2023 Broker Division Annual Meeting: New Council, Roadmap, and Discussions

The 2023 Broker Division Annual Meeting occurred on March 2 at Coast Hotel in Langley. Thank you to all the Brokers who attended the event. We had featured speakers from BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA), BC Real Estate Association (BCREA), and Fraser Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (FVRCF).

Meet Your 2023 Brokers Council
Thank you to the following members for stepping up to serve.

Chair: Darcy Reddicopp, Sutton Group – West Coast Realty, Abbotsford
Vice-Chair: Bianca Myddleton, Coldwell Banker Marquise Realty, Surrey
Councillors:

  • Herb Fischer, Sutton Group – West Coast Realty, Surrey
  • Raj Gill, Royal LePage Global Force Realty, Surrey
  • Kelvin Neufeld, Sutton Premier Realty, Surrey
  • Delia Schatz, Breakside Real Estate Group, Surrey
  • Natalie Tarrant, RE/MAX Little Oak Realty, Surrey
  • Del Touet, Royal LePage Preferred Realty, Mission

By virtue of his office, Brokers Council Chair Darcy Reddicopp will also serve as a Director of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB).

Roadmap and Discussions
Here are the takeaways from the presentations:

1. BCFSA Senior Vice President for Education, Licensing and CUDIC Operations, Pam Skinner and Director of Policy, Thomas Taller

  • The new licensing platform called Integrated Regulatory Information System (IRIS) is live and will be used for all types of submissions such as renewal applications, license transfers, level or category changes, team name requests, and fee payments.
  • Home Buyer Rescission Period and Foreign Homebuyer Ban legislations are in effect and Realtors should do their due diligence to avoid litigation.
  • Recent key changes to the Strata Property Act include prohibition of rental restrictions and removing the right to have age restrictions within a strata building other than 55+. More amendments are coming this year.
  • Team Rules will take effect on April 1, 2023. All teams are now required to register with BCFSA.

2. BCREA Professional Services Manager, Jim McCaughan

  • Results of an online survey revealed that Brokers view:
  • Skills and knowledge relating to procedure and policy compliance as most important and is an area improvement is most needed; and
  • “Knowledgeable REALTORS®,” “well supported REALTORS®,” and “good reputation within the profession” as top success indicators.
  • BCREA can play an active role in advocating on the behalf of Brokers to ensure that their voices are being heard.

3. FVRCF Executive Director, Christiane Hodson, and Board Chair, John Barbisan

  • The recently established FVRCF is among the largest charitable foundations in the Fraser Valley and one of the largest in the real estate sector in Canada, thanks to the generosity of Realtors and members.
  • The Foundation’s first round of grant applications is open until March 17. One-time grants of $1,000 to $10,000 are available.
  • Volunteer opportunities for the Golf Committee are currently available. Responsibilities include recruiting golfers to the tournament and assisting with marketing and event promotion. Please email info@fvrcf.ca if you’re interested.