Today CREA held a vote on the future of REALTOR.ca at a special general meeting of the members. The resulting vote was in favor of the proposal, and REALTOR.ca will now transition into a separate, taxable subsidiary of CREA. Votes in favour included an overwhelming majority of Alberta Boards/Associations.

By adopting a taxable model, the platform will gain the flexibility to pursue business opportunities, enhance its value for REALTORS®, and ensure long-term sustainability. The new organization will have a professional, skills-based board, able to navigate technological and regulatory challenges. The vote ensures REALTOR.ca remains owned and operated by REALTORS®, while innovating to remain the portal of choice for consumers.

The new organization will have a similar structure to AREA’s Service Corp, which has successfully supported and benefited our membership for seven years already. AREA supports this vote outcome as the right move for our industry at this time.

Share your opinion for a chance to win $250! 

The National Retirement Taskforce has commissioned Leger to conduct a short survey. The results of this survey will inform the work of the taskforce as it looks at ways to support REALTOR® savings for retirement, either through a pension or a retired savings plan. 

The survey is now open and will close at midnight on October 31, 2024. Five participants will be entered into a draw to win one of five prizes of $250.

Applications are now being accepted for members interested in joining AREA’s Administrative Justice Program as Professional Standards Committee Panelists. The Professional Standards Committee investigates and conducts hearings related to member conduct, as well as arbitrating commission fee issues. 

Panelists will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and complete AREA’s Administrative Justice training program, scheduled for the week of November 25, 2024.  

To learn more about eligibility, and to apply, click here. The application deadline is Friday, November 1, 2024, at 3:30 PM.  

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email adminjustice@albertarealtor.ca 

October is National Cybersecurity Month!

Now is the perfect time to enhance your online safety while leveraging the power of the latest technology.  As you navigate the digital landscape, here are some essential tips to boost your cyber security: 

1. Regularly update your devices and applications to protect against vulnerabilities. 

1. Be cautious of phishing attempts in emails and text messages, and always verify the source before clicking on links. 

1. Use strong, unique passwords and never use the same password for all your accounts. 

Area WIRELESS plans offer unbeatable value tailored to REALTORS®, powered by Rogers on their safe and secure 5G Network. Area WIRELESS is here to support you with cutting-edge devices and expert advice, empowering you to thrive in a secure and connected environment. Click the button below to learn more about Area WIRELESS. 

Last chance to apply for AREA's Scholarships! Do you have a family member looking to start a career in real estate or entering their first year of university?

Invite them to apply for AREA’s Al Larson and Charlie Ponde Memorial Scholarships! These scholarships are designed to support the children or grandchildren of Alberta REALTORS® by offering them a chance to be awarded:

• $2,500 towards the first year of study at a college or university; or
• $1,500 towards licensing costs plus $2,200 in AREA licensing materials for aspiring REALTORS®.

The application deadline is October 31st, 2024, so click the button below to share the application with them!

Have you registered for GL Days?

AREA's Government Liaison Days are just a month away! Join us for two days of networking, discussing the political landscape and addressing key issues impacting Alberta's real estate sector.

From November 20-21 at the Westin Edmonton Hotel, enjoy an agenda packed with powerful speakers, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, former Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi and more! Plus, don’t miss an exclusive provincial forecast session with CREA Chief Economist Shaun Cathcart.

As an added bonus, attending both days of the event can count towards your 2024 mandatory course! Register today and stay informed, stay engaged and stay connected.

Housing Panel - November 22^nd

Calgary Housing will host a panel on Improving Housing Affordability in Alberta Through Mixed-Income Housing on November 22nd at the Westin Edmonton Hotel. This event will bring together housing experts to explore how mixed-income housing can be a crucial strategy for enhancing affordability in our region.  

Mixed-income housing integrates various rental rates within a single development. This approach offers a blend of affordable units for lower-income households with market-rate or near-market-rate units, fostering economic diversity and improving access to housing. 

Register here to learn how mixed-income housing can address Alberta's housing challenges. 

Thinking of attending BWC2025?
Here's What You Can Expect!

Join us from January 23-25, 2025, at the Fairmont Banff Springs for an event designed specifically for REALTORS® and real estate professionals, providing a unique opportunity to enhance your career through valuable insights and networking.

What You Can Expect:

1. Invaluable Learning Opportunities: Our lineup of keynote speakers will provide insights that will inspire you:

   • Chris Hadfield will challenge your thinking with "Exploring New Frontiers: Lessons from Space," offering lessons on adaptability and resilience drawn from his experiences as an astronaut.
   • Michele Romanow will provide you with valuable business insights in her keynote speech "Getting to Success: How to Build a Business," sharing practical advice on entrepreneurship and innovation based on her successful journey in business.
   • Clara Hughes will inspire you with "Open Heart, Open Mind," focusing on mental health advocacy and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being in achieving success.
   • Click here to view our full lineup of speakers
     
     

2. Networking with Industry Leaders: Connect with real estate professionals from across Canada and the US. Build relationships, share experiences, and create partnerships that can elevate your career.
   
   

3. Workshops, Panels and Discussions: Participate in engaging sessions designed to provide insights into market trends, technological advancements, and best practices that can directly impact your business.
   
   

4. Real-World Applications: Leave with practical tools and strategies that you can implement immediately to enhance your business operations, client interactions and help you stand out in the competitive market.

Interested in becoming a sponsor or exhibitor at Banff Western Connection 2025? 

Get your business in front of hundreds of real estate professionals from across Canada and the United States!

Click here to view our sponsorship packages and exhibitor prospectus. 

Practically Speaking is a weekly blog that answers trending practice questions from Alberta REALTORS® from a practical perspective.

Catch up on this past blog:

What should a REALTOR® consider about short-term rentals?

Launch Point is a blog designed to enlighten new and aspiring REALTORS® about the intricacies of real estate. These bi-weekly blogs are here to answer your questions and provide guidance as you embark on the exciting journey of real estate.

Tune in every second Tuesday for a new Launch Point blog!