Leading the Charge: Pauline Aunger’s Vision for Canadian Real Estate
In the dynamic world of Canadian real estate, few voices resonate with as much experience and passion as Pauline Aunger. As the esteemed president of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Aunger embodies a profound commitment to the industry, advocating tirelessly for its members and its future. Her journey through organized real estate, marked by leadership roles at local, provincial, and national levels, offers a compelling perspective on the indispensable value of active participation. Aunger firmly believes that every Realtor stands to gain immensely from engaging with their professional associations, transforming their careers and contributing to the collective strength of the sector.
When asked about the driving force behind her extensive involvement, Aunger offers a response that transcends the conventional. “Everybody says it’s to give back to the association, and that it’s rewarding both personally and professionally. That’s the pat answer,” she observes. However, her perspective delves deeper. “All the time I’ve been involved in the real estate community has made me a better Realtor. So the advantage that being involved gives you is that you are on top of what’s going on and you understand why things have changed – and you are part of the change rather than learning about it later.” This proactive stance, she emphasizes, is not merely a professional perk but a fundamental aspect of remaining relevant and impactful in an ever-evolving market. For Aunger, personal growth and professional foresight are inextricably linked to active participation, making involvement a strategic imperative for any Realtor serious about their craft.
Her dedication is palpable: “I can’t imagine my life in real estate without being involved. It’s been a great pleasure to be a part of the change instead of waiting to see what happens.” This sentiment underscores a philosophy of engagement, empowerment, and leadership that defines her tenure at CREA and her broader career. As the broker of record at Royal LePage Advantage Real Estate in Smiths Falls, Ont., Aunger’s hands-on experience in the field complements her strategic vision at the national helm. Her journey from local board president to the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) president, and now to CREA, exemplifies a deep-rooted commitment to serving and shaping the real estate landscape across Canada.
Transforming Governance: Dispelling the “Old Boys Club” Myth
Organized real estate has historically faced criticism, sometimes labelled as an “old boys club” where a select few dominate leadership positions for extended periods. Recognizing this challenge and committed to fostering more inclusive and dynamic governance, CREA is actively implementing reforms. A significant proposal, presented at a recent Annual General Meeting, aims to modify the qualifications required to serve on its prestigious Board of Directors. This move represents a deliberate effort to broaden the pool of talent and bring fresh perspectives to the national stage.
Gary Simonsen, CREA’s chief executive officer, explains the historical context: “There used to be a requirement that you had to serve on a local board or provincial association as a director for so many years (before you could join CREA’s board).” The new proposal seeks to modernize these prerequisites by allowing individuals who have served on other governing boards – even those not directly related to real estate – to qualify. Simonsen highlights the rationale: “It’s about bringing those skills and competencies to the table.” This forward-thinking approach acknowledges that valuable leadership experience and strategic insights can be cultivated in diverse environments, enriching CREA’s governance with varied expertise.
Pauline Aunger passionately supports this shift, emphasizing its role in attracting the right talent. “It’s about getting the right people, who may not have had the opportunity to serve locally but are interested in serving at the national level,” she states. This policy change is not merely administrative; it’s a strategic embrace of diversity in thought and experience. Aunger points to tangible evidence of this evolution within CREA’s current leadership, noting that four members of the Board of Directors did not serve as provincial association presidents. “I think the old boy’s network has changed,” she affirms, indicating a progressive move towards a more representative and skill-based leadership model.
Bridging the Engagement Gap: Inspiring Realtor Participation
Despite the undeniable benefits of involvement, Realtors are often perceived as notoriously apathetic when it comes to actively participating in organized real estate. With a vast membership exceeding 112,000 professionals, CREA, like many large associations, grapples with the challenge of converting passive membership into active engagement.
“We have 112,000 members and not all of them are involved,” Aunger acknowledges candidly. However, she believes in the untapped potential within this large group. “Maybe some of them want to be but don’t know it yet. So it’s about helping people get into the process – you only get a volunteer by asking them.” This insight is crucial: engagement often begins with a personal invitation and clear guidance on how to contribute. It’s a call to action for leadership to proactively identify and mentor potential volunteers, breaking down perceived barriers to entry.
Aunger also draws a compelling parallel between professional involvement and community service. She observes that many real estate professionals are deeply involved in volunteering for local charitable causes, generously contributing both their personal time and financial resources. This demonstrates an inherent spirit of community and altruism within the Realtor population. The challenge, then, lies in effectively channeling this existing volunteer energy towards the organized real estate community, helping members understand that contributing to their association is also a form of “giving back” that directly impacts their profession and livelihood.
Streamlining Operations: CREA’s Commitment to Efficiency and Members
In response to ongoing pressure from its membership to reduce bureaucracy and maintain reasonable member dues, CREA has undertaken significant internal streamlining initiatives. These strategic organizational adjustments are designed to enhance efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and ensure that the association remains agile and responsive to the needs of its members. The goal is to maximize member value by focusing resources where they matter most, while keeping operational costs in check.
A key step in this process was the reduction of the Board of Directors from 20 members to 16 in the previous year. This consolidation was followed by an even more recent and impactful decision: the elimination of the Executive Committee. These structural changes are not merely cosmetic; they represent a fundamental reshaping of CREA’s governance framework. By reducing the number of directorial positions and streamlining decision-making bodies, the association aims to achieve greater operational agility, faster response times, and a more direct line of accountability. The elimination of redundant layers ensures that resources are allocated more effectively, reinforcing CREA’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and delivering tangible benefits to its members.
Connecting Coast to Coast: Aunger’s Presidential Outreach
During her impactful year as president, Pauline Aunger has prioritized direct engagement with CREA’s diverse membership across the country. Her main objective has been to foster open communication and ensure that members feel connected and informed about the association’s activities and strategic direction. To achieve this, Aunger and a dedicated team of staff and fellow Board members have embarked on an extensive series of “Open House” meetings, a popular initiative designed to bridge geographical distances and strengthen relationships.
These cross-country tours have taken Aunger from the western shores of Vancouver Island all the way to Atlantic Canada, demonstrating a robust commitment to face-to-face interaction. The meetings serve as vital platforms for updating local boards and provincial associations on CREA’s latest initiatives, policy developments, and advocacy efforts. More importantly, they provide invaluable opportunities for CREA leadership to listen directly to the concerns, suggestions, and feedback of its members, ensuring that national strategies remain grounded in local realities.
Aunger believes these efforts have significantly improved inter-organizational dialogue. She notes that the different levels of organized real estate are “talking more often” than in the past, and “that helps us to get along better.” This increased communication fosters a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding. “It’s a case of never ignoring your differences or problems but always being able to talk about them,” she emphasizes. This philosophy of open dialogue is central to strengthening the entire Canadian real estate ecosystem. Ultimately, Aunger articulates a unifying principle: “Basically we’re all here to help our members, whether we’re talking about the provincial association, the local board or the national association. The Realtor is the most important part of this.” This member-centric approach defines her leadership and guides CREA’s mission.
Innovating the Digital Frontier: The Future of Realtor.ca and DDF
In an increasingly digital world, CREA recognizes the paramount importance of providing its members with cutting-edge tools and platforms. While officials maintain a discreet silence on ongoing legal matters such as the Competition Tribunal case involving the Toronto Real Estate Board’s MLS policies, Aunger confidently asserts CREA’s unwavering commitment to maintaining Realtor.ca as “the No. 1 website in Canada,” regardless of external outcomes. This strategic focus ensures that Realtors have access to the most powerful and widely used online presence for their listings.
Aunger articulates the shared ambition: “Realtors want it to be the best it can be.” To that end, significant enhancements are in the pipeline for Realtor.ca, designed to improve both functionality and user experience. While specifics are kept under wraps to maintain an element of surprise – “I’m not going to tell you about them because that would take all the fun out of it,” she playfully remarks – Aunger hints at exciting upgrades. These improvements will notably include the accommodation of more high-resolution photos and the implementation of real-time property updates. These features are crucial for captivating modern homebuyers who expect rich visual content and instant access to the freshest market data, directly contributing to more dynamic and engaging listing presentations.
Complementing Realtor.ca’s robust platform is the Data Distribution Facility (DDF), another cornerstone of CREA’s digital strategy. “As a Realtor, you want your listings in as many places as possible and that’s why the data distribution facility (DDF) exists,” Aunger explains. The DDF empowers Realtors with unprecedented control, allowing them to choose where their listings are syndicated, thereby maximizing their market exposure. This flexibility ensures that listings reach the broadest possible audience, catering to public preferences for quick, mobile-accessible information. “The public likes quick information and they like mobile,” she notes, highlighting the critical need for a seamless digital experience. By maintaining Realtor.ca’s preeminence and offering the DDF, CREA ensures that “When we have the No. 1 website, all Realtors benefit from it,” providing a collective competitive advantage in a crowded online marketplace.
Advocating for Housing: Engaging with the New Federal Government
Beyond its internal operations and digital platforms, CREA plays a crucial role as an advocate for the real estate industry on the national political stage. A significant priority for the association is establishing strong working relationships with the newly formed federal government. With over 200 new Members of Parliament (MPs) now serving in the House of Commons, there is an imperative to educate these legislators on the issues vital to Realtors and Canadian homeowners.
To facilitate this engagement, CREA has proactively sent each new MP a comprehensive book outlining key issues of concern to Realtors. This invaluable resource covers a range of critical topics, including important sections about the Home Buyer’s Plan, FINTRAC regulations (anti-money laundering), the Privacy Act, anti-spam legislation, and various other policies that directly impact real estate transactions and professional practices. By providing this information, CREA aims to ensure that federal policymakers are well-informed about the industry’s perspectives and the potential ramifications of legislative decisions on the housing market and the livelihoods of its members.
In a strategic adjustment to maximize its advocacy efforts, CREA has also shifted the timing of its influential PAC (Political Action Committee) days conference from spring to fall. This change ensures that by the time the next conference takes place, the new government will have been in power for approximately a year, allowing for more informed and substantive discussions with established government officials and ministries. This deliberate timing reflects a sophisticated approach to political engagement, aiming for maximum impact in shaping policy discussions and protecting the interests of Realtors and Canadian homeowners.
Safeguarding Homeownership: Monitoring Policy Threats
CREA’s advocacy extends to closely monitoring potential policy threats that could impact the real estate market and homeowners. One such concern currently on the association’s radar is the potential reintroduction of mandatory home energy audits in Ontario. Aunger expressed her dismay upon learning that this idea was back under consideration, highlighting her long-standing opposition to such measures.
Her commitment to this issue is not new; it harks back to her tenure as president of OREA in 2009. “If you Google me, you will see me standing in front of the legislature talking about this very thing,” she recounts, emphasizing her consistent advocacy against policies she believes could unduly burden homeowners and complicate real estate transactions. Mandatory home energy audits, while ostensibly aimed at promoting energy efficiency, can introduce additional costs, bureaucratic hurdles, and delays in the buying and selling process, which CREA and Aunger believe ultimately detracts from a healthy and accessible housing market. This vigilance underscores CREA’s role in proactive policy monitoring and advocacy on behalf of its members and the broader public.
A Personal Commitment: Balancing Leadership and Business
Serving as the president of a national organization like CREA is a demanding role, one that requires immense dedication and often entails personal sacrifice. Pauline Aunger candidly admits that her extensive activities as president do inevitably cut into the time she can dedicate to her own real estate business. However, she considers herself fortunate to have a strong support system. “I’m lucky because my daughter is a Realtor and she helps cover for me,” Aunger shares, highlighting the familial teamwork that enables her to fulfill her presidential duties.
Despite the challenges of balancing national leadership with personal business, Aunger is keen to dispel any misconception that her presidency means a hiatus from active selling. “But I don’t want to give the illusion that I’m not selling while I’m serving as president because I am,” she clarifies. Her ability to manage both roles speaks volumes about her exceptional organizational skills, her unwavering work ethic, and her profound commitment to her profession. “It’s about managing my time,” she succinctly puts it, a skill honed over decades in real estate.
Looking beyond her presidential term, Aunger’s vision remains clear and deeply rooted in her identity as a Realtor. “When the year ends I’ll still be a Realtor. I’ll be a Realtor for the rest of my life.” This powerful statement encapsulates her lifelong passion and dedication to the real estate industry, affirming that her leadership role is an extension of her professional identity, not a departure from it. Her journey exemplifies a leader who is not only guiding the industry from the top but also remains firmly connected to the everyday realities and aspirations of its members.