About Us – WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Mission & Vision Statement

Provide Member Support To Enhance Professional Growth & WECAR™ REALTORS® are the first choice for real estate services.

The Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS® has come a long way since its inception a century ago. Today, the Association boasts an impressive membership of 1,500 individuals, including 71 firms. With a focus on providing exceptional customer service that is both trustworthy and efficient, the Association has remained true to the vision of its founders.

By remaining committed to their mission and values, the Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS® has become a shining example of excellence in the real estate industry.

Krista Gionet, CEO, CAE, CRAE,

Chief Executive Officer

The Border Cities Real Estate Board was formed by a group of brokers on April 12, 1918 with the aim to foster the growth of the real estate industry in the local area and bring the profession to the highest standard possible. The organization, which was comprised of just twenty-five Members, demanded honesty and proficiency from its Members and sought to protect the interests of clients. The organization adopted the strict and exacting code of ethics set by the National Association, which to this day promises to promote and improve the real estate industry for its Members and protect buyers from unprincipled or poorly qualified realty salespeople.

In May 1942, the Border Cities Real Estate Board was renamed as the Windsor Real Estate Board and on October 27, 1971, it joined hands with the South Essex Real Estate Board to become the Windsor-Essex County Real Estate Board, or WECREB. Today, the Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS® is the oldest Real Estate Board in Ontario and second oldest in the country. It started a full-time staff in February 1963 and has seen tremendous growth over the years.

In 1945, the Board reported total gross sales of $40,650 for six sales. By 1984, the gross sales had risen to an impressive $243 million for 4,639 sales and 10,164 listings processed by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). By 2004, the Board’s total sales volume had reached an outstanding $1,022,337,968, with the Board processing over 6,264 sales and 13,151 listings.

The Board has been at the forefront of technology and innovation in the real estate industry since its implementation of a computerized, catalogued Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System in 1976. The recent adoption of the Supra iBox, an innovative and secure operating system platform, is one of several advancements the Board has made to stay current in a constantly changing marketplace.

In 2012, the Board changed its name to Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS® to emphasize its focus on providing services to REALTORS® and highlighting their expertise in the real estate industry. The Association has grown not only in Membership but also in educational opportunities and technology.

REALTORS® are required to complete mandatory continuing education courses and exams, and have access to a variety of resources including online courses, webinars, and workshops hosted by WECAR™ and other industry organizations. The Association places a strong emphasis on education and professionalism, and REALTORS® undergo extensive training in various real estate-related subjects.

Multiple Listing Service® was developed by REALTORS® to help customers find their ideal homes and has been a valuable tool in the industry for many years. With the advent of the internet and mobile phones, REALTORS® and their listings are now more accessible than ever before. The public can now access detailed information about listed properties, REALTOR® biographies, and achievements through websites, mobile apps, and REALTOR.ca.

The Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS® is proud to have a rich history and a commitment to providing top-notch services and support to its REALTOR® Members. As the real estate industry continues to evolve, the Association remains dedicated to promoting and improving the real estate industry for its Members and protecting the interests of clients.