The Future of CREA and REALTOR.ca!

Why Realtors Should Speak Up About CREA’s Proposal to Make REALTOR.ca a Separate Taxable Entity

As many of you may have heard, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has proposed turning REALTOR.ca into a separate taxable entity. While this may sound like a routine business move, the implications for realtors across Canada could be significant. REALTOR.ca has been a cornerstone of our industry for years, and many of us have contributed both financially and through our professional efforts to make it the trusted platform it is today. That’s why it’s crucial that we, as realtors, come together to voice our concerns and ensure that this change benefits all of us—not just the organization.

What’s Happening?

CREA’s proposal to turn REALTOR.ca into a separate, taxable, wholly owned subsidiary may seem like a logical step to increase profitability, but it could also lead to a host of challenges for realtors. The platform we have paid for and relied on might begin to prioritize profit over the essential services that support our businesses. Before this plan goes into effect, we need to make sure that realtors are recognized, rewarded, and protected in this transition.

Realtors Have Built REALTOR.ca—We Deserve a Share in Its Success

REALTOR.ca is not just a CREA product—it’s a tool that we, as realtors, have paid to maintain and grow. For years, realtors have contributed through membership fees, MLS dues, and service charges that have funded the operation and success of the platform. We’ve driven its value by using it to list properties, connect with clients, and build our businesses.

Given our significant contributions, we must ask ourselves: Shouldn’t we be rewarded if REALTOR.ca is becoming a more profitable, standalone entity? This is not just about money—it’s about fairness, and ensuring that realtors have a stake in the future success of the platform we helped build.

Why Should You Be Concerned?

While CREA’s proposal could bring about benefits, such as increased financial flexibility and potential new revenue streams for the organization, there are also legitimate concerns:

1. Potential Cost Increases: The new entity could introduce higher fees for services or new charges that could eat into our profit margins. As realtors, we need to ensure that the platform doesn’t become prohibitively expensive to use.

2. Loss of Control: By separating REALTOR.ca from CREA, there’s a risk that realtors could lose influence over how the platform is managed. Decisions could be made by business executives who prioritize revenue over our needs, potentially diminishing the quality and accessibility of services.

3. Reduced Benefits: Historically, REALTOR.ca has been part of our membership dues. There’s a concern that by shifting it to a profit-driven entity, the benefits realtors currently receive might decrease, with more services moving behind paywalls or premium tiers.

4. Realtors’ Input Overlooked: CREA’s proposal has sparked debate, but have enough realtors been consulted? This decision could have long-lasting consequences on how we conduct business, yet many realtors may feel they haven’t had a sufficient voice in the process.

What Should We Demand?

To ensure that this proposal serves the interests of realtors, we need to come together and advocate for specific changes and protections. Here are a few suggestions on what we should push for:

1. Profit Sharing: Realtors who have contributed to the platform’s success should receive a share of the profits from the new entity. This could come in the form of dividends or a percentage of the revenue, rewarding us for our years of financial and professional investment.

2. Equity Ownership: Consideration should be given to offering realtors equity in the new entity. By giving realtors shares, we can ensure that we continue to have a voice in its future and benefit from any growth in its value.

3. Discounted or Free Access to Services: As CREA members, we should continue to receive discounted or even free access to essential services on REALTOR.ca, such as premium listings or advanced marketing tools. This would prevent additional costs from affecting our businesses.

4. Representation in Governance: Realtors should have a formal role in the governance of the new entity. This could involve a seat on the board of directors or an advisory council where we can provide input on key decisions.

5. Cap on Fee Increases: A cap on any future fee increases should be implemented to ensure that the platform remains affordable for all realtors, particularly small or independent agents.

6. Transparency and Accountability: CREA must commit to transparency regarding how the new entity operates, including detailed financial reporting and open communication on how any profits are reinvested or distributed to realtors.

Why Your Voice Matters

The real estate industry is built on relationships, collaboration, and advocacy. As realtors, we know the power of coming together to solve problems and create better outcomes for everyone involved. This proposal to spin off REALTOR.ca is no different. By voicing our concerns, we can ensure that our interests are taken into account and that the platform remains a tool that benefits all realtors—not just a select few.

We encourage every realtor to engage with their local boards, contact CREA directly, and discuss this issue with your colleagues. The more voices we have, the stronger our message will be: Any changes to REALTOR.ca must benefit the people who have built and sustained it—realtors.

Let’s Unite for Our Future

The time to act is now. As CREA moves forward with this proposal, we need to make our voices heard. We built REALTOR.ca, and we deserve a say in its future. Whether it’s through profit sharing, equity, or discounted services, realtors must be recognized for their contributions and positioned to benefit from the platform’s success.

Let’s come together, share our concerns, and advocate for a fair and equitable solution that ensures REALTOR.ca continues to serve us—the realtors of Canada.

What are your thoughts on CREA’s proposal? How do you think realtors should benefit from the potential changes? Share your thoughts with your local real estate board and let’s keep this conversation going!