Superintendent Mike Noseworthy, Chair Robert Holmes and Acting CEO Erin Seeley from the Real Estate Council of BC were invited to attend BCREA’s Joint Meeting on January 25, 2017 in Banff.
All three noted the importance of a healthy, collaborative relationship with the real estate industry, as well as the importance of listening to REALTORS® about the practical realities of any changes to rules. Both Holmes and Seeley noted the public’s expectations of licensees and the regulator have changed and the public will continue to be at the forefront of Council’s activities.
There was also discussion about the role that technology can play in improving real estate services (for both licensees and the public).
Seeley reminded everyone at the meeting that the increased fine levels only came into effect for misconduct after September 30, 2016 and that Council is still working through complaints from before that time.
Superintendent Noseworthy noted that there is still no change to the status of limited dual agency, although he confirmed that it will definitely be banned in the future. He and his team at Council are currently discussing how to implement a ban while acknowledging potential challenges of a ban in smaller communities.
Read more from BCREA’s February 2017 eBulletin here.