Reflecting on 2022: A Message from the Chair

(AREA Chair David P. Brown)

As we prepare to embrace the end of the year and holiday season, I have reflected on AREA’s actions and accomplishments. This year, AREA celebrated 75 years of being the provincial voice for REALTORS^® in Alberta, improving professionalism as well as providing provincial-level support to our members.

We re-entered the licensing education environment with a program built on AREA’s legacy. Compiled with the expertise of industry professionals with 500+ cumulative years of real estate experience and award-winning educators, AREA strives to ensure new licensees can pass their RECA exams, but also enter the industry more ready to practice.

For the first time since the pandemic began, we were able to gather and thank our honorary life members (many of whom served as AREA presidents) for their contributions to AREA and the industry at a dinner.

I am pleased with AREA’s focus and determination to optimize member dues and fees provincially by implementing a sustainable reduction of member dues by $25, starting in 2023.

AREA’s Board of Directors also focused on a future REALTOR^® pension plan. I am thrilled to share we have earmarked an initial investment of $750, 000. We have championed this cause at the national level and hope to see significant progress on this endeavour in the new year.

As a previous Chair of the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB^®) and current Chair of AREA, I am looking forward the historic CREB^® member vote in March, where CREB^® members will decide if they want their local and provincial organizations to consolidate to provide services for the Foothills region. I am confident the consolidation plan is the right path for members and will result in lower fees, greater choice, and consistent services.

I am enthusiastic to continue my role as Chair in 2023. On behalf of the AREA Board of Directors and staff, we wish you a great holiday season and look forward to seeing many of you in person in 2023. 

David P. Brown
AREA Chair