HST/PST Resources on BCREA Online
On February 17, the provincial government made several important announcements that will affect BC housing and real estate. BCREA is very pleased with these measures, which demonstrate the government’s recognition of the difficulties experienced by the new housing sector over the past few years. Read more…

First-Time New Home Buyers’ Bonus
On February 21, BC Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon announced this temporary program as part of Budget 2012. While there are eligibility requirements for buyers and the homes they purchase, essentially this program provides a bonus of up to $10,000 to first-time homebuyers of newly-constructed homes. Read more…

Transition to Designated Agency
Following years of investigation and discussions across the province, designated agency will become an industry standard in BC on June 1, 2012. Read more…

Archaeological Sites: What REALTORS® Need to Know
Many details need to be considered when an archeological site exists on a property for sale and therefore, REALTORS� need to practice due diligence in such circumstances on behalf of their clients. Read more…

Advocacy
This year’s Government Liaison Days conference will be held April 22 to 23 in Victoria. If you plan to attend, please register here (registration deadline: Wednesday, April 11). To make a hotel reservation, click here (reservation deadline: Wednesday, March 21). Further event details and materials can also be found on REALTOR Link®, in the GL Days portlet on BCREA’s Lobbying & Legislation page.

Professionalism
On January 31, the design directions of the Association’s four Strategic Education Plan projects were approved at the Joint Meeting of Presidents, Executive Officers and BCREA Directors. This exciting news will mean a busy year for BCREA’s Education Department.

The Association is thrilled to announce that BCREA Economist Brendon Ogmundson has been invited to contribute to the Philadelphia Federal Reserve's Survey of Professional Forecasters, joining 40 other highly respected economic forecasters on its forecast panel. This Survey is the oldest quarterly survey of macroeconomic forecasts in the United States.