Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA) Company Profile

Background

Founded in 1949, the Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA) represents over 2,600 real estate professionals across Manitoba. The association is dedicated to building, empowering, and upholding a trusted and sustainable real estate profession. MREA emphasizes the pivotal role REALTORS® play in assisting Manitobans through significant financial decisions and in fostering stronger communities.

Key Strategic Focus

MREA's strategic objectives encompass:

Advocacy: Engaging in provincial discussions to advocate for policies beneficial to property owners, consumers, and REALTORS®.

Economic Development: Promoting Manitoba as a viable market for investment to support a balanced and sustainable real estate sector.

Education: Offering innovative education and licensing programs to support real estate professionals at all career stages.

Professional Standards: Guiding REALTORS® through legislation, regulations, and ethical codes, and facilitating a confidential public complaint process.

Insurance and Reimbursement: Providing errors and omissions insurance and a Real Estate Reimbursement Fund to protect both members and the public.

Financials and Funding

While specific financial details are not publicly disclosed, MREA's funding primarily derives from membership fees, educational programs, and events. These resources support the association's initiatives, including advocacy, education, and community engagement.

Pipeline Development

MREA continually develops programs and services to enhance the real estate profession in Manitoba. This includes:

Educational Programs: Regularly updating licensing courses and professional development opportunities.

Advocacy Initiatives: Launching campaigns to address housing affordability and other pertinent issues.

Community Engagement: Partnering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to support affordable housing projects.

Technological Platform and Innovation

MREA leverages various technological platforms to support its members:

Online Education: Offering digital courses and resources for continuous learning.

Market Statistics: Providing up-to-date market data to inform members and the public.

Member Portals: Facilitating communication and resource sharing among members.

Leadership Team

The 2024-2025 Board of Directors includes:

Sandy Donald: President, Royal LePage Martin-Liberty Realty, Brandon.

Catherine Schellenberg: President-Elect, RE/MAX Professionals, Winnipeg.

Akash Bedi: Treasurer, RE/MAX Executives Realty, Winnipeg.

Chris Dudeck: Immediate Past President, Coldwell Banker Preferred Real Estate, Winnipeg.

Mandy King: Director-at-Large, No Place Like Home Realty Ltd., Brandon.

Enid Westwood: Director-at-Large, RE/MAX Performance Realty, Winnipeg.

Trevor Clay: Director-at-Large, Capital Commercial Real Estate Services Inc., Winnipeg.

Darryl Balasko: Director-at-Large, RE/MAX One Group, Winnipeg.

Jeremy Hiebert: Director-at-Large, Powell Property Group, Winnipeg.

Stewart Elston: Director-at-Large, Past President, Powell Property Group, Winnipeg.

Daphne Shepherd: WRREB President, RE/MAX Encore Realty, Winnipeg.

Michael Froese: WRREB President-Elect, Royal LePage Prime Real Estate, Winnipeg.

Kelsey Gerrand: BAR President, Sutton - Harrison Realty, Virden.

Leadership Changes

Recent leadership appointments include:

Sandy Donald: Appointed as President for the 2024-2025 term.

Catherine Schellenberg: Serving as President-Elect.

Akash Bedi: Serving as Treasurer.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Manitoba's real estate market is integral to the province's economy, contributing over 1% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supporting more than 6,600 jobs.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors and collaborators in the region include:

Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board (WRREB): Established in 1903, WRREB serves over 2,100 real estate professionals in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, providing resources to enhance professionalism and industry development.

Brandon Area REALTORS® (BAR): Represents real estate professionals in and around the Brandon area, focusing on local market development and member support.

Portage la Prairie Real Estate Board: Serves the Portage la Prairie region, offering resources and support to local REALTORS®.

Thompson Real Estate Board: Represents real estate professionals in Thompson, focusing on the unique needs of the northern Manitoba market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

MREA actively collaborates with various organizations to strengthen its market position and expand capabilities:

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba: Partnered to support affordable housing projects, including the Pandora Avenue West development, aiming to house 55 families by 2026.

Government Relations: Engages with provincial officials through the MREA Political Action Committee (MPAC) to advocate for policies beneficial to the real estate industry.

Operational Insights

MREA's strategic considerations include:

Advocacy: Addressing housing affordability and promoting policies that benefit property owners and REALTORS®.

Education: Providing comprehensive training programs to ensure high professional standards.

Community Engagement: Supporting shelter-related causes through the Manitoba REALTORS® Shelter Foundation, which has granted over half a million dollars to 41 charities since 2008.