HAMILTON – Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone) applauds the appointment of experienced leader Jean Lépine as the Administrator for the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO).
According to a Cornerstone member survey, 84 per cent of brokers and 86 per cent of members agree that RECO needs reform to better protect consumers, and real estate professionals, and rebuild trust in the real estate profession. Any buyer or seller engaged in the largest transaction of their lives should have confidence that there are safeguards around their housing purchase deposits and the strongest consumer protection rules in North America.
The appointment of Jean Lépine as Administrator for RECO reflects the Government of Ontario’s commitment to these important changes, and is a promising first step towards much needed reform.
“Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® and our members want a real estate regulator that strengthens consumer confidence, protects buyers and sellers, upholds high professional standards and keep deposits safe,” said Bill Duce, Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone.
“We commend Minister Stephen Crawford for his decisive action to date. The appointment of an accomplished individual like Jean Lépine as RECO Administrator is an important step to begin restoring public confidence in Ontario’s real estate sector.”
Cornerstone has also emphasized the importance of supporting people who have been financially impacted by RECO’s mishandling of the iPro Realty situation and we are glad to see Minister Crawford mention the need to “support those financially impacted”.
Cornerstone is committed to working collaboratively with RECO under the leadership of Jean Lépine, the Government of Ontario, and other stakeholders to improve RECO’s policies and procedures, restore public confidence and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
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About the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS®
With approximately 8,000 members, the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone) is the second-largest REALTOR® association in Ontario, dedicated to promoting the greater good of the real estate community.
Established on July 1, 2024, Cornerstone leads with purpose, advocates boldly, and creates positive change for the success of our members throughout Mississauga, Burlington, Hamilton, Waterloo Region, Niagara North, Haldimand County, Norfolk County, and surrounding areas.
