Efficient communication can sometimes be a challenge between two people, let alone between more than 122,000 REALTORS®, real estate brokers, agents and salespeople working through some 90 real estate boards and associations across Canada.
For decades, we relied on provincial real estate associations and local real estate boards to communicate on our behalf. Just like the children’s game of telephone, though, this practice of passing communications up and down through several layers often meant some context was lost in translation.
This was one of the reasons we released our first Annual Report in 2012. The goal was, and continues to be, to put together an overview of what we’ve done and where we’re going.
Be it raising public awareness on the importance of using a REALTOR® to lobbying the federal government to improving efficiency through technological advances, it’s a great reminder of our collective successes and how we’re continuing to help make life easier for our REALTOR® members.
I’ve always believed we have accountability to our more than 122,000 REALTORS® across the country. They should know how their national dues are being spent, what our priorities are and what it is that we’ve delivered on. To me, that’s just a part of good governance and the Annual Report is just one of the ways we continue to build relationships with REALTORS® and boards and associations across the country. With the introduction of CREA Open Houses, we continue to meet members in person, with the goal of putting a face to CREA.
The Annual Report also highlights those areas we continue to make great strides – like technology, where we’ve made a conscious effort to up our game in recent years. As my colleague, CEO Gary Simonsen, says:
“We’re in a technology business … REALTOR.ca, WEBForms®, those are integral parts of what members do and use on a day-to-day basis. We need to make sure they are being delivered, executed and supported in the best way possible. And, I’m pleased to see there have been positive changes and progress in those areas.”
Keeping the communication channels open is truly important to us and if there are other ways and means we can reach you, then we’re eager to hear about them. From social media to in-person interactions, feedback is always welcome. And, we will continue to be vigilant about what are the best ways to communicate and connect with members across the country. That is simply a constant.
Catch more great highlights from this year’s Annual Report and feel free to share your feedback in the Comments section below!
