The housing crisis in Metro Vancouver is a tough nut to crack. Governments have tried, but it feels like we're still stuck. That's where Four Pillars Community Housing comes in, with a fresh idea: getting
real estate agents involved in solving the problem.They're building a movement to turn real estate offices into community hubs. Think of them as places where homeowners, small investors, and even non-profits can get expert advice on adding things like garden suites, multiplexes, or redeveloping unused land. The big goal? Train realtors to become community housing ambassadors.Realtors are out there every day, talking to people in the community. They're involved in most home sales, so why not have them at the table when it comes to finding housing solutions? Four Pillars believes realtors are perfectly positioned to help.
Key Takeaways
- Realtors are uniquely positioned to help address the housing crisis due to their daily community engagement.
- Four Pillars aims to train realtors to become "community housing ambassadors."
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a key focus for increasing housing supply.
- Real estate offices can become community hubs offering housing solutions.
- The initiative seeks to shift from the "financialization" to the "communitization" of housing.
So, what exactly is an ADU? It's basically anything that's an addition to a main home. This could be a granny flat, a laneway home, or even a duplex, triplex, or up to a sixplex, thanks to recent policy changes like Bill 44. The catch? Realtors aren't licensed to sell these if they don't have a separate title or strata number. That's where the new training comes in.Imagine walking into a real estate office and seeing 3D models of ADUs, or using software to see how one might fit on your property. Four Pillars wants to transform these offices into community engagement spots. Instead of just being places for agents, they'd be resources where people can learn about ADUs, multiplexes, and community bonds, and give feedback on what their neighborhoods need.The idea is to flip the script on development. Instead of developers going to the community for approval, realtors can go to the community first, asking what people need. This approach empowers homeowners to potentially access financing through community bonds or social purpose REITs at better rates.Four Pillars has developed courses with the Greater Vancouver Realtors. One focuses on Bill 44 and the "gentle density" it allows, teaching agents what can be built where. The other, the Community Housing Ambassador course, is for agents who want to do more – to help solve the housing crisis by understanding and addressing issues like NIMBYism.When policies like Bill 44 came out, they were complex. Larry Traverence of Four Pillars noted that the initial government booklets were long and daunting for the average person. He realized that realtors, who are already helping people with housing, could be the key to making these policies accessible.With a provincial goal of needing 130,000 ADUs in 10 years, that's about 1,100 units a month. Metro Vancouver alone needs around 600 a month. Four Pillars believes the
20,000 realtors in the region can help make this happen. They see realtors as the escorts needed to guide people through the process of building these units.
The Role of Technology and Innovation
To speed things up, they're looking at software solutions, similar to those used in Australia, which have reduced permitting times significantly. This AI-driven software can help homeowners and realtors quickly see what fits on a property, check setbacks, and even estimate dirt removal. This simplifies and de-risks the process, potentially leading to more consistent orders for ADU manufacturers.Success for Four Pillars isn't just about building units; it's about changing how we think about housing. It means realtors are actively engaged, listening to the public, and helping solve the crisis, not just selling homes. They want to move from the "financialization" of housing to its "communitization," where communities feel empowered to be part of the solution.In 10 years, they envision a system where ADU manufacturers are like car malls – places where people can see different models, work with a realtor to ensure it fits their lot and zoning, and place an order on the spot. The ultimate dream? A future where the housing crisis is over, and cities like Vancouver become affordable.What makes a property ideal for an ADU? Often, it's a corner lot with a lane, a good-sized backyard, and maybe an older but solid home. However, any lot with existing services, not in the Agricultural Land Reserve, and without heritage restrictions can work. The biggest hurdle for homeowners is often the complexity of the process itself – understanding zoning, permits, and construction.Many
realtors got into the business to help people. This initiative offers a way to do just that, going beyond just buying and selling. While it might not be a huge profit center, it's a way to connect with clients, help them build wealth, and elevate the image of the real estate industry. It's about being a community builder, not just a salesperson.Realtors interested in becoming community housing ambassadors can learn more by visiting fourpillarscommunity.com or contacting the
Greater Vancouver Realtors. The goal is to make "I invest in housing" a household phrase, encouraging collective action to solve the housing crisis. content goes here
