Celebrating B.C. home associations and organizations

For most Canadians, owning their home is an achievement like no other. It creates a sense of pride, satisfaction, and security that’s tough to beat.

It’s also the largest single investment most individuals will make in their future. In today’s increasingly heated and challenging marketplace, knowing where to turn for sound advice is crucial. If you’re wondering where to look, here’s a quick, convenient guide to B.C. home associations and organizations.

Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association (GVHBA)

When it comes to finding information about anything and everything housing related in Metro Vancouver’s real estate market, GVHBA should be at the top of your go-to websites. Here you’ll find a wealth of information about topics covering every aspect of the homebuilding and renovating industry as well as links to member builders, renovators, and suppliers.

Their many consumer education offerings include the First Time Home Buyer’s Seminar and the Fall Home Renovation Seminar. They developed the annual Ovation Awards honouring local builders, developers, renovators, and marketers and are tireless advocates for greater affordability, enhanced communities, and construction innovation.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corportation (CMHC)

Think stats and in-depth information on everything from home maintenance to financial assistance programs, housing trends, and sustainable development. Now well into their seventh decade, CHMC works directly with community organizations, the private sector, non-profit agencies and all levels of government to help create innovative solutions for today’s housing challenges, anticipate tomorrow’s needs, and improve the quality of life for all Canadians. The annual Housing Outlook Conference is a regular industry sell out in major cities across Canada.

Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA)

This national organization acts as the voice of Canada’s residential construction industry. CHBA membership includes new home builders, renovators, developers, trades, manufacturers, suppliers, lenders and other professionals – the companies and people who provide Canadians with quality housing from coast to coast.

Although primarily an industry organization, consumers can tap into tips on renovating, buying, and maintaining. And be sure to check out the winners in the National Awards for Housing Excellence (previously the National SAM Awards).

Canadian Home Builders' Association – B.C. (CHBA-BC)

Like its national parent organization, CHBA-BC is considered one of the primary voices in residential construction industry. It is also the organization behind the prestigious Georgie Awards – an annual celebration of BC’s crème de la crème industry experts that celebrated its 24th anniversary in 2016.

Homeowner Protection Office (HPO)

The Homeowner Protection Office is best known as the office responsible for licensing residential builders and building envelope renovators throughout the province and as the watchdog that oversees and enforces B.C.’s Home Owner Warranty Program. Designed to protect the investment of consumers buying a new home, this Home Owner Warranty is considered the toughest set of provincial regulations found anywhere in Canada.

HPO’s research and education initiatives encompass consumer information, education and training, plus new and improved technologies.

Urban Development Institute (UDI)

A tireless crusader for homebuyers and the home building industry, UDI is a national non-profit association that focuses on three primary areas: government relations, professional development and education, and research. Members include prominent developers, property managers, financial lenders, lawyers, engineers, planners, architects, appraisers, real estate professionals, local governments and government agencies.

The Pacific Region has been active since 1972, and in 2013 a new Fraser Valley chapter was created. Every second year, UDI hosts the UDI Awards for Excellence considered among the most prestigious industry awards in the province.

British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA)

Working with B.C.’s 11 real estate boards, BCREA provides the province’s more than 20,000 realtors with continuing professional education, advocacy, economic research and standard forms. It supports policies that help ensure economic vitality, provide housing opportunities, preserve the environment, protect property owners and build better communities with good schools and safe neighbourhoods. It also publishes The Condominium Manual, a wealth of plain language information for condominium owners including strata council members and investors.

Real Estate Foundation of B.C.

Created by provincial legislation in 1985, the Real Estate Foundation of B.C. is a philanthropic organization that has awarded over $79 million to community organizations, universities, local governments, and non-profit associations that further the education, research, and law reform supporting sustainable land use practices. Funding is derived from the interest generated from the deposits held trust by a broker between the time a real estate transaction is signed and the monies transferred.