Welcome to the September 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

Highlights

LSTAR Encourages the Use of Supra Lockboxes ONLY

LSTAR strongly encourages the use of Supra Lockboxes among all our members. Professionalism requires us to make choices that prioritize the best interest of our clients. One of the key responsibilities REALTORS® have is ensuring the security of clients’ homes while they are listed on the market.

Before installing any lockbox, REALTORS® must provide a thorough explanation to the seller regarding the type of lockboxes available and the associated risks, regardless of whether the property is occupied, unattended, or vacant. Written consent from the seller is required prior to installation.

As a REALTOR®, it is your responsibility to safeguard the property during showings. With the increasing use of mechanical lockboxes within LSTAR’s jurisdiction, there have been instances of unauthorized access and showings outside scheduled appointment times, which can erode trust in the REALTOR® and diminish the level of professionalism expected in our industry.

LSTAR members are not obligated to use mechanical lockboxes at the request of a lawyer for closing purposes or at the request of a non-LSTAR member who does not wish to obtain Supra access. The decision rests with the seller, who must be fully informed of the risks.

Mechanical lockboxes present several security concerns, including use of the same code, the inability to track showings, vulnerability to break-ins, and the potential for code-sharing with unauthorized individuals. These factors can compromise the security of both real and personal property, as well as the privacy and safety of the home.

In contrast, advanced technology provided by Supra, LSTAR’s lockbox provider, offers enhanced security features. These include real-time identification of individuals accessing the property, tracking of entry times and durations, and automatic code changes after each showing. Supra also offers safeguards such as preventing key release without a valid eKey code, and LSTAR retains the ability to disable access if a member fails to comply with MLS® Rules concerning showings.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the seller, who should be fully informed of the options and risks by their REALTOR®.

Free Trees for LSTAR Members & Their Clients on Friday, October 4th

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).

Interested in being on an LSTAR Committee in 2025? We want to hear from you!

Planning is in full swing for 2025 and LSTAR is looking for passionate volunteers to serve on the 2025 Committees, Advisory Groups, and Task Forces. If you’re interested, please complete the Committee Application Survey by Friday, October 25, 2024.

It’s a pivotal time in organized real estate, presenting tremendous opportunities to help lead LSTAR into the future. Volunteers represent the membership, contributing ideas and recommendations that support and carry out LSTAR’s Strategic Plan.

Committee participation also enhances leadership skills, and opens doors for networking and strengthens relations with fellow REALTORS®.

We look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions, reach out to Chad Lovell, chad [at] lstar.ca (chad[at]lstar[dot]ca) or call 519-641-1400.

Final List of Candidates for the 2025 LSTAR Board of Directors

This year, there are 14 candidates for the five (5) positions available on the 2025 LSTAR Board of Directors. View the final list of candidates here.

Timeline

Over the next few weeks, LSTAR is hosting several opportunities to meet and hear from the candidates.

The first Candidate Forum is happening on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at LSTAR. This is a hybrid meeting, offering in-person and virtual options. Click here to register.

The second Candidate Forum is scheduled on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the Elgin Public Art Centre in St. Thomas. This is an in-person meeting. Please RSVP to Kelly Bougie, kbougie [at] lstar.ca (kbougie[at]lstar[dot]ca) to confirm your attendance.

Finally, the LSTAR Election Meeting is taking place on Monday, November 4, 2024, at LSTAR. This is an in-person meeting, scheduled between 2:00pm and 3:30pm. Stay tuned for registration details.

Voting

Online voting will happen between Friday, October 25, 2024 and Friday, November 1, 2024. You may also cast your ballot in-person at the November 4 Election Meeting. More information on voting will be shared in October.

If you have any questions, contact Chad Lovell via chad [at] lstar.ca (chad[at]lstar[dot]ca) or call 519-641-1400.

Important Information on Competition Bureau Investigation

The Competition Bureau has advised the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) that they are investigating two of CREA’s rules and policies:

Rules requiring that a listing member offer some level of compensation to the co-operating (buyer) member; and
The REALTOR® Cooperation Policy, which requires members to list a property on an MLS® System once the property has been publicly marketed.

It's important to note, at this stage, the Bureau has not reached any determinations or conclusions about either of the areas under investigation. The REALTOR® Cooperation Policy, which came into effect at the beginning of 2024, remains in force.

When the Bureau engages in an inquiry, it's typical for them to also seek a court order to produce records and provide written responses, which is what they've also done in this case. This step is part of the Bureau’s investigative process so it can determine facts and conduct its analysis under the Competition Act.

As you know, there are ongoing class actions regarding the compensation rules by private litigants in Canada (Sunderland and McFall). Whether these actions in Canada disclose a viable legal claim under Canadian law continues to be disputed before the courts. We’re not aware of any other Bureau inquiry in connection with cooperating broker compensation or the REALTOR® Cooperation Policy.

We understand this will likely give voice to some public commentary. As with any ongoing legal or regulatory issue, we are limited in our ability to discuss the matter publicly.

We will keep you informed of any relevant developments. In the meantime, please direct all questions or public inquiries to Paul Feuer, CREA’s Senior Competition Counsel, via email at pfeuer [at] crea.ca (pfeuer[at]crea[dot]ca).

PropTx News

The Property Identification Number (PIN) & Its Importance

Although entering a Property Identification Number (PIN) in PropTx is currently optional, providing accurate data is still crucial and mandatory. Accuracy is essential to maintaining the integrity of MLS® data and upholding professional standards. Submitting “0” for a property that has a PIN violates MLS® rules and disrupts property history, as the PIN is key for linking listings.

We recognize that some properties may not have a PIN. PropTx is reviewing validation rules to ensure these types of listings are properly recorded.

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

REALM™ Enhancements, Changes, and Bugfixes

REALM™ has recently deployed notable enhancements, changes, and bug fixes with the release of REALM 1.127.0. You can find the full release notes here: Release Notes - REALM 1.127.0

Updates to REALM™ include:

[Change]: Listings within a search results email now include a label indicating the reason for their inclusion. These labels are: “Newly Listed”, “Status Change”, “Price Change”, and “Location Change”.
[Bug Fix]: The “on behalf of” notice has been restored within automated search result emails, along with additional information provided to recipients regarding methods to unsubscribe.

REALM™ Property History Report updates:

The REALM™ team has also recently deployed several enhancements/changes to the REALM™ Property History feature, including the following key updates:

Property Address Display: Property addresses are now shown on individual rows when available.
Explain Function: An "Explain" function has been added to clarify why a property is included in the history report.
Invalid Assessment Role Numbers (ARNs) and PINs: Invalid Assessment Role Numbers (ARNs) and PINs are no longer considered when generating the property history.

Thank you for your support and patience as we continually work to improve your experience with REALM™.

Mandatory Community Field Now Extended to Lambton Listings

PropTx has just implemented another important update to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of LSTAR listings. If you have a listing in the Lambton area, the community field is now mandatory when you input a listing.

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.

Update on Image Processing in OneHome™

We are aware of an issue with images not appearing in OneHome™ immediately, with potential delays of up to 15 minutes. CoreLogic® and OneHome™ are actively working on an enhancement to address this. Instead of displaying the “No Image Available” thumbnail for listings still being processed in Matrix, the new update will notify both REALTOR® and their clients that images are on the way. Additionally, they are exploring ways to expedite the image processing time.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve this experience.

Update on Salesperson Only Field for Saved Searches

With the deployment of REALM™ release 1.127.0 on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the following issues have been resolved:

“Laundry Level” and “Other Structures” are now available for clients to search and can be saved as part of their Saved Searches.

PropTx is continuing to review the “Salesperson Only” fields to ensure the correct logic is applied when setting up saved searches for clients.

Auto Emails and Status Change Labels

We have received feedback regarding auto emails showing listings with an outdated status, such as a listing appearing as "active" when it has been sold conditionally. To address this, PropTx has implemented a change to improve clarity for clients.

Listings in search results will now include labels indicating the reason they were included in the auto email:

Newly Listed
Status Change – Sold Conditional (SC)
Price Change (PC)

This update will help ensure clients have a clearer understanding of listing updates.

Education

LSTAR's October 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 - October 2 @ 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM - REGISTER
IN-PERSON - October 23 @ 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM - REGISTER

Matrix™

ONLINE - October 3 @ 9:30 AM-12:00 PM - REGISTER
IN-PERSON - October 24 @ 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM - REGISTER

PropTx Add/Edit

IN-PERSON - October 9 @ 9:30 AM-11:30 AM - REGISTER
ONLINE - October 17 @ 12:30 PM-2:30 PM - REGISTER
IN-PERSON - October 30 @ 9:30 AM-11:30 AM - REGISTER

WEBForms®

ONLINE - October 10 @ 9:30 AM-12:00 PM - REGISTER

SkySlope

ONLINE - October 10 @ 12:30 PM-3:00 PM - REGISTER
IN-PERSON - October 31 @ 9:30 AM-12:00 PM - REGISTER

GeoWarehouse®

ONLINE - October 16 @ 9:30 AM-12:00 PM - REGISTER

Introduction to BrokerBay

ONLINE - October 16 @ 12:30 PM-2:00 PM - 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).

Learn About PropTx Tools with LSTAR's Micro-Learning Videos & Pre-Recorded Classes

Get to know the PropTx MLS® ecosystem and tailor your MLS® experience to boost efficiency and work smarter, not harder!

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

View our Pre-Recorded PropTx classes (REALM™, PropTx Add/Edit and SkySlope) on the Member Hub under On-Demand Training.

LSTAR’s Fall Webinars

The 2024 Fall Webinar Series features an exciting lineup of educational sessions designed to help you to advance your skills and equip you with the tools you need to impress 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.

Upcoming External Learning Opportunities

Are you looking for more options to expand your knowledge and professional development? Explore a selection of courses and webinars offered by provincial and national associations, tech providers and other industry leaders!

Information on External Offerings can be found on the LSTAR Member Hub under the REALTOR® Education category and scrolling down to “Upcoming External Learning Opportunities”.

Events

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

LSTAR's Team of Blood Donors, with 53 Active Members, is now at an incredible 141 donations so far this year, well on our way to our goal of 200 donations in 2024. Let’s keep going team! We can do it!

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.

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, October 2nd and Wednesday, November 6th, from 1:00 to 7:00 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!

Thank You From The Golf Committee!

Thank you to everyone who made this year's LSTAR Charity Golf Tour a successful event! With your help we raised an estimated $60,000 in support of Indwell!

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

Check out this photo album showcasing the day:

Join Us at the 2024 LSTAR "Moulin Rouge" Christmas Gala!

The LSTAR Gala Committee is excited to present the 2024 ‘MOULIN ROUGE’ CHRISTMAS GALA! Contact Claire Dawson at Claire [at] LSTAR.ca (Claire[at]LSTAR[dot]ca) to get your tickets today!

This year’s event will take place on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd, 2024 at RBC Place London. Cocktails at 6pm and dinner at 7pm.

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

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).

2024 LSTAR Children's Christmas Party is Coming Up

The LSTAR Children's Christmas Party Committee is excited to present the 2024 CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY!

The party will take place on Saturday, November 30th, 2024 at Centennial Hall (Basement Halls), from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm.

Other News

Local Market Sees Mixed Results in August

The real estate market in the London and St. Thomas area showed mixed results in August. Sales activity declined, with 577 homes sold, marking a 6.0% drop from the same month last year. The average sale price also decreased by 4% to $629,500. However, active listings saw a 19% increase compared to August 2023.

Membership Updates

Membership Count

As of September 23, 2024, LSTAR has 2,336 Members.

Welcome to our Newest Members!

John Klassen – Re/Max Tri-County Realty Inc.
Danielle Turner – Forest Hill Real Estate Inc.
Jessica Halsall – Blue Forest Realty Inc.
Pallava Nathi – Save Max Real Estate Inc.
Stacey Mackenzie – Streetcity Realty
Sonu Saharan – Zolo Realty
Charles Miller – Canadian Commercial Realty Inc.
Alejandria Bozek – The Agency Real Estate
Bob Arppe – Royal Lepage R.E. Wood Realty
Taylor Thoonen – Royal Lepage R.E. Wood Realty
Sharma Atul – Blue Forest Realty Inc.
Nicole Barnes – Team Glasser Real Estate Brokerage Inc.
Angela Heinz – Blue Forest Realty Inc.
Yumin Yang – Team Glasser Real Estate Brokerage Inc.
Randy Reyes – Keller Williams Lifestyles

New Transfers

Chris Gee – Now with Century 21 First Canadian Corp
Gregory Tsionis – Now with Revel Realty Inc.
Mohit Arora – Now with Initia Real Estate
Pamela Lottery – Now with Keller Williams Lifestyles
Tom Gormley – Now with Platinum Key Realty Inc.
Devon Gormley – Now with Platinum Key Realty Inc.
Melanie Gormley – Now with Platinum Key Realty Inc.
Ankur Dadu – Now with Initia Real Estate
Gregory Galbraith – Now with Re/Max Centre City Realty
Jamie Dodds – Now with Canadian Commercial Realty Inc.
Brandon Olsen – Now with Canadian Commercial Realty Inc.
Jatinder Dhillon – Now with Thrive Realty Group Inc.
Earlene Sparks – Now with Housesigma Inc.
Muzammil Hassan – Now with WAH Homes Realty Inc.

Closed Offices

Century 21 My Pro Realty
PB: Sherry Sanders
CMLS
PB: Angelo Lemanna
Nexmil Elite Realty
PB: Melanie Gormley
Zoocasa
PB: Lauren Haw
Harry Tugender
PB: Harry Tugender

New Offices

Canadian Commercial Realty Inc.
PB: Charles Miller

Retired Members

Rodney Schreder – PC275 Realty
Angelo De Campos – Royal Lepage Triland Realty
Mary Pat Filice – Royal Lepage Triland Realty
Harry Tugender – Harry Tugender

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

Monday, September 30th – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Monday, September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) in Canada. The NDTR is a statutory day of remembrance for the federal government and federally regulated workplaces to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis survivors, their families and communities, to support public commemoration of their history, and to ensure the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

As part of our Strategic Plan and our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, LSTAR encourages Members to learn more about this day and consider participating in an event, for awareness, education and reflection.

Members are also encouraged to wear orange on September 30th for Orange Shirt Day, a day to honour the thousands of children who survived residential schools and remember those who did not. Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by clicking here.

We also encourage members to participate in a local event to learn more about Truth & Reconciliation in the Elgin-Middlesex area:

Please be aware that Land Registry offices and Financial Institutions will be closed on Monday, September 30th. Members should be mindful of this when planning your closing dates and other contingent dates.

Also be advised that the offices of LSTAR will be closed on Monday, September 30th, but will be open as usual on Tuesday, October 1st.

CREA Office Closed for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) office will be closed on Monday, September 30 in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and will reopen on Tuesday, October 1.

CREA’s Member Experience Centre will not be available on Monday, September 30.

CREA WEBForms® support will be available from 8 a.m. to midnight (EDT).

If you have any questions, please direct them to support [at] CREA.ca (support[at]CREA[dot]ca) prior to Friday, September 27.

LSTAR Closed on Thanksgiving

Please note that LSTAR's offices will be closed on Monday, October 14th, for Thanksgiving. We will reopen again on Tuesday, October 15th at 8:30 am. Everyone at LSTAR wishes you a safe and happy long weekend!