Loft47, a real estate commission management system, and Payload, an industry digital payment processor, recently announced a new integration to change real estate payment processing, the first to cater to clients in both the United States and Canada.

The strategic partnership allows real estate professionals to simplify their financial processes by merging Loft47’s commission management tools with Payload’s payment options. The system is fully integrated and supports all modern payment methods, including ACH, EFT and credit cards.

‘A big step in simplifying real estate payments and boosting overall operational efficiency’

“Integrating Payload’s cutting-edge payment technology with Loft47’s state-of-the-art commission management and accounting platform gives our users a smooth and effective way to handle all financial transactions,” says Sasha Hryciuk, CEO at Loft47.

“This collaboration marks a big step in simplifying real estate payments and boosting overall operational efficiency.”

Benefits to real estate firms

The companies note the integration will bring the following benefits to real estate firms:

• Accept digital earnest money deposits, settlement and deposit payments, disburse agent commissions and collect agent fees
• Manage all property transactions through a single, streamlined platform
• Ensure secure transactions with advanced encryption and compliance features
• Gain real-time insights and detailed reporting on all financial activities
• Reduce manual processes and administrative overhead with automated workflows

Melaney Loar, director of operations at Regal Realtors, shares her experience:

“The tools are straightforward, saving us time and money. Before, we had to juggle a separate system to pay our agents, and data entry errors were a real headache. Now, with Payload’s focus on security and compliance, we don’t have to worry about fraud risks.”

Loar also explains that as the brokerage has grown, having reliable systems to scale with it has been crucial to reaching goals. “And the best part? Our agents are thrilled to get their commissions the next day.”

On Monday, Macdonald Realty Group of British Columbia announced the appointment of Dan Scarrow as its new president and chief executive officer. Dan succeeds Lynn Hsu, who will remain with the company as chair.

Scarrow’s track record

Scarrow has a long history with Macdonald Realty Group, having served as president from 2019 to 2022. For the past two years, he was president of Lyndan Properties, the company’s new real estate development arm with over $100+ million worth of projects in its pipeline.

“Dan has been a driving force behind our success for the past 15 years,” says Hsu. “With the establishment of Lyndan Properties and the continued achievements of Macdonald Realty, Macdonald Commercial, Macdonald Property Management and Macdonald Platinum Marketing, our position as BC’s leading real estate organization remains stronger than ever.”

Dan expressed his enthusiasm for the future: “It’s an honour to lead a company with over 80 years of history and an exciting path ahead. I believe the next chapter in Macdonald Realty Group’s story will be our most dynamic yet.”

Macdonald Realty has over 20 offices and 1,000 agents and staff and handles more than $10 billion in annual sales. Macdonald Commercial employs over 40 commercial agents across Vancouver, South Surrey and Victoria. Macdonald Property Management oversees properties valued at more than $6 billion and Macdonald Platinum Marketing has managed sales of over $2 billion in luxury new construction.

A recent Money.ca study revealed significant financial challenges immigrants in Canada face, including struggles with credit, money management and access to affordable housing. The survey gathered responses from 1,200 participants, offering an in-depth look at the obstacles new Canadians must navigate as they adapt to the country’s financial landscape.

“Financial literacy is not just about numbers; it is about making informed decisions, building financial stability and improving quality of life,” says Romana King, senior finance editor at Money.ca. “This data highlights the lack of accessible and comprehensive financial education for new immigrants, across the country.”  

Here are some key findings.

Housing affordability remains a major hurdle  

11.9 per cent of new immigrants reported difficulties when trying to rent or buy a home. Contributing factors included lack of credit history (low or no credit scores), high rental prices, dependence on a guarantor and the need for large upfront payments. Many also encountered barriers such as racial discrimination, language challenges and the complexities of the rental process.

Financial management skills lacking for many  

Nearly one-third of immigrants rated their money management skills as “average” or “poor,” indicating a knowledge gap. While 62.67 per cent felt confident in their abilities, 31.67 per cent considered their skills “average,” and 5.66 per cent rated them as “poor” or “very poor.”

Credit scores impact access to financial products

A quarter of immigrants have credit scores below 670, hindering their access to affordable financial products, employment and housing.

Additionally, only 12.48 per cent of immigrants knew that their credit score could impact their ability to rent a home. Gaps in understanding debt repayment, investing, and taxation were also prevalent.

“Achieving milestone goals, like finding housing in a new home country, requires access to helpful financial tools and products. From our research, it’s clear that new immigrants don’t have uniform access to these products or to information that can help them make informed decisions,” explains King. “This is a problem for all Canadians and a reason why we need to prioritize financial education to bridge gaps and foster a financially inclusive society.”

Realty One Group recently announced its new franchise model it describes as a “full-scale evolution designed to empower real estate professionals like never before.”

The company launched the model in response to the unpredictable real estate landscape, with fluctuating markets and evolving consumer demands. It says with its new model, business owners will attract and retain more agents, grow and be set up for long-term success.

How the model stands out

Realty One Group describes the new model as standing out because of its culture: a 100 per cent commission model and offering of business coaching, support, tools and marketing.

Chris MacLeod, a franchise owner at Realty One Group Iconic, shares his experience: “Since partnering with Realty One Group, I’ve seen incredible forward momentum across every aspect of my business.

The new franchise model is a game-changer, making it easier to attract top talent and scale our operations. The combination of innovative tools, unparalleled support and a vibrant ‘coolture’ has not only set us apart in the market but has also made our journey incredibly rewarding.”

MacLeod adds his team is progressing towards its goals faster than ever.

“We are so excited to be improving on our existing model as we expand across Canada,” Vicki Schmidt, CEO of Realty One Group Canada, adds.

“We are committed to being the best value in the market with an unbeatable brand presence and end-to-end technology solution, unlimited support and now an unbelievable new simplified fee structure allowing franchisees to focus on growing their business.”

Ken Welte, an agent with Sutton West Coast Realty, recently achieved his Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification and earned his Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA) license. This follows a life-changing experience in 2021 when Welte survived a serious ATV accident. 

Resulting from a deep desire to give back to those in need, Welte now volunteers as an EMR.

Welte’s story: Inspired by a near-death experience

On January 15, 2021, Welte and his wife, Laura, were involved in a near-death ATV accident that left them both in critical condition. Laura was airlifted to safety, while Welte was transported by UTV. He recalls the professionalism and dedication of the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and Nanaimo Search and Rescue (SAR) teams. 

“Their expertise and care were nothing short of life-saving,” he says. “The pain management provided by the BCEHS was crucial. Without it, an already horrific experience would have been unbearable.”

Welte’s mission as an EMR, inspired by the care he and his wife received, is to provide the same humane pain management care to others in their time of need. As a volunteer with SAR, he recognized the importance of being well-equipped with advanced skills and knowledge and so decided to pursue his EMR certification. 

After six months of study and training, Welte passed the EMA exam and earned his license. Today, he volunteers with SAR, responding to emergencies at least once a week, including swift water rescues and community mental health calls.

“This certification is just the beginning,” Welte emphasizes. “I’m committed to continuous learning and improvement so I can offer the best care possible to those in need.”

Photo: suttonspirit.com

The Ottawa real estate market saw increased activity in August, with 1,100 homes sold, the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) reports. This marks a 10.2 per cent rise compared to August 2023, though sales remained below both the five-year (-11.4 per cent) and 10-year (-14.1 per cent) averages for the month.

Year-to-date, Ottawa has recorded 9,444 home sales in 2024, a 6.0 per cent increase from the year prior.

Buyers remain cautious, advised to remain patient and work with realtors

“Being a seasonal market, it’s very encouraging to see sustained levels of activity throughout the whole summer,” says OREB president-elect Paul Czan. “And coupled with a third consecutive interest rate drop from the Bank of Canada, we are anticipating a heated market in the fall.”

While affordability remains a key concern for buyers, a steady stream of new listings and stable prices have kept them cautious. Czan notes that sellers must remain patient and work closely with realtors to price their homes appropriately and develop strong selling strategies.

Source: OREB

Price trends

Last month, the area’s composite benchmark price was $646,000, down by 0.3 per cent year-over-year. The benchmark price was $732,500 for single-family homes (-0.3 per cent), $502,200 for townhouse/row units (+0.3 per cent) and $416,800 for apartments (-1.2 per cent).

The average price of homes sold in August was $660,341, reflecting a 0.3 per cent increase from the year prior. Year-to-date, the average home price stands at $678,327, up 0.9 per cent from the previous year.

Inventory & listings

Ottawa’s housing inventory saw notable gains in August, with 1,907 new residential listings, 0.2 per cent more than the previous year. Active listings grew by 25.8 per cent to reach 3,324 units, while months of inventory rose to 3.0, up from 2.6 in August 2023.

The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB) August market statistics show significant growth in both Quebec City and Montreal, thanks in part to recent interest rate cuts.

Quebec City: A strong market in expansion

Last month’s residential sales in Quebec City reached 626 transactions, marking a 10 per cent year-over-year increase — the second-highest transactional activity for this time of year.

Source: QPAREB

“The strength of the Quebec City market is impressive and is firmly positioned in an expansion phase. This situation is set to continue for some time as the downward movement in interest rates is well underway. All the more so since this strengthens the confidence of households and investors in a market where the sustained increase in property prices seems unwavering,” notes Charles Brant, QPAREB market analysis director.

However, Brant cautions that rising home prices, driven by limited inventory, could offset the benefits of falling interest rates, and affordability concerns are growing as the unemployment rate edges upward.

Montreal: Market recovery driven by rate cuts

Residential sales in Montreal totalled 2,991 in August, a 9.0 per cent increase from the same period last year. Brant attributes this growth to the Bank of Canada’s three consecutive rate cuts, which have given households more purchasing power despite the moderate rise in home prices.

Source: QPAREB

“The strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with the decline posted by many other Canadian metropolises struggling with a much higher level of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power. All these factors limit transactional activity and contribute to more instability for mortgage renewals,” he adds.

“Montreal, unlike these markets, is benefiting and will benefit even more from the downward trend in interest rates. Buyers have more maneuvering room since household income tends to be similar to that of other major Canadian cities yet home prices remain almost half as high.”

Market highlights

Quebec City saw single-family home sales jump by 13 per cent, with a median price increase of 9.0 per cent, reaching $390,000. Condominium sales rose 7.0 per cent, with a 22 per cent median price increase to $279,500.

In Montreal, single-family homes saw a 9.0 per cent increase in sales, with the median price rising by 5.0 per cent to $590,000. Condominiums led the sales increase with an 11 per cent jump, reaching a median price of $407,100.

Active listings in Montreal grew by 18 per cent, while Quebec City saw a 13 per cent decline, reflecting low inventory in Quebec City and increasing supply in Montreal.

Get more details, including by province and city.

Garry Bhaura, vice chair of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and broker of record at Re/Max President Realty, celebrated his 50th birthday through environmental stewardship with the planting of 50 trees at the Claireville Conservation Area in Brampton.

The September 6 event, organized in collaboration with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the City of Brampton, aimed to combat climate change and promote a greener future.

The trees planted will enhance local biodiversity, provide essential green space and help mitigate the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon and improving air quality.

Significant for both the community and the real estate industry

The initiative was significant for both the community and the real estate industry. It attracted Bhaura’s friends, family, colleagues and community members — all committed to supporting environmental sustainability. 

Attendees included Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, City Councillors Rod Power and Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor Gurpratap Toor, Member of Provincial Parliament Hardeep Grewal, Don Kottick, president of Sotheby’s International Canada, Larry Cirqua, CREA past chair, Winson Chan, Tridel VP of sales and CREA director, along with members of the Re/Max President Realty team. 

Reflecting on the event, Bhaura states, “Planting a tree is planting hope for a greener, more sustainable future. Each tree represents our commitment to nurturing the planet. Together, we are shaping a healthier environment for generations to come.

I’m deeply thankful to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the City of Brampton and everyone who joined us in this meaningful endeavour.”

Last month, Saskatchewan reported 1,507 residential property sales, the Saskatchewan Realtors Association (SRA) reports.

This was a 7.0 per cent year-over-year decline but over 12 per cent above long-term averages, with August marking the 14th consecutive month of above-average sales. This is unlike other Canadian markets, SRA’s CEO, Chris Guérette, points out.

Relative affordability and strong employment continues to support provincial housing demand

The sales-to-new-listings ratio decreased from levels over the last few months, thanks to few new listings compared to sales.

This prevented an even greater monthly decline in inventory. That said, inventory levels still decreased by 17 per cent year-over-year and are 40 per cent below long-term averages.

“Saskatchewan’s relative affordability, when paired with employment gains and falling unemployment rates, continues to support strong housing demand in our province,” notes Guérette.

‘Very significant’ price growth in Saskatoon and Moose Jaw

Less supply, especially in the lower price ranges, are pushing prices upward: last month the province reported a residential benchmark price of $344,700, a 6.0 per cent year-over-year jump.

“Inventory levels remain over 40 per cent below average province-wide and in our two largest centres — and we’re seeing the impact that can have on prices,” says Guérette.

She notes that almost all regions of the province saw year-over-year price growth in August. This was as high as 11 per cent in Moose Jaw and 9.0 per cent in Saskatoon — something she describes as “very significant.”

Regina

Regina reported 387 sales last month, 8.0 per cent above year-over-year and 29 per cent above long-term trends. Year-to-date sales consist of 2,765 units, 15 per cent higher than last year despite ongoing inventory issues — levels declined by 22 per cent year-over-year and remain over 40 per cent below long-term trends. The city’s benchmark price was $319,700 in August, 3.0 per cent above the year prior.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon reported 457 sales last month, 13 per cent below year-over-year and 14 per cent above long-term trends. Inventory remains over 48 per cent below long-term trends, and Saskatoon still reports the province’s tightest market conditions. Its benchmark price was $404,900 in August, over 8.0 per cent above the year prior.

Review the full report, including by province, city, CMA/CA, economic region and census division.

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada recently announced the addition of the Scott Marshall Group to its national network. Based in Kelowna, British Columbia, the team brings expertise and roots in the Okanagan Valley.

“The addition of the Scott Marshall Group to Sotheby’s International Realty Canada reinforces our position as the premier choice for discerning clients seeking the highest level of real estate expertise,” says Don Kottick, president & CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. 

“Their proven track record of success and deep connections to the local community align perfectly with our mission to deliver unparalleled service and results across Canada.”

The team

Led by Scott Marshall, the Scott Marshall Group is known for its specialization in acreages, lakeshore, luxury and farmland properties. 

Marshall is a fifth-generation Okanagan resident with a real estate and farming family history going back to 1911. He has deep knowledge of the region and an educational background in real estate and finance from the University of British Columbia. For eight years, he worked with a large international real estate brand, where he achieved the top sales position among over 200 local agents and ranked second in sales for B.C.

Joining Marshall are two sales associates: Cole Young and Natalie Reichert. Young carries a mortgage broker license, an extensive background in finance, with a global perspective from his time in Singapore, and knowledge of investment banking, mortgage brokering and real estate. Reichert is a graduate of Kwantlen Polytechnic University and brings experience in international markets.

“I am confident that the Scott Marshall Group’s presence will bring immense value to the brand and further solidify its leadership in the Canadian real estate market,” says Nathan Flavel, regional managing broker, Interior British Columbia.

“We take pride in working with exceptional real estate leaders across Canada and we look forward to working together with the Scott Marshall Group to achieve new heights of success.”