The Manitoba Real Estate Association: Supporting Real Estate Professionals and Homebuyers

The Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA) has been serving real estate professionals and homebuyers in the province of Manitoba for over 100 years. As a voluntary non-profit organization, the MREA provides a wide range of services, education, advocacy, and resources to support a thriving real estate industry in Manitoba.

The Manitoba Real Estate Association: Supporting Real Estate Professionals and Homebuyers Since 1903

History and Overview of the MREA "Manitoba Real Estate Association"

The MREA was established in 1903 as the Winnipeg Real Estate Exchange. It was formed by a group of Winnipeg real estate agents who wanted to create an organization to establish industry standards, share best practices, and advocate on behalf of the profession.

In 1910, the organization was incorporated under Manitoba law as the Winnipeg Real Estate Board. Over the next few decades, the organization grew to include real estate professionals from across Manitoba. In 1959, it changed its name to the Manitoba Real Estate Association to reflect its broader provincial focus.

Today, the MREA has over 1,400 members comprised of real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, mortgage brokers, and other industry professionals. Members belong to one of five constituent associations located across the province:

• Winnipeg Realtors® Association
• Brandon Area Realtors® Association
• Northwestern Manitoba Realtors® Association
• South Central Manitoba Realtors® Association
• Thompson Okanagan Realtors® Association

The MREA is affiliated with the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and adheres to CREA’s REALTOR® Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice. All members must agree to abide by the Code of Ethics.

The MREA is governed by a Board of Directors elected from the ranks of the membership. The Board is responsible for setting the overall direction and policies of the Association. Day-to-day operations are handled by a staff team based in Winnipeg.

Key Services and Benefits for Members

As the voice of real estate in Manitoba, the MREA offers numerous services and benefits to its members including:

Education and Professional Development

• Hosts educational courses, seminars, and events to help members stay current on real estate practices, legal issues, ethics, and technology.
• Offers mandatory licensing courses required by the Real Estate Brokers Act.
• Provides the REALTOR® designation course.
• Access to online training through the REALTOR® Link platform.

Advocacy and Government Relations

• Lobbies the provincial government on behalf of the profession.
• Makes recommendations on real estate legislation and regulation.
• Collaborates with local municipalities on zoning, housing, and other real estate-related issues.

Member Communications

• Regular newsletters and broadcast emails with timely industry information.
• Access to standardized forms and contracts.
• Social media channels for sharing news and best practices.

Consumer and Public Awareness

• Promotes the value Realtors® bring to real estate transactions.
• Operates ManitobaRealtor.com – a website for consumers to search for properties and Realtors®.
• Manages public advertising campaigns highlighting Realtor® expertise.

Membership Discounts

• Discounted rates on errors and omissions insurance through the REALTOR® Protection Plan.
• Preferred rates on business products and services such as office supplies, couriers, tech tools, and more.

Province-wide Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®)

• Managed by MREA subsidiary, Manitoba Real Estate Association MLS®.
• Enables members to share and access listings from across Manitoba.
• MLS® database contains all properties available for sale through MREA members.

Key Member Designations

The MREA grants members the right to use the REALTOR® trademark when referring to themselves as real estate professionals. Only members of the Association can call themselves a REALTOR® in Manitoba.

In addition to the REALTOR® designation, MREA members can achieve the following designations through additional education and experience:

• Accredited Appraiser® - for real estate appraisal professionals.
• Canadian Residential Appraiser (CRA) - granted by the Appraisal Institute of Canada
• Certified Property Manager® (CPM®) - for property management specialists.
• Fellow of the Real Estate Institute (FRI) - for outstanding contributions to the industry.
• Residential Real Estate Council (RRC) - for advanced real estate education.

Earning these professional designations demonstrates a member’s commitment to excellence in their field of expertise.

Signature Events and Projects

The MREA hosts several special events and projects each year that bring the membership together and give back to the community:

• Annual Spring Conference - The MREA’s biggest event of the year with educational sessions, keynote speakers, an exhibit hall, and networking events. Typically held in April/May.
• REALTORS® Care Blanket Drive - An annual winter campaign promoting community involvement. Members collect and donate blankets to homeless shelters and charities across Manitoba.
• MLS® Cup Golf Tournament - The Association’s annual golf tournament is held each September. Proceeds support various charities.
• REALTOR® & Renovator Awards Gala - An annual awards ceremony recognizing excellence and achievements in Manitoba real estate.
• Housing Opportunities Partnership - Ongoing collaboration with Manitoba Government and housing industry partners to promote affordable homeownership and housing solutions.

Advocacy and Policy Positions

As part of its mandate to support the interests of the real estate profession, the MREA actively advocates on a number of policy positions:

• Supporting Property Owners’ Rights – The MREA believes property owners should be protected from infringements on their rights to buy, sell, own or transfer property. This includes opposing measures like rent control or bans on property ownership by non-resident foreigners.
• Access to Housing – The MREA supports policy measures that facilitate access to homeownership and affordable housing options for Manitobans across the socioeconomic spectrum. This includes advocating for fair mortgage rules and diverse housing types.
• Balanced Policymaking – Real estate is a complex ecosystem with many stakeholders. The MREA advocates for balanced policy approaches that take all viewpoints into account, avoiding sweeping unilateral actions.
• Smart Growth and Sustainable Development – The MREA supports responsible land-use planning, density, and development practices that allow communities to grow efficiently while protecting green space and quality of life.
• Home Inspector Licensing - The MREA has lobbied for regulation of home inspectors to protect consumers and increase the professionalization of inspectors. Legislation was passed in 2021.
• Reducing Regulatory Burden – While recognizing the need for appropriate regulation, the MREA also argues for minimizing unnecessary “red tape” that can hinder real estate transactions and economic competitiveness.

The positions taken by the MREA are drafted, reviewed, and approved by members to represent their collective interests in public policy discussions. The Association regularly makes submissions to the government and participates in housing industry committees at both provincial and national levels.

Public Awareness Programs

An important part of the MREA’s mandate is educating consumers about the value of working with a REALTOR® and promoting high standards of practice among real estate professionals. Key public awareness initiatives include:

ManitobaRealtor.com

The MREA’s consumer website provides information on buying and selling property in Manitoba, tips on finding the right Realtor®, and listings of properties for sale by MREA members. Consumers can search listings and find Realtors® who are MREA members.

Ask a Realtor®

On ManitobaRealtor.com, consumers can ask questions about any real estate topic and receive answers from Realtors®. Questions are answered within 1 business day. This helps provide expertise and builds trust.

Advantages of Using a Realtor® Campaign

Ongoing advertising and communications campaign, including TV, radio, print, and digital ads, highlighting why it pays to work with a Realtor® instead of going it alone in real estate transactions.

Open House Weekend

An annual event held in May where Realtors® across Manitoba hold open houses to showcase properties for sale. Used to attract buyers and promote Realtor® expertise.

Featured Communities

Monthly videos and web features highlighting great Manitoba communities to live in. Part of promoting housing options and supporting Realtors® across the province.

Through these and other initiatives, the MREA builds consumer awareness of the REALTOR® brand and the high professional standards represented by the designation.

Supporting Local Communities

Giving back to local communities across Manitoba is also an important focus for the MREA and its members. This is achieved through fundraising initiatives, supporting local charities, and involvement in community improvement projects.

Some of the local community activities driven by MREA members include:

• Annual charity fundraisers tied to events like the MLS® Cup golf tournament and various association conferences. Recipients have included Habitat for Humanity, Children’s Hospital Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba, and many others.
• Food drives are organized by local real estate offices to collect donations for food banks in their communities.
• Raising funds and volunteering for local shelter initiatives, particularly programs focused on youth, women, and Indigenous community members.
• Participating in neighborhood clean-up and improvement projects, such as painting park benches or planting trees.
• Sponsoring local youth sports teams and after-school programs.
• Supporting programs that provide clothing, school supplies, or holiday gifts to those in need.
• Donating a portion of commissions on home sales to selected community charities.

The MREA matches donations made by members and associations for some fundraising drives, helping magnify the impact. The Association also recognizes outstanding community service efforts through its annual REALTOR® & Renovator Awards.

Supporting Indigenous Communities

Supporting Indigenous communities and helping Indigenous peoples overcome barriers to homeownership is an area of focus for the MREA. Efforts in this area include:

• Partnering with Manitoba Indigenous organizations on housing programs and participating in events like the annual Indigenous Housing Expo.
• Providing Indigenous Cultural Competency Training for members to deepen their understanding of Indigenous histories and build stronger relationships.
• Sponsoring Indigenous business awards and providing scholarships for Indigenous students pursuing careers in real estate.
• Working to increase the number of Indigenous REALTOR® members through outreach and engagement initiatives.
• Advocating for urban reserves and increased land leases to facilitate Indigenous housing development.
• Promoting programs like RBC’s Indigenous Housing Loan that provide mortgage assistance for Indigenous homebuyers.

The MREA aims to be a leader in engaging the Indigenous community in Manitoba’s real estate sector and providing greater homeownership opportunities for Indigenous peoples across the province.

Key Industry Partnerships

In fulfilling its mandate, the MREA maintains partnerships, relationships, and affiliate status with numerous organizations connected to real estate in Manitoba:

• Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) – The MREA belongs to this national industry association that sets standards and provides resources for provincial associations.
• Manitoba Securities Commission – The MREA works with the MSC which regulates real estate professionals and administers licensing in the province.
• Manitoba Mortgage Brokers Association – Collaborates with this partner industry association on areas of mutual interest.
• REALTOR® Affinity Partners – Maintains preferred partnerships with companies offering products/services to MREA members. Partners include RBC, TELUS, Federated Insurance, and others.
• Manitoba Chambers of Commerce – Connects with local chambers across Manitoba to promote economic development.
• Manitoba School Divisions and Colleges – Partners with educational institutions to develop real estate education programs.
• Manitoba Home Builders’ Association – Works with the MHBA on government relations and housing issues.
• Urban Development Institute – Manitoba Chapter – Collaborates with this industry organization on land development and housing supply issues.
• Manitoba Real Estate Association MLS® – Operates an arms-length relationship with its wholly owned MLS® subsidiary company.

By actively engaging with these and other partners, the MREA can accomplish more in support of Manitoba’s real estate sector than it could alone. These relationships help the Association stay connected to all facets of the real estate ecosystem.

Key Real Estate Laws in Manitoba

The MREA plays an active role in providing input on the laws and regulations that govern real estate in Manitoba. Key laws that impact the industry include:

• The Real Estate Brokers Act – Governs the licensing and regulation of real estate professionals in Manitoba. Establishes the duties and responsibilities of industry members.
• The Mortgage Brokers Act – Regulates the licensing and practices of mortgage brokers and mortgage loan providers operating in Manitoba.
• The Condominium Act – Sets out the rules for the creation, management, and operations of condominium corporations in the province. An important law for real estate condo sales.
• The City of Winnipeg Charter – Grants the City of Winnipeg authority over zoning, land use, development approvals, and related matters within its boundaries.
• The Manitoba Evidence Act – Contains provisions related to real estate contracts, deeds, trusts, and other legal instruments that impact real estate transactions.
• The Land Titles Act – Establishes and regulates Manitoba’s land title registration system for recording interests in real property.
• The Income Tax Act – Contains tax laws related to real estate sales, purchases, mortgages, and rents that apply in Manitoba.
• The Builders' Liens Act – Governs how liens are applied in real estate construction projects in Manitoba.

The MREA frequently makes submissions on proposed bills, lobbies for changes to legislation, and informs members about the impacts of new laws affecting the real estate industry.

Real Estate Trends in Manitoba

Manitoba has an active and diverse real estate market driven by trends like:

Increasing Urbanization – The share of Manitoba’s population living in urban areas is rising, driven by international immigration and the movement of people from rural communities into cities like Winnipeg, Brandon, and Thompson. This is increasing demand for urban housing.

First-Time Homebuyer Growth – Manitoba has one of the youngest median ages among provinces. As the large millennial cohort enters prime home-buying years, first-time purchases are rising. New mortgage loan programs are facilitating purchases.

Shift to Condos – High prices for low-rise homes in Winnipeg are pushing more first-time buyers to enter the market through condos. The supply of condo units has rapidly expanded to meet demand.

Rural Property Interest – The COVID-19 pandemic spurred demand for rural recreational properties with more people able to work remotely. Regions like the Interlake, Whiteshell, and Lake of the Woods have seen rising sales.

Indigenous Community Growth – Manitoba has the highest percentage of Indigenous population among provinces. With increasing urbanization and incomes, housing demand is rising in Indigenous communities.

Climate Adaptation – Extreme weather events are impacting property values and insurance costs in some Manitoba regions. Homeowners and builders are investing more in climate-resilient designs and materials.

Smart Home Technology – Connected home devices, electric vehicle charging, solar panels, and other smart tech are becoming popular additions to new construction and renovation projects.

The MREA monitors emerging real estate trends closely to ensure members understand shifting markets and can adapt their services accordingly. The Association provides regular market reports and analytics to support this.

Significance of the Manitoba Real Estate Association

For over 100 years, the Manitoba Real Estate Association has played an integral role in developing Manitoba’s real estate sector into the vibrant, professional industry it is today. By providing education, advocacy, and connections, the MREA empowers real estate professionals to provide valuable services to their clients.

The Association has successfully lobbied for licensing of home inspectors, implemented emerging technologies like electronic signatures, and taken leadership roles in addressing important issues like housing affordability and climate resilience.

With public awareness campaigns, partnerships, community giving, and other initiatives, the MREA also focuses on the wider impacts of real estate on the quality of life across Manitoba.

As the voice of real estate in the province, the Manitoba Real Estate Association will continue working to enable the dreams of homeownership, advance professionalism in the industry, and build stronger communities across Manitoba for the next 100 years and beyond.