The Windsor-Essex County Real Estate Board

Amherstburg, Belle River, Colchester, Comber, Cottom, Essex, Harrow, Kingsville, Lakeshore, LaSalle, Leamington, McGregor, Pelee Island, St. Clair Beach, Stoney Point, Tecumseh, Tilbury, Wheatley, Windsor, Ontario with Real Estate MLS® Flat Fee services.

On April 12, 1918, the original Board was incorporated as The Border Cities Real Estate Board, with a Membership of twenty-five (25) Brokers. This name was changed to The Windsor Real Estate Board on May 5, 1942. On October 27, 1971, the South Essex Real Estate Board and The Windsor Real Estate Board amalgamated to become The Windsor-Essex County Real Estate Board.

The Windsor-Essex County Real Estate Board is the oldest Real Estate Board in Ontario and the second oldest in Canada, celebrating our 90th Anniversary in 2008. Membership in the Board has grown from the original twenty-five (25) Brokers in 1918, to the hundred and five (105) Members in 1964, to the eight hundred and ninety-three (893) Members (as of October 31st, 2008) including sixty-five (65) Firms.

Statistics of the Board show that our gross sales in 1945 were $40,650, for 6 sales. In 1984 the volume had increased to $243 million, 4,639 sales and 10,164 listings being processed by the Multiple Listing Service®. In 2007, the Board total sales volume reached $922,286,201 and with the Board processing over 5,388 sales and approximately 15,038 listings.

The Board first implemented a Computerized and Catalogued MLS® System in 1976. Since that time a succession of technological advances have allowed Members to remain current in the constantly changing and advancing marketplace, these advances include a Lockbox system, first introduced in 1995 and most recently updated in 2003 to the Supra iBox.

This new system includes infrared capabilities and a range of user-friendly features. In 2003, the Board introduced Celerity, an Internet-based MLS® system, since then we've upgraded to Filogix DMS® providing Members with increased and diverse search tools, access to a variety of report creation and the ability to send reports directly to their clients increasing their ability to provide faster and more efficient customer-service.

In terms of education, REALTORS® are more informed now than ever! As of January 2000, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) implemented Mandatory Continuing Education to enhance professional standards and increase consumer confidence. The complexity of the real estate marketplace has resulted in increased need for real estate professionals to ensure their knowledge is up-to-date. This program requires all registrants to complete a minimum of 24 credit hours every two years. RECO's mission is to provide a fair, safe and informed real estate marketplace. Both REALTORS® and consumers will be better protected in a more educated real estate marketplace.