Message from the TREB President

February 22, 2010 -- It’s said that the only constant is change and with respect to our profession, truer words were never spoken.

The market is just one of the many dynamic forces that make ours the world’s most exciting profession. Fortunately, it is anticipated that the spring market will be an active one, with more listings expected to come online as homeowners react to the healthy price gains experienced in recent months.

Detailed market projections for 2010 were presented at a series of Member Forums held throughout the Greater Toronto Area recently. TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis Jason Mercer examined how factors like immigration, employment and interest rates will affect the GTA resale, new home and rental housing markets.

The presentation met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from Members, receiving comments like “This presentation is a must to attend for all sales agents” and “Exceeded my expectations – a great speaker, a fabulous and timely presentation.”

Also included as part of the Member Forums were fireside chats that offered a look at upcoming initiatives, and an opportunity to gather your feedback. A number of exciting new resources and activities are scheduled to be introduced this year like a completely redesigned TorontoMLS homepage with numerous new features, an advertising campaign focused on Buyer representation, and promotion of the REALTOR® image through social media.

A full list of items currently on the radar at TREB along with the detailed Market Outlook presentation is now available online. See Details.

Another factor that affects our profession on an ongoing basis is regulatory change. You are probably aware of recent media reports noting that the Commissioner of Competition has filed a Notice of Application against CREA seeking to strike down certain CREA rules. CREA intends to vigorously defend itself before the Tribunal and in the meantime, it has established a Competition Bureau Information Zone on REALTORLink to serve as your resource for accurate and current information on the subject. Since information will be updated on a regular basis, you may wish to click periodically on the direct connection to REALTORlink, which can be found on the right side of the TorontoMLS homepage.

While we will undoubtedly experience changes with respect to market forces, regulatory requirements and of course, technological advancements in the future, I am confident that our profession will continue to evolve and prosper. Regardless of changing circumstances, we will continue to help people fulfill one of the most basic human needs: that of shelter. With each passing year, buying and selling a home becomes a more sophisticated process that involves a multitude of considerations. It serves to follow therefore, that the consumer need for professional guidance with respect to their single largest investment is greater than ever before.

The tragedy that occurred in Haiti last month was a stark reminder of the essential role that shelter plays in everyone’s lives. I am tremendously proud of the fact that Greater Toronto REALTORS® once again demonstrated their commitment to improving the quality of life of those less fortunate, contributing nearly $75,000 to relief efforts in Haiti. If you have not yet had an opportunity to make a donation there is still time to do so. TREB’s donation portal will remain open until February 28th. See Details.

Please bear in mind that every contribution will make a difference to this devastated nation. While Canada ranks fourth on the United Nations Human Development Index, Haiti, the Western hemisphere’s poorest country, held the149th position out of 189 nations on the list even before this great tragedy occurred.

Our support is another example of the integral thread that REALTORS® represent in the fabric of society. It will certainly contribute to a brighter future for the people of Haiti as they work to rebuild their homes, businesses and institutions.

As the first hints of spring emerge in the coming weeks, there are many positive initiatives for TREB Members to look forward to as well. Please stay tuned to TorontoMLS for information on the latest resources and activities to support your business needs. In the meantime, if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach me anytime at trebpres@trebnet.com.

Tom Lebour
President