Quality of Life Matters

"Quality of Life" is an approach The Canadian Real Estate Association has adopted to demonstrate the commitment of the real estate profession to improve quality of life across the country. REALTORS® have always been active in their communities, not just in fund-raising events, and "Quality of Life" ensures that CREA reflects that work in policies, products and services, and lobbying issues.

"Quality of Life" provides a framework for the real estate profession's government relations, community outreach and communications activities, helping build influence, credibility and trust. It's a balanced approach to accommodating growth and building better communities.

Five principles form the foundation of the Quality of Life philosophy. These five stated principles would be implemented by The Canadian Real Estate Association, although in no particular order of priority:

• Ensuring economic vitality. The key to our quality of life is a strong economy. A vibrant economy creates jobs, expands the tax base, enhances and revitalizes communities.
• Providing housing opportunities. We all want a safe, decent and affordable home near where we work, shop and play. We must ensure an attainable supply of housing, including choices about design, cost and location.
• Preserving our environment. REALTORS® recognize one of the most important elements of our quality of life is the environment: clean air and water, parks and open space.
• Protecting property owners. A strong economy depends on preserving the investment people have made in real estate by protecting the ability to freely own, use, buy and sell real property. This corresponds to CREA's long-standing campaign of promoting property rights.
• Building better communities. Better communities are created in partnership with governments to ensure safe neighbourhoods and sufficiently fund the roads, water and sewer that form the framework for a community's quality of life.

In addition, for the term of 2008 to 2010 alone, the Realtors® Care Foundation has raised over $14 million dollars! Every week of every month, in every season, REALTORS® give time and donations to help worthwhile community causes. They shave heads on a dare, organize seniors Christmas light tours, organize fundraising events of all sizes, and pick up a hammer and saw to build homes for Habitat for Humanity. REALTORS® help those who need it in a multitude of ways.

*Excerpts from the Canadian Real Estate Association & Realtors® Care Foundation's websites