often consumers want to hear from their
REALTOR®

and much more!
This information will not only help you better serve your
existing clients but will also give you valuable information to
help you market yourself and acquire new clients.
This survey has the potential to provide some excellent
and useful information, but it all depends on you!
ISSUE # 28
PAGE 8
APR 2013
How Will The Survey Work?
In order for this survey to be successful we need your help
and participation! DRAR is asking you to email the survey link
to each of your clients upon the firming up of their real estate
transaction. This online survey takes approximately 3 minutes
to complete. Your client's feedback will remain completely
anonymous and no contact information will ever be collected.
Survey feedback will be collected on an ongoing basis. DRAR
will provide a report of the results to the members annually.
However, if participation levels are high and reports can be
generated more frequently DRAR will provide additional
reports.
What's Next?
DRAR will provide you with an email template and the survey
link to send to your clients after the firming up of their real
estate transaction. The email template will describe why they
are being asked to participate and can be customized by you.
After the link is sent, the client can then provide anonymous
information and feedback. We ask all DRAR members to
participate and to send this link to all clients who have
completed a transaction since January 2013.
Survey Link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/13buyersellersurvey
This memo, the email template and survey link will be
available on the homepage of REALTOR Link®.
DRAR
Bulletin
RECO Mandatory Updates
Residential Update
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 - In Oshawa!!
Updates are from 9:30 am—4:30pm
Please note that registration and inquiries concerning registration in the RECO Mandatory Update must be directed to OREA at 1-866-411-6732 or
www.orea.com. Cost is $75.00 + applicable taxes payable to OREA. Pre-registration is required.
Reminder of MLS®
Rules & Regulations
Did You Know You Could Find That
on REALTOR Link®?
R-411
No Member’s MLS® sign shall be placed on the property until
the commencement date of the Member’s MLS® Listing
Agreement
Home Buyer/Seller Survey Tools & Information
R-415
On expiry, suspension or Cancellation of an MLS® Listing
Agreement, the Listing Brokerage shall remove any MLS® sign
placed on the property by the Listing Brokerage immediately.
On the DRAR Homepage of REALTOR Link® you will be able to
find the memo, email template and the survey link to send to your
clients.
More details for this initiative can be found on Page 8 of this
Bulletin!
ISSUE # 28
PAGE 9
APR 2013
DRAR
Bulletin
Education Information
The following courses are available for registration:
HANDS-ON NEW STRATUS TRAINING: John Daniel
Thursday, May 16, 2013 10:00am-1:00pm, DRAR Offices, 3 MCE Credits
FACEBOOK THE NEXT LEVEL: Kathy Hogeveen
Thursday, May 30, 2013 9:30am-12:30pm, Quality Hotel Conference Centre, 3 MCE
Credits
REGISTER ON E-COMMERCE!
ABSOLUTELY NO MCE CREDITS WILL BE PROVIDED IF THE FULL SESSION IS NOT ATTENDED.
Waiting List: Members can email Cathie Ketcheson at [email protected] to be put on the waiting list for any full seminars.
Please Note: Information on full seminars can be found on E-Commerce.
Friendly Reminder: All Members are reminded that sign-in/sign-out at MCE education seminars and meetings where MCE credit is
applicable is done with your OREA Education card. Priority swiping will be given to those Members who have their OREA Education
card with them. If you do not have an OREA card, please contact the DRAR office to order one.
Substantial Damage: Backing out of a Real Estate Deal
After months of searching, you have finally found your dream home. You’ve signed the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, arranged financing and
are waiting for a closing date that is a few short weeks away. There is only one problem: the dream home has been left unattended by the owner
and it is no longer in a habitable condition. For this reason, it is a good idea to add a term to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale that permits the
Buyer to inspect the property at least once prior to closing.
The Buyer has several options available to them when substantial damage to a building on the property has occurred. Clause 14 of the standard
OREA Agreement of Purchase and Sale allows the Buyer to terminate the Agreement when substantial damage has occurred to the property.
Alternatively, the Buyer may decide to complete the transaction and take whatever insurance proceeds are available under the Seller’s insurance
policy. The latter option can be risky, however, as the Seller’s insurance policy may not cover all or any of the damage. A third option is to negotiate
an extension of the closing date with the Seller in order to provide the Seller with an opportunity to remedy the damage.
When will damage be considered “substantial”? Several decisions from the Ontario Superior Court indicate that substantial damage has occurred
when crucial fixtures, such as carpeting, pipes or appliances have been destroyed or require major repairs. For example, if a property is being sold
during winter months, damage could occur when a Seller who is not living in the home decides to shut the heat off prior to closing. If the pipes freeze
or burst, this could cause substantial water damage throughout the home and damage to the pipes themselves. In another decision, the Court stated
that damage representing 10% of the value of the property is considered to be substantial.
If you believe that substantial damage has occurred to property that you have agreed to purchase, prior to closing, it is best to
document all damages and contact your lawyer. Purchasing real estate is usually the most significant investment that a person
will make in their life. It is important to have professional guidance to help determine what alternatives can and should be
pursued when the home you have agreed to purchase is no longer in the same condition as when you purchased it.
This article is intended for education and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or other
advice.
ISSUE # 28
PAGE 10
APR 2013
DRAR
Bulletin
Check Your Junk Email For a RECO Voting Details
Last week Computershare, the company responsible for the election process, sent all registrants an e-mail containing
the information necessary to vote in this year's Board of Directors election with the subject line "Notice of Online
Voting and Proxy Information" from @cpucommunications.com.
We understand that in some cases the message was delivered to registrants' spam/junk folder.
This email is not spam/junk and is safe to open.
The message contains a unique voter control number, which is necessary to complete the voting process, and a website
link to login and vote.
Registrants who are still unable to locate the email should contact Shirley Tom at 416-263-9594 or
[email protected] and indicate that they are a voter in the Real Estate Council of Ontario Board of
Directors election, providing their name and RECO registration number.
Profiles of the candidates in each region are available on RECO’s Website.
At RBC Royal Bank, we can help you build your real estate business. Watch the brief video at the link
below to discover how you can leverage RBC's 5 Building Blocks for Success.
www.rbcroyalbank.com/buildyourrealestatebusiness
We look forward to talking to you soon about how we can help you grow
your real estate business!
ISSUE # 28
PAGE 11
APR 2013
DRAR
Bulletin
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES—UPDATE!
Re-Instatement
Ruth A. Marquis
Brad Hockin
Bruce James
Stephen Diceman
Barry Rainsforth
Rob Abraham
RE/MAX All-Stars Realty Inc.
Ken Hockin Real Estate Ltd.
Blue Cat Realty Inc.
HomeLife Durham Real Estate Corp.
RE/MAX All-Stars Realty Inc.
Coldwell Banker – R.M.R. Real Estate
New
Joyce Miller
Jan Cipra
Darryl Martin
Darlene Graham-Pringle
Danielle Gooch
Roxanne Snyder
Rob Milford
Paul Podpallock
Kathy Allan
Greg Finucan
Kathryn Anderson
Dan Brown
Colin Quinlan
Royal LePage Frank Real Estate
Century 21 Pinnacle Realty Ltd.
Century 21 Pinnacle Realty Ltd.
Century 21 Pinnacle Realty Ltd.
Keller Williams Energy Real Estate
Royal Service Real Estate Inc.
Century 21 Infinity Realty Inc.
RE/MAX Ability Real Estate Ltd.
RE/MAX First Realty Ltd.
Century 21 Pinnacle Realty Ltd.
Keller Williams Energy Real Estate
Keller Williams Energy Real Estate
Mincom New Vision Real Estate Inc.
Brokerage Email Changes:
Keller Williams Energy Real Estate, Courtice: [email protected]
Keller Williams Energy Real Estate, Newcastle: [email protected]
Brokerage Fax Number Changes:
Realty Executives Systems Inc.: 1-888-524-9414
Member Changes:
Wayne Cordingley: SRES® Designation
Rick Pecman: SRES® Designation
Dena Sicard: SRES® and ABR® Designation
Lorraine Anne Chin: B.Sc., ABR® and SRES® Designation
Jayson Pohl: ABR® Designation
Salesperson to Broker Change:
Rick Pecman
Royal LePage Frank Real Estate
Broker to Broker of Record Change:
Scott White
Royal LePage Frank Real Estate
Broker of Record to Broker Change:
Rick Siwek
Royal LePage Frank Real Estate
Re-Instated Brokerage
Ken Hockin Real Estate Ltd.
26 Rutherford Dr.
Newcastle, ON L1B 1G7
PHONE: 1-866-377-0077
FAX: 905-372-1701
New Brokerages:
Century 21 Pinnacle Realty Ltd.
312 Osborne St., PO Box 220
Beaverton, ON L0K1A0
PHONE: 705-426-7385
FAX: 705-426-7425
Royal LePage Frank Real Estate
Century 21 Pinnacle Realty Ltd.
Century 21 Pinnacle Realty Ltd.
Century 21 Pinnacle Realty Ltd.
Realty Executives Systems Inc.
Realty Executives Systems Inc.
Realty Executives Systems Inc.
Realty Executives Systems Inc.
Realty Executives Systems Inc.
Realty Executives Systems Inc.
RE/MAX Jazz Inc.
Home Sellers Real Estate Ltd.
Home Sellers Real Estate Ltd.
Century 21 Pinnacle Realty Ltd.
Keller Williams Energy Real Estate
RE/MAX Ability Real Estate Ltd.
RE/MAX Ability Real Estate Ltd.
RE/MAX First Realty Ltd.
RE/MAX Jazz Inc.
RE/MAX Jazz Inc.
RE/MAX Jazz Inc.
RE/MAX Jazz Inc.
RE/MAX Jazz Inc.
Century 21 Infinity Realty Inc.
Right At Home Realty Inc.
Blue Cat Realty Inc.
RE/MAX Jazz Inc.
Terminated
Kevin Adams
Tracy Morris
Harry Saroyan
Oluwatosin Majekodunmi
Tatiana Gazeikina
Julia Megraw
J.D. (Jack) Barnard
Kierstan Warren
David Maddiss
Matthew Roberts
Ryan Smith
Royal LePage Kawartha Lakes Realty Inc.
Century 21 Infinity Realty Inc.
Mincom New Vision Real Estate Inc.
Keller Williams Energy Real Estate
Keller Williams Energy Real Estate
RE/MAX Ability Real Estate Ltd. (As Per Policy 7.09)
Century 21 Infinity Realty Inc.
Micklegate Realty Ltd.
Century 21 Netview Real Estate Inc.
Taylor-Marks Real Estate Services Inc.
Keller Williams Energy Real Estate
Terminated Brokerage:
RE/MAX Ability Real Estate Ltd.
15 Rosswell Dr. Unit 8
Courtice, ON L1E2J6
Phone: 905-434-7777
Fax: 905-433-0908
DRAR Currently has
1,042 Members
Home Sellers Real Estate Ltd.
119 Rosehill Blvd.
Oshawa, ON L1J5G8
PHONE: 905-240-8998
FAX: 1-866-434-5593
ISSUE # 28
Transferred
Neil Mclaughlin
Joel Pringle
Cameron Beaudoin
Jackie Mussel
Graham Ayers
Kim Bell
Paul Edwards
Brian McKinlay
Lee Colby
Brenda Warrington
Eileen Dodd
Martin DeJong
Lynda Pitchforth
Brian Wray
April Winder
Candy Henderson
Doreen Hamilton
LynneMarie Snarr
Cam Huffman
Cindy Ricketts
Chris Frost
Shawn Doyle
Kathy McFadden
Chris Beckim
Jocelynne Savoy
Tim O’Connor
Judy Junkin
PAGE 12
APR 2013
Durham REALTORS®, We Work Where You Live
DRAR •50 Richmond St. E., Unit 14• Oshawa ON • L1G 7C7 • T: 905.723.8184 • F: 905.723.7531