About VIREB
The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB), formed in the early 1950's, is one of the most progressive,
respected and sophisticated real estate Boards in Canada. Its range of activities, responsibilities and operations
have dramatically increased over the years, and to keep abreast, the VIREB is constantly upgrading its services
and resources. VIREB also keeps an eye to the future, assisting wherever possible with the orderly, well planned
development of the Island.
The VIREB abides by its Mission Statement, which states:
“ The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board is committed to serving the needs of its members by providing cost effective tools, services and information necessary to foster professionalism and maintain the REALTOR®'s position as the primary focus in the real estate industry.”
The VIREB is a non-profit organization, and part of a three-tiered organizational structure involving both a national and provincial organization.
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) was formed in 1943 by a small group of leaders in the real estate industry who were concerned about government policies which imposed restrictions relating to property. This national liaison vehicle scrutinizes all legislation pertaining to real property and that which affect free enterprise. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) was formed in 1958 and is the provincial voice of REALTORS®. BCREA is comprised of all Real Estate Boards in B.C. By this association, the VIREB is able to keep abreast of all matters pertaining to the industry throughout British Columbia as well as benefit from the spirit of co-operation which all member Boards have.
The VIREB keeps in close contact with NAR, America's National Association of REALTORS®, which represents over 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the real estate industry.
With such strong liaison channels, the VIREB can constantly monitor and interpret provincial, national and international market trends and achievements.
The Board's membership is made up of 1,100 REALTORS® working in approximately 83 broker offices throughout the Board area, covering from north of the Malahat to the northern-most tip of the Island. In addition, there are 30 associate members representing government and appraisal firms. Members annually elect officers and a 12 member Board of Directors to oversee the Board operations.
Directors chair a number of committees, which are made up of volunteer Board members. The 2007 committees consist of the Business Practice Committee, Executive Management Committee, Arbitration Committee, Technology Committee, MLS® Committee, Government Relations (formerly Legislative & Government Liaison) Committee and the Education Committee.
As members of a full service trade organization, the REALTORS® work together to not only operate a fast and efficient Multiple Listing Service®, but also continue to grow in their education, legislation and community service. The population within the Board area is in excess of 250,000, and continuously growing. The VIREB faces this challenging growth in population with determination and confidence.
Without the Real Estate Board, licensed real estate professionals would be working in a vacuum, using their own personal yard stick as a code of ethics and standards of business practice, fighting to keep up with all changes that affect the business.
Real estate professionals have their Association in order to present a united standard and code of proper business practice to their colleagues and the public; and to continually educate and upgrade to meet the changing needs of every year.
To contact a REALTOR®, click here to get a list of broker offices in your area.
