Just what you wanted, another survey! We know, enough already with the surveys—just give me what I need, make it great and get out of the way. 

It’s fair commentary and exactly what we intend to do, but first we need to learn more about your needs and how best they should be met, which starts by conducting an assessment survey.

This survey is quite different from the member satisfaction surveys that we do every three years. 

The needs assessment survey confirms satisfaction to a degree, but also sets the stage for us to peel back the next layer of the onion—making sure we understand what products and service you need for your business, and which ones are nice to have versus mission critical. 

It is your job to set these priorities for us. 

This work is unprecedented, but nonetheless critical to our new strategic plan. For the first time, we reached out to members for input as part of the development of our new three-year plan. Your input motivated us to continue to aggressively focus our work on what matters most to you. 

The only way we can deliver on our new mission, which is to “Ensure CREB^® REALTORS^® have the tools and support they need to be successful”, is by understanding your needs.

It goes without saying, but the board of directors and management team are truly committed to better meeting your needs. To make it happen, we want to first confirm with you that your needs are being fulfilled. 

An important aspect of this groundbreaking work is that we are also asking who should deliver what. We have heard you tell us time and again that you are tired of the duplication between different organized real estate participants. You have told us to focus our efforts and now we are asking you to tell us where best to spend that time and energy.

This conversation started when we approached AREA in the middle of last year to collaborate. Step one was AREA’s survey last fall.  While it was at a much higher level, we used some of the learnings to build out the pieces of our more robust survey.  There were lots of positives from that experience, but to be blunt, the collaboration was challenging and reinforced needless barriers to working together for member benefit. 

The current discussion around CREA Bylaw amendments impacting the 3-Way Agreement are the foundation of our new strategic imperative. 

Before our delegates can vote on these amendments at the April 16 CREA AGM, we needed to confirm our fundamental belief that members want more flexibility in the organizational structure that they/you fund. 

We launched the “I Say Yes” campaign to provoke thought and discussion. Part of this work also requires us to document your needs and to get your input on who is the best source to meet those expectations.

This level of member needs analysis has never been conducted by CREB^®, and as far as we know, no other Canadian real estate board—at least not so clearly as part of their strategic plan. 

Please tell us what you want and who should provide it. If that means we move some products and services out the door, we will do so. This historic opportunity will only take about 20 to 30 minutes of your time to complete. 

And, whatever the outcome, I give you my personal assurance that we will deliver on it.