realtor: Latest Allegations Against Canadian Real Estate Association...
- 04/10/10 11:17 AM
April 9, 2010 - 19:41 TORONTO - The federal competition watchdog accused Canada's real estate industry Friday of threatening to ban brokers who attempt to offer a range of services from using its popular Multiple Listing Service. The Competition Bureau's allegations came in its latest reply as part of its ongoing case against the Canadian Real Estate Association, the group that represents some 98,000 Canadian real estate brokers. "In cases where small-scale entry by alternative business models has occurred, CREA and its members have disciplined such entrants, exploiting the barriers CREA has erected through its rule-making and rule-enforcing powers," it said. … (11 comments)
realtor: Competition Bureau Seeks To Expose Consumers To Risk…
- 02/10/10 08:30 AM
The National media has been fed misleading information, which is seriously tarnishing the hard-working reputation of Canadian REALTORS® and the REALTOR® brand which we have built over the years. Melanie Aitken, Commissioner of Competition at the Competition Bureau, issued a press release on February 8, 2010, that falsely stated, the Canadian Real Estate Association’s Rules restrict consumer choice and prevent innovative business models. There are more than 98,000 REALTORS® operating independently across Canada and openly competing for business, offering a wide array of services, and pricing structures. About 9.8 percent of these REALTORS® are professionally licensed members of the local Real … (13 comments)
realtor: What should your buyer know about trees?
- 12/10/08 08:41 AM
Let me start by disclosing that I am not an Arborist, but a recent story in the local newspaper of a toppled tree, well over 100 feet, raised some interesting questions for me to consider as a Realtor. Most urban jurisdictions regulate the conservation, removal and replacement of trees. Whether a tree is deciduous (sheds all leaves) or evergreen, the health, regulation and safety of trees is important for buyers to know. Establishing whether the tree is within the survey stakes should resolve ownership issues, but what are the possible consequences of roots that cross boundaries? A buyer will likely not … (1 comments)
realtor: If the numbers don't add up...
- 08/12/08 02:08 PM
As a Realtor I am also a business person so if the numbers don't add up, or the terms don't make sense, then I'll make the right business decision for me. Just as Realtors have the choice not to take an over-priced listing, seller's have the right to choose "their price" (their perceived value), and even if it is on a whim. These sellers tend to think that a gullible, uninformed buyer will come along and buy their home so they refuse to budge from "their price". This prospective buyer is referred to by the seller as the ‘special buyer' (for … (2 comments)
realtor: A personal tribute to "My Hero"...
- 07/13/08 07:35 PM
Today is Monday, July 14, 2008. Twenty eight years ago quite early in the morning of Monday, July 14, 1980, I sat on the south of Lakeshore Blvd at the base of Walkers Line in Burlington, Ontario. In full view was an image now indelibly cast in my memory of this determined young man running in a double-step and skip style suited for his prosthetic leg, on his way from Oakville to Hamilton. All of a sudden I was completely overcome by uncontrollable emotions that I had never quite experienced before. I was only one of a few who were there to … (0 comments)
realtor: "Market activity offers awaited relief for homebuyers"
- 07/03/08 06:28 PM
This afternoon the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver issued a press release entitled: "Market activity offers awaited relief for homebuyers" Well it's now official, "Increased property listings and moderating home prices have eased the Greater Vancouver housing market into a buyer's phase". (...as in buyers market) Every market, high or low, has its opportunities, and right now Sellers are still of the mindset that their property will sell for more than it will, and it won't! In the past few months, and by being honest with potential Sellers, I have lost a number of listings and expect this to … (0 comments)
realtor: Is my Secret Service badge and pay in the mail?
- 06/23/08 10:18 AM
Over the weekend I read in the Vancouver Sun how a retired Richmond homeowner lost title to his bungalow to con artists. The fraudsters also got away with a mortgage scam worth $400,000. The failure of the banks, lawyers, land title office, etc., to verify both parties to the transaction is scandalous in itself. Since there is clearly challenges at the above, and other institutions (FINTRAC, CSIS, RCMP, etc.), Realtors and Brokerages have been enlisted, effective June 23, 2008, as intermediaries to help raise suspicions and for the discovery of proceeds of crime in real estate transactions. more here... John in … (5 comments)
realtor: Introducing REALTOR.ca
- 06/17/08 02:42 PM
The mls.ca public web site, which is now one of Canada's most popular web sites, is sponsored by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and was launched in 1996. As the Internet research gateway to all residential real estate in Canada, the mls.ca web site attracts an average of about three million unique visitors each month. To avoid public confusion around the use of "mls", the website name and address is now scheduled to be changed to REALTOR.ca on June 30th. Read more here... John in Port Moody Real Estate Evolved … (4 comments)
realtor: Developer pulls out of project, again...
- 03/02/08 05:17 PM
A few years ago the Bambu development on Vancouver Island was cancelled.When the plug was pulled on Riverbend last year, you might have thought that it would be big enough to get some real legislative changes made, especially after making national news: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070507/BC_homeowners_070507. Well now the Eden Group of Companies has cancelled 3 projects; big enough again for national news coverage: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2008/02/27/bc-condosintrouble.html."If a proposed development does not proceed and the purchase contract is terminated, pre-sale purchasers are entitled to have their deposit money repaid. However, unless the pre-sale contract requires interest to be paid, the purchaser may not receive interest on that deposit." http://www.hpo.bc.ca/PDF/Bulletins/Pre-Sale.pdf.If a termination … (0 comments)
realtor: Condo floor plans can be too good to be true: lawyer
- 02/28/08 07:08 AM
Condo floor plans can be too good to be true: lawyer With so many multifamily developments failing, ‘weasel word' warranties, and the legalized ‘bait & switch' tactics, such as the misrepresentation of floor space, the general business acumen and morality of builders and the home building industry leaves the consumer with little trust and an overall lack of confidence. Relying on the developer to build what they promise is a recipe for a disaster. Doing research into the reputation of a builder is impossible and worse, can be misleading. Government doesn't appear to believe they have an obligation to protect the people that elect … (1 comments)
realtor: How will certifying home inspectors help consumers?
- 02/07/08 05:01 PM
The BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is inviting you to participate in a consultation on licensing home inspectors. The consultation provides an opportunity for British Columbians to be part of the process of developing appropriate regulations to enhance consumer protection.The move to regulate home inspectors is being met with some cynicism. "It's good," Grasty told the Straight. "The only problem is, what teeth is it going to have? You certify these people, but how qualified are they? Can consumers sue them? If a person hires a home inspector, they have to sign documents which are full of disclaimers. … (3 comments)
realtor: Adoxographist's Blog...
- 12/06/07 08:44 AM
Adoxography: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adoxography "In modern writing, the term "Adoxography" is also used as an often humorous self-reference in writing, often in regard to humor columns or blogs" ...skilled writing about an unimportant subject, or is that unskilled writing about an important subject? Well I don't know so please judge for yourself as things unfold... John in Port Moody, BC Real Estate Evolved
(formerly the Adoxographist's Blog)
...skilled writing about an unimportant subject, or is that unskilled writing about an important subject?
Well I don't know so as things unfold please judge for yourself...
...don't forget to leave a comment, and thanks for visiting.
John Grasty is a REALTOR® serving the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam - Port Coquitlam - Port Moody) real estate market.
Please check out John's website: http://www.RealEstateEvolved.com
April 9, 2010 - 19:41 TORONTO - The federal competition watchdog accused Canada's real estate industry Friday of threatening to ban brokers who attempt to offer a range of services from using its popular Multiple Listing Service.
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