Welcome to the August edition of LSTAR's e-Bulletin, a recap from the past month and highlights of what's to come. Please let us know your thoughts by sending an email to communications [at] LSTAR.ca (communications[at]LSTAR[dot]ca).

IN THIS ISSUE

REALTOR® Safety in the Spotlight

LSTAR's 2024 Chair Kathy Amess responds to the recent discovery of burned human remains confirmed to be that of a missing real estate agent Anita Mui from Markham, who disappeared under suspicious circumstances earlier this month. LSTAR Staff and Members' thoughts and prayers are with Ms Mui's family during this difficult time.

In light of this tragic event, LSTAR reminds Members to exercise caution when carrying out their daily tasks. CREA has provided this checklist to serve as a guide to help REALTORS® navigate personal safety considerations and ensure they are creating a safe working environment for themselves and those around them.

Highlights

Register now for LSTAR's Member Town Hall on September 12th

To kick off the fall season, join LSTAR on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 11:00 am, for a Member Town Hall. This is a hybrid meeting, with in-person and virtual options. Members are invited to come down to the REALTOR® Halls at LSTAR, 342 Commissioners Road West in London or tune in via Zoom.

Hear the latest Association updates from 2024 LSTAR Chair Kathy Amess and LSTAR CEO Bill Madder, along with a special presentation from CREA Chair James Mabey and CREA CEO Janice Myers on the draft business case to turn REALTOR.ca into a taxable, separate, wholly owned subsidiary of CREA. There will also be time for members to ask questions and share feedback.

LSTAR Invites Nominations for 2025 Board of Directors

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Board of Directors. If you’re passionate about setting the strategy for the future of the Association, this is your opportunity to be part of a 10-member Board that represents the interests of LSTAR’s 2,300 REALTORS®.

Positions Available

Five Director positions for a two-year term – at least two candidates must be Salespersons or Brokers. Please note that the final composition of the Board of Directors must be in accordance with sections 6.2 and 6.3 of the LSTAR Bylaws.

Free Trees for LSTAR Members & Their Clients on October 4

The City of London, in partnership with the London St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®, is hosting a FREE tree giveaway on Friday, October 4th starting at 10 am.

In addition to the City’s Tree Canopy Conservation Program, which helps London landowners with the cost of maintaining mature trees, the City is also working to help ensure more trees are planted on private property. This exclusive free tree giveaway is one of the opportunities to do just that, supporting a healthy environment and enhancing urban living.

Spread the news and connect with your clients in the City of London to let them know about this exciting, FREE chance to add a beautiful touch of green to their properties.

Please note this tree giveaway is not a public event. It is only open to LSTAR members and the clients of LSTAR REALTORS® who live within the City of London. Each household can take up to two free trees.

Save the date and stop by LSTAR office at 342 Commissioners Road West in London on October 4. Trees will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Species will include flowering trees, fruit trees as well as shade trees.

If you have any further questions about this event, please contact FocusOnOurForest [at] london.ca (FocusOnOurForest[at]london[dot]ca).

PropTx News

Important Update: Mandatory Community Field for Elgin and Middlesex Listings

LSTAR is implementing an important update to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of LSTAR listings: the Community Field will become a mandatory requirement for all listings within the Elgin and Middlesex region. This will refine search results and enhance CMA accuracy. PropTx has slated this change to occur on Wednesday, September 4th.

LSTAR's London Map

Future Implementation will include the Lambton Area.

PropTx will assist in backfilling any missing community information post-implementation.

Additionally, PropTx is collaborating with CREA to ensure the community details are displayed on REALTOR.ca. Updates on this integration will be provided as they progress.

Education

LSTAR's September Class Schedule

LSTAR is committed to providing industry and community-focused events and a dynamic suite of educational classes and continuous learning opportunities to boost its Members' knowledge and professionalism.

Classes are taught in-person and can be taken in LSTAR's Computer Lab, as well as being offered online via Zoom.

REALM™

ONLINE - September 11 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - REGISTER
IN-PERSON - September 17 @ 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM - REGISTER

Matrix™

ONLINE - September 3 @ 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM - REGISTER
IN-PERSON - September 17 @ 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM - REGISTER

PropTx Add/Edit

ONLINE - September 5 @ 12:30 PM-2:30 PM - REGISTER
IN-PERSON - September 25 @ 9:30 AM-11:30 AM - REGISTER

WEBForms®

ONLINE - September 11 @ 9:30 AM-12:00 PM - REGISTER
IN-PERSON - September 25 @ 12:30 PM-2:00 PM - REGISTER

SkySlope

ONLINE - September 4 @ 9:30 AM-11:00 AM - REGISTER
IN-PERSON - September 25 @ 12:30 PM-2:00 PM - REGISTER

GeoWarehouse®

ONLINE - September 18 @ 12:30 PM-3:00 PM - REGISTER

Introduction to BrokerBay

ONLINE - September 19 @ 9:30 AM-11:00 AM - REGISTER

Registration for courses is done via the Member Portal which can be accessed through the Dashboard Tools on the LSTAR Member Hub. Once you have logged into the Member Hub, scroll down to My Account.

You’ll then be directed to your Member Portal, where you can update your profile, pay your Association dues, and register for LSTAR’s online and in-person classes.

Once you're on the Member Portal, you'll see all available Learning Opportunities. Make sure to expand All Upcoming Courses to view the full schedule. Click the REGISTER button beside the name of the course that interests you.

Please note, if you don't receive a confirmation email after you register, you have not completed the registration correctly. If you require additional support, please email Learning [at] LSTAR.ca (Learning[at]LSTAR[dot]ca).

LSTAR/OREA In-Person Education Event – "We Have Your Back - 2024 Forms & TRESA"

Join us for an in-person education session featuring Lee Ann Southgate, OREA Forms Speaker, as she provides guidance on complying with TRESA using OREA and RECO Forms. This in-person event takes place on September 9th with limited space for 150 members. Register now to save your spot!

Learn About PropTx Tools with LSTAR's Micro-Learning Videos

As Members continue to become familiar with the PropTx MLS® ecosystem, you're encouraged to customize your MLS® experience and work smarter, not harder.

Check out our latest short tech tutorial videos to help you in your quest for knowledge!


Adding a List to a Contact in REALM™ Using Lists in REALM™ is a really convenient way to add listings from the MLS® to a client’s name. Learn how to do this quickly and efficiently in this short video. CLICK HERE		Setting Up Auto Email in PropTx Matrix™ Learn how to quickly create an Auto Email for both existing and new clients using PropTx Matrix™. Streamline your communication and enhance your client management with these easy-to-follow steps! CLICK HERE

Creating a CMA in PropTx Matrix™ In this video, learn how to create a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) in Matrix™. Follow these simple steps to effectively analyze market data and provide valuable insights for your clients. CLICK HERE		Customizing Search Columns in PropTx Matrix™ Get the results you need! Learn how to customize your searching columns in Matrix™. This video will guide you through the steps to tailor your search results to better meet your needs. CLICK HERE

For all our micro-learning videos, check out the full catalogue on the LSTAR Member Hub.

Join us for LSTAR’s Fall Webinars – Kick off September 10th

Get ready for LSTAR'S 2024 Fall Webinar Series with an exciting lineup of seven educational sessions designed to keep you ahead of the curve. This Fall, we'll explore hot topics like Residential Tenancies and the Standard Form of Lease, the future with PropTx sessions, and supercharge your skills with AI Accelerated Agent and Mastering Canva Basics for Real Estate Professionals.

Our webinars are crafted to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to wow your clients and elevate your business. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed!

For more information and to register, visit the Webinar Registration page on the LSTAR Member Hub.

Events

Save Big at LSTAR's Gala Discount Table Day!

The LSTAR Gala Committee is excited to present the 2024 ‘MOULIN ROUGE’ CHRISTMAS GALA taking place on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd, 2024 at RBC Place London. Cocktails at 6 pm and Dinner at 7 pm.

Your opportunity to save big is coming up on DISCOUNT TABLE DAY, Thursday, September 5th, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is the day when you can purchase your table(s) for the LSTAR Christmas Gala at a discounted price of only $950 +HST for a Table of 10.

Sponsorship Opportunities are also available. For any questions or to be a SPONSOR for this year’s Gala please contact Claire Dawson at Claire [at] LSTAR.ca (Claire[at]LSTAR[dot]ca).

ALL PROCEEDS ARE IN SUPPORT OF HUMANA COMMUNITY SERVICES, WELLKIN CHILD & YOUTH MENTAL WELLNESS, AND WOMEN’S RURAL RESOURCE CENTRE.

Join LSTAR's Team of Blood Donors & Bring a Buddy for a Chance to Win!

LSTAR's Team of Blood Donors, with 52 Active Members, is now at an incredible 130 donations so far this year, well on our way to our goal of 200 donations in 2024. Way to go, Team LSTAR!

Please remember: if you're a blood donor and bring a friend or a family member with you to donate blood, your buddy will receive one entry and your name will be entered TWICE into a quarterly draw for a chance to win a $100 gift card to a local restaurant, just like JOHN MUNN with StreetCity Realty, winner of the Q2 Blood Donation Draw!

Each time you donate, be sure to email claire [at] lstar.ca (Claire[at]LSTAR[dot]ca), so that you (and your buddy) can be entered into the quarterly draw. You could be our next winner!

Click Here to Learn How to Join the LSTAR Team of Blood Donors

Set up an account on blood.ca or the "GiveBlood app" for Apple and Android.
Select "Partners" from the Menu.
Select "Join a team" and search for "LSTAR". A dropdown list will appear.
Select the team you wish to join, LSTAR.
Book your next appointment, either through your team bookings (visible under your team) or as an individual.

Partner ID: LSTA013463 (four letters and six numbers)
Organization: LSTAR

There are several opportunities to donate in the region, including an ongoing Blood & Plasma Donor Clinic in London, at 820 Wharncliffe Road South.

In St. Thomas, you can donate blood at the Joe Thornton Community Centre at 75 Caso Crossing. Upcoming clinics are scheduled for Wednesday, September 11th and Wednesday, October 2nd, from 1:00 to 7:00 pm.

In Aylmer, head over to the East Elgin Community Complex at 531 Talbot Street to donate blood. The next clinic is coming up on Thursday, September 26th, from 1:30 to 7:30 pm.

If you're already a Blood Donor, why not join LSTAR's Team and help us keep pushing toward our goal of 200 donations in 2024! And if you're not yet a donor, please consider joining us. We'd LOVE to have you!

2024 LSTAR Charity Golf Tour is Coming Up SOON!

The tour will take place on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th at the prestigious HIGHLAND GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB in London.

Registration includes 18 holes with a Cart, Food Stations, Post Round Reception and Golfer Swag! Try multiple challenges for a chance to win some AMAZING PRIZES! There's also a Silent Auction.

All proceeds from this event support Indwell for both London and St. Thomas area.

We are so grateful for our many Generous Sponsors, including our Title Sponsor, DANCOR!

Due to the high number of registrations received for this Tour, you will be now be placed on a waiting list if you register. If an opening becomes available, you will receive an email indicating that you have been promoted to the confirmed roster.

To be added to the waiting list, go to the event website and register at www.LSTARevent.ca.

Get on the Waitlist

Other News

July Market Sees Strong Activity with 604 Homes Sold

In July 2024, the real estate market in the London St. Thomas region demonstrated significant activity, with 604 homes sold, as reported by the London St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). The average home price was $654,593, indicating the market’s pricing trends. Additionally, there were 1,531 new listings, suggesting a robust supply of homes entering the market. Overall, the data points to a dynamic and balanced market, characterized by a healthy volume of transactions and a steady influx of new listings.

LSTAR's 2024 Chair Kathy Amess commented on the market’s performance: “The real estate market in London continues to show resilience and adaptability. The increase in new listings is a positive sign, indicating that sellers are confident in the market’s strength. We are seeing a healthy balance between supply and demand, which is crucial for maintaining stability.”

Membership Updates

Membership Count

As of August 26, 2024, LSTAR has 2,336 Members.

Click here to see a list of all of our Newest Members.

Welcome to our Newest Members!

Cassandra Benard – Revel Realty Inc.
Jason Pickett – Century 21 First Canadian Corp.
Bryan George – Supermax Realty Inc.
Melanie Luksys – Royal Lepage Triland Realty
Bob Pozza – Royal Lepage Triland Realty
Ritesh Dubbaka – The Canadian Home Realty Inc.
Avneet Kaur – Gold Empire Realty Inc.
Gurpreet Singh – Gold Empire Realty Inc.
Rajveer Singh – Royal Lepage Triland Realty
Brad Bouman – Re/Max Centre City
Amrit Saini – Gold Empire Realty Inc.
Moncy Joseph – Streetcity Realty
Sunil Tohan – The Canadian Home Realty Inc.
Pearl Bohra – Save Max Real Estate Inc.
Rob Koppert – Royale Lepage R.E. Wood Realty
Sherry Sanders – Re/Max Tri County Realty Inc.
Ranjit Singh – Initia Real Estate
Bonnie Mudge – Re/Max Tri Country Realty Inc.
Sarvarinder Dohil – Century 21 First Canadian Corp.
Caroline Paszkowski – Team Glasser Real Estate Brokerage Inc.
Dalbir Singh – Nu-Vista Premiere Realty Inc.
Harry Zhao – Century 21 First Canadian Corp.
Jason Dechene – Royal Lepage Triland Realty
Myla George – The Realty Firm Inc.

New Transfers

Abbas Mirzakhani – Now with EXP Realty
Denise Altan – Now with Forest Hill Real Estate Inc.
Pawandeep Kahlon – Now with Gold Empire Realty Inc.
Srinivas Varanasi – Now with Initia Real Estate
Gurlal Kang – Now with Save Max Real Estate Inc.
Ruby Jassal Singh – Now with Gold Empire Realty Inc.
Rami Rahy – Now with EXP Realty
Peter Piazza – Now with Coldwell Banker Power Realty
Gregory Galbraith – Now with Re/Max Centre City
Sorin Marinescu – Now with Royal Lepage Triland Realty
Laura Carapella – Now with Century 21 First Canadian Corp
Thomas King – Now with Certainli Realty Inc.
Lauren Lee – Now with Century 21 First Canadian Corp.
Stephen Otto – Now with Team Glasser Real Estate Brokerage

New Offices

Royal Lepage R.E. Wood Realty
PB: Rob Koppert
Re/Max Tri-County Realty Inc.
PB: Sherry Sanders

Retired Members

Mike Fayad – Pinheiro Realty
Yvonne Lee – Re/Max Bluewater Realty
Chris Pincomb – Royal Lepage Triland
Indrit Strazimiri – Jakupi Realty
Kathy Goode – Elgin Realty
Wajdi Hammoud – Sutton Group Select Realty
Debbie Palmer – Royal Lepage Triland

For any and all questions regarding your LSTAR Membership, please contact our Membership department at Membership [at] LSTAR.ca (Membership[at]LSTAR[dot]ca).

LSTAR Offices Closed for Labour Day

Please note that LSTAR's offices will be closed on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, for Labour Day. We will reopen again on Tuesday, September 3rd at 8:30 am. Have a safe and happy Long Weekend!