Real Estate Magazine (REM) is Canada’s premier news source for real estate professionals. Every month, REM publishes one article from a rotating group of BCREA authors including Trevor Koot, Trevor Hargreaves, and Brendon Ogmundson, elevating the BC REALTOR® experience and perspective on a national stage.
From economics to practice issues to government relations, BCREA authors offer REM readers expert knowledge and thought leadership on a multitude of topics.
Check out the latest and past articles below.
With Canada navigating a growth-challenged landscape, the already uncertain economic recovery in 2025 will be further challenged by the incoming US President’s trade tactics.
There are around 26,500 Realtors in British Columbia, each with unique opinions and characteristics. So, how does the BC Real Estate Association go about the task of advocating on behalf of them and the sector?
The federal government has loosened mortgage regulations for the first time in over a decade. Here’s how the new rules could ease housing frustrations, particularly for first-time homebuyers.
The BCREA Government Relations department successfully lobbied the BC Government to address concerns with Residential Tenancy Act changes. But there are still several issues with the legislation that, as yet, continue to go unaddressed.
The rise of teams in organized real estate has added new pressures for managing brokers, exposing deficiencies in regulation and compensation. In British Columbia, where teams now represent a significant segment of the sector, the need for a self-correction is more urgent than ever.
BC has a complex housing ecosystem that needs to be navigated with extreme caution. So, it stands to reason that as British Columbians approach a provincial election in October, housing and affordability will be top-of-mind issues. What’s at stake in this election and what do British Columbians need on the housing file from the next government?
To better utilize available resources, organized real estate must move away from a legacy model of protectionism to actually collaborate and innovate. This shift includes addressing redundancy, centralizing data, and adopting a corporate mindset to enhance efficiency and innovation. But what will this look like and what does it mean for REALTORS®?
As the Bank of Canada contemplates adjustments to its policy rate, there’s significant curiosity about how these changes will impact mortgage rates. But what does the Bank of Canada need to see to loosen the reins of monetary policy? And, more importantly, will further adjustments lead to substantial changes in mortgage rates?
In 1979, Vancouver was casually referred to as a “village” in contrast to New York’s grandeur, but it now ranks high among world-class cities thanks in part to two major international events. That said, this rapid ascension has come with significant social and economic consequences, including skyrocketing living costs. There’s a path forward, but it’s not what many residents might think.
Through regional, provincial, and national fees, Canadian REALTORS® contribute significantly to organized real estate. However, many boards remain mired in operational issues, hindering their focus on strategy and innovation. As we face big moves from non-traditional players, it’s crucial that organized real estate find a new path forward. But how can we shift from protecting legacy systems to leveraging our resources and data for real progress?