The Cornerstone Association of Realtors was launched on July 1, bringing together almost 9,000 realtors from the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB), Mississauga Real Estate Board (MREB), Simcoe & District Real Estate Board (SDREB), and Waterloo Region Association of Realtors (WRAR) to become Ontario’s second-largest real estate board.
Cornerstone will have offices in Mississauga, Hamilton, Waterloo, and Simcoe (Norfolk County) to ensure accessibility and local representation for all members.
‘Enhanced professional development opportunities, best possible tools and services and a unified voice’
Talks for the amalgamation began last fall, with RAHB and WRAR announcing their intent first, followed by SDREB and MREB. The amalgamation was approved by the memberships of each board at separate special general meetings on November 23, 2023, and January 31, 2024.
Julie Sergi, chair of the Cornerstone Association of Realtors, expressed, “This amalgamation represents a pivotal moment in real estate. Members will benefit from enhanced professional development opportunities, the best possible tools and services, and a unified voice advocating for the interests of realtors and homeowners alike.”
The organization aims to be a more assertive and aligned voice for realtor members, magnifying strengths and creating a more influential and member-centric organization.
“We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead,” says Bill Duce, CEO of Cornerstone. “Cornerstone will be about listening, being transparent, and responding to the evolving needs of our local realtor members.”
Will accept inter-board MLS listings at no charge
Cornerstone acknowledges that the amalgamation does not solve the MLS data access issue that realtors are concerned about.
Sergi stated, “Cornerstone is committed to safeguarding and protecting the investment its realtor members have made in creating a strong and stable MLS system. To address data gaps in the short term, we happily accept inter-board listings at no charge within our market areas.”
The association believes all Ontario realtors should have access to MLS® information and is open to collaborating with other systems to make it happen.
In the meantime, realtors are encouraged to place MLS listings on the MLS system for the area of the listing for the benefit of local consumers and realtors working together for sellers and buyers.
Image: Cornerstone.inc
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