Welcome to the November 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

New MLS® Rules Take Effect on December 2, 2024

As we move toward a provincial MLS® System, the MLS® Rules are changing on Monday, December 2, 2024. Based on feedback from Member Associations across the province, we are taking steps to modernize the MLS® Rules with a goal of unifying the Rules for all users of the PropTx MLS® System. Once the new rules take effect, they will apply to all listings placed on the MLS® System.

The Listing Brokerage is responsible for ensuring all information submitted to the MLS® System is accurate, including photographs, information, documentation, and other details. Any inaccuracies should be corrected or reported promptly.

LSTAR's MLS® Team has developed a handy guide to help you comply with the new rules when they come into effect on December 2.

Read the Guide

Highlights

Updated List and Map of PropTx Associations

As you know, LSTAR transitioned to PropTx earlier this year. Several other boards or associations have also made the move or are in the final stages of doing so. They are from various parts of the province, as shown on the map. Here is a complete list of PropTx boards and associations:

Central Lakes Association of REALTORS®
Cornwall and District Real Estate Board
Kingston & Area Real Estate Association
London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®
Niagara Association of REALTORS®
North Bay and Area REALTORS® Association
OnePoint Association of REALTORS®
Ottawa Real Estate Board
Renfrew County Real Estate Board
Rideau-St. Lawrence Real Estate Board
The Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Woodstock, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg & Area Association of REALTORS®

In summary, the transition to PropTx is gaining momentum across the province, with numerous boards and associations already on board or in the process of joining. This widespread adoption highlights the growing trust and reliance on PropTx within the real estate community.

REALTOR.ca to Pilot Mortgage Qualification

Affordability continues to be on the minds of aspiring Canadian homeowners. To help provide a clearer picture of financial options, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is bringing mortgage qualification functionality to Canada’s leading real estate platform, REALTOR.ca.

As of November 27, 2024, consumers on REALTOR.ca will be able to receive a mortgage qualification in 10 minutes or less. A call-to-action to "Get Qualified" will be piloted across the platform, empowering them with knowledge of how much they can afford. This functionality is one of five initial revenue generating opportunities discussed in the business case. As we transition REALTOR.ca into a taxable entity, we’ll continue to test, learn, and grow from these new initiatives.

Quickly confirming mortgage options is a powerful step toward understanding affordability and providing clarity to the home buying process.

Offering this service supports REALTOR.ca’s mission to be a trusted resource for the real estate journey and keeps more qualified Canadians within the REALTOR® ecosystem. It also supports a longstanding goal of CREA: to bridge the gap between aspiring homeowners and the right financial solutions.

If you have any questions, please contact CREA’s Member Experience Centre by email at support [at] CREA.ca (support[at]CREA[dot]ca) or by calling
1-888-237-7945.

Model house with approved stamp and keys on paperwork for real estate transaction

Last Call for Volunteers – We Need You!

The 2024 REALTOR® Christmas Kettle Drive is just around the corner, and we’re calling on you to help make it a success!

We still need volunteers to lend a hand and spread holiday cheer by supporting the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettles on Thursday, December 5th. It’s only a couple of hours of your time, but those few hours can make a huge difference for those in need this holiday season.

Whether you want to volunteer solo or bring a friend, family member, or colleague along for some festive fun, your time truly matters.

This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to our community, meet new people, and embrace the holiday spirit. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something meaningful this season.

🎅 Ready to volunteer? Let’s make this year’s Kettle Drive unforgettable – sign up today.

PropTx News

PropTx Open House Enhancement Features Now Live!

Explore the newest open house enhancement features now available in PropTx!

In Matrix™, Members have the ability to search for an Open House by Brokerage. Members on the REALM™ platform now have the ability to search for a Broker or Public Open House by date.

Learn how HERE!

Upcoming Enhancements to Square Footage

As part of the PropTx phase two rollout (date to be determined), we are excited to introduce additional square footage data fields to enhance the platform’s functionality. The new fields will include:

Below Grade Finished Area
Below Grade Finished Area Source
Above Grade Finished Area
Above Grade Finished Area Source
Other Area
Total Unfinished Area

In addition to these updates, phase two will also launch pre-fillable MPAC fields, including square footage details, to streamline your workflow and improve data accuracy.

Stay tuned for these improvements as we continue to enhance your PropTx experience!

Education

Gear Up for December: LSTAR's Class Lineup!

Classes are complimentary and available both in-person at LSTAR's Computer Lab and online via Zoom.

REALM™

ONLINE - December 4 @ 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM - REGISTER
ONLINE - December 19 @ 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM - REGISTER

Matrix™

IN-PERSON - December 5 @ 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM - REGISTER
ONLINE - December 19 @ 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM - REGISTER

PropTx Add/Edit

ONLINE - December 11 @ 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM - REGISTER
IN-PERSON - December 18 @ 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM - REGISTER

WEBForms®

ONLINE - December 11 @ 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM - REGISTER

SkySlope

ONLINE - December 18 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM - REGISTER

GeoWarehouse®

ONLINE - December 12 @ 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM - REGISTER

Introduction to BrokerBay

ONLINE - December 12 @ 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM - REGISTER

TUTORIAL: HOW TO REGISTER

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).

Master PropTx Tools with LSTAR: Explore Our Micro-Learning Videos, Tutorials and Pre-Recorded Classes!

Explore the PropTx MLS® ecosystem and personalize your MLS® experience to boost efficiency and work smarter, not harder!

For all our micro-learning videos & tutorials, go to MICRO LEARNING VIDEOS & TUTORIALS on the Member Hub.
View our pre-recorded ON-DEMAND COURSES on the Member Hub.

LSTAR’s Fall Webinars

On Wednesday, December 4th, join us as we wrap up the 2024 Fall Webinar Series with an engaging presentation by Danny Wood of BrokerageNation where we discover the world of Canva, specifically tailored for real estate agents. This basic session will equip you with the skills to create captivating material to elevate your marketing game. Take this opportunity to elevate your Canva skills!

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIldeivpj0sGNVQ6ifrDZQETEpBlM…

Don't miss out! Head over to the Webinar Recordings page on the Member Hub to explore our exciting past sessions!

OREA Forms: Self-Represented Parties Template Clause

As part of OREA’s ongoing commitment to support you in your professional practice, we are pleased to provide Members with the following information related to self-represented parties.

When an MLS® Listing is sold to a self-represented Buyer, consent for the publication of the sale price is required. The Seller’s consent is obtained on OREA’s Listing Agreements however, the Buyer has not given consent since there is no agreement permitted with a self-represented party. Where the Seller is a self-represented party, consent is required for the Brokerage to use the sale price internally.

The following template Clause can be used in an Agreement of Purchase and Sale to obtain consent from a self-represented party:

The Seller and Buyer consent to and agree that the sale and related information regarding the property may be retained and disclosed by the Brokerage(s) and/or real estate board(s)/association(s) (if the property is an MLS® Listing) for reporting, appraisal and statistical purposes and for such other use of the information as the Brokerage(s) and/or board(s)/association(s) deems appropriate in connection with the listing, marketing and selling of real estate, including conducting comparative market analyses. The Seller and Buyer acknowledge that the information, personal or otherwise (“information”), provided to the real estate board(s)/association(s) may be stored on databases located outside of Canada, in which case the information would be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which the information is located.

OREA has resources for Members to use to obtain information or consent from self-represented parties. For example, Form 170 Consent to Advertise can be used to obtain permission for a Brokerage to place their sold sign on the property.

We remind Members that it has always been a legislative requirement under TRESA to use RECO’s Information and Disclosure to Self-Represented Party form prior to assisting a self-represented party.

Events

Join LSTAR's Team of Blood Donors & You Could Win!

LSTAR's Team of Blood Donors, with 53 Active Members, is now at an incredible 174 donations so far this year, towards our goal of 200 donations in 2024. Let’s keep going team! We can do it!

As an added bonus, 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!

There are several opportunities to donate in the region, so 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!

JOIN TEAM LSTAR TODAY!

LSTAR's 2024 "Moulin Rouge" Christmas Gala was a Rousing Success!

The LSTAR Gala Committee extends a big THANK YOU to everyone who attended and contributed to the 2024 ‘MOULIN ROUGE’ CHRISTMAS GALA last Friday, November 22nd, at RBC Place London. Guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner and tried their luck at the gaming tables, and danced the night away, all in support of Humana Community Services, Wellkin Child & Youth Mental Wellness, and the Women’s Rural Resource Centre.

Stay tuned for photos and a recap of the event coming soon!

Thank You to the Sponsors of the 2024 LSTAR Children's Christmas Party!

The LSTAR Children's Christmas Party Committee is excited to present the 2024 CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY coming up this Saturday, November 30th! All proceeds for this event are in support of INVESTING IN CHILDREN. MERRYMOUNT will also be at the event to accept donations of much needed items and toys.

We're so grateful for the support of these incredible sponsors:

Other News

Market Shows Resilience with Increased Sales in October

The London and St. Thomas real estate market has shown encouraging signs of growth and stability in October 2024. Sales activity notably increased, with 661 transactions recorded, up from 526 in October 2023. This represents a significant recovery from the previous year and highlights the market's resilience. The average price of $623,189 for the LSTAR region was up 0.3% from October 2023 and down 3% from last month's $641,583.

Membership Updates

Membership Count

As of November 22, 2024, LSTAR has 2,334 Members.

Welcome to our Newest Members!

Paul Crawford – Century 21 First Canadian Corp.
Aria Perouzi – Blue Forest Realty
Philip Coley – CBRE Limited
Manik Kanwar – Gold Empire Realty Inc.
Tharsha Ravichakaravarthy – EXP Realty
James Byeon – Team Glasser Real Estate Brokerage Inc.
Connor Dalton – Thrive Realty Group
Kara Rijnen – Blue Forest Realty
Olga Iurchenko – Streetcity Realty
Marlo Mortson – Streetcity Realty
Seth McNaughton – Century 21 First Canadian Corp.
Preety Gupta – Save Max Real Estate Inc.
Wei Li – Re/Max Centre City
Annie Rawdah – EXP Realty

New Transfers

Nick Davies – Now with The Realty Firm Inc.
Andrea Davies – Now with The Realty Firm Inc.
Aleen Kelledjian – Now with EXP Realty
Meghan Williams – Now with The Realty Firm Inc.
Alisha Stanislaus – Now with Re/Max Centre City
Randy Reyes – Now with Team Glasser Real Estate Brokerage
Gurlal Kang – Now with Initia Real Estate
Aria Perouzi – Now with Blue Forest Realty

Closed Offices

Planet Realty
PB: Karen Kessel
Homeology
PB: Nick Davies (now with The Realty Firm)

Retired Members

Patrick McLachlan – Red Door Realty
Terry McSpadden – Oliver & Associates Sarah Oliver

For questions regarding your LSTAR Membership, please contact our Membership department at Membership [at] LSTAR.ca (Membership[at]LSTAR[dot]ca) or by phone at 519-641-1400.