Necessity is the Mother of Invention #526

The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected many parts of our society and economy – including the real estate industry. Terms many of us hadn’t heard of just three months ago – social distancing, self-isolation, lockdown, and Zoom conferencing – are now as common as, “What’s for lunch?” Buying real estate, particularly in a caveat emptor

BCREA Combats Money Laundering Through Participation in Cullen Commission

As a participant in the Cullen Commission, BCREA is providing information about the daily practice realities in real estate. Our participation will help strengthen consumer protection measures and limit money laundering in the real estate sector. The Cullen Commission, established in May 2019, is conducting videoconferencing hearings from May 25 to June 30, 2020. BCREA

REALTORS® Advocating for Affordable Strata Insurance

Strata insurance costs are rising in many parts of the province, threatening families’ housing affordability. With at least one-quarter of British Columbians living in strata units, BCREA is looking for solutions to this housing crisis. Rising strata insurance costs are a complex issue requiring a basket of solutions to foster a robust, economically viable market.

Real Estate Regulatory Changes on the Way

Last year, Minister of Finance Carole James announced that the BC Government intends to integrate the Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate and the Real Estate Council of British Columbia into the BC Financial Institutions Commission (BCFSA) by 2021. Minister James, 2019 BCREA President Michael Trites and BCREA CEO Darlene Hyde at BCREA’s 2019

Behind BC’s Unemployment Rate During COVID-19

Highlights: BC’s unemployment rate 11.5 per cent in April, would have been 16.8 percent if underutilized workers included Services sector bears the brunt of physical distancing measures Younger workers have been more impacted, particularly younger women Since the pandemic was declared in March 2020, an unprecedented number of jobs have been lost in a very

Housing Market Slows, but Resilient in Response to Pandemic

For the complete news release, including detailed statistics, click here. Vancouver, BC – May 13, 2020. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 3,284 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April 2020, a decline of 50.8 per cent from April 2019. The average MLS® residential

COVID-19 Community Care: Kelowna REALTOR® Delivers Chef-Prepared Meals

Over the coming weeks, BCREA will share stories about the many REALTORS® across BC who are supporting their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I enjoy the privilege of delivering chef-prepared meals to vulnerable members of our community.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael Loewen, REALTOR® with Royal LePage Kelowna and member of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board,

Protect Your Clients and Reduce Claims Risks During COVID-19 #525

These are unprecedented times with the arrival of COVID-19. We have all heard that many times and it’s true for all industries, including real estate. Although the market has slowed down, there will still be deals made and deals completed. There will also still be claims made against licensees. For the most part, these claims

Applications for BC Emergency Benefit for Workers Now Open

As of May 1, 2020, British Columbians can apply here for the BC Emergency Benefit for Workers (BCEBW). The BCEBW is a one-time, tax-free $1,000 payment for British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) you are likely eligible

PODCAST: Episode 6 – How to Stay Productive During COVID-19

Open House by BCREA logo

Episode 6, How to Stay Productive During COVID-19, features a conversation with Chris Linsell, a staff writer at The Close. Chris is an experienced REALTOR® from the United States and now focuses most of his time on writing about real estate. He joins us to discuss his recent article “21 Hidden Opportunities for Realtors Under

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