On May 8, 2023, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) hit a milestone, one that marks a significant turning point for the Board. We processed our 5,000th member!
Since its humble beginnings in 1921, the FVREB has actively grown from its 13 founding members to the 5,000 it has today. It was only in June 2021 when we reached 4,000 members. And in just two years, we’ve seen an amazing 25% increase in membership. This is a vivid illustration that more REALTORS® are coming to the Board for the expertise, innovation, leadership, professionalism, and other great membership benefits to help them stay ahead of the pack.
We’re also hearing from our members that our staff’s unparalleled dedication, attention to detail, and customer service set the Board apart. We don’t just want you to help buyers and sellers navigate the housing markets in our Fraser Valley communities. We’re here to empower member success.
Fast growth in any organization has its challenges but also brings opportunity. FVREB CEO Baldev Gill talked about this in the “Road to 5,000 Members” episode of “Monday Minute with Baldev Gill”. He said, “With our growing membership base, we will continue to serve our members and lead with their voices on issues impacting the future of our sector.” (Watch the episode here.)
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Meet Member Number 5,000: Hustle and Heart
A 5,000th member milestone celebration and FVREB’s annual staff barbeque lunch were held on May 23. There, we met Rupy Rai, our 5,000th member, and gave her a hearty Fraser Valley Board welcome.
They say there is magic in new beginnings, and this holds true in Rupy’s case. She passed the real estate exam earlier this year, obtained her license at the beginning of May, and found out that she’s our 5,000th member on May 8! In her own words, the days leading up to this moment were “overwhelming” but “truly a blessing.”
“I was absolutely thrilled when I found out. I shared the exciting news with my husband and our kids. Then I sent messages to all my close friends and family – all of whom supported me in this journey for the last year and a half. It was a special moment, especially knowing the struggles I’ve had to endure to get to this point,” she said.
Hustling is familiar territory to her. She was employed with the Federal Government for 15 years before joining Real Broker B.C. Ltd. When asked what made her pursue the REALTOR® profession, Rupy looks back on her fond memory of owning her first home. “It’s one of the most incredible feelings. I am grateful each time I turn that key to step into my home. Now I realize that a Realtor is not just someone who helps people buy and sell houses but rather someone who helps them find their homes,” she said, adding, “To be even a small part of this life changing experience would be an honour.”
It might seem wild – crazy even – to some people that she’d make a career switch at this stage. “Many would think it’s ‘too late’ or I’m ‘too old’ for this. It is challenging, but I don’t want to have regrets that I did not at least give it a go,” she said.
The new licensee believes in commitment and consistency. “Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship,” she said.
She looks forward to building new relationships, collaborating with others, growing together, learning more about her capabilities, and of course, making her first deal!
Congratulations Rupy! And thanks for joining the ‘best-little-big board in Canada.’
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Celebration Photos
