On December 6, members will vote on the proposal to amalgamate our board with five other real estate boards and BCREA to form a new organization – REALTORS® of BC.
This is one of the most important votes our Board will hold. We encourage all members to make your voice heard, and vote.
Here’s a reminder on you should know about REALTORS® of BC.
What is REALTORS® of BC?
REALTORS® of BC is a proposed amalgamation of six BC boards and BCREA – 86% of all REALTORS® across BC – to create a new organization. For this initiative to move forward, four real estate boards consisting of 15,000 members plus BCREA must vote “yes.” Members of the boards who vote “yes” would become direct members of REALTORS® of BC and enjoy enhanced services and benefits. Learn more.
How will it function?
A central service centre will be responsible for the key back office operations of the new organization such as IT, human resources, operations, finance, MLS® management, BC-wide education, professional standards, advocacy, government relations, economics, communications and media relations, program development, standard forms, etc., thereby eliminating the duplications of having several boards performing these functions.
The branch offices, located throughout the province, will be extensions of the central office and will have more resources to focus solely on delivering services to members locally such as community engagement, lockboxes, local education, training, and technical support. Chapters, which will be supported by staff, will serve as REALTOR® networks to connect members by location and particular interests (i.e. commercial, agriculture). Learn more.
What are the benefits?
One MLS® system
A unified MLS® system will offer enhanced consumer products and services. For example, it will remove the costs and time members spend on interboard listings, and provide consistent and standard forms and information requests, greater visibility and exposure to customers (easier to get and give referrals), and a more simplified access to MLS® data and statistics across regions. Learn more.
Higher, consistent standards
The new organization will bring higher and consistent professional standards for REALTORS®, and a better understanding and regard for the profession among the public. It will offer a consistent system for registering complaints, asking questions, finding local REALTORS®, and eliminating the ability to switch to a real estate board with softer penalties. REALTORS® of BC will also offer resources to invest in timely education courses and testing to ensure consistent professional standards. Learn more.
Better education and training
REALTORS® of BC will offer a comprehensive program of educational materials, courses and certifications. For example, it will offer resources to invest in more options for online and in-person PDP courses, timely and relevant course development, and member training that responds to the current market and issues in your area, with dedicated staff to provide regular training and support at broker offices. Learn more.
A stronger voice
REALTORS® of BC will give us a stronger voice when we are talking to government, whether it is at the provincial level or the local level. It will enable us to be more nimble in facing the challenges that face our profession. Learn more.
Business tools
REALTORS® of BC will centralize the provision of these services — such as lockboxes and forms — ensuring they are delivered consistently and efficiently, while maintaining local delivery, management and training where needed. Learn more.
Is there a business case?
Yes. An updated business case and working papers outlining the rationale and decisions made throughout the process is available online. The analysis identifies $9.3M of duplication and inefficiencies across the six participating boards and BCREA. $3M will be reinvested to harmonize fees, leaving $6.3M that can be re-invested into services that matter most to REALTORS® across BC.
Voting on December 6: Special General Meeting
This is your time, and your opportunity to make history, and create a legacy that will last for generations. Please come out and vote on December 6.
YOU ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER. Members of the six participating boards will all be voting on December 6 on whether their particular board will join REALTORS® of BC. Your vote will help determine only whether our board amalgamates with the other boards.
Our bylaws require members to vote in person. Here’s what you need to know about voting:
- Location: Abbotsford TRADEX, 1190 Cornell Street | *Free Parking*
- Registration opens: 7:30 am
- Breakfast available: 7:30 am
- Meeting starts: 9 am
Full meeting details and documentation, including the special resolution, are available on REALTOR Link®.
Interesting in voting but can’t attend in person?
You can find the proxy form here. Our board allows each eligible voting member to carry one proxy for another eligible voting member who cannot attend.
Questions: Contact FVREB Communications at: communications@fvreb.bc.ca