Earlier this month, the BC Government announced its intention to introduce a "cooling off" period for residential real estate transactions in BC next spring as well as consultation on several other practices that potentially pose a risk to consumers, including "blind bidding." On this special episode of Open House by BCREA, we welcome three guests to the show to help REALTORS® get a better understanding of the announcement: Dr. Paul Harrison shares his research into the effectiveness cooling off periods; BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson shares his initial analysis of the impact of a cooling off period on BC's housing market, and Mike Moffat talks about whether there is evidence that supports the idea that banning blind bidding will slow real estate price growth.This episode was recorded on November 23, 2021.Related Links:Mentioned on this show:REALTORS® Invited to 2021 Standard Forms Post-Launch Q&A WebinarCooling-off periods for consumers don’t work: studyBanning Blind Bidding: Would it Slow the Growth in Canadian Real Estate Prices?BCREA Resources on Cooling Off Period and Blind Bidding:BCREA Responds to Government Announcement on Cooling Off PeriodWhat is a Cooling Off Period? An Introduction for REALTORS®What is "Blind Bidding?" An Introduction for REALTORS®Community of Practice: Mandatory Cooling Off Period and Other Real Estate Transparency Measures (REALTOR Link® login required)

Across the province, REALTORS® and brokerages engaged in innovative work to support the real estate profession and the public. And we want to share those stories. On this episode of Open House by BCREA, explore an innovative way to build trusting, successful relationships with your clients through our conversation with Mark Winter. Mark is a seasoned real estate professional with 30 years of experience and is also a certified coach. He is Director of Agent Development at a BC real estate brokerage and has written a book entitled A Different Conversation: Realizing Your Potential as a Real Estate Agent. This episode was recorded on October 22, 2021.Links:New Survey Offers Insights Into What Canadians are Saying About REALTORS®A Different Converesation: Realizing Your Potential as a Real Estate AgentBackgroundIf you had to pick the most important thing you could provide your clients with, what would it be?In a survey recently published by the Canadian Real Estate Association and Nanos Research, the most important attributes a Realtor should display in their interactions with clients are honesty and integrity. In other words, your clients want to be able to trust you.But building that trust can be easier said than done and the survey results also highlight that there is some room to grow in that area.Joining us to talk about an innovative way to build trust in your relationships with your clients is Mark Winter. Mark has been a part of the same BC brokerage since 1992 and now has over 30 years of experience in the real estate business. He started off as a Realtor and now works in a senior leadership role as Director of Agent Development.He’s also a certified coach and putting his two passions together has written a book entitled A Different Conversation: Realizing Your Potential as a Real Estate Agent. Mark joins us to talk about the coaching approach and how this approach can lead to more success and fulfillment as a Realtor, which in turn means more satisfied clients.Subscribe & FollowDo you want to be notified on your smartphone when the latest episode of Open House by BCREA is published? Subscribe on your favourite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and TuneIn.You can even ask Alexa to “play the podcast Open House by BCREA.”While you’re waiting for the next episode, follow BCREA on social media to stay updated:BCREA on FacebookBCREA on TwitterBCREA on LinkedInBCREA on YouTubeBCREA on Instagram

On October 1, BCREA will begin accepting applications from REATLORS® and members of the public interest in becoming a part of the BCREA Board of Directors for the upcoming term. On this episode of Open House by BCREA we talk about volunteering in the real estate sector and becoming a member of the BCREA Board of Directors with Anthony Bastiaanssen, who is past Chair of the BCREA Board, past President of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board and current Chair of the BCREA Nominating Committee.This episode was recorded on September 21, 2021.Links:Virtual Information Session: Becoming a Member of the BCREA Board of DirectorsBackgroundREALTORS® are an integral part of the community. Not only do you facilitate what is often one of the biggest transactions of people’s lives, you support your communities through dedication to your profession. That means continuing professional development and upholding the highest standards of professionalism. And for some, it also means volunteering within the profession.If you are interested in having a meaningful impact on the future of the real estate profession, becoming a part of your local real estate board or BCREA’s Board of Directors is a great way to do that.Every year, BCREA accepts applications for new members to its B, and joining us on this episode to talk about his experience as a Director not only on BCREA’s Board but also with the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB) is Anthony Basitaanssen.Anthony is the past-Chair of the BCREA Board of Directors and past President of OMREB. He is also chair of BCREA’s Nominating Committee and joins me to talk about his experience as a real estate board member.Subscribe & FollowDo you want to be notified on your smartphone when the latest episode of Open House by BCREA is published? Subscribe on your favourite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn.You can even ask Alexa to “play the podcast Open House by BCREA.”While you’re waiting for the next episode, follow BCREA on social media to stay updated:BCREA on FacebookBCREA on TwitterBCREA on LinkedInBCREA on YouTubeBCREA on Instagram

On this month's episode of Open House by BCREA, a panel of three BC Realtors, including host and managing broker Tony Joe, BCREA Director Ashley Smith, and Youth Professional Network chair Kate Philpott talk about getting started as a Realtor, along with tips and directions about how to fast-track a new career in real estate.This episode was recorded on July 20, 2021.Links:BCREA New REALTOR® ResourcesAshley SmithKate PhilpottBackgroundWhen the housing market is hot, interest in becoming a Realtor spikes. But once you have your licence, what comes next?On this episode, Realtors Ashley Smith and Kate Philpott share their thoughts and experiences about starting out, existing and practicing among a typically older age demographic of professionals, and ideas on how to hit the ground running in a new career.This episode will be of particular interest to anyone thinking of becoming a Realtor, licensees new or newer in the business, Realtor parents thinking of having their kids or other family enter the business, or managing brokers or sales trainers looking for action plans or perspective on how to assist new recruits.Topics covered in the show include:The importance of seeking mentorshipWhy Realtor reputation is importantHow to navigate acts, regulations and resourcesAnd more!Subscribe & FollowDo you want to be notified on your smartphone when the latest episode of Open House by BCREA is published? Subscribe on your favourite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn.You can even ask Alexa to “play the podcast Open House by BCREA.”While you’re waiting for the next episode, follow BCREA on social media to stay updated:BCREA on FacebookBCREA on TwitterBCREA on LinkedInBCREA on YouTubeBCREA on Instagram

On this month's episode of Open House by BCREA, our Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson joins the show to talk about his new Market Intelligence report exploring five questions about the post-pandemic housing market. From rising mortgage rates, to remote work and market balance, we highlight what Realtors should be looking for as the economy emerges from COVID-19.This episode was recorded on June 21, 2021.BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down. Within the blink of an eye, doors were shut, masks were on, and the world as we knew it had changed.This is true for Canada and BC’s housing market – REALTORS® and consumers had to adapt how they sold and bought homes. That wasn’t a surprise.What was a surprise though is how the market reacted. At the end of 2020 and into 2021 the BC housing market has been as busy as ever resulting from a perfect storm of factors including low mortgage rates, low housing supply, and remote work.But what does the future hold? We’re hearing of great vaccination rates at least when it comes to first doses in BC and Canada and with that and the loosening of many restrictions across the province. So a return to life as we knew it may be around the corner.To explore how the housing market might respond it’s our pleasure to talk to BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson, who has put together a  special Market Intelligence report asking five open-ended questions looking into what the post-pandemic housing market might look like. From rising mortgage rates, immigration and housing supply, to a look at when the market might return to balance.Subscribe & FollowDo you want to be notified on your smartphone when the latest episode of Open House by BCREA is published? Subscribe on your favourite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn.You can even ask Alexa to “play the podcast Open House by BCREA.”While you’re waiting for the next episode, follow BCREA on social media to stay updated:BCREA on FacebookBCREA on TwitterBCREA on LinkedInBCREA on YouTubeBCREA on Instagram

On this month's episode of Open House by BCREA, we are joined by Adam Feldman, an Anti-Money Laundering Advisor with The AML Shop, who shares an overview of the new or revised anti-money laundering regulations that come into effect on June 1, 2021, and how they will impact real estate practice. These changes were introduced by the Financial Transactions Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, more commonly known as FINTRAC.This episode was recorded on May 20 and 25, 2021.Rundown:Introduction - 0:00Feature Conversation - 1:45Adam Feldman Introduction - 2:45Regulatory Change Overview - 3:40Beneficial Ownership - 7:20Business Relationships - 11:30Politically Exposed Persons - 16:40Virtually Currency - 23:50Links:BCREA FINTRAC 2021 Gateway PageJune 2 FINTRAC Webinar RegistrationBackground:On June 1, 2021, big changes are coming to FINTRAC. The regulatory amendments will result in new or changes to existing obligations for all reporting entities, including real estate brokerages.The amendments will cover areas such as beneficial ownership, business relationships and ongoing monitoring, politically exposed persons, certain record-keeping obligations and more. BCREA has created a series of resources to support brokerages and REALTORS® and one of those is a conversation with Adam Feldman, who is a certified Anti-Money Laundering Advisor with The AML Shop. He assists clients in taking their AML compliance program to the next level by conducting effectiveness reviews, building compliance programs, and advising clients on navigating the regulatory landscape.

On this month's episode of Open House by BCREA, Research Co. president Mario Canseco shares the results of his recent public opinion survey which asked British Columbians about their thoughts on the current hot housing market. From the causes of the historically busy market to Realtor practice, and government intervention, the public weighs in.This episode was recorded on April 26, 2021.Rundown:IntroductionFeature Conversation: Mario Canseco, Research Co.It’s no surprise to our listeners that the BC housing market is busy. We’ve been experiencing record numbers of home sales for months now, with pricing rising, and the competitiveness being at levels maybe never seen before.For sellers and agents alike, that can be welcomed. Of course, there is also concern that the market might be getting out of control and outreach for some. And there have been calls from different corners for intervention.But what do the people putting in the offers and putting up the money actually think about what’s happening?For some answers, today we welcome Mario Canseco to the show. He is president of Research Co. and has analyzed and conducted public opinion research since 2003, for clients across the private and public sectors.Throughout his career, Mario has coordinated research teams for a global public opinion firm that operated in Canada, the United States and Britain, and has had a very accurate record at predicting election results, so I’m sure his research on BC’s housing market will provide some valuable insight about what homeowners, buyers, renters, and the general public think about this hot market.Subscribe & FollowDo you want to be notified on your smartphone when the latest episode of Open House by BCREA is published? Subscribe on your favourite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn.You can even ask Alexa to “play the podcast Open House by BCREA.”While you’re waiting for the next episode, follow BCREA on social media to stay updated:BCREA on FacebookBCREA on TwitterBCREA on LinkedInBCREA on YouTubeBCREA on Instagram

On this month's episode of Open House by BCREA, we highlight best practices and ways for REALTORS® to manage risk in BC's current housing market. From client conversations, to offer presentations, and documentation, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Professional Standards Manager and BCREA instructor Kim Spencer takes you through it all.We also talk to Barbara Brindle, a managing broker who has been using Zoom rooms for offer presentations, about the benefits of this tactic.This episode was recorded on March 24, 2021.Segments:Feature Conversation: Kim Spencer - 1:53Feature Conversation: Barbara Brindle - 29:34Subscribe & FollowDo you want to be notified on your smartphone when the latest episode of Open House by BCREA is published? Subscribe on your favourite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn.You can even ask Alexa to “play the podcast Open House by BCREA.”While you’re waiting for the next episode, follow BCREA on social media to stay updated:BCREA on FacebookBCREA on TwitterBCREA on LinkedInBCREA on YouTube

On this month's episode of Open House by BCREA, host Tony Joe is joined by Vancouver-area REALTOR® Phil Moore, and lawyer and BCREA Legally Speaking author Brian Taylor to talk about the challenges Realtors are facing in a hot market during COVID-19, and how to turn some of those into opportunities.The conversation follows BCREA's webinar, Preserving Public Trust During COVID-19, which featured a panel of experts.This episode was recorded on February 24, 2021.Feature Conversation – 3:45The BC housing market is in the midst of a record surge. In January, residential unit sales recorded by MLS were up 63.3 percent over January 2020 and were more than a thousand sales over the previous record for the month of January.Limited supply and low interest rates continue to be significant factors. Pair that with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Realtors are in a situation they haven’t faced before.And with it come some unique challenges when it comes to Realtor practice, and some unique challenges for Realtors to show leadership through their work.On the show today, to discuss some of those challenges and opportunities, we welcome former Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver President Phil Moore and lawyer and BCREA Legally Speaking author Brian Taylor.Subscribe & FollowDo you want to be notified on your smartphone when the latest episode of Open House by BCREA is published? Subscribe on your favourite podcast app, including Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn.You can even ask Alexa to “play the podcast Open House by BCREA.”While you’re waiting for the next episode, follow BCREA on social media to stay updated:BCREA on FacebookBCREA on TwitterBCREA on LinkedInBCREA on YouTube

On this month's episode of Open House by BCREA, we talk to Zachary May, Director of Strategic Policy at the Building and Safety Standards Branch of the BC Government and Chair of the Energy Step Code Council. Over the coming years, new homes in BC will get healthier, quieter, more durable, and more energy efficient than those on the resale market, thanks to a regulation called the BC Energy Step Code. In this feature conversation, we explore the Step Code, how it will benefit consumers and how Realtors can start talking to their clients about energy-efficient homes.This episode was recorded on January 26, 2021.Show Notes and LinksBelow is where you’ll find links to articles and websites referenced during the show. You can also use the times listed to navigate your way through the episode.What’s New – 1:25BCREA Launches Energy-Efficient Housing and Sustainable Homes CourseNew Tutorial Videos Focus on Common Standard FormsBCREA 2021 First Quarter Housing Forecast Update: Provincial Housing Market Set Up for Very Strong 2021Housing Market Update - January 2021Resources for REALTORS® (REALTOR® Link login required)Feature Conversation – 3:45By 2032, all new homes in BC will be built to step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code and will be up to 80 per cent more energy efficient than those built today. As the Step Code is implemented over the coming years, Realtors can help homebuyers make informed decisions by ensuring they're aware of the benefits of energy-efficient, or "high-performance," homes.To help prepare Realtors for the coming changes, we're joined by Zachary May, Chair of the Energy Step Code Council.To learn more about the BC Energy Step Code and what it means for Realtors, check out this blog post and brochure for Realtors. There are also lots of great resources, including resources for your clients, at energystepcode.ca.If you're interested in learning more about the features of an energy-efficient home and exploring various sustainability programs that go beyond the current building code requirements in BC, register for BCREA's new online, self-paced course, Energy Efficient and Sustainable Homes (REALTOR Link® login required).