Recent correspondence in REM has provoked some interest and discussion so I thought I would offer readers and online posters some information on what’s actually going on in organized real estate. Too often we see people offering opinions on issues they are not current with or don’t have the latest information and that often creates confusion, frustration and fear. Hopefully my comments will clear up a few misconceptions.
First and foremost, let me say that members of our industry are engaged in a unique exercise to ensure Realtors continue to be the cornerstone of property buying and selling well into the future. Indeed, this Futures Strategic Planning process has been underway for over a year, with Realtors giving input and feedback at CREA’s 2011 AGM, over a dozen cross-country sessions last summer, CREA’s 2011 Fall SGM and again this past March at the 2012 AGM. Key to the success to date of the futures plan has been member participation, and it’s been unprecedented for our industry. In addition to the meetings I mentioned above, Realtors have been engaged through the following; a dedicated intranet site; a virtual discussion on a futures forum site; several articles in News2Me, CREA’s newsletter received by over 85,000 Realtors. And we’re not stopping there.
In the coming weeks short videos will be sent to all members, followed by a few quick multiple choice questions that will provide feedback to your leadership. Realtors who want to have further input will be given the opportunity to go in depth and offer opinions on an additional set of questions. To participate, all you have to do is open the relevant email on your smartphone or desktop and follow a few prompts.
Given the passionate views about the industry expressed here and elsewhere, I look forward to members’ participation in these forums. It’s your chance to shape the future of our business.
Our business has a great track record. We have the most popular consumer real estate site in Canada by a huge margin, over five million visits last month. Over two million Canadians have used the Home Buyers Plan to withdraw money from their RRSP to buy a home. This program was invented by Realtors, made permanent by Realtors and increased in the 2009 budget by Realtors.
I look forward to working with all of you to grow our business and continue to help Canadians with the biggest financial decision of their lives, buying and selling property.
Wayne Moen
President, CREA
