As 2019 winds down, the Ottawa Real Estate Board is arming its Commercial Services Network members with insights into the trends and issues that will shape their industry in the year ahead.
OREB’s annual year-end luncheon brings together OREB’s network of commercial Realtors for an afternoon of networking and educational programming. The event is just one of the many benefits associated with the CSN, says Mitch Gauzas, a sales representative at Keller Williams Integrity Realty and commercial director on the Board.
“The CSN really helps with the public perception of professionalism and it gives consumers confidence in our services,” he says. “It’s also a hub for our industry and a great opportunity for people from different companies to meet each other.”
CoStar, a global leader in commercial real estate information will be headlining the Dec. 11 luncheon with an in-depth presentation on the health of the commercial real estate sector. Attendees will learn about emerging trends in the market and receive both a national and local overview of the industry.
“It’s a great opportunity for everyone to talk to each other about the market, what’s going on, and what new buildings may be coming up in the future,” says Geoff Godding, vice-president at Decathlon Commercial Realty and outgoing chair of OREB’s Commercial Services Committee. “There is a nice exchange of information (at) events like the luncheon.”
‘Making members successful’
The year-end networking event is one of many OREB seminars and training programs regularly offered to members that help them stay on top of the latest advancements in commercial property sales.
Earlier this year, the Commercial Services Network hosted seminars with SVN Rock Advisors CEO Derek Lobo, C. Fleming Developments CEO Darren Fleming as well as HazloLaw litigation lawyer Dean Blanchard, who led a sold-out seminar about dealing with tax problems and the CRA.
The knowledge members gain at these events helps them provide better, more informed service to clients, says Gauzas.
“Professional development is important, and these summits and luncheons are great for acquiring new information about what is going on in the industry and staying up-to-date on trends in the market,” he adds.
As Godding wraps up his year as chair, he says his time with the board reminded him of how important a network like the CSN is for the community.
“It made me realize how much they do for the members and to me that was a real education in terms of what’s available and how much they help us,” he says. “They truly help make members successful.”
What is a commercial Realtor?
“Realtor” is not a job description. It is a trademark of the Canadian Real Estate Association and stands for service, competence and high ethical practice.
OREB’s commercial members who have met high standards of education and experience are eligible to become members of OREB’s Commercial Services Network.
Commercial Realtors provide professional services including:
•Exclusive access to listings of thousands of other Realtor members of OREB and other Boards through OREB’s MLS System.
• Far-reaching marketing services, and access to local, national, and international buyers through their commercial affiliation within the marketing website Realtor.ca, which boasts 264 million visitors in 2018 and 5.3 billion views.
• Professional advice based on knowledge, experience, and education.
• Tenant and landlord representation
• Advice on real estate investment purchases.
• Competent service based on extensive market knowledge.
