Continuing Strata Insurance Issues

Widespread, significant increases in the cost of insurance have plagued many BC strata corporations for more than a year. BCREA and other stakeholders have raised concerns and offered potential solutions to this complex problem. During the provincial election campaign, we educated candidates about strata insurance. These high costs are ultimately paid for by strata unit

Climate Priority for BC Government

Throughout the election campaign, all three main BC parties made promises to be leaders in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While all parties agreed incentives for retrofitting homes were important to meet climate change goals, BCREA knows the government needs to make significant improvements if it’s going to meet current carbon reduction targets. Government incentives for

Solutions to Address BC Housing Supply

As Canadians recognize the important work done by housing partners on National Housing Day (November 22), BCREA acknowledges that there is still much work to do to ensure affordable, appropriate housing. In spite of the BC housing market’s record pace in October, supply continues to be limited. Lack of adequate supply causes affordability issues, especially

Stock Up on Online Courses with a Special Offer This Holiday Season

By Ellen Baragon, Guest Contributor Tired of getting the same old gifts of socks and ties at holiday time? BCREA is currently offering all online professional development courses at 20% off the regular course price, so you can give yourself the gift of knowledge this holiday season. From November 27 to December 31, REALTORS® can

Powers of Attorney Can Be Tricky #532

Licensees must be aware of the challenges that exist when representing someone who claims to have the legal right to act on behalf of a property owner on the basis of a power of attorney. Is the power of attorney valid? Was it properly executed? Does it empower the attorney to deal with real property?

New Commercial Rent Assistance Program

Canadian businesses, non-profits and charities experiencing financial hardship from COVID-19 may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent through the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS). This program, in effect since November 23, replaces a previous commercial rent assistance program (CECRA) that had lower pickup than the government expected. The goal

Finding Floodplain Maps

While COVID-19 may pose the greatest risk right now, floods also do significant damage regularly in BC and across the country. Economic, social and environmental impacts can take many years to reverse and BCREA believes smart planning to avoid, or at least minimize, flooding is a better approach. Floodplain maps can support local government decision

Three Things to Know About the Land Owner Transparency Act and Registry

On November 30, the Land Owner Transparency Act (LOTA) and Land Owner Transparency Registry (LOTR) will come into effect. With them come new reporting requirements, filed by legal professionals, when an application is made to register an interest in land. To help REALTORS® and your clients get ready for LOTA and LOTR, here are three

REALTORS® Encouraged to Continue Safe Business Practices in Light of New Public Health Orders

With new health orders announced by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) on November 19, BCREA encourages REALTORS® to continue COVID-19-conscious business practices, which includes using virtual tools when possible, to market, show, and view properties to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The PHO’s recent announcement and order extends the ban on social interactions and

New Index Created for Quick Access to BCREA Standard Forms Resources

With a variety of new resources having been created over the last several months – including the Standard Forms Resource Centre, the Fall 2020 Standard Forms and accompanying training materials – we have created a way for Realtors to easily find exactly what you need to help your practice. The Standard Forms Resources Index enables

Register for BCREA’s 2021-22 Directorship Application Webinar

On November 30 at 11:00am, BCREA will be hosting a virtual information session for individuals interested in learning more about becoming BCREA REALTOR® or public Director for the 2021-22 term. The session will be held via webinar and will be hosted by BCREA Chair Anthony Bastiaanssen, CEO Darlene Hyde, and Chair of the Nominating Committee

VIDEO: Help Your Clients Understand the Property Disclosure Statement

BCREA has created a video for REALTORS® to share with clients to help them better understand the Property Disclosure Statement (PDS). The PDS is one of the most frequently used standard forms and it allows sellers to disclose facts about the condition of the property so that buyers can make informed decisions when considering purchase

BC Housing Market Continues Record Pace in October

For the complete news release, including detailed statistics, click here. Vancouver, BC – November 12, 2020. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 11,051 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October 2020, an increase of 43.8 per cent from October 2019. The average MLS® residential

Land Owner Transparency Registry Filings Required Beginning November 30

The Land Owner Transparency Act (LOTA) and the Land Owner Transparency Registry (LOTR) come into effect on November 30, 2020, and that means REALTORS® should prepare for changes to practice when completing a transaction to allow for the new reporting requirements outlined by LOTA. How does this affect your practice? Beginning on November 30, 2020,

Real Estate Professionals Urged to Stop Open Houses: Regulators and Provincial Association Recommend Virtual Tools

For Immediate Release Vancouver, BC – November 05, 2020. The regulatory agencies overseeing real estate professionals in BC and the provincial association representing REALTORS® are calling on real estate professionals across the province to protect public health and safety by temporarily discontinuing open houses. With cases of COVID-19 on the rise in BC, the Real

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