Realtors in one of Ontario's most sought-after real estate markets are joining forces with Canada's largest real estate board.
Members of the Barrie and District Association of Realtors (BDAR) voted to integrate with the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).
The merger, announced by TRREB on Thursday, unites more than 1,500 BDAR members with TRREB's 70,000 brokers and salespeople, increasing the former's reach and advocacy strength.
"We're thrilled with today's vote by our membership to integrate with TRREB," said Julia Price-Greig, CEO of BDAR. "This move will allow us to give members the best tools to do their job while maintaining a strong and important regional presence."
In addition to Barrie, BDAR covers cities and towns across the Greater Simcoe Region, including Collingwood, Orillia, and Wasaga Beach.
The amalgamated board will collectively be known as TRREB, but all of BDAR's existing regional offices and local employees will remain.
Under the merger, BDAR's members will gain access to an enhanced MLS database, providing improved data, listings, and clients. They'll also benefit from local support services, professional development opportunities, and government advocacy and public policy offerings.
"This is good news for TRREB and for BDAR," said TRREB President Paul Baron. "We are excited to integrate the two boards and look forward to the results this collaboration will bring our combined membership."
