CREA Café is your one-stop shop for REALTOR®-relevant information and discussions. Each week we highlight topics we hope can help your business.
From new technology features, updated laws or regulations to how to enhance your REALTOR.ca listings, we’ve published a number of posts that have resonated with REALTORS® across Canada.
Below, we break down the top 10 blogs posts from 2017.
How great photography can make your listings pop
Still photographs remain the most-clicked links on REALTOR.ca, accounting for more than 150 million views in 2016. It’s no surprise our post on the importance of photography was the most popular post of the year.
“It’s a great article and should [be a reminder] to all REALTORS®.” – Lex
Canada Day and CASL Day: be ready for both
On July 1, 2017, also known as CASL Day, the government postponed a new law that would have allowed private parties affected by an act or omission in contravention of CASL (or related legislation regarding electronic messaging such as the Competition Act provision mentioned above) to sue the responsible individuals and organizations for damages. With email marketing a large part of your business, updates on CASL resonate with all REALTORS®.
“Thanks for this great blog!! I have shared this with my office because it explains the July 1st day perfectly.” – Pauline Aunger
When it comes to analyzing market trends, look beyond average price
While many analysts use average prices to evaluate housing markets, this blog post takes a closer look at specific markets and why the MLS® Home Price Index is a better tool to gauge price trends and levels.
DocuSign hacked! What you need to know
As one of the most popular tools used by REALTORS®, when DocuSign was hacked, many people took notice. In this post, our IT Director, Kriteen Lahiry, takes a closer look at the hack and ways to protect yourself going forward. This is a must-read for anybody worried about online attacks.
5 things I learned as a first-time homebuyer
Our Policy Advisor, Nicole Power, recently bought her first home and without the help of a REALTOR®, it would have been difficult. In this blog post, Nicole looks back on her experience and highlights a number of REALTOR® tools that are of great benefit to anyone looking to purchase a home.
REALTOR® is not a job title
After Velcro® Brand went viral in their attempt to inform the public about their trademark, our legal team did the same. We have a number of trademarks, including REALTOR®, which needs to be used correctly to help ensure they maintain their distinctiveness.
“Great article, Allison!” – Karen Close Bilodeau
The heat is on with CREA’s latest ad
This year’s national ad campaign committee worked with ad agency Union Creative to develop a rockin’ advertisement that had many take notice of the importance of using a REALTOR® when buying or selling a home.
“Love the new TV ad. Lots of funny and positive comments.” – Bob Schmitz
How Google Maps is changing the face of REALTOR.ca
This summer, we partnered with Google to offer the most up-to-date maps – Google Maps – changing the way consumers and REALTORS® view properties on REALTOR.ca.
Of course I own my listing pictures … or do I?
While adding photos to your marketing materials and online listings is important, who actually owns the images? Our Legal Counsel, Allison McLure, looked into the Copyright Act and explained how pictures are treated.
“This is a great thought-provoker as well as a guide for template creation and legal “checks” required.” – Doug Hitchcock
How can 3-5-10 minutes per week change your business in 2017?
While we know it’s difficult to stay up-to-date on all our products and services, REALTOR Link® is a great starting point. In this blog post, Product Manager, Anna Nasiorowski, offers information on how you can enhance your business in 10 minutes or less every week for years to come.
Stay connected with CREA Café in 2018 as we continue to deliver news, advice, fresh perspectives and insights that are perfectly paired with your favourite brew.
If you have ideas or recommendations on what we should cover, share them in the Comments section below!
