NOVEMBER ● 2015 News and Resource for MEMBERS Empowering REALTORS ® to Succeed What's coming up at RAHB – page 12 REAL INFO MEMBER SERVICES CREA NEWS RAHB NEWS MARK YOUR CALENDAR MLS ® /TECHNOLOGY Download Full Edition Commercial listings leave ICX.ca to join REALTOR.ca – page 11 Matrix – Sometimes things have to change – page 9 New broker load policy in effect – page 9 Find the daily membership changes on REALTOR Link ® – page 9 Realty Shoppe – page 10 Professional Development for REALTORS ® – page 10 RAHB Annual Election 2015 – pages 3 – 5 Lots of goodies at the Annual Election Meeting! – page 6 And the award goes to …. – page 7 RAHB Holiday closure – page 7 REALTORS ® 4Kids Charity Auction – page 8 RAHB welcomes new members – page 9 FEATURE Musings from RAHB CEO George O'Neill – page 2
Transcript
NOVEMBER ● 2015
News and Resource for MEMBERS
Empowering REALTORS® to Succeed
What's coming up at RAHB – page 12
REALinfo
MEMBER SERVICES
CREA NEWS
RAHB NEWS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
MLS®/TECHNOLOGY
Download Full Edition
Commercial listings leave ICX.ca to join REALTOR.ca – page 11
Matrix – Sometimes things have to change – page 9New broker load policy in effect – page 9Find the daily membership changes on REALTOR Link® – page 9
Realty Shoppe – page 10Professional Development for REALTORS® – page 10
RAHB Annual Election 2015 – pages 3 – 5Lots of goodies at the Annual Election Meeting! – page 6And the award goes to …. – page 7RAHB Holiday closure – page 7REALTORS®4Kids Charity Auction – page 8RAHB welcomes new members – page 9
FEATUREMusings from RAHB CEO George O'Neill – page 2
REALinfo is published monthly by the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB)
505 York Boulevard, Hamilton ON L8R 3K4 T.: 905.529.8101 F.: 905.529.4349 MLS® F.: 905.529.6636Help Desk T.: 905.667.4650Realty Shoppe:T.: 905.529.5979F.: 905.529.7109
Email: [email protected] Web site: www.rahb.caIntranet site: www.realtorlink.ca
Established in 1921, the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) represents more than 2,700 real estate brokers and salespersons from Hamilton, Burlington, and surrounding areas. Members of the association may use the REALTOR® trademark, which identifies them as real estate professionals who subscribe to a strict code of ethics. The Association operates the local Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System and provides ongoing professional education courses for its members. In addition, RAHB is an active participant in the Home Ownership Affordability Partnership (HOAP) and holds an annual auction in support of local charities. Advertisements of local MLS® property listings and information about the services provided by a REALTOR® can be found at www.REALTOR.ca. More information about RAHB is available at www.rahb.ca.
Mission StatementEmpowering REALTORS® to Succeed
President Donna Bacher 905.574.4600
President-Elect Kim Alvarez 905.335.3042
Vice-PresidentLou Piriano 905.628.6625
Immediate Past PresidentTim Mattioli 905.575.5478
DirectorsAnn Forbes Arndt 905.574.3038Gary Herron 905.388.1110Peter Holgate 905.637.1070Jack Loft 905.304.3303Sean Morrison 905.662.6666Dave Nichols 905.634.7755Gloria Payton 905.574.9889Heidi Van der Marel 905.664.7900
News and Resource for Members
Musings from RAHB CEO George O'Neill
2REAL infoNovember
2015
Time to Vote!I may be new to the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington, but I am not new to what an association is all about.
One of the most important components of effective and proactive associations is their elected Board of Directors. The Directors are important because they represent the members at large, and it is the Directors who set the tone and direction for the association.
The Board acts as more than just chief cheerleader for the association. Ideally, a Board is made up of members who have experience in their business, understand the history and can glimpse the future for their profession and can make decisions based on their knowledge and experience.
Is that what we expect from our Directors? That they are experts and fortunetellers?
It would be wonderful if the Board could be that perfect, but that’s not the real world. As much as we need and want a skilled, thoughtful, experienced Board, we also need members on the Board who are willing to question the status quo, learn from others more experienced than they are and gain insights into how the staff and Board work together to effect the best results for all members and the association.
The RAHB election is coming up in less than a month, and this is the time for you to think about who you believe would make a good Director. The list of candidates is included in this issue of REALinfo and you will receive more information about them shortly. You will have the chance to meet the candidates in person, and view candidates’ videos to hear what they say, in their words, they believe their role as Director would be.
It’s important that you cast your vote for the five members you want to represent you on the RAHB Board of Directors.
You can vote electronically in mid-November, you can come to the Annual Election Meeting on November 25 or you can do both! Even if you vote ahead of time, it’s still exciting to come to the meeting and see the new directors as they have been declared elected and take the oath of office.
Be sure to be there on November 25 - we will have some important bylaw changes for you to ratify, you’ll see extraordinary children of members receive RAHB scholarships and if you register to attend ahead of time, you’ll even get a little something from us to enjoy later.
X2016RAHBImportant Dates:Tuesday, November 10 – The slate of candidates is sent to members
Wednesday, November 11 – Meet the candidates at 505 York, open to all members
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, November 17, 18 & 19 – Electronic voting available (http://evoting.rahb.ca/ElectionList.aspx - NOTE: this site is active only from 12:01 a.m. on November 17 until 11:59 p.m. November 19.)
Monday, November 23, 9 a.m. – Deadline for depositing proxies with the Association
Wednesday, November 25, 9:30 a.m. – Election Meeting to elect the 2016 Directors
Jeff BONNER – Salesperson, City Brokerage, Hamilton
I will endeavour to attend all meetings and get up to speed on current Board concerns and agenda items as a first step. From there, I will watch for opportunities to volunteer my time and talents, whether it is in Board functions, committee work or other situations, in cooperation with my fellow directors and in consultation with the CEO and Board Executive. I will continue to consider information presented, seeking to understand through further study and critical questions as necessary before coming to firm decisions. I will also continue to watch for opportunities for RAHB to influence public policy for the greater good, such as when the Municipal Land Transfer Tax issue was quietly being raised at city hall, and not hesitate to raise such concerns at the Board level for consideration and appropriate response as a professional association.
Sean COWAN – Salesperson, Royal LePage Burloak Real Estate Services, Brokerage, Burlington
I have a strong contact with local media outlets. I think I can get our message out to consumers in a way we want.
Nikola BUCALO – Salesperson, Coldwell Banker Pinnacle Real Estate, Brokerage, Hamilton
Working in a team atmosphere comes naturally to me, this is key in any decision making group. As a committee member, vice-chair, and upcoming chair for Government Relations at our Board I’ve had a unique opportunity to learn about,
and advocate for our profession on local, provincial and national levels. I’m not afraid to stand up for what is best for our membership, but I can recognize when it is time to listen and learn. I have a good ability to sift through and simplify complex ideas, for example I created the ‘why should you go to the AGM in 60 seconds’ video earlier this year.
RAHB Annual Election 2015
Kathy DELLA-NEBBIA – Salesperson, Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage, Hamilton
I have the ability to analyze and assess information, to listen to all sides and make independent judgements, and fact based decisions for the betterment of the membership as a whole. I have a love for learning and have developed strong critical thinking skills to make those informed decisions. I have passion and when I commit to something I put in tremendous effort and do the things that need to be done to be effective in my role. I am a forward thinker who is definitely not afraid of change or growth. Believing that you always need to move forward. I'm highly ethical and believe in transparency and democracy. An excellent communicator with great interpersonal skills. I believe in everyone's right to express their opinion and that this should always be respected and also delivered respectfully. I believe in the power of brainstorming and strategic planning. I am excited about the future of our industry.
Each candidate was asked the following question: How will you use your skills for the benefit of the Association and its members? Here's what they had to say:
The RAHB Nominating Committee has received 17 nominations for the 2016 Board of Directors. There are five vacant positions on the Board.
X2015RAHB
News and Resource for Members
4REAL infoNovember
2015
Jack LAFLEUR – Broker, RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage, Burlington
My background in real estate combined with my strong financial, ethical and reasoning skills will enable me to provide sound and logical direction which will benefit RAHB and our members with quick, decisive and insightful participation. This will ensure we stay on track and continuously move forward.
Dave NICHOLS – Salesperson, Royal LePage Burloak Real Estate Services, Brokerage, Burlington
You can rely on me to be a depend-able and valuable contributor in helping the board directors make rational decisions through sound analysis for the benefit of our members. I will represent the interests of our members at all times.
Steve HOLMAN – Salesperson Martel Commercial Realty Inc., Brokerage, Burlington
Participation/leadership on committees Thoughtful participation in board meetings Support for CEO Represent RAHB externally
Gary GOULDSBOROUGH – Broker, City Brokerage, Hamilton
I will actively participate in meetings analyze and make suggestions on motions before the board.
Jim DUSCHL – Salesperson, RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage, Waterdown
Moving both Board & it’s members forward in a positive direction.
Valentina PASQUINI – Salesperson, RE/MAX Escarpment Realty, Brokerage, Stoney Creek
My strong communication skills, and professionalism will help address specific issues involving our members, the general public, and our industry.
Lou PIRIANO – Broker of Record, L. Piriano Real Estate, Brokerage, Waterdown
--Two full years on the Board of Directors—experience-> effective leadership --currently Vice-President of the Board of Directors --Chair MLS Committee, Chair Regional Rules Task Force, Regional Governor --2 years of service on audit and finance committees --pivotal involvement in the Regional initiative and MLS® Rules --my passion is to drive costs down for our members --participated in 2014 fees reduction from $48 to $42/month --voted in December/2014 dues holiday (remember that free month?) so a 20% reduction --I know how to get things done for you --My goal: MORE and BETTER services for LESS MONEY!
News and Resource for Members
5REAL infoNovember
2015
Roman RADOJEWSKI – Broker Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage, Ancaster
I have volunteered with the board since 2005. I hold a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a finance and marketing background. I am a professional who listens, takes directions, gives input and holds responsibilities given as the corner stone of the person I am.
Dave SOHAL – Broker of Record, Bridgecan Realty Corp., Brokerage, Hamilton
Well experienced in the business
Andrew ROBERTSON – Broker of Record, Keller Williams Complete Realty, Brokerage, Hamilton
I will work diligently and collaborative-ly to accomplish the tasks and projects as set out by the Board Members in a timely fashion, always bearing in mind to promote the professionalism of our industry.
X2015RAHB
David ZALEPA – Salesperson, RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage, Waterdown
As director I will use my skills to make sure that we are getting maximum value for our membership dues. I want to see members get more value for the money they invest in our board.
Richard WEIMA – Salesperson, Right At Home Realty Inc., Brokerage, Burlington
Being Open to Discussion and Change about non preforming practices, bylaws and mandates that nega-tively impact the Dues Paying Real-tor Member. Reforms to answer the many questions about why there are barriers to appearing professional to the Public ie 3 MLS Board listings and numbers for 1 property (soon to be 2 with Regional)
Bob VAN de VRANDE – Broker of Record, Apex Results Realty Inc., Brokerage, Burlington
I am often told that one of my most valued skills is to ‘see the big picture’ and to provide visionary direction to the organizations where I am privileged to serve. I am willing to work with others but also to challenge the status quo and look for new solutions to existing and future issues. Most importantly I see RAHB as being a service organization that must serve the needs of its members in the most effective way possible. Ensuring that all decisions are made with the objective of “Empowering our members to succeed” would be my goal as a director of RAHB.
Watch for more information about the candidates coming to you in
your email inbox soon.
As well, plan to come to the RAHB office to meet the candidates
on November 11 - this is your chance to talk to them about their
priorities if they are elected.
News and Resource for Members
6REAL infoNovember
2015
Whether you prefer to vote online or vote in person, be sure to come out to RAHB’s Annual Election Meeting on Wednesday, November 25 – there’s more on the agenda than just the election!
Scholarship presentations to exceptional students Important bylaw changes that will affect the makeup of the Board of Directors A look at what your association and Board of Directors have accomplished over the last year Swearing in of the 2016 RAHB Board of Directors Draws for RAHB dues Continental breakfast
All this, plus, as a thank you for pre-registering for the AEM, you will receive a $10 Tim Horton’s gift card! That’s right! Simply pre-register online at http://registration.rahb.ca/MainList.aspx or by contacting Camryn at the RAHB office (905.529.8101 x 251 or [email protected]) before midnight, Sunday, November 22 and your Timmie’s gift card will be waiting for you when you check in at the Annual Election Meeting! But remember - you have to pre-register to get the gift card.
Here are the details about the Annual Election Meeting:
When: Wednesday, November 25, 2015 Time: 9:30 a.m. – registration 10 a.m. – meeting Where: Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
Watch for more details about electronic voting, proxy deadlines and the Annual Election meeting coming to your email inbox soon! In the meantime, here’s the election schedule:
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 – Slate of candidates to membersWednesday, November 11, 2015, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Meet the candidates – RAHB office, Karan Barker Lounge.Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, November 17, 18 & 19, 2015 – Electronic voting (http://evoting.rahb.ca/ElectionList.aspx – NOTE: this site is active only from 12:01 a.m. on November 17 until 11:59 p.m. November 19.)Monday, November 23, 2015, 9 a.m. – Deadline for depositing proxies with the AssociationWednesday, November 25, 2015 – Election Meeting for 2016 Directors
Do you know a RAHB member who demonstrates exceptional qualities, enthusiasm and perseverance or has gone above and beyond to serve their fellow RAHB members? Is that person currently part of a RAHB committee?
Then nominate that person as Volunteer of the Year!
Do you know a RAHB member who has shown exception-al dedication and service to RAHB and has contributed positively to RAHB for three or more years?
Then nominate that person for the Award of Merit!
Do you know a RAHB member who has shown out-standing dedication to the real estate profession and exceptional volunteer service to their community for three or more years?
Then nominate that person for the Outstanding Community Service Award!
RAHB service awards are presented to RAHB members who meet the stringent criteria for the three awards. A panel of RAHB members judges all nominations, so these really are awards presented by your peers.
Here’s what you need to know:
Nomination/Application forms are available on REALTOR Link® under the Member Services tab.
And the award goes to ….That all depends on you!
Full details about the awards are found on the Application/Nomination forms.
The form can be used to nominate a colleague or to apply for the award yourself!
It’s easy to fill out the forms. If you don’t have all the information about your nominee’s committee/volunteer history, you can ask your nominee to help you. Or if you want to keep the nomination a secret, you can write “please verify” on the nomination form and your nominee’s history will be checked before the nomination is presented.
The Application/Nomination form can be completed online and emailed to Sheila at the RAHB office ([email protected]), or printed, completed and sent to the RAHB office.
Deadline for nominations is Friday, November 27, 2015.
If you have any questions about the awards or how to nominate a deserving RAHB member, contact Valerie ([email protected], 905.529.8101 x294) or Sheila ([email protected], 905.529.8101 x234) at the RAHB office.
RAHB holiday closureThe RAHB office will be closed from 1 p.m. Thursday, December 24, 2015 until Monday, January 4, 2016. Watch next month’s REALinfo for more details about MLS® listings and photos during the holiday closure.
the hamiltonspectatorreadershipTotal WeeklySubscribers
The Board of Directors recently approved a change to the policy requiring mandatory training for broker loading.
Effective immediately, mandatory training is no longer required before broker load privileges can be extended to members, office administrators and administrative assistants. Brokers of Record/Managers now need only complete the Broker Load Permission Form to authorize members in their office, office administrators and administrative assistants to broker load. The form must be completed in full and returned to the MLS® department (attention Pam Morton).
The form is available on REALTOR Link® under the Member Services tab. For more information, contact the MLS® department or Corporate Services department.
Are you missing the membership changes that used to appear on the last page of now defunct RAHB topsheets?
Miss them no more. All membership changes – additions, deletions, transfers, brokerage updates and obituaries – are now compiled and uploaded daily to REALTOR Link®. They appear on the Member Services tab, near the bottom of the page.
New broker load policy in effect
Find the daily membership changes on REALTOR Link®
MLS®/TECHNOLOGY
Matrix compiles data from eight associations participating in the regional MLS® system. Therefore, to provide consistency in Matrix for all users, there will be terms and definitions in Matrix that are not consistent with Fusion – that’s just part of the system and part of the learning curve for you.
One of the changes is to the status of Sold. This category is divided into two sections in Matrix.
Sold Pending will be the status for all properties where a sale or lease has been reported but has not yet closed.
Sold Closed will be the status for all properties where a sale or lease has been reported and the closing date has passed.
Until we cut over to Matrix, however, the status of Sold will continue as it is in Fusion.
Matrix – Sometimes things have to change
MEMBER SERVICES
MLS® activity for the month of OctoberWatch your email for the monthly stats release and charts. You can also find the RAHB stats on www.rahb.ca;
REALTOR Link®: Market Data & Stats; RAHB blog: http://blog.rahb.ca (use tags "stats" and "stats maps".)
* All applicable taxes are extra. Prices subject to change.
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2016 Daily PlannerAvailable by advance order only until November 27!
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Professional Development for REALTORS®
Master Open HouseMonday, November 9, 2015, 9 a.m. - NoonCost: $139+HST
Commercial listings leave ICX.ca to join REALTOR.caAll commercial listings, formerly displayed on ICX.ca, have found their permanent home in the new commercial section on REALTOR.ca. For your commercial clients, access to all listing types on one site will offer not only a more user-friendly experience, but greatly enhanced visibility for commercial searches.
Key benefits of adding commercial listings to REALTOR.ca: • More up-to-date commercial content because REALTOR.ca is updated up to four times per day (as opposed to once a day on ICX.ca). • Market-driven, user-tested approach to integration. Metrics from ICX.ca and REALTOR.ca indicated audience overlap on both sites. • Enhanced listing details. Not only are you, the REALTOR®, front-and-center, your commercial listings now have additional features such as demographics, Walk Score® and keyword search.
What does this mean?REALTOR.ca now has two tabs for easy toggling from Commercial to Residential. The Commercial tab gives your commercial clients the ability to search for and view all commercial listings and the Residential tab allows your residential clients to search for and view residential listings along with all multi-family properties, some of which have previously only been available on ICX.ca.
Anyone who searches for ICX.ca or have it bookmarked in their browser will be automatically directed to the Commercial section of REALTOR.ca.
REALTOR.ca is now a one-stop shop for all your clients' real estate needs.
(From CREA’s NEWS2Me blog)
We are the only publication in Hamilton to provide full market penetration.
Reaching 108,500 households weekly.
Call Scott Sherwinat 905-664-3000 ext. 242
[email protected] THE GREATER HAMILTON REGION - STONEY CREEK • HAMILTON MOUNTAIN • ANCASTER • DUNDAS
Held at RAHB – 505 York Blvd. – Lower Level C – Chambers Room M – McCullough Room
New Member Computer Training Level 1 Wednesday, November 11 – C, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 24 – C, 9 a.m. – noon
Professional Development Master Open House Monday, November 9, 2015 – M, 9 a.m. – Noon
iPad Agent Monday, November 9, 2015 – M, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
How Money Works - Lunch and Learn Tuesday, November 10, 2015 – M, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Drones Course Thursday, November 19, 2015 – M, 10 a.m. – noon
What is VisitAble Housing? Friday, November 20, 2015 – M, 10 a.m. – Noon
Designation Course(s) SRS - Sellers Representative Specialist November 23 & 24, 2015 – M, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
To register for these courses, contact Angela at [email protected] or call 905.529.8101 x233
Board of Directors, Committee and Task Force MeetingsHeld at RAHB – 505 York Blvd. – First Floor T – Thompson Room P – Purnell Room
Nomination Committee Monday, November 9 – T, 9 a.m.
Audit Committee Wednesday, November 11 – T, 9 a.m.
Government Relations Meeting Friday, November 13 – T, 9:20 a.m.
Upcoming Events Emerge Conference Thursday, November 5, 2015 Burlington Holiday Inn 3063 S. Service Rd., Burlington Contact OREA at 1.866.411.6732 to register.
Meet the Candidates Meeting Wednesday, November 11 – M, 1 p.m. RAHB office, Karan Barker Lounge 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Broker Manager Meeting Wednesday, November 18, 2015 McMaster Innovation Park 8:30 a.m. – Registration, 9 a.m. – Meeting
REALTORS®4Kids Charity Auction Thursday, November 19, 2015 Michelangelo Events & Conference Centre 1555 Upper Ottawa St., Hamilton 6 p.m.
Annual Election Meeting Wednesday, November 25, 2015 Royal Botanical Gardens 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington 9:30 – Registration, 10 a.m. – Meeting
YRN Education Winter Series Monday, November 30, 2015 9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Hot Breakfast 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Session: Kick Start – Get planning for 2016 “Top Ten Tips – What Works” McCullough Room $10+HST – Limited Seating
