March 2020 - British Columbia Real Estate Association

PODCAST: Episode 3 – The Impact of COVID-19 on REALTORS®

Shaheed Devji | March 26, 2020

[div id=”buzzsprout-player-3136519″][/div] [script src=”https://www.buzzsprout.com/831562/3136519-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-realtors.js?container_id=buzzsprout-player-3136519&player=small” type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″][/script] Open House by BCREA is a monthly podcast where REALTORS® will find the latest real estate news and feature conversations with experts on issues related to real estate practice in BC. Learn more about the show here. Episode 3, The Impact of COVID-19 on REALTORS®, features conversations with BCREA …

Three Ways to Virtually Show a Property During COVID-19

Shaheed Devji | March 26, 2020

Realtors can get creative to continue to show properties without the risk associated with in-person showings

REALTORS® are being challenged to meet obligations to clients who they entered into a business relationship with before social distancing orders came into effect and to meet the needs of new clients who may need to buy or sell despite the pandemic. This means they’re often caught in the crossfire of client expectations and civic …

Canada Emergency Response Benefit – What it means for REALTORS®

Janie Cranfield | March 26, 2020

With the announcement of the newly created Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and associated eligibility criteria, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) continues to work with the federal government to make additional details available to REALTORS® as soon as possible. “Since the emergence of COVID-19, CREA has been in ongoing discussions with government departments and …

BCREA Board of Directors 2020-2021: Anthony Bastiaanssen Leads Provincial Real Estate Organization

Harveen Dhaliwal | March 24, 2020

Vancouver, BC – March 24, 2020. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) is pleased to announce that Okanagan REALTOR® Anthony Bastiaanssen has been elected as its 2020-2021 President at the BCREA Annual Meeting on March 24, 2020. “Now more than ever, Realtors need the support of a strong provincial association working cohesively with local …

2019 BCREA Annual Report Now Available

Shaheed Devji | March 23, 2020

The 2019 British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) Annual Report is now available for viewing. This year, the report was created in the form of a microsite and can be accessed at bcreaannualreport.ca. With 2020 in full swing, the 2019 Annual Report explores the key focus areas and outcomes achieved at BCREA last year in …

BCREA Supports End to Open Houses During COVID-19 Crisis

Janie Cranfield | March 20, 2020

Vancouver, BC – March 20, 2020. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) supports recommendations made by local real estate boards to stop open houses during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As British Columbians face this unprecedented health risk, it is vital that everyone does their part to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” says …

Changes to REALTOR® Education in Response to COVID-19

Shaheed Devji | March 20, 2020

A student takes notes during an online class

Since the World Health Organization’s (WHO) announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 11, the BCREA Education team has been working closely with the province’s 11 real estate boards to ensure REALTORS® will be able to continue their professional development. We support real estate boards that have chosen to reschedule or cancel in-person course offerings, …

LTSA Continues to Meet Demand

Janie Cranfield | March 20, 2020

More than 8500 applications processed this week While Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia (LTSA) has introduced social distancing measures in their offices, such as restricting access to staff, direct access pass-holders and Registry Agents, it’s keeping up with customer demand and expects to remain open for business. In a statement posted on …

Sketching Out the Potential Impact of COVID-19 on the BC Housing Market

Janie Cranfield | March 17, 2020

To view the Market Intelligence Report PDF, click here. Summary Findings: While it’s unknown how the unfolding COVID-19 outbreak will impact the economy in the long-term, BC is facing a sudden stop in economic activity with little guidance to when things may return to normal. Based on our scenario analysis, BC home sales and prices …

In Memorium: Eric Charman

Janie Cranfield | March 16, 2020

BCREA is saddened to hear of the passing of BCREA Past President and honourary member Eric Charman. Eric, who is described as a “local legend” and pioneer of real estate in Victoria, BC, also served as President of both the Victoria Real Estate Board and the Canadian Real Estate Association. Eric worked in real estate …

BC Home Sales Trend Higher in February

Harveen Dhaliwal | March 12, 2020

For the complete news release, including detailed statistics, click here. Vancouver, BC – March 12, 2020. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 5,741 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February 2020, an increase of 26.3 per cent from February 2019. The average MLS® residential …

Get Flood Ready

Harveen Dhaliwal | March 10, 2020

So far this year, BC’s River Forecast Centre has issued ten flood or streamflow advisories and watches. As spring draws closer, snowmelt and heavy rain may result in seasonal flooding in areas of the province. Anyone concerned about flood risks to their property should consider how to minimize potential damage. A few years ago, BCREA …

What Does the COVID-19 Virus Mean for REALTORS®?

Harveen Dhaliwal | March 10, 2020

The COVID-19 virus is impacting more than people’s health. It’s changing our travel plans, how we do business and the larger economy. REALTORS® also need to adjust to protect themselves and their clients. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has put together this great resource – we’ve listed some key Q&As below. What’s the most …

A Year-in-Review: BCREA’s 2019 Highlights

Shaheed Devji | March 9, 2020

2019 was an eventful year at the BC Real Estate Association (BCREA), and in the real estate sector as a whole. Building on new and existing relationships and driven by a commitment to innovation and collaboration, we continued to work hard to serve BC’s 11 real estate boards. Here are a few of the highlights! …

Estimating the Impacts of the Speculation and Vacancy Tax

Janie Cranfield | March 2, 2020

To view the Market Intelligence Report PDF, click here. Summary Findings: While all BC markets experienced sharp declines since 2018, the Speculation and Vacancy tax (SVT) is estimated to have reduced home sales in taxable regions in BC by an additional 12.5 per cent compared to non-taxable regions. Growth in home prices since 2018 is …

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