for Journalists
Canadian Real Estate Association
Contact1: Bob Linney, Manager of Strategic Communications
Phone (Bus): (613)237-7111
(Fax): (613)234-2567
E-mail: rlinney@crea.caAddress: 1600-344 Slater Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7Y3
Web Sites: www.crea.ca
www.mls.ca
www.cls.ca
Keys: amortization; appraisal; appraisals; blended payments; buyer brokerage agreement; buyer's agent; Buyer's broker; closing; CMHC; commission; debt-service ratio; dual agent; equity; financial institutions; GE Capital Mortgage Insurance Company; Gross Debt Service Ratio; homes; houses; industrial and commercial property; insurer; Listing Agreement; MLS; mortgage; mortgage broker; mortgagee; mortgagor; Multiple Listing Service; Offer of Purchase and Sale; purchaser's agent; real estate; realtor; Seller's Agent; Variable-rate Mortgage; Ontario*.
Expertise:
The Canadian Real Estate Association works to promote a national legislative and regulatory environment that is favourable to REALTORS, real estate, and property ownership. CREA establishes and maintains contacts with federal cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, parliamentary committees and senior bureaucrats both directly and through its Political Action Committee
(PAC). Representatives of the Association also prepare submissions, or appear before Commons and Senate Committees when issues that impact REALTORS, housing, or property rights are being discussed and debated. CREA also makes an annual pre-budget submission with recommendations for government fiscal policy that encourage responsible economic growth. Issues that have been addressed in recent years have include the Home Buyers ' Plan, raising RRSP contribution limits, the Retirement Income Home Ownership Plan (RIHOP), the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act.
Mandate:
CREA's primary mission is to represent its members at the federal level of government and to act as a watchdog on national legislation that pertains to the real estate industry. CREA has frequently taken strong stands to defend the public's right to own and enjoy property.CREA's Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice has been the measure of professionalism in organized real estate for over 40 years. The first code was approved in 1913 at the convention of the National Association of Real Estate Boards held in Winnipeg. The first Code of Ethics specifically prepared for members of The Canadian Real Estate Association was approved by members in 1959.
The Code establishes a standard of conduct, which in many respects exceeds basic legal requirements. This standard ensures that that the rights and interests of consumers of real estate services are protected. As a condition of membership, all REALTORS agree to abide by the Code.
Today CREA represents more than 65,000 REALTORS across Canada. The associations owns the MLS® trademark, has proprietary ownership of the REALTOR trademark, and operates national web sites including mls.ca for residential properties and CLS.CA for commercial listings across Canada. 2003 also marks the 100th anniversary of the Winnipeg Real Estate Board, and the 60th anniversary of the Calgary Real Estate Board.
Story Ideas:
2007
October 30, 2007: Some home buyers will benefit from new tax measures
August 20, 2007: CREA Forecast - August 2007
June 26, 2007: New features launched on popular mls.ca
June 12, 2007: Study shows economic benefits of MLS® home sales
March 26, 2007: Ann Bosley of Toronto is CREA's 60th President; REALTORS® take key messages to Parliament Hill
March 23, 2007: New National Headquarters for Canadian REALTORS®
March 19, 2007: Federal Budget Misses Investment Opportunity
March 16, 2007: REALTORS® propose changes to capital gains tax
February 19, 2007: CREA Forecast February 2007
January 4, 2007: A new home for Canadian REALTORS®
2006
November 23, 2006: REALTORS® welcome tax proposals outlined in Economic Statement
November 20, 2006: REALTORS® propose changes to capital gains tax
October 4, 2006: CREA Forecast October 2006
September 20, 2006: Consultations to continue for proposed MLS® rule changes
September 6, 2006: WUF3 Networking Session; IHC sponsors 12 case studies at WUF3
June 9, 2006: WUF3 Networking Session; IHC sponsors 12 case studies at WUF3
May 4, 2006: CREA Forecast May 2006
April 4, 2006: REALTORS® welcome Throne Speech
March 30, 2006: Alan Tennant, FRI is CREA's 59th President
February 27, 2006: CREA Forecast February 2006
February 1, 2006: Housing issues need strong federal leadership
January 26, 2006: CREA co-founder of International Housing Coalition
January 25, 2006: Conservative platform can impact real estate
2005
November 11, 2005: CREA forecast November 2005
September 16, 2005: Study shows economic impact of MLS® sales
August 17, 2005: CREA forecast August 2005: Strong second quarter to push sales over the top
August 1, 2005: National MLS® home sales remain strong in July - Sales activity remains on track for new annual record
May 13, 2005: CREA forecast May 2005 show Alberta as most active marketupdated: November 8th, 2007