From the Board Table Dear Members, Last week, the Board of Directors convened for our first official meeting of 2025. We were pleased to welcome two new members, Laura Skene and Marta Andre, to the table and to elect Stefani Konidis as Chair-Elect. Key topics on our agenda included reviewing and approving the 2025 budget recommendations, finalizing committee and task force leadership, and preparing for an upcoming review of our Strategic Plan. In 2023, the Board adopted a three-year Strategic Plan aligned with our mission to empower Niagara REALTORS® to enrich the communities of Niagara. The plan is anchored in four core values: - Providing Innovative Technologies, Programs, and Training
- Investing in Strong Governance
- Extending and Promoting NAR’s Reach as Leaders in Niagara
- Championing the NAR Member Value Proposition
These principles guide every decision we make. Each year, we review our progress against the strategic plan, and every three years, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation to ensure we are meeting our objectives and adapting as needed to stay aligned with our mission. Our commitment remains steadfast in serving you, our members, and upholding these values. We recognize that the transition to a new MLS® provider is a priority for many of you. While we ask for your continued patience, please be assured that we are actively engaging with PropTX to advocate for critical system updates in preparation for the spring market. Our efforts are persistent, as we push for enhancements that address the essential features you rely on. We strongly encourage you to review all updates from Sarah, as they contain vital information and necessary actions. Additionally, NAR is forming PropTX user groups, and we urge you to participate—your insights will be invaluable in shaping future improvements. On the advocacy front, NAR’s Government Relations team, in collaboration with industry leaders and organizations, continues to champion initiatives aimed at reducing housing costs and increasing supply. As 2025 unfolds, we anticipate important discussions and decisions at the Board table, along with new opportunities for growth and engagement. We are committed to keeping you informed and prepared for what lies ahead. If you have any questions, concerns, or are interested in volunteering on a committee, please reach out to Sarah or me—we would be happy to connect with you. Yours in service. Lisa Taylor 2025 Chair, Niagara Association of REALTORS® |
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Volunteering is an excellent way to connect with peers, build your leadership skills, and make a meaningful contribution to your Association and the real estate industry. We have opportunities for members with a variety of interests and talents! |
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With Trump tariffs potentially impacting trade and the Ontario election shaping housing policy, 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for our industry. Stay informed and prepared by joining us for this exclusive event. |
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We’re calling on all of Niagara to get involved and help us fill the lanes for a BIG cause! 📅 Dates: February 25th & March 1st, 2025
📍 Location: Parkway Social - 327 Ontario St, St. Catharines
💰 $300 (min.) per team of 4-6 players
🤠 Theme: Wild West! |
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We're thrilled to invite you to the 20th Anniversary of Empty Bowls – a signature fundraising event supporting Bethlehem Housing and Support Services, proudly presented by FirstOntario Credit Union!
🗓 Date: March 5, 2025
📍 Location: Holiday Inn & Suites Parkway Conference Centre, St. Catharines
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The South Niagara Chambers of Commerce is hosting a virtual Lunch & Learn on February 18th from 12pm – 1pm, focusing on Human Trafficking in Niagara. This interactive panel, featuring Dave Augustyn, Miriam Khayinza, and our sponsor JobGym, will provide valuable insights into this critical issue. |
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Join us for Mayor Mat Siscoe's annual State of the City address, powered by Verge Insurance Group. Featuring our Rapid Response Q&A session — a dynamic, high-energy forum where the Mayor will be inviting direct and often challenging questions from the audience. This format encourages open dialogue and facilitates an engaging discussion on key topics, fostering transparency and providing valuable insights for attendees. |
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February Training Schedule Whether you’re a new user or just want a refresher, our training team has you covered with SentriGuard® and SentriKey Showing Service®. Please share this schedule with your members. SentriKey Showing Service® Learn how to utilize the industry’s premier solution for managing showings, client communication and property access. All times shown below are ET. SentriGuard® Lockbox Training Learn how to take advantage of all of the lockbox features and benefits of the world’s strongest, most reliable lockbox. All times shown below are ET. |
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Keith Hensley, Sr. National Trainer with CoreLogic, will demonstrate several ‘Hidden Gems within Matrix! These little ‘nuggets’ can be very valuable to saving you time or helping you stay organized. Such things like the ‘view as’ feature, carts, driving directions, and using the ‘concierge mode’ in Auto Emails are all powerful, but often ‘hidden’ from the average user of Matrix. Finally, we will demonstrate how creating your own Spead Bar Searches and utilize Favorite Searches are great time savors… which both are often overlooked! WHEN: Wednesday, February 12th at 3pm EST |
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Special Training Webinar MPAC Assessment Data, REALTORS® Insights, and Bundle Savings – A look at the MPAC data in GeoWarehouse and our propertyline™ e-store Webinar Training Schedule Factors Affecting Residential Property Value Automated Valuation Models (AVM) for REALTORS® Assessment 101 for Commercial REALTORS® |
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The Niagara Association of REALTORS® proudly provided services and tools to 1475 Members in January 2025. New Members: · Rita Ventresca, Queen Real Estate Inc., Brokerage (573), Grimsby.
· Monse Conchillos Bollain, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Sukhrobjon Matyakubov, Re/Max Garden City Explore Realty (475), St. Catharines.
· Matthew Scarfone, Emerald Realty Group LTD (551), Thorold.
· Sarah Chambers, Royal LePage State Realty (572), Stoney Creek.
· Lisa Godin, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· George Gillespie, Royal LePage State Realty (572), Stoney Creek.
· Joe Mclaughlin, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Julien Vincent, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Vince Capella, Royal LePage State Realty (572), Stoney Creek.
· Jessica Gallant, The Agency (567), Fonthill.
· Jordan Persaud, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Jarin Harvey, eXp Realty (525), Niagara Falls.
· Mechal Lavender, Queen Real Estate Inc., Brokerage (573), Grimsby.
· Selena Andrade, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Matt Van Der Zalm, Coldwell Banker Momentum Realty (531), Niagara Falls.
· Renee Jacobs, Royal LePage State Realty (572), Stoney Creek.
· Erik Dreifelds, Re/Max Escarpment Realty Inc., Brokerage (536), St. Catharines.
· Liam Cox, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Kevin Fehr, Re/Max Escarpment Realty Inc, Brokerage (501), Stoney Creek.
· Amanda Bieksa, Royal LePage State Realty (572), Stoney Creek.
· John Martin, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Joshua Dykopf, Re/Max Niagara Realty LTD, Brokerage (154), Niagara Falls.
· Sari Salah, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Geof Link, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Lincoln Campbell, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Sudaba Ahmadi, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Ann Cosens, Coldwell Banker Community Professionals (574), Hamilton.
· Michelle Ridgers, Royal LePage State Realty (572), Stoney Creek.
· Meagan Biggley, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Ali Malik, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Andrew Hart, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Barbara Pearl Nicholls, Royal LePage NRC Realty (188), Port Colborne.
· Christopher Van Berkel, Royal LePage State Realty (572), Stoney Creek.
· Lewis Weinerman, Platinum Lion Realty Inc (575), Dundas.
· Michael Travale, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Eugenio Bizzarro, Royal LePage State Realty (572), Stoney Creek.
· Gary Herron, Coldwell Banker Community Professionals (574), Hamilton.
· Beatriz Vieira Soares, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Sasha Stasiv, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· David Seburn, Re/Max Escaparment Realty Inc., Brokerage (501), Stoney Creek.
· Raechel Roganowicz, Platinum Lion Realty Inc (575), Dundas.
· Kimberly Stoller, Coldwell Banker Momentum Realty (271), St. Catherines.
· Jay Kalryzian, Revel Realty Inc., Brokerage (452), Niagara Falls.
· Cait Brooks, Brookside Estate Realty Inc., Brokerage (576), Binbrook.
· Andrew Shamoon, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Sid Bhutani, Ohmer Realty Ontario LTD (577), Kitchener.
· Emily Sanchez, Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster.
· Candace Brennan, Platinum Lion Realty Inc (575), Dundas.
· Phi Nguyen, Platinum Lion Realty Inc (575), Dundas.
· Nicole Baiz, Re/Max Niagara Realty LTD, Brokerage (439), St. Catharines. Member Transfers to another Brokerage: · Thomas Baker from eXp Realty (525), Niagara Falls to Re/Max Niagara Realty LTD, Brokerage (439), St. Catharines.
· Anne Ferguson from Re/Max Garden City Realty Inc, Brokerage (283) St. Catharines to Re/Max Hendriks Team Realty (493), St. Catharines.
· Michan Tompsett from D.W Howard Realty LTD., Brokerage (136) to Coldwell Banker Momentum Realty, Brokerage (123), Ridgeway.
· Paul Meaney from Coldwell Banker Momentum Realty, Brokerage (417) to Revel Realty Inc., Brokerage (519), Fort Erie.
· John Belcastro from Revel Realty Inc., Brokerage (463) to Coldwell Banker Advantage Real Estate Inc, Brokerage (323) Welland.
· Megan Sneider from Re/Max Garden City Realty Inc, Brokerage (345) to Royal LePage NRC Realty (371), Fonthill.
· Kevin Haroutunian from Royal Le Page NRC Realty (2129) to Michael St. Jean Realty Inc., Brokerage (570), Ancaster. New Offices or Branch Offices: · Queen Real Estate Inc., Brokerage, Grimsby – Rita Ventresca (905) 923-6488, Broker of Record.
· Coldwell Banker Community Professionals (574), Hamilton – Ann Cosens (905) 388-1110, Broker of Record.
· Platinum Lion Realty Inc, (575), Dundas – Lewis Weinerman (905) 627-6765, Broker of Record.
· Brookside Estate Realty Inc., Brokerage (576) – Cait Brooks (905) 531-2337, Broker of Record.
· Ohmer Realty Ontario Ltd., Brokerage (577), Sid Bhutani (437) 339-0300 Broker of Record. |
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Our community stories matter, and we want to hear from you! If you have anything happening in Niagara that you'd like to share, now's your opportunity. We are currently accepting submissions that capture the vibrant life of our community. These submissions will be regularly highlighted on our NAR Facebook, Facebook Members Group, and NAR Instagram page. This initiative is all about celebrating and enriching the Niagara community experience. Please send your submissions to nar@niagararealtor.ca Rest assured, all images and videos will be properly sourced. Let's come together to showcase the heart and soul of Niagara! |
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As a member of NAR and OREA, you have the exciting opportunity to access discounts at over 2,000 vendors in more than 7,000 locations. These exclusive discounts are designed especially for OREA members and cover a wide range of things you might enjoy, such as fitness, travel, restaurants, clothing, entertainment, and much more! Getting these discounts is easy! Just visit orea.com/venngo, create an account, and start saving right away! |
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