Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®

This month, we spoke with Roger Boutilier, CEO, Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®

Tell us about NSAR and the greatest challenges or opportunities ahead

In 2020, the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (NSAR) celebrates its 20^th Anniversary.

NSAR is the professional association for REALTORS® in Nova Scotia, representing over 1,500 members who subscribe to a high standard of service and a strict code of ethics.

The Association acts as one voice for real estate in Nova Scotia and serves its members through a wide variety of education programs, training, advocacy and administration of the MLS® System in our province.

The Association, through an agreement with the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission, provides all real estate licensing courses in the province.

For the real estate industry in Nova Scotia, the greatest challenges include home affordability, the need to keep Nova Scotia’s population growing and keeping our youth here in Nova Scotia after they graduate. Addressing these challenges successfully will feed the economy and the home buying and selling process. NSAR also sees these challenges as opportunities to participate with our fellow industries and economic partners to make Nova Scotia an attractive location to work, live and thrive.

What do you see as the greatest advantages of operating a business in Halifax?

In Halifax we have access to new grads from our multiple top universities and colleges. We also have a bustling port and an international airport which provide access and opportunity.
Nova Scotia is also affordable, and we have a lifestyle second to none.

Hiring youth is important to the economic growth of Nova Scotia. How does NSAR support emerging talent in our province?

NSAR is a big supporter of youth employment programs, and hires co-op students, international students resulting in a number of younger hires over the years, creating a well-balanced workforce of new talent, experience and fresh perspectives. We are also mentors to students and fellow professionals in the business community. NSAR participates in and supports the programs and efforts of the Halifax Partnership, Cape Breton Partnership, Halifax Chamber programs and events as well as other regional development efforts throughout the province from Yarmouth to Sydney.

What is your organization doing to support COVID-19 efforts/how have your operations shifted since COVID-19?

NSAR closed its office in March to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and have staff working from home. We have also cancelled any in-person classes and held our AGM via Zoom with great success. We have a COVID-19 information page on our internal website where members can get everything we have to help them access information, government direction, and public programs.

Learn more about NSAR at https://www.nsrealtors.ca/