What over-arching principles should guide the discussion about change in Organized Real Estate (ORE) on a provincial level?

If we here in Alberta are to have the same discussions about ORE that are occurring in our neighbouring provinces, what ideas should anchor us? One thing is for sure—we need to approach all possible ideas and solutions with open minds.

Let’s start with the thought that we don’t need to continue wasting resources on the absurd duplication throughout the province. We need to focus, as an industry, to use what we have more wisely and efficiently!

In an innovative, inclusive and competition-conscious culture, I think that one of the foremost principles is full member mobility throughout their self-defined region, or for that matter, the entire province. 

Why should any member who works across our defined board boundaries be forced to jump through all sorts of artificially imposed barriers? 

Why couldn’t it be possible for a member to specialize in farm and ranch properties throughout the entire province and have seamless access to the appropriate listings? 

Why should our members, who happen to live or work in areas that overlap, be denied ease of access to services and information throughout?

Why shouldn’t the consumer experience the same tools, level of services and expertise, no matter where the move in the province?  

If one organization could provide consistent member value with leading edge tools, province-wide, who wouldn’t want this idea to be a reality? Especially if it could be accomplished while recognizing local members needs and doing it at the highest level.

A service structure committed to enabling greater member market share and profitability across the province would assist in developing many of these basic principles. It would also encourage the best member advocacy, across all the levels of government and regulatory bodies, with a single, united voice.

What are your thoughts on these guiding principles?

Tom Westcott, CREB^® President-elect