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Advocacy Update

Advocacy Update is BCREA’s regular update on political real estate news in BC. This biweekly newsletter gives updates on government actions affecting the sector, significant actions taken by BCREA, as well as ways how REALTORS(R) can get involved. To stay informed and involved, please contact: [email protected]. Advocacy Update – Week of March 18, 2024 NEWS

Professionalism in Practice: Supporting Legal and Practical Challenges

BCREA, through the Legal Defence Fund Committee, is dedicated to supporting REALTORS®, managing brokers, and our regional boards and association through its legal guidance request service. This service offers comprehensive legal and practical guidance, primarily focusing on the broader aspects that impact BC REALTORS® rather than on individual transactions. Tailored for real estate professionals in

January 2024 Standard Forms Updates Now Live!

BCREA Standard Forms aims to address the needs of REALTORS® in this dynamic environment by revising and creating new forms to help support the profession while minimizing the number of changes throughout the year. On January 3, 2024 there is a release that encompasses two updates that are now in effect: 1. Exclusive Listing Contract The Exclusive

BCREA Legal Guidance Request

The BCREA Legal Defence Fund Committee offers a Legal Guidance Request service to assist REALTORS® and managing brokers with legal and practice challenges. The service allows the committee to proactively address emerging legal issues that may affect the profession, provide support, and develop valuable resources.  Review Criteria Upon submitting your request, the committee will conduct

January 2024 Standard Forms Update 

Last updated January 3, 2024. This page contains relevant information and resources for the January 2024 Standard Forms Update.  BCREA will update this page as new information and resources are available.  JUMP TO JUMP TO Background Resources Quick Links Background On January 3, 2024, CREA’s REALTOR® Cooperation Policy and the amendments to Article 30 of

BCREA Launches Two Exclusive Pilot Projects for Managing Brokers

We are thrilled to introduce two exciting pilot projects that are tailored exclusively for managing brokers across British Columbia. These initiatives are designed to provide invaluable support, guidance, and resources to enhance your role and improve your brokerage’s compliance and operations. Managing Broker Support Line – Pilot Project The Managing Broker Support Line is your

Services for Managing Brokers 

The Managing Broker Support Line offers tailored guidance and support to help brokers and member boards tackle challenges they may encounter and identify opportunities to enhance professionalism.  Our Professional Services Support Advisors are responsible for providing expert guidance and support to managing brokers and member boards via a dedicated support line. The role involves helping

Breaking the Rules for Success: Surprise Speaker at BCREA’s 2023 Managing Brokers’ Conference

We have been keeping a secret… a surprise speaker! This year’s conference has a special surprise speaker and entertainer who has performed over 2,500 shows over the last 30 years, captivating audiences that have included elite leadership teams from Fortune 100 companies, as well as countless associations and non-profits. His secret to success? Willingness to

2023 Standard Forms Launch

Last updated: November 15, 2023. This page contains relevant information and resources on the 2023 Standard Forms Launch. BCREA will update this page as new information and resources are available. JUMP TO JUMP TO Background Resources Quick Links Background The annual Standard Forms Launch aims to address the needs of REALTORS® in this dynamic regulatory environment

Coming Soon: November 2023 Standard Forms Launch

With BCREA’s annual Standard Forms Launch around the corner on November 15, 2023, REALTORS® can now view advance copies of the new clause, as well as the revised forms and accompanying resource guides. About the 2023 BCREA Standard Forms Launch The annual Standard Forms Launch aims to address the needs of REALTORS® in this dynamic

2023 Managing Brokers’ Conference: A Guide to Concurrent Sessions

In the dynamic world of real estate, knowledge is power, and managing and associate brokers are key influencers in shaping the industry’s future. To help equip them with the necessary tools and resources they need for success, BCREA has put together a compelling list of concurrent sessions taking place at the 2023 Managing Brokers’ Conference

BCREA’s Managing Broker Advisory Committee: Providing Insights to Supporting BC’s Real Estate Profession

The Role of Managing Brokers In the dynamic world of British Columbia’s real estate market, managing brokers play a pivotal role in overseeing transactions and guiding REALTORS® within the profession. Their responsibilities encompass supervision, mentorship, and maintaining compliance with the Real Estate Services Act (RESA). Recognizing the increasing complexity of the managing broker’s role, BCREA

Call for Participants to Join our Focus Group to explore Mandatory Written Buyer Service Agreements

Are you interested in shaping the future of real estate transactions in British Columbia? We are excited to announce that we are looking for enthusiastic individuals to participate in a focus group discussion exploring mandatory written buyer service agreements. This initiative resulted from consultation with the sector and was proposed by BCREA in their White

BCREA’s Legal Defence Fund: Safeguarding the Sector

The real estate marketplace is a dynamic, demanding environment, and sometimes REALTORS®, despite their best intentions, may experience legal challenges that could negatively impact the sector as a whole. That’s why BCREA created the Legal Defence Fund (LDF) to support REALTORS® by contributing to legal costs, where applicable, related to issues of provincial significance.  

2023 Managing Brokers’ Conference Resources

Last updated: November 1, 2023 This page contains relevant information and resources on the 2023 Managing Brokers’ Conference. BCREA will update this page as new information and resources are available. JUMP TO JUMP TO Background Resources Conference Details Quick Links Background The 2023 Managing Brokers’ Conference will take place on November 8 – 9 at

2023 BCREA Managing Brokers’ Conference Venue Change

Due to an ongoing labour dispute at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel Richmond, the 2023 BCREA Managing Brokers’ Conference venue has been relocated to the Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport (7311 Westminster Hwy, Richmond – approximately 200m west of the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel Richmond). While this may have been unexpected, BCREA was able to negotiate

Unlocking the Power of Leadership and Transformation: Meet Keynote Speakers Jennifer Barroll and Hamza Khan

With the 2023 BCREA Managing Brokers’ Conference around the corner, we are thrilled to introduce two incredible keynote speakers who will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all those attending. Jennifer Barroll and Hamza Khan are two outstanding individuals who will bring their unique experiences, expertise, and perspectives to the stage this November! Jennifer Barroll

Request a Speaker

At BCREA, we prioritize connecting with our REALTOR® community each year by speaking at and attending events with professionals from the sector. If you have an upcoming event you would like us to attend, please complete the form below with as much information as possible. All questions are mandatory. We might not be able to accommodate

BCFSA Real Estate Teams Rules Amendments

The BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) is introducing new rules for real estate teams, following the Minister of Finance’s consent to amend the Real Estate Services Rules (Rules). This comes as a response to the increasing number of licensees choosing to work as part of a real estate team, leading to complaints and inquiries regarding

Ready… Set… Rescind

Game Plan for 2023 As the new Home Buyer Rescission Period (HBRP) comes into effect on January 3, 2023, REALTORS® should prepare a game plan in order to move forward effectively and efficiently regarding the new regulations. If an offer or counter-offer is accepted prior to midnight on January 2, 2023, the HBRP regulations do

Discover the 2023 New and Revised Standard Forms

REALTORS® now can view advance copies of the new and revised forms, clauses and accompanying resource guides.  The annual Standard Forms Launch aims to address the needs of REALTORS® in this dynamic environment by revising and creating new forms and clauses to help support the profession while minimizing the number of changes throughout the year.  

Home Buyer Rescission Period Calculators

BCREA has created two Home Buyer Rescission Period Calculators to support REALTORS® when calculating the rescission amount and time period during which a buyer may exercise their right of rescission. The calculators should only be used in respect of transactions where the buyer has a right to rescind under Section 42 of the Property Law

Get Ready for the 2023 Standard Forms Launch and Regulatory Changes

On January 3, 2023, BCREA Standard Forms will launch one new form, the Notice of Recission – Residential Real Property and make a number of revisions to existing forms in relation to the Homebuyer Recission Period (HBRP) alongside non-regulatory form revisions. The release encompasses updates that ensure BCREA Standard Forms reflect regulatory and practice requirements

2023 Standard Forms & HBRP Resources

Last updated: February 1, 2023 This page contains background information on the 2023 Standard Forms Launch and Regulatory Changes, information and resources to help REALTORS® and managing brokers prepare for use of the new and revised forms, updates to professional development courses and quick links to other relevant resources. BCREA will update this page as

BCREA Standard Forms Seeking Volunteers

UPDATE: Volunteer applications for the quality assurance/end user testing are now closed. Interested in volunteering with BCREA Standard Forms? We are currently seeking volunteers who are interested in providing their valuable input and feedback as a forms quality assurance/end user tester or as a member of the Standard Forms Committee. Quality Assurance Testing BCREA Standard

BCREA Managing Broker Needs Analysis Survey

As part of BC Real Estate Association’s (BCREA) Strategic Plan, we are conducting research to identify the needs of Managing Brokers and opportunities within the profession to support Managing Brokers. If you are a Managing Broker, Associate Broker or Broker Owner, please take a moment to complete the survey by clicking the link below. Complete

Operational Committees

These BCREA Operational Committees & Other Volunteer Committees help guide our association’s work and ensure our REALTOR® members’ diverse viewpoints and valuable expertise remain at the heart of our decision-making. Click any Operational Committee names or task forces below to view its Terms of Reference and learn more about its purpose, responsibilities and criteria. BCREA

Board of Directors, Board Committees and External Appointments

Board of Directors Interested in helping to set BCREA’s strategic focus and have a meaningful impact on the future of the real estate profession? The Board of Director’s role covers a wide range of responsibilities including setting BCREA’s strategic goals and objectives, financial oversight, ensuring qualified management, overseeing BCREA’s business activities, reviewing its materials risk

Anti-Money Laundering

Ensuring REALTORS® have the resources to meet anti-money laundering requirements is an important step towards keeping money from criminal activity out of BC’s housing market. Money laundering is an issue of significant concern for all British Columbians. At BCREA, we take the issue very seriously. In 2022, the BC Government publicly released the final report

Governance

Bylaws: This document contains BCREA’s Bylaws as filed with the Registrar of Companies of the Province of British Columbia and was last updated in 2020. Click here to view BCREA’s Bylaws. Rules: This document contains the rules and regulations that govern BCREA. Click here to view BCREA’s Rules. Constitution: Created in 1995, BCREA’s Constitution provides

Advocacy Resources

Lobbyist Registry: All real estate boards are required to report their provincial advocacy through BC’s Lobbyists Registry. BCREA has prepared the following resources to help: Real Estate Legislation: External links:

Consumer Protection

BCREA and REALTORS® have an intrinsic interest in consumer protection – what’s good for home buyers and sellers is also good for the real estate sector. BCREA is committed to working with the BC Government and BC’s real estate regulator, the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA), to develop robust evidence-based policy that will enhance consumer

Environment and Climate Change Resiliency

Flood Protection Flood risk has the strong potential to increase in coming years due to climate predictions calling for increased levels of precipitation in more frequent and more intense weather events. Flooding poses catastrophic risks to BC’s economic vitality, safety and environment. BCREA’s flood plays a strong role in floodplain mapping to assist REALTORS®, their

Real Estate Practice

Regulatory Reform In 2021, the BC Financial Services Authority became the sole regulator of real estate in the province. To learn more about how this change affected REALTORS®, please click on the following resources: Anti-Money Laundering In 2022, the BC Government publicly released the final report and recommendations from the Cullen Commission of Inquiry into

Affordability

Supply BCREA advocates for improved housing affordability through addressing the mismatch between supply and demand. The government has made some progress towards increasing housing supply, including removing the default requirement for local governments to hold public hearings for rezoning that are consistent with Official Community Plans. We are encouraging the government to enact proposals laid

Government Liaison Days

Government Liaison Days (GL Days) is an annual event hosted by BCREA where REALTORS® from across BC learn about pertinent government relations issues and meet with local MLAs. GL Days is an important tool to drive forward smart policy and build strong relationships with politicians. During GL Days, delegates get exposure to key federal and

Elections

BCREA is a non-partisan organization, focusing on the issues rather than the politics. We try to work collaboratively with whatever party is forming government, while also fostering relationships with the opposition. BCREA and member boards participate in elections by promoting important issues, sponsoring housing debates, as well as providing resources to help engage with their

BCREA Volunteer Opportunities

REALTORS® are an integral part of the community. Not only do you facilitate what is often one of the biggest transactions in people’s lives, but you also support your communities through a dedication to your profession. That means taking Professional Development opportunities, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, and for some, it could also mean

Focus on Privacy

British Columbia’s private sector privacy legislation came into effect on January 1, 2004. The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), governs the collection, use and disclosure of personal information held by organizations. The legislation recognizes the rights of the individuals, to protect their information and the need of the organization to collect, use, or disclose personal information for

Toolkits

The BCREA Standard Forms Resource Centre is the go-to place for REALTORS® and managing brokers to find standard forms toolkits. The toolkit is an interactive training guide aimed at providing you with information about the form, outlining what the sections of the form mean, guiding you and your clients how to complete the form and much

Standard Forms Resources

BCREA has a variety of standard forms resources available for REALTORS®. If you’re not sure where to go for information, the list of resources for information below is a great start: Are you still looking for information? Check out InFormBot, access BCREA’s Standard Forms Toolkits, or email [email protected].

InFormBot

Have You Checked Out Our New Standard Forms Tool? Check out InFormBot, an interactive tool that helps BC REALTORS® navigate commonly used standard forms confidently, anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re working with a seller or a buyer, InFormBot offers forms suggestions, practice tips, videos and resources. Access InFormBot

Explore courses

Already registered for a self-paced online course? Click the button below to access your courses and continue your professional development. My Courses Being a REALTOR® means committing to a standard of professionalism that goes beyond regulatory requirements. Each PDP cycle, REALTORS® are required to complete a minimum of 18 hours of professional development. Of these 18 hours,

Manufactured Homes

Many real estate transactions in BC involve the sale of manufactured homes. So, to protect yourself and your clients, REALTORS® need to be aware of the specific and unique requirements of representing a buyer or seller in transactions involving manufactured homes. Manufactured homes include modular and mobile homes. They are typically built in a factory

Safety and Manufactured Homes – Pilot Project

This is a pilot project for BCREA and the Association of Interior REALTORS® to work with Technical Safety BC (TSBC) to test the feasibility of listing manufactured homes before obtaining electrical certification. Safety is essential, so electrical safety certification must be in place before completing any transaction. This project is limited to the Southern Peace

Radon Resources

Radon is an invisible and odourless radioactive gas that leaks from the soil and is prevalent throughout Canada. In order to best serve your clients, REALTORS® need to be aware of current government programs, applicable laws, emerging policies and required disclosures on radon relevant to BC real estate transactions. BCREA has created a Radon FAQ

Interboard Arbitration

An Arbitration service has been established to resolve any commission dispute arising between a member board and a member of another board, in accordance with written agreements agreed to by the member boards. The full policy and process guidelines can be found below. How to Start a Claim For information about how to start a

Managing Broker Advisory Committee Application Form

Committee Member Requirements To complete a form of declaration at the start of each term. To attend a minimum of three virtual or in-person Committee meetings per year. Reasonable travel costs to attend the Committee meetings are reimbursed by BCREA based on the Association’s expense policy. Please refer to the Managing Broker Advisory Committee Terms

Managing Brokers Advisory Committee

BCREA recognizes the crucial role managing brokers hold in BC real estate transactions and in supporting licensees in the profession. Managing brokers wear many hats, from supervisor and office administrator to mentor and advisor. Under the Real Estate Services Act (RESA), managing brokers are responsible for all licensing activities and maintaining an adequate supervision of

Multiple Offers

Low interest rates and a lack of housing supply can lead to a hot Canadian housing market where sellers are dealing with multiple offers and buyers may be willing to take risks to secure the purchase of a property. REALTORS® should be comfortable and confident providing clients with information on how to mitigate risks, while

Mobile Plan for REALTORS®

BCREA Mobile has changed its name to Area WIRELESS, but the program and the features remain the same. Area WIRELESS has been the behind-the-scenes program administrator for BCREA Mobile since launch, and has provided savings to REALTORS® and their families and friends since 2017. While the name and logo are different, all of your account details

BCREA Quarterly Financial Report

Every quarter, BCREA reports its financial position to the Board of Directors. Once the Directors have seen the reports, they are posted here.

BCREA Audited Financial Statements

At the end of every fiscal year, BCREA publishes Audited Financial Statements to provide our members, industry stakeholders and consumers a detailed and transparent overview of our Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Operations.

BCREA Backgrounder

BCREA is the professional association for more than 26,000 commercial and residential REALTORS® in BC. Our mission is to empower the province’s eight real estate boards by sharing our expertise and providing professional development opportunities, advocacy, economic research and standard forms so REALTORS® are trusted, respected and proud of their profession. 2022 Multiple Listing Service®

Annual Reports

Every year, BCREA reports on the key activities, highlights and achievements in service of BC’s eight real estate boards and 26,000 REALTORS® from the previous year. The annual report is typically published in March and includes audited financial statements.