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‏ @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks The Canadian Home Builders Association and the Canadian Real Estate Association should have a long talk with me sometime soon N'esy Pas?

https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/02/net-zero-energy-home-sits-empty-as.html

#nbpoli #cdnpoli

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/energy-efficient-environment-greenhouse-gas-solar-grid-electrical-net-zero-1.5452840

Net-zero-energy home sits empty as builder struggles to find buyers

Builder says mortgage and appraisal system keeps families out of low energy homes

Connell Smith · CBC News · Posted: Feb 06, 2020 7:00 AM AT

Home builder Brad McLaughlin says mortgage stress tests should be based on individual real-estate market conditions in each region of Canada. (Roger Cosman, CBC)

The general manager of MCL Construction Ltd, says it should be easy for a northern country like Canada to get into the kind of home that is so efficient it makes more energy than it uses.

Brad McLaughlin is beginning to wonder if reducing residential greenhouse gases is really a priority in this country.

His certified net-zero home has maxed out energy efficiency. The house has insulated concrete walls, triple glazed windows, 44 solar panels and a backup rechargeable battery system.

On a sub-zero February afternoon it's sending excess electricity back onto the provincial grid in exchange for NB Power credits to be used on the coldest days, or at night when the solar system is asleep.

A house that won't sell

But the three-bedroom, two-bath home stubbornly refuses to sell. It has been on and off the real estate market since 2017.

"It hasn't moved," he said. "We had a lot of people through it."

Starting out, McLaughlin's asking price was $695,000.

By May, 2019 he lowered it to $570,000.

This week he put the two-storey Quispamsis house back on the market at $495,000.

This certified net-zero model home puts solar power back into the NB Power grid. It's been on and off the market for more than two years. (CBC)

McLaughlin points to mortgage "stress tests" and indifference from bank-hired appraisers as obstacles pushing buyers away from these higher than average priced homes.

He said appraisers hired by lenders to determine the value of homes are at a loss when it comes to this sort of construction.

"Around here they just don't know how to value it. …They just say, 'Well there's a similar house down the street,'" he said. "Well, sure it might look the same but it's a lot different."

McLaughlin feels the federal government can also be doing a lot more to kick start construction of these particular homes.

Revamping the mortgage stress test

His first suggestion would be to revamp the mortgage stress test introduced to cool red hot housing markets in Vancouver and Toronto. The test, which was introduced at the beginning of 2018, is designed to ensure buyers are able to afford payments if interest rates jumped by two per cent.

The net-zero home was put back on the real estate market this week, with the price lowered to $495,000 from $695,000. (Roger Cosman, CBC)

McLaughlin said the test lacks flexibility and is hurting regions of the country where there is no housing bubble. It's also locking people out of the net-zero market by denying them mortgages for homes with higher purchase prices, without allowing for the fact the buyer won't have any heating and electricity costs.

And McLaughlin isn't alone.

The Canadian Home Builders Association and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) are also calling for changes to the system.

CREA national president Jason Stephen is a Saint John realtor. He said the stress test should be adjusted to suit regional markets across the country.

"If this was a system that was brought in to address escalating housing prices, month over month, or year over year, we just don't have that, which is why we always say there's not one housing market in the whole country," Stephen said.

"It's problematic that a consumer in Toronto is testing the same as a consumer in Saint John."

During the 2019 election campaign the federal Liberals promised to introduce a $5,000 grant to buyers of net-zero homes, and to offer interest free loans of up to $40,000 to homeowners and landlords for energy saving retrofits.

The program has yet to be introduced.

Other efficiency programs are already available to builders and buyers in New Brunswick.

NB Power offers as much as $10,000 in incentives for construction of energy efficient homes, and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has a 15 to 25 per cent discount on mortgage insurance costs, depending on the level of efficiency of the home.

About the Author

Connell Smith

Reporter

Connell Smith is a reporter with CBC in Saint John. He can be reached at 632-7726 Connell.smith@cbc.ca

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

199 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.

David Amos
Methinks The Canadian Home Builders Association and the Canadian Real Estate Association should have a long talk with me sometime soon N'esy Pas?

David Amos

Reply to @David Amos: Trust that many lawyers who work for the NDP, the Greens, the Lberals, the Conservatives, NB Power, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and many bankers know exactly who I am.

David Amos
Methinks the local government reps Rob Moore MP or his buddy Higgy the Premier should set an example and buy it in order to live in it themselves N'esy Pas?

BruceJack Speculator

Reply to @David Amos: Really ? Wouldn't that mean the taxpayers of NB would be paying for it in some way?

David Amos

Reply to @BruceJack Speculator: NOPE

Marc Martin

Reply to @David Amos: Who cares

David Amos

Reply to @Marc Martin: You do

Marc Martin
495 000 $ lol..me and my wife both work very decent jobs and we cannot afford that, that house is aimed at the upper level class not middle that's why he cant sell it.

Ryan Mahood

Reply to @Marc Martin: 1/3rd the cost of a house in Markham, Vaughan, or Etobicoke.

Charles Carmichael

Reply to @Marc Martin: "Very decent jobs" must be no more than 40k average each then. My wife and I had no issues when our income was 60K combined and our starter home was 300K. On top of that we were paying 1000 per month in daycare. It was tight, but we did it. If our income bumped to 80K combined, we'd be able to live the exact same lifestyle but have a 500K home instead of a 300K one. In fact we'd have extra left over at the end of each month...

Marc Martin

Reply to @Charles Carmichael: 2022 $ Per month payment with a down payment of 5% (25 000 $) that is if you qualify, most people will have to give more then 10% ( 50 000 $ ) please let me know an average income earner that has more then 25 000 $ in the bank... By the way you must have loved all that macaroni and cheese and your 10 year old rusted car...Its about priorities I guess, I live healthy and eat healthy.

David Amos

Reply to @Marc Martin: Cry me a river

https://www.mclconstruction.ca/our-team/

MCL Construction
6 Haven Court
Quispamsis, N.B. Canada,
E2E 4S3

Phone (506) 847-9713

Email info@mclconstruction.ca

212 Queen Street, Suite 406
Fredericton New Brunswick
E3B 1A8
Email: nbhome@nbnet.nb.ca
Phone: 506-459-7219

https://www.chba.ca/

Natasha Rombough
Director, Marketing & Communications
613-230-3060 ext. 224
rombough@chba.ca

Since 1943, the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) has been "the voice of Canada's residential construction industry." Representing one of the largest industry sectors in Canada, our membership is made up of over 8,500 companies – including home builders, renovators, land developers, trade contractors, product and material manufacturers, building product suppliers, lending institutions, insurance providers, and service professionals.

CHBA seeks a strong and positive role for the housing industry in Canada’s economy and in the life and development of our communities. In addressing this goal, we support the business success of our members. We work to ensure Canadians have access to homes that meet their needs at a price they can afford to pay, and that the interests of homebuyers and homeowners are understood by governments. And we provide information to Canadians to help them become more informed and confident when they buy a new home, or hire a renovator to improve their existing one.

The Canadian Real Estate Association names Michael Bourque as new Chief Executive Officer

Ottawa, ON (October 27, 2017) – The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) today announced that Michael Bourque has accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective later this year.
“On behalf of CREA’s Board of Directors, we are delighted Michael accepted the role of CEO,” said Andrew Peck, CREA President. “The real estate profession is experiencing an era of change as technology, consumer expectations and the regulatory environment evolve. Michael’s unparalleled experience in association management and public policy position him to hit the ground running and face these challenges head on.”
Mr. Bourque is currently the CEO at the Railway Association of Canada. He has 30 years of experience in public policy roles on Parliament Hill, as a senior federal public servant and in government relations for Bayer and the Chemistry Industry Association.
“I am excited to begin my work with CREA staff, and the community of REALTORS^® and associations,” said Bourque. “CREA’s members are not only business and community leaders, they are expert guides during what is, for many, the most significant financial investment of their lives. I look forward to advocating for a vibrant ecosystem for REALTORS^® and homebuyers.”
Mr. Bourque will replace Gary Simonsen, who will retire at the end of the year, after 20 years at CREA, most recently as CEO and formerly as COO.

Biography

Michael Bourque was the President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada (RAC), a post he held beginning in 2012. The RAC is a trade association representing over 50 railways and more than 33,000 employees from coast to coast, as well and over 75 supplier companies who build and maintain railway equipment.
Michael has served as the Chair of the Transportation Roundtable, and was a Board member of Operation Lifesaver.
Michael has some 30 years of experience in public policy roles on Parliament Hill, as a senior federal public servant and in government relations for Bayer and the Chemistry Industry Association.
He is a graduate of Toronto’s York University, where he studied Public Administration and Economics.

About The Canadian Real Estate Association
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada’s largest single-industry trade associations, representing more than 120,000 real estate Brokers/agents and salespeople working through more than 90 real estate Boards and Associations.
For more information, please contact:

Pierre Leduc

Media Relations

The Canadian Real Estate Association

Tel.: 613-237-7111 or 613-884-1460

E-mail: pleduc@crea.ca

Jason A. Stephen

Professional Experience

Jason Stephen, CREA’s 2019 President, has been a REALTOR® with Royal LePage Atlantic and involved in organized real estate since 1999. Jason was born and raised in Saint John and is a proud graduate from the University of New Brunswick with a degree in History and Political Science. Jason is passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of others, and it’s this passion that fuels him as one of the area’s leading real estate professionals. He offers experience, enthusiasm and professional service with a personal touch. Whether you are buying or selling, Jason is there for you every step of the way, tailoring his service to your personal needs. It is Jason’s philosophy that people should have confidence in their realtor from start to finish. He creates results and helps you achieve your personal real estate goals, with your satisfaction guaranteed! Jason treats your real estate needs as if they were his own, with levels of care, compassion and dedication that are simply unmatched. Whether you are buying your very first home, looking to sell or are venturing into investment properties, he puts his focus on your goals and provides the in-depth guidance, education and support you need to succeed in this unique and often complex real estate market. Jason also brings a specialized knowledge of investment real estate. Having owned and managed many income properties himself, Jason gets highly involved in order to help you make the right decisions. He can help explore every option and help you find the right investment, as well as show you how to leverage your equity for future financial growth. Whatever your Saint John real estate needs, Jason Stephen is the professional to count on for exceptional service with a truly personalized touch. He gets involved in your success and is committed to giving his all to reach your goals! Jason has also sat on and/or chaired numerous CREA, Provincial and local Board committees. Jason is actively involved in his community as a leader, volunteer, and supporter. When not working, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, traveling, relaxing at a backyard bonfire, and watching sports, in particular his favorite teams, the New England Patriots, the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors. Jason and his wife Heather live in the Saint John area with their two children.

Spoken Languages

French / Français, English / Anglais

Areas Serviced

St. Martins, Saint John, Rothesay, Quispamsis, Kingston, Hampton, Gondola Point, Grand Bay, Charlotte County, Bloomfield

71 PARADISE ROW

Saint John, NB

E2K 3H6

Office 506.658.6440

Mobile 506.333.9889

https://www.crea.ca/about/organization/

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada’s largest single-industry trade Associations. Our membership includes more than 130,000 real estate brokers, agents and salespeople, working through 90 real estate Boards and Associations across Canada.

Not just anyone can call themselves a REALTOR^®. To do so, real estate professionals must either be direct members of their association or be members of both their local real estate board and CREA, depending on the province. As well, they must abide by the ethical standards laid out in the REALTOR^® Code.

What CREA Does

CREA works on behalf of the public and its REALTOR^® members. To do so, it:

Represents the interests of its members to the federal government and its agencies on existing or proposed legislation that will affect those members, and/or impact homeownership.
Assists our REALTOR^® members to better serve their clients by providing quality technology products including REALTOR.ca, WEBforms^® and DDF^®.
Enhances member professionalism and ethics by providing national standards, including establishment of symbols of quality associated with using CREA brands and trademarks. Protects and promotes the two primary national CREA trademarks, MLS^® and REALTOR^®.
Produces accurate, up-to-date information and analysis on economic issues.

How Canadians Benefit

The REALTOR^® Code, which sets out standards of professional conduct for members of CREA, helps protect the rights and interests of buyers and sellers. And our advocacy to governments continues to influence legislation for the benefit of homeowners.
CREA’s efforts also allow our REALTOR^® members to better serve their clients. Our vigilant eye on both the economy and government, plus the economic statistics and analysis we provide, enhance our members’ knowledge. This in turn can improve the quality of advice they can provide to clients. As well, the REALTOR^® Code helps create a level of trust between REALTORS^® and their clients.

Organized Real Estate in Canada

Organized real estate in Canada operates at three different levels. The real estate board generally operates at a local level. Provincial and territorial associations represent their province or territory and CREA represents the industry nationally and internationally.

Contact

200 Catherine Street, 6th Floor
Ottawa, ON K2P 2K9
Phone: 613-237-7111 Fax: 613-234-2567
Toll Free: 1-800-842-2732

For general inquiries:

Phone: 613-237-7111
Email: info@crea.ca

For CREA Member Support / Global Affiliate Support:

Hours of Operation: 08:00 – 20:00 EST
Contact Number: 1-888-237-7945
Email: info@crea.ca

For media related inquiries:

Pierre Leduc
Phone: 613-237-7111
Email: info@crea.ca
To request CREA speakers, please fill out the Speakers Corner form.

For inquiries related to political affairs:

Linda Kristal
Phone: 613-237-7111
Email: info@crea.ca

For inquiries related to statistical information:

Jacob Coopersmith
Phone: 613-237-7111
Email: info@crea.ca

For inquires related to meetings, events and sponsorship opportunities:

Jackie Taylor
Phone: 613-237-7111
Email: info@crea.ca
CREA 2020 Sponsorship Package

For inquiries related to career opportunities with CREA:

Tracy Tapp
Phone: 613-237-7111
Email: careers@crea.ca

Operational Management Team

3Our senior management team is dedicated to implementing the strategic plan of the Board of Directors and effectively managing day-to-day operations of the organization. They bring deep experience from a variety of sectors to their work on behalf of members.

MICHAEL BOURQUE
Chief Executive Officer
Read More
Randall McCauley
Executive VP, Reputation
Read More
Debra Cowan
Chief Financial Officer
Read More
Linda Kristal
VP, Advocacy
Read More
Patrick Pichette

Pénéla Guy

Vice-President, Real Estate & General Counsel

A lawyer by trade, Pénéla also holds a certificate in business management and is a certified executive coach. After practising law in Montréal, she held a variety of positions within federal cabinets. Pénéla actively participated in numerous nomination campaigns as well as federal and provincial election campaigns for ministers and prime ministers. She has worked in the business community for a decade, specializing in regulatory, governmental and public affairs. Pénéla has also served on a few boards of directors.
As Chief Executive Officer of the Fédération des chambres immobilières du Québec, Pénéla has acquired in‑depth knowledge of the real estate brokerage and associations sectors. A strong believer in the important socio-economic influence of REALTORS^®, she is delighted to be able to continue to serve them and the real estate Boards and Associations across Canada.
In her spare time, Pénéla is involved in sports, cheers on her sons’ sports teams and enjoys spending time with family and friends.