Communications

ReallyTrusted recently shared about two new capabilities available to users of the ReallyTrusted App: Watchlist Screening and New CREA Forms

439 residential transactions were recorded last month via LSTAR's MLS® System, 28.7% more than in January 2023. The number of newly listed properties climbed from 386 in December 2023 to 873 in January 2024. Housing supply dropped from 4.4 months of inventory in December to only 3.3 months in January.

Widely used by REALTORS®, lockboxes are convenient tools for facilitating property showings. However, the use of lockboxes doesn’t come without risks. To ensure a smooth process and maintain your seller’s confidence, here are a few "Best Practices" for lockbox usage.

Join us on Friday, January 12th to engage with LSTAR CEO Bill Madder as he shares insights into the vision and direction of LSTAR for 2024. Additionally, 2024 Chair Kathy Amess and Past Chair Adam Miller will be on hand, offering their valuable perspectives. Due to high demand, the in-person availability is at capacity, but Members still have the option to attend this event online. To register for the online option, please click HERE.

Last month 335 homes exchanged hands via LSTAR's MLS® System, bringing the total number of residential properties sold in 2023 in our area to 6,717. The number of newly listed properties dropped from 928 in November to 386 in December. Despite the significant monthly decline, this number is still in line with LSTAR’s ten-year average for new listings for the month of December.

2024 will be a big year for LSTAR, as we join the insight- and tool-rich PropTx MLS® Service. As part of LSTAR’s transition to PropTx in the new year, Members and their clients will have access to the HoodQ Homebuyer Hub, a feature-rich, user-friendly one-stop home buying research platform.

421 homes were sold last month via LSTAR's MLS® System, 8.9% less than in November 2022. The number of newly listed properties declined from 1,232 in October to 928 in November. Despite the significant monthly drop, this number still represents a record high for new listings for the month of November.

The Ontario REALTOR® Wellness Program (ORWP) was passed today by the OREA Assembly at OREA's Special General Meeting. Technically speaking, the motion to amend OREA's Bylaws was defeated 73-59, which means that the Program will go ahead as initially planned.

LSTAR's 2023 "Great Gatsby" Gala, held on Friday, November 10th, was a roaring success! Congratulations to all of our Prize Draw Winners. And a heartfelt thanks to the LSTAR Gala Committee for volunteering their time to organize this amazing event, all in support of Humana Community Services, Wellkin Child & Youth Mental Wellness, and Women's Rural Resource Centre.

On Tuesday, the federal government tabled the 2023 Fall Economic Statement. The statement included its first-ever housing-related chapter titled Canada’s Housing Action Plan, which includes a long-term REALTOR® position to not require insured mortgage holders to requalify under the insured minimum qualifying rate when switching lenders at mortgage renewal. This is a strong step forward towards restoring housing affordability for Canadians.