Real Estate News Brought to you by the Jurome Real Estate Group

Thinking about a career in real estate? Want to build your name as a REALTOR®? While there’s no universal formula for success, there’s a lot to learn from the people behind the profession. This month, we get up close and personal with two REALTORS® for the first episode in our new series, exploring the world of the working REALTOR®.

Edmonton-based James Mabey, CREA’s Chair-Elect, and Halifax-based Chris Peters, CREA’s Regional Director (Atlantic), reflect on how they got their start in the industry and share lessons learned.

On this special episode of REAL TIME, live-recorded at the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) 2023 Leadership Summit, we’re joined by Lital Marom, a globally recognized thought leader, entrepreneur, innovation strategist, and business visionary.

Lital has spoken at industry conferences worldwide, inspiring organizations to “disrupt themselves” and unlock their potential in the new, exponential economy. She’s a trailblazer on topics ranging from digital transformation and emerging technologies to workplace culture and agile leadership.

On this episode, Lital focuses on how organizations can reimagine themselves through mindset shifts, the power of data, exploring new business models, and more.

Help us improve REAL TIME.Let us know what you think by filling out our survey. We’ll use your feedback to make the podcast a better tool for you and REALTORS® across the country.

Each year, REALTOR.ca generates more than five million leads for REALTORS® across Canada. Developed and operated by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) on behalf of its REALTOR® members, it’s the country’s most popular and trusted real estate platform. As technology advances, however, and new contenders enter the market, it’s critical REALTOR.ca secures its relevance for the future.

On this episode of REAL TIME, we explore the future of Canada’s real estate landscape as well as the vision behind shifting REALTOR.ca from a not-for-profit, association-driven product to a wholly owned, for-profit subsidiary of the CREA.

Ultimately, we look at how this shift will expand the platform’s potential to keep REALTORS® at the heart of the real estate transaction.

Guests include Jill Oudil, CREA Chair, Patrick Pichette, VP of REALTOR.ca, and Andrew Jackson, Head of Business Development at CREA.

Help us improve REAL TIME. Let us know what you think by filling out our survey. We’ll use your feedback to make the podcast a better tool for you and REALTORS® across the country.

In a hyper-digital world, savvy brands are finding success tapping into and nurturing online communities. On this episode, Shannae Ingleton Smith joins REAL TIME to help REALTORS® find and build a niche of their own, true to their personal and professional brand.

Shannae, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of Kensington Grey, a boutique influencer agency rooted in diversity, is an expert in content creation and brand storytelling. In addition to “finding your people” and building a niche, she also talks about how to portray your authenticity online, make the most of each platform, and strike a balance between creating your own content and having others, like influencers or clients, champion your brand for you.

Let us know what you think about the episode by filling out our survey. Your feedback will be used to make REAL TIME a better tool for you, and REALTORS® across the country.

While Canada’s housing market has felt like a roller coaster over the last few years, 2023 might be the year it turns a corner. Slowly.

On Episode 34 of REAL TIME, we’re joined by Shaun Cathcart, Director and Senior Economist, Housing Data and Market Analysis, at the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Shaun takes a step back to help REALTORS® and their clients look forward, painting a picture of Canada’s housing market pre-pandemic, how it changed, and what the data can tell us about the future.

At times, the phrase “business innovation” can feel as amorphous as any other buzzword: what does it mean, and what’s the opportunity for REALTORS®?

On Episode 33 of REAL TIME, researcher, keynote speaker, and one of The Globe and Mail’s top changemakers of 2022, Dr. Chitra Anand, explores the many ways in which REALTORS® can innovate. She also unpacks an important new movement in the workplace: intrapreneurship.

Learn how you can foster an intrapreneurial spirit to challenge the norm, spur new ideas, and continue building trust through value-added solutions. Dr. Anand breaks it all down, including how to focus your efforts for the greatest impact if you’re a smaller business with limited resources.

As part of REALTORS Care® Week 2022, we’re joined by Chris Jarvis, co-founder of Realized Worth. At Realized Worth, Chris designs volunteering strategies to help businesses drive engagement, retention, inclusivity, and stronger relationships with their communities.

On Episode 32 of REAL TIME, Chris helps us understand how we can reprogram our brains to feel empathy for groups with whom we don’t identify. By breaking down barriers, and adopting a transformative approach to volunteering, it can help us see the world with a fresh perspective.

Episode Resources

1. Realized Worth

2. Invisible People

3. The RW Institute

4. The Brain, Episode 5: Why Do I Need You?

Canada frequently ranks as the best country in the world for its quality of life, but what does it mean to live in Canada? How does the Canadian experience differ among subsets of the population? And what social, cultural, or lifestyle trends might be impacting Canadians’ real estate decisions?

On Episode 31 of REAL TIME, we’re joined by Canadian media figure Lainey Lui, ETALK correspondent and co-host of The Social. Known for her sociological perspective on the value of pop culture, Lainey joins REAL TIME to put the Canadian experience under the microscope.

Over the last few years some industries have experienced a labour shortage while others have seen an increase. As the workforce continues to evolve, creating a culture that employees value is critical to attracting and keeping the right talent, and driving your business forward.

On Episode 30 of REAL TIME, we’re joined by Neil Thornton, President of the Thornton Group, to help REALTORS® and brokers, regardless of their role on a team, strengthen their leadership, coaching, and engagement skills. Gain insight on how to build a strong team culture anchored in a shared vision.

Historically, real estate has been a referral business, with business development driven by reputation. So, in an industry where word-of-mouth is your strongest marketing tool, how does modern marketing fit in?

On Episode 29 of REAL TIME, we’re joined by Priyanka Goswami, Executive Vice President of One-to-One and Customer Experience at award-winning creative agency No Fixed Address.

Priyanka joins REAL TIME to offer insights on how REALTORS® can take a focused approach to marketing their business, building a strategy that includes first-party data, personalization, success metrics, and more.

We might be living in a digital age, but a career in real estate is personal.

On Episode 28 of REAL TIME, we’re joined by James Duthie, Canada’s favourite sportscaster, to explore one of the most personal tools of the real estate trade: conversation.

Hear James’ approach to sparking meaningful conversations at work and in life – with examples from throughout his career (the good and bad).

From breaking the ice to broaching sensitive topics, learn how REALTORS® can use conversation to build stronger relationships with their clients.

On Episode 27 of REAL TIME, we’re joined by Newfoundland and Labrador-born, Norway-based architect Todd Saunders, best known for his iconic design of the Fogo Island Inn and studios. A Canadian architect with a global presence, Todd shares his unique perspective on the relationship between architecture and the ways in which we live in, interact with, or appreciate a place. Todd also shares his personal story defining a new vision for architecture as well the importance of building strong, trustworthy relationships with clients.

On Episode 27 of REAL TIME, we’re joined by Newfoundland and Labrador-born, Norway-based architect Todd Saunders, best known for his iconic design of the Fogo Island Inn and studios.

A Canadian architect with a global presence, Todd shares his unique perspective on the relationship between architecture and the ways in which we live in, interact with, or appreciate a place.

Todd also shares his personal story defining a new vision for architecture as well the importance of building strong, trustworthy relationships with clients.

Dr. Raj Bhatla is Psychiatrist-in-Chief at The Royal Mental Health Centre in Ottawa, one of Canada’s foremost mental health care, teaching, and research hospitals. Ron Antalek is a REALTOR® in Maple Ridge, British Columbia with more than 30 years’ experience, a mental health advocate, and the recipient of the Canadian REALTORS Care® Award 2020. On Episode 26, Dr. Bhatla and Ron join REAL TIME in support of Mental Health Week 2022. Aligning with this year’s theme of empathy, they explore various topics surrounding mental health including destigmatization, mental health in the workplace, the vulnerability of REALTORS®, and how to support one another through compassion and understanding.

In the mid-90s, the Internet ushered in a new era in how consumers buy and sell real estate. Today, one platform is more popular than any other in Canada. So, how did we get here? And what’s next? On Episode 25 of REAL TIME, we’re joined by Patrick Pichette, Vice President of REALTOR.ca, and Andrew Jackson, Head of Business Development at the Canadian Real Estate Association. We explore the evolution of listing sites and how REALTOR.ca has staked its claim as a leading platform beyond listings. We also discuss the future of Canadian real estate, new innovations on the horizon, and REALTOR.ca’s trajectory to further support REALTORS® and their clients.

“We’ve accelerated into the future by at least a decade.” The pandemic has pushed us further and faster into a digital-first economy. In an industry like real estate, where trust and human interaction are paramount, what’s the impact of this digitalization? More importantly, what can REALTORS® expect as technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and the metaverse continue to gain traction? On Episode 24 of REAL TIME, we’re joined by futurist Sinead Bovell, the model who talks tech, to explore the pros and cons of a society that increasingly engages, transacts, and communicates through technology.

Today’s leaders are being tested. From emerging technology and shifting employee values to uncertainty introduced by the pandemic, the workplace is changing. And leaders are changing with it. So, what does it mean to be a leader today? And how do we prepare for tomorrow? On Episode 23 of REAL TIME, global speaker and author Hamza Khan shares his unique perspective on the future of work. Learn how leaders can take care of their teams, businesses, and themselves – and how REALTORS® can be seen as leaders in their field.

Whether it’s our salaries or family dinners, negotiating is part of daily life. For REALTORS®, it’s fundamental to their business. On Episode 22 of REAL TIME, we’re joined by Wes Hall, one of North America’s most influential business leaders, to wrap up the year with some practical knowledge and inspiring stories. Wes shares his journey from humble beginnings in Jamaica to Bay Street in Toronto, and how negotiation was foundational to his success. As the newest dragon on Dragons’ Den, he also shares tips for staying grounded as an entrepreneur. From knowing your audience to knowing your worth, gain insight to help build your skills as a negotiator and an advisor.

During the first year of his family medicine residency, Dr. Naheed Dosani experienced a devastating and life-changing event: one of his patients passed away. That patient, Terry, had lived on the streets for 15 years, had terminal cancer, and was repeatedly refused access to proper palliative care. It was too little too late. Deeply affected by Terry’s loss, Dr. Dosani realized that while we all have equal access to healthcare in Canada, it doesn’t mean we have equitable access. And so he pledged to inspire change. To complement REALTORS Care® Week 2021, we join Dr. Dosani to gain a front-line perspective of the inequities facing homeless, poor, and vulnerably-housed Canadians. We look at housing as a healthcare issue, how we can cure it through policy, and how we can tap into our own vulnerability to ensure no one has to fall through the cracks.

What’s cost-effective, functional yet invisible, and has the power to improve homeowner safety and strengthen communities? Universal Design: an approach to designing spaces that are inclusive and equitable for all. On Episode 20 of REAL TIME, we speak with Brad McCannell, Vice President of Access and Inclusion at the Rick Hansen Foundation, to explore the personal, societal, and financial value of adopting Universal Design practices in both our homes and shared spaces.

Canadians have had their say in Canada’s 44th federal election, ushering in a new Liberal minority government. What led to this result and what does it mean for Canadians? On Episode 19 of REAL TIME, we’re joined by one of Canada’s most prolific political journalists and commentators, Chantal Hébert. Join us as we unpack the election’s political implications for Canada’s housing crisis, including the newly-elected government’s housing promises, and how all parties might align to support a more accessible and sustainable housing sector.

Vacation properties have been around for decades, but their popularity has sky-rocketed over the last few years. What’s driving that trend, and how is it changing the current market? Heather Bayer, co-founder of Vacation Rental Formula, joins us for a deep dive into the dos and don’ts of vacation property investment, how the sharing economy has affected the way vacation rental businesses operate, and the responsibilities all owners have to their guests and neighbours. From helping your clients find their own vacation property, to what the next year may hold, Episode 18 of REAL TIME is a must-listen for the latest trends and insights.

Vacation properties have been around for decades, but their popularity has sky-rocketed over the last few years. What’s driving that trend, and how is it changing the current market? Heather Bayer, co-founder of Vacation Rental Formula, joins us for a deep dive into the dos and don’ts of vacation property investment, how the sharing economy has affected the way vacation rental businesses operate, and the responsibilities all owners have to their guests and neighbours. From helping your clients find their own vacation property, to what the next year may hold, Episode 18 of REAL TIME is a must-listen for the latest trends and insights.

We might think we know what characteristics define each generation, even when it comes to real estate. Baby Boomers are downsizing, Millennials can’t afford to break into the market, Gen Z are tech obsessed, and Gen X… who are Gen X again? But are any of these prevailing notions true, or are they just stereotypes? In this special episode of REAL TIME, we talk to four REALTORS® from across the country about their experiences with clients of all ages and how each generation is navigating and redefining the landscape. First, we chat Gen X and Gen Z trends with Davelle Morrison and Austin Titus. Later, we explore what’s hot in real estate for Baby Boomers and Millennials with Rob Marland and Tanya Eklund.

From career uncertainty to work-life balance to interpersonal conflict, there’s no shortage of challenges facing today’s professionals. In Episode 16 of REAL TIME, we explore the latest thinking in industrial and organizational psychology to help professionals set themselves up for success. Discover an insightful conversation with Dr. Winny Shen, Associate Professor of Organization Studies at York University, as she shares techniques for REALTORS® – and all professionals – to gain a mental edge by better managing stress, strengthening their work relationships, embracing mentorship opportunities, and more.

From autonomous vehicles to on-demand everything, technology has woven itself into the fabric of our lives. But what about its impact on the real estate industry? And, more importantly, what’s next? In Episode 15 of REAL TIME, futurist and real estate thought leader Nikki Greenberg explains the breakthroughs and benefits of a rapidly evolving trend: property tech. Learn what prop-tech is, its potential to modernize residential and commercial development, and how it’s redefining the ways in which we interact with our homes, office spaces, and more.

Investing in real estate for the first time can be equal parts exciting and intimidating. And for some, it can feel like a distant dream. In episode 14 of REAL TIME, author, mentor, former TV host and Broker/Owner Sandra Rinomato tells us how to turn that dream into a reality. What fears or misconceptions are holding first-time buyers back? What should REALTORS® do differently with new buyers? Sandra shares her advice to help break down the process and get to the root of the first-time buyer’s needs, providing actionable tips along the way.

What is the relationship between our homes and our mental and physical well-being? Are there changes we can make to infuse a greater sense of joy into our living spaces? How can we reimagine the things we already have to elevate our homes aesthetically and functionally? In Episode 13 of REAL TIME, designer and TV host Tiffany Pratt talks about connecting more deeply with our homes to improve well-being and live a beautiful life, no matter what ‘beautiful’ means to you. Because in her words – be it through colour, texture or personal items that invigorate our spirit – “our homes should make us feel something.”

“You have to be part of changing the culture. If you want racist speech or actions to be unacceptable, you have to be one of the people saying it’s unacceptable.” In Episode 12 of REAL TIME, we discuss racial biases and opportunity gaps facing BIPOC professionals in Canada. Joined by Dr. Hadiya Roderique – speaker, researcher and author of the viral article “Black on Bay Street” – we look at ways to address racism in the workplace and other interpersonal settings. How do we recognize it? What does it mean to be an ally? How do we improve to be more diverse and inclusive? Join us for a critical conversation with input from REALTORS® who’ve experienced racism or bias firsthand – and their advice on how we can do better.

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic quickly underscored the importance of “home” as refuge. As a result, Canadians started making their homes a larger priority, as demonstrated via record home sales, shifts in the types of homes purchased and a boom in home renovations. Listen in as we discuss this change with Canadian designer, artist and… View More >

2020 has been an unprecedented year in almost every regard. In this episode of REAL TIME, we discuss the impact COVID-19 had on Canadians, how housing markets responded, how REALTORS® have adapted and what it all means moving forward. Join us as we dive deeper into these topics with insights from industry experts David Coletto… View More >

More than 35,000 Canadians experience homelessness every day. In recognition of this, and to complement REALTORS Care® Week 2020, we’re joined by Jesse Thistle, Métis-Cree author of From the Ashes and assistant professor at York University. Learn about Jesse’s personal experience with homelessness, how he’s become a leading voice for the issue, and what REALTORS®… View More >

In Episode 8 of REAL TIME, popular personal finance expert and award-winning author Kelley Keehn discusses the financial concerns and realities facing many Canadians today, including homeowners and prospective home buyers. Discover tips and tools for REALTORS® to help your clients assess and strengthen their financial health, even in unstable times.

In Episode 7 of REAL TIME, award-winning designer, best-selling author and TV icon Sarah Richardson shares lessons learned during an incredibly successful career buying and designing homes – everything from the value of using a REALTOR® to making the most of your space on any budget.

In Episode 6 of REAL TIME, we talk with Subtej Nijjar, partner at Union Creative, the agency behind CREA’s national ad campaigns, about methodologies REALTORS® can employ to better understand their audience, position themselves strategically and stay relevant in periods of change and a hypercompetitive industry.

In Episode 6 of REAL TIME, we talk with Subtej Nijjar, partner at Union Creative, the agency behind CREA’s national ad campaigns, about methodologies REALTORS® can employ to better understand their audience, position themselves strategically and stay relevant in periods of change and a hypercompetitive industry.

In Episode 5 of REAL TIME, we’ll join Riti Verma, real estate entrepreneur and CEO of RankMyAgent.com—with input from REALTOR® Ben Sweet—to discuss the importance of managing your online reputation as a REALTOR®. We’ll look at the impacts of online reviews, tips to get started, and how to ensure a positive experience to land and… View More >

In Episode 5 of REAL TIME, we’ll join Riti Verma, real estate entrepreneur and CEO of RankMyAgent.com—with input from REALTOR® Ben Sweet—to discuss the importance of managing your online reputation as a REALTOR®. We’ll look at the impacts of online reviews, tips to get started, and how to ensure a positive experience to land and… View More >

In response to current conditions, businesses and REALTORS® need to react to a new world, though temporary, where human interaction is limited or discouraged. The real estate industry, built on relationships, will be significantly impacted. But within adverse conditions come opportunities and new human behaviours. For REALTORS®, maintaining a personal connection is crucial. The CREA… View More >

In Episode 3 of REAL TIME, we talk with Steve Murray, president and co-founder of REAL Trends, about the foundational elements of real estate – what’s changed, what hasn’t – and how trust and communication continue to play a vital role in safeguarding REALTOR® success.

In Episode 3 of REAL TIME, we talk with Steve Murray, president and co-founder of REAL Trends, about the foundational elements of real estate – what’s changed, what hasn’t – and how trust and communication continue to play a vital role in safeguarding REALTOR® success.

In celebration of Earth Day we’ll speak with REALTOR® Chris Chopik, a passionate environmental advocate about how climate-risk directly impacts the industry, the role REALTORS® can play protecting the environment, and what REALTORS® need to know about selling greener homes.

This podcast is about brand storytelling. We’ll explore the crucial connection between REALTORS® and the emotional aspects of home buying and how to use those key elements to add value to your client relationships and the sales process.

Buying or selling a home isn’t just a financial decision. It’s an emotional one. In our inaugural episode of REAL TIME, we chat with award-winning marketer and radio icon Terry O’Reilly about the changing landscape of real estate—and how brand storytelling, innovation, and emotional connections can boost your business as a REALTOR®.

In an emergency announcement on March 13th, 2020 the Bank of Canada announced a 0.5% reduction in its trend-setting overnight lending rate from 1.25% to 0.75%. This was a further reduction from the 0.5% cut announced just 9 days earlier at the regularly scheduled interest rate announcement. The announcement was part of coordinated action by… View More >

In line with financial market expectations, the Bank of Canada announced, on March 4, it was lowering its trend-setting overnight lending rate by 50 basis points from 1.75% to 1.25%. This was the first change in the overnight lending rate since October 2018. This follows a day after the U.S. Federal Reserve cut the Federal… View More >

Ottawa, ON, February 18, 2020 – Earlier today, Minister of Finance Bill Morneau announced changes to the mortgage stress test. The new benchmark rate used to determine the minimum qualifying rate for insured mortgages, coming into effect on April 6, 2020, will be the weekly median 5-year fixed insured mortgage rate from mortgage insurance applications,… View More >

Advanced AVM technology from Altus Group combined with extensive data from real estate boards and associations delivers first national Canadian index making it one of largest and most comprehensive in the world TORONTO (October 2, 2019) — Altus Group Limited (“Altus Group”) (TSX: AIF), a leading provider of software, data solutions and independent advisory services… View More >

Ottawa, ON, September 23, 2019 — With Election 2019 underway, CREA welcomes today’s announcement that a Conservative government would introduce new measures to make it easier for first-time homebuyers to buy a home. “REALTORS® have long asked for common-sense solutions designed to help Canadians to purchase a home of their own,” said Jason Stephen, President… View More >

Ottawa, ON, September 12, 2019 ⁠— With Election 2019 barely underway, CREA welcomes today’s announcement that a Liberal government would extend the eligibility requirements for the First Time Home Buyers’ Incentive (FTHBI) so that Canadians in higher priced markets can take advantage of the program. “REALTORS® welcomed the FTHBI when it was announced in the spring… View More >

Ottawa, ON, September 12, 2019 — The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has launched an Election 2019 Resource Hub for REALTORS® called REALideas to share policy proposals to help Canadians achieve their homeownership aspirations. “Housing affordability is top of mind to Canadians who have been shut out of housing markets across the country. REALTORS® know that all… View More >

Ottawa, ON, May 14, 2019 ­— Recent reports highlight real estate in Canada can be a haven for money launderers due to its stability and value. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) fully supports governments’ efforts to crack down on money laundering. CREA would like to underscore the British Columbia Real Estate Association’s position, “real estate… View More >

Ottawa, ON, March 19, 2019 –  The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) welcomes the various measures in Budget 2019 that will help address housing affordability and provide meaningful support for Canadians.  REALTORS® have been advocating on behalf of millennials and others who aspire to homeownership but are struggling to reach their goal amid a challenging environment…. View More >