July 3, 2024 – (Ontario) – On July 1, 2024, the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone) made a dynamic debut as Ontario’s second-largest real estate board, amalgamating nearly 9,000 REALTORS® from the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB), Mississauga Real Estate Board (MREB), Simcoe & District Real Estate Board (SDREB), and Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR).

The road to amalgamation formally began in the fall of 2023 when RAHB and WRAR announced their intent to pursue amalgamation, with SDREB and MREB quickly joining the initiative. The memberships of RAHB, SDREB, and WRAR each strongly voted to approve the amalgamation at separate Special General Meetings on November 23, 2023. MREB’s membership followed suit with a unanimous vote in favour of amalgamation on January 31, 2024, putting the fourth foundational pillar of Cornerstone firmly into place”

“This amalgamation represents a pivotal moment in real estate,” said Julie Sergi, Chair of the Cornerstone Association of Realtors. “Members will benefit from enhanced professional development opportunities, the best possible tools and services, and a unified voice advocating for the interests of REALTORS® and homeowners alike”.

By taking a proactive stance toward the future and not being afraid to question some of the long-standing assumptions, Cornerstone offers a unique value proposition designed to meet the evolving needs of REALTORS® and help them thrive in the marketplace. Standing for transparency, honesty, and integrity, Cornerstone sets itself apart by being a more assertive and aligned voice for REALTOR® members. Joining together magnifies, solidifies, and unifies our individual strengths, creating a more influential, capable, and member-centric organization.

“We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead,” says Bill Duce, CEO of Cornerstone. “Cornerstone will be about listening, being transparent, and responding to the evolving needs of our local REALTOR® Members.”

Cornerstone acknowledges this amalgamation does not solve the MLS® data access issue that REALTORS® identify as their number one concern. “While we are witnessing a lot of flux in organized real estate,” says Sergi, “Cornerstone is committing to safeguarding and protecting the investment its REALTOR® members have made over many years in creating a strong and stable MLS® system. To address some of the data gaps in the short term, we want to be part of the solution, not the problem. We’re excited to share that Cornerstone happily accepts interboard listings within its market areas at no charge.”

“We strongly believe that all Ontario REALTORS® should have access to all Ontario MLS® information, and we’re open to collaborating with other systems to make this happen. In the meantime, we kindly encourage all REALTORS® to ensure they place any MLS® listings on the MLS® System for the area of that listing so that local consumers will find them and the REALTORS® who regularly practice in the area can work together on your listing for the benefit of sellers and buyers. This cooperation is the foundation upon which the MLS® System was built.”

The Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® will maintain its offices in Mississauga, Hamilton, Waterloo, and Simcoe (Norfolk County), ensuring accessibility and local representation for all members.