Win-Win for Realtors !!
Competition Ruling: “It’s a Win-Win”: Update
The Agreement states that CREA does not accept the Bureau’s allegations of anti-competitive behaviour and that nothing in the Agreement indicates an admission or acceptance of wrong-doing on the part of CREA.
As they could before, members of the public can choose to hire a REALTOR® for a minimum of services, such as "mere posting" (defined on page one) of their listing on our MLS® system or the full gamut of services we offer. This Agreement also defines "Approved Website" as REALTOR.ca or any other website operated by CREA or a member board. Broker or individual REALTOR® websites are not affected by this Agreement.
One significant plus for our clients is that our MLS® system remains a member-to-member service. Consumers can continue to rely on the accuracy and quality of information they’re accustomed to seeing on REALTOR.ca. The Commissioner herself recognized our high standards regarding the depth and accuracy of our listing and sales data and as this Agreement indicates, it remains REALTOR® controlled.
Over the next few weeks, all boards will be ensuring their rules fulfill compliance of the Agreement. We will be getting back to marketing ourselves, our services and the value our knowledge and expertise bring to each and every real estate transaction. We will move forward and promote our value.
This issue was handled professionally by CREA and our directors and the depth of commitment to our profession was moving and a proud moment for REALTOR®s.