June 16, 2014

TOUCHBASE ADVISORY: Touchbase and Anti-Spam Legislation

Touchbase advises that they have received some questions regarding Touchbase and the new C-28 law covering commercial electronic messages - the so-called "anti-spamming" legislation.

Here are the relevant points:

“Touchbase is in full compliance with the new law as communications between members and offices are not by definition considered as a CEM (see definition on page 2 of linked PDF).

All-Member Message Tool: However, it is important to note that if an agent would use the Touchbase all-member message tool on your Board interface to send a CEM, they could place themselves in a potential infraction situation. Touchbase being the carrier and not the sender, would not have any responsibility for this.

Group Messaging by Admin Staff: As for the Touchbase group messaging tool used by admin staff in your various brokerages, it is not likely to cause any problem since they can only use it to communicate with their own agents.

Touchbase Newsletter: It is a little different concerning our Newsletter. It is again not a tool we usually use for commercial advertisement, but to inform members of new features or options they can benefit from. Although members can subscribe or unsubscribe to our newsletter from their profile page in Touchbase, we will ask them to confirm whether they want to continue or not to receive them. Our next issue, scheduled for release at the end of this month, will ask that question. We are planning to announce the launch of the new version 2 of the already provided for free SM2 application.

We hope that this answers your concerns.”

Anthony Page Touchbase Director

MORE INFO: Click here for PDF of this Notice plus definition of CEM, and link to FAQs re: Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation outlining your responsibilities

June 5, 2014

MATRIX REMINDER: "Zoning Code" Mandatory Field

Members are reminded to fill out the correct “Zoning Code” in Matrix® when inputting Listings.

Please remember that some Members do searches by “Zoning Code” -- especially when looking for that unique property. Zoning Code is a Mandatory Field and is required to be accurate to avoid non-compliance of OMREB Rules and Regulations.

Please note that Zoning Codes can be found for your Listing input on the following websites:

City of Kelowna
http://www.kelowna.ca/CM/Page938.aspx

Regional District Central Okanagan
http://www.rdcogis.com/GIS_App/RDCO_GIS_App.html

City of Vernon
http://www.vernon.ca/map/

Regional District North Okanagan
http://www.rdno.ca/maps/index.php

Columbia-Shuswap Regional District
http://mapping.csrd.bc.ca/Html5/?viewer=zoning

Click here for PDF of this Notice with screen shot included.

May 26, 2014

VIRUS ALERT: Crypto Locker Virus Masquerading as Update!

Members are advised that a new variant of the Crypto Locker virus is now making its rounds and masquerading as an Adobe Flash Player update. It is important to note that Adobe updates do not come via email, so DO NOT download the installer from the email.

Crypto Locker is a virus that encrypts all your files on your computer and servers, and presents a ‘ransom screen’ once it is done asking for anywhere from $350 to $500 or your data is gone.

More information:
http://blog.malwarebytes.org/intelligence/2013/10/cryptolocker-ransomware-what-you-need-to-know/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CryptoLocker
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/cryptolocker-ransomware-information

May 23, 2014

MATRIX NOTICE: New Touchbase Login Site

Touchase has advised that a new, more modern, and fresher-looking login page is now online.

NEW URL - Bookmark or save to Favourites:
http://services.touchbaserealestate.com/

The login button is located in the top right hand corner. The functionality of Touchbase will not change with the update.

NOTE: Members can continue to go to www.touchbaserealestate.com and will be automatically redirected to the new site.

May 16, 2014

MATRIX NOTICE: System Maintenance on Tuesday Evening

All MATRIX® users are advised that a system update and maintenance is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20th, 2014 at 10:00 pm PST and is expected to last approximately 30 minutes. The maintenance is required to update storage hardware and equipment of OMREB’s MATRIX® database.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact OMREB IT and MLS® Services at [email protected].The following is a Statement by the Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency on the Heartbleed bug...

April 30, 2014

TECHNICAL NOTICE: Microsoft Warns of Attack on Internet Explorer

Members are advised that Microsoft is warning Internet Explorer (IE) users about active attacks that attempt to exploit a previously unknown security flaw in every supported version of IE. The vulnerability could be used to silently install malicious software without any help from users, save for perhaps merely browsing to a hacked or malicious site.

In an alert posted on Saturday, April 26th, Microsoft said it is aware of "limited, targeted attacks" against the vulnerability so far. Security firm FireEye discovered the attack and says the exploit currently is targeting IE9 through IE11 (although the weakness also is present in all earlier versions of IE going back to IE6), and that it leverages a well-known Flash exploitation technique to bypass security protections on Windows.

Microsoft Advisory: http://www.fireeye.com/blog/uncategorized/2014/04/new-zero-day-exploit-targeting-internet-explorer-versions-9-through-11-identified-in-targeted-attacks.html

Download and Install EMET: Microsoft has not yet issued a stopgap "Fix-It" solution for this vulnerability. For now, it is urging IE users to download and install its Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET), a free tool that can help beef up security on Windows.

Microsoft notes that EMET 3.0 doesn't mitigate this attack, and that affected users should instead rely on EMET 4.1.

The basics of EMET: http://krebsonsecurity.com/2013/06/windows-security-101-emet-4-0/

The latest versions of EMET: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/security/jj653751

According to information shared by FireEye, the exploit also can be blocked by running Internet Explorer in "Enhanced Protected Mode" configuration and 64-bit process mode, which is available for IE10 and IE11 in the Internet Options settings.

For more information: https://krebsonsecurity.com/2014/04/microsoft-warns-of-attacks-on-ie-zero-day/

WINDOWS XP VULNERABLE: This is the first of many zero-day attacks and vulnerabilities that will never be fixed for Windows XP users. Microsoft last month shipped its final set of updates for XP. Unfortunately, many of the exploit mitigation techniques that EMET brings do not work in XP.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Microsoft has ended technical support for Windows XP!
As of April 9th, Microsoft will no longer provide technical support or automatic security updates for Windows XP. Without these critical updates, your computer may become vulnerable to viruses, spyware and other malicious software. As well, many software vendors including CoreLogic will no longer support their products (Fusion/MLXchange/MATRIX) running on Windows XP.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the OMREB Help Desk at 778-484-8080 (Direct) or 1-855-483-4021 (Toll-Free).

Download PDF: Click here to download and print PDF of this notice.

April 16, 2014

SENTRILICK NOTICE: SentriLock System Maintenance Saturday

As part of SentriLock’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and optimal system efficiencies, they will be doing routine systems maintenance this Saturday, April 19th.

The SentriLock system will be unavailable for one hour on Saturday -- from 3:30 am to 4:30 am Pacific (6:30 am to 7:30 am Eastern) -- and will be up and functioning normally for regular regular business hours starting at 5:00 am Pacific (8:00 am Eastern).

SentriLock advises that the routine maintenance will be prior to regular business hours in order to minimize the impact to agents as they continue to improve system speed, efficiency, and accuracy.

April 15, 2014

SENTRILOCK Notice: SentriLock Open Over Easter!

SentriLock has advised that their normal operating hours -- 5:00 am to 8:59 pm PST (8:00 am to 11:59 pm EST), seven days a week -- will continue through the Easter weekend for the Tech Helpline.

Toll-Free Number for Updating SentriLock Cards: 1-877-SENTRILOCK (1-877-736-8745) - press 2 for the CARS system and follow along with the prompts.

REALTOR® Lockbox Web Site: http://lb.sentrilock.com - you’ll need your SentriLock ID and Password to login.

April 14, 2014

CANADA REVENUE ADVISORY: Statement on Heartbleed Bug

The following is a Statement by the Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency on the Heartbleed bug...

"After learning that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) systems were vulnerable to the Heartbleed bug, the CRA acted quickly to protect taxpayer information by removing public access to its online services on April 8, 2014.

Since then, CRA worked around the clock to implement a patch for the bug, vigorously test all systems to ensure they were safe and secure, and re-launch our online services late yesterday.

Regrettably, the CRA has been notified by the Government of Canada's lead security agencies of a malicious breach of taxpayer data that occurred over a six-hour period. Based on our analysis to date, Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) of approximately 900 taxpayers were removed from CRA systems by someone exploiting the Heartbleed vulnerability. We are currently going through the painstaking process of analyzing other fragments of data, some that may relate to businesses, that were also removed.

The CRA is one of many organizations that was vulnerable to Heartbleed, despite our robust controls. Thanks to the dedicated support of Shared Services Canada and our security partners, the Agency was able to contain the infiltration before the systems were restored yesterday. Further, analysis to date indicates no other CRA infiltrations have occurred either before or after this breach."

How will you know if your account has been affected and what is CRA doing about it?

For information regarding how those affected will be advised of the breach, plus additional measures put in to place to prevent unauthorized activity, click here for detailed CRA advisory (PDF).

April 11, 2014

WEBFORMS® & MATRIX® ADVISORY: Password Update Recommended!

CREA's has advised that online services were not at risk to the "Heartbleed" bug although there was concern regarding access, so steps have been taken to mitigate this risk. A patch has also been installed to address any risks in WEBForms®.

As a safety measure, OMREB is encouraging Members to change their MATRIX® passwords which will in turn change all of your related passwords (REALTOR Link®/WEBForms®, InterfaceXpress, Touchbase, SentriLock, etc.).

Now is the Time to Change Your Password(s): Although changing your password regularly is always good practice, if a site or service hasn't yet patched the problem, your information will still be vulnerable. Some internet companies that were vulnerable to the bug have already updated their servers with a security patch to fix the issue. This means you'll need to go in and change your passwords immediately for these sites.

Social, Email and Commerce Sites - If you are socially connected, it is time to update your passwords to various sites affected by the Heartbleed bug:
http://mashable.com/2014/04/09/heartbleed-bug-websites-affected/

Information about the Heartbleed bug and what it means to you:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/tech-news/explainer-what-the-heartbleed-security-bug-means-for-you/article17893562/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/heartbleed-web-security-bug-what-you-need-to-know-1.2603988

April 9, 2014

CORELOGIC® UPDATE: Solution to Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, MSN Anti-SPAM Blocks

Further to yesterday’s Notice regarding emails generating from the OMREB MATRIX® MLS® system being blocked by Members’ clients’ Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, and MSN email accounts due to new anti-SPAM security measures, CoreLogic® has implemented a solution to the issue.

MATRIX® UPDATE

As you may be aware, some of the major email providers have recently changed their email policies, which are having an adverse effect on email delivery throughout our industry (users of Fusion, MLXchange, MATRIX®, Tempo4, and Tempo5).

To block and prevent SPAM, mail providers perform three main security checks related to email delivery. MATRIX® now passes only two of the three requirements as email companies, most notably Yahoo, have recently adopted a strict policy regarding the “from” field (DMARC). Any email that does not pass this check is now being dropped.

Given the critical importance of email to the distribution of real estate information, we must comply with the strict requirements imposed by internet providers to ensure the continued success of your members in providing exceptional service to their clients. As a result, changes have been made to the “from” field in MATRIX® generated emails to comply with the strict new policy.

If you have any questions about this, please contact OMREB IT Manager, Charles Howarth at 250-491-4560, ext. 223.

Click here for PDF of this Notice, plus more details for techies or info to pass on to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

April 8, 2014

MATRIX® NOTICE: Searching for a Member on MATRIX®

The following information was sent to all Conveyance Administrators but will be of interest to any Member doing a search by name on Matrix®.

With the implementation of the Personal Real Estate Corporation (PREC), there have been some difficulties with the adherence of displaying the designation on WEBFormsTM. The temporary solution is to add "PREC*" to the Member’s last name.
When conducting a search in Matrix® for a Member that could possibly be a PREC, it is necessary to add the asterisk to the search criteria – i.e. Smith* should be entered in the last name field to ensure all variations of Smith appear which will include the PREC* addition.

TIP: Get into the habit of inluding an asterisk whenever you do a "Member Search" - just in case they have a PREC designation as this can change at any time.

The following is the notation that appears at the bottom of WEBFormsTM in the appropriate places:
*PREC represents Personal Real Estate Corporation

April 8, 2014

CORELOGIC ALERT: Anti-SPAM Advisory - Emails being blocked by Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, MSN

Members are advised of the following alert from CoreLogic® regarding blocked email from the MATRIX® MLS® system.

CORELOGIC® ALERT: Important Anti-SPAM Advisory

"The CoreLogic® Team is currently investigating issues with delivery of both automated emails and manually sent emails to Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, and MSN email accounts. An anti-SPAM security measure implemented by these email service providers over the weekend is causing approximately 15% of emails being sent to be non-delivered to clients. Users of Fusion, MLXchange, Matrix, Tempo4, and Tempo5 are affected. We are investigating solutions and will provide updates as soon as possible."

For those interested in more technical details:

A good write up on the issue can be found here:
http://news.techworld.com/security/3510894/yahoo-email-anti-spoofing-policy-breaks-mailing-lists/

ISP reaction and discussion can be found here: (2 links)
https://help.yahoo.com/kb/SLN7253.html?impressions=true
http://postmaster.comcast.net/smtp-error-codes.php#DM000001

April 3, 2014

MATRIX® NOTICE: Listings Reminder -- Use of Multi Media Links

Members are reminded that the "Additional Photos" links and "Virtual Tour" links offered for MLS® Listings in Matrix® must go directly to the “Tour” or “Added Photos” fields for the Specific Listing.

These Multi Media links appear in the Matrix Client Portal, Realtor.ca and additional public websites where data has been authorized to go.

Please check that you are using your “Virtual Tour” and “Additional Photos” links correctly -- as set out in the OMREB Regulation quoted in the attached Memo (includes screen shots).

April 3, 2014

TECH HELPLINE NOTICE: Did You Know Tech Tips Are Available Online?

Did you know that your Tech Helpline has a blog providing a wealth of tips for keeping your computer “healthy” and your tech experience positive?

You can visit www.techhelpline.com/blog/ for an archive of helpful LIFELINE newsletter articles. This link has been added to “External Links” on the MATRIX Home Page for easy access and reference: LIFELINE – Tech Helpline Tips

A link to the Blog has also been added to the Tech Helpline info already posted to OMREB's Home Page "Spotlight" news column on REALTOR Link®. We will also include this link in the Spring issue of OMREB’s Mainline CONNECTIONS e-newsletter and maintain as a regular resource item.

"TECH HELPLINE" AT YOUR SERVICE: 1-877-562-3163
Monday through Friday: 6 AM to 5 PM
Saturday: 6 AM to 2 PM


Don't forget to make use of the exciting Member service that has been available since June 2013. Brought to you by OMREB via the Florida Association of REALTORS® to provide a service to supplement our MLS® HelpDesk and assist specifically with technology issues. This incredible, unlimited tech support service is offered at NO CHARGE, courtesy of OMREB. Please note that you will be asked for your member number when uyou cal in for assistance.

Call Tech Helpline if:
• Your computer is running slow.
• You are ready to move to a paperless office.
• You need help removing a virus or spyware.
• You need help hooking up your printer.
• You want to know which smartphone works best for your business.
• You have questions about software, hardware, networking or digital devices.

Tech Helpline's analysts can even remote into your computer and fix it for you!

February 28, 2014

SENTRILOCK NOTICE: Announcing the release of SentriSmart™ 1.2

SentriLock is pleased to be soon releasing the latest version of their mobile application SentriSmart™ 1.2. During the week of March 3, 2014, SentriSmart™ 1.2 will be released to both Apple and Android for application approval.

Upon approval, SentriSmart™ 1.2 will be released to users as a “forced” update to everyone that is currently utilizing our “easy access” application, SentriSmart™. A forced update means anyone using the SentriSmart™ application will have to update the mobile app before they are able to generate an access code.

The update is very simple and will only take a couple minutes.

• If you currently allow the “use one day codes”, please use the flyer: http://www.sentrilock.com/sentrismartflyer1dc

• If you do not use one day codes, please use this flyer: http://www.sentrilock.com/sentrismartflyer

New Setting to Control Number of Mobile Devices: Along with a number of new features in version 1.2 of SentriSmart™, we have a new setting that allows you to control the number of mobile devices a member can switch back and forth from. This new setting will not change anything you are currently used to doing, unless it is activated.

User Guide to the new version of SentriSmart 1.2 (Apple and Android Versions): http://www.sentrilock.com/sentrismart-users-guide/

Click here for PDF of this Notice.

February 27, 2014

MATRIX NOTICE: Important Manufactured Home Reminder!

OMREB reminds Members to check the following BC Safety Authority’s “Used Mobile Home Directive” before you list.

DIRECTIVE NO: D-E3 080606 1
Used Mobile Homes
3. Used mobile homes (whether de-registered or not) may only be offered for sale in the Province of British Columbia without re-inspection provided that they bear an approval mark and that the wiring has not been altered. Additional wiring done under permit does not invalidate the original label. When the electrical wiring has been altered without a permit, the mobile home must be inspected and a new approval label applied.

To comply with OMREB Regulations, you must input the number from the above mentioned acceptable approvals in the “Mandatory Electrical Label #” field in Matrix.

Email Sue Campbell [email protected] for further explanation or copies of the full regulations.

Click here for PDF of this Notice.

February 24, 2014

MATRIX NOTICE: Simple Maintenance Tips for MAC Users

The Tech Helpline has provided some helpful tech tips for OMREB Mac users regarding simple ways to maintain their computers.

The most important factor in maintaining any computer and keeping it running efficiently is proper maintenance. Fortunately, MAC computers are very easy to maintain and keep organized since everything is stored under a central user library.

Click here for three easy tips to get optimal performance from your MAC.

About Tech Helpline
Brought to you via the Florida Association of REALTORS® to provide a service to supplement our MLS® HelpDesk and to assist OMREB Members specifically with technology issues.

TECH HELPLINE FOR OMREB: 1-877-562-3163
Monday through Friday: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)
Saturdays: 6 AM to 2 PM (PST)

January 10, 2014

MATRIX NOTICE: Authentisign Webinar?

Do you use Authentisign already and want to learn more? Thinking of using a digital signature program but want to know more?

If you are interested in taking an Authentisign webinar contact Janna Hansen at OMREB [email protected].

Click here for more information about the program.

December 18, 2013

SENTRILOCK NOTICE: SentriLock Holiday Office Closure!

SentriLock will be closed for the stat holidays -- Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24th) and Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25th), and New Years Day (January 1, 2014)

Normal operating hours are 5:00 am to 8:59 pm PST (8:00 am to 11:59 pm EST), seven days a week.

Toll-Free Number for Updating SentriLock Cards: 1-877-SENTRILOCK (1-877-736-8745) - press 2 for the CARS system and follow along with the prompts.

REALTOR® Lockbox Web Site:http://lb.sentrilock.com - you’ll need your SentriLock ID and Password to login.

Mobile Website: m.sentrilock.com

December 6, 2013

SENTRILOCK NOTICE: SentriSmart Mobile App Now Available!

OMREB and SentriLock are happy to announce that the new SentriSmart mobile application for Apple and Android is now available for Members.

App Benefits: • Open lockboxes with your SmartPhone or Tablet • Instant showing notification • Automated lockbox assignment

Annual Fee: $24 U.S. per year (plus taxes where applicable) will be billed to you by SentriLock. Payment is via credit card so exchange rate will be automatic.

Mobile App Available Now: Ready for download from the App Store and Google Play.

More Information: Click here for flyer and “Getting Started" Guide.

Coming Soon: Watch for the advertisement promoting the new app when you login to your Agent

Home Page via SentriLock: http://www.sentrilock.ca/

December 3, 2013

MATRIX NOTICE: MATRIX® 6.3 Release - Monday, December 9th

OMREB members are advised that on Monday, December 9th at 9:00 PM, the MATRIX® MLS® system will be taken offline to implement and upgrade MATRIX® to version 6.3.

MATRIX® 6.3 is a significant upgrade to the MATRIX® MLS® system that includes:
• Improved client portal experience
• Listing Notes
• New single line displays (Single Line Grids) – allows users to change column widths, re- order, add and remove columns, etc. See the attached release notes for full details
• New Cross – status searching (search multiple status’s with date ranges in one search)

Read through the attached release notes. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact OMREB IT (Charles Howarth [email protected], Janna Hansen [email protected] or Sue Campbell [email protected])

The expected downtime for next Monday’s upgrade is 2 to 3 hours.

Members should also note, that this release will be a staged and phased release of the MATRIX® 6.3 Platform. This means that not all features will be turned on immediately. Over the period of two to four days, as things settle in, items such as pin location being made mandatory on maps, and listing infractions will be enabled.

RELEASE NOTES: Click here.

Thank you from the OMREB MLS® and Technology department

November 26, 2013

SENTRILOCK NOTICE: Office Closed Thursday 28th!

SentriLock advises Members that their office will be closed on Thursday, November 28th in observance of the American Thanksgiving Holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Friday.

SentriLock advises Members that their office will be closed on Thursday, November 28th in observance of the American Thanksgiving Holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Friday.

Please note that the automated card renewal system and website will still be active. Only live support will be unavailable.

Toll-Free Number for Updating SentriLock Cards (automated line): 1-877-SENTRILOCK (1-877-736-8745); press 2 for the CARS system and follow along with the prompts.

REALTOR® Lockbox Web Site: http://lb.sentrilock.com; you’ll need your SentriLock ID and Password to login.

Mobile Website: m.sentrilock.com

Normal operating hours are 5:00 am to 8:59 pm PST (8:00 am to 11:59 pm EST), seven days a week.

Click here for PDF of Notice.

September 25, 2013

MATRIX NOTICE: “Remarks” Fields Expanded

All Matrix® users are advised of the following changes to the remarks fields in the Matrix® MLS® system -- effective immediately.

OMREB & KREB

• The Internet Remarks field (sent to REALTOR.ca® and ICX.ca® – Agent contact information allowed, i.e. email, website) - increased in length to 1,500 characters from its previous limit of 1,000.
• The Public Remarks field (sent to REALTOR.ca® and ICX.ca® if no Internet Remarks – no personal promotion permitted) - now 1,000 characters, an increase from its previous value of 240.
• The Private Remarks field (for Salespeople) - remains unchanged at 500 characters.

OMREB ONLY

• New Remarks for Print (OMREB Only) MLS® Review Only field (specifically dedicated to the printed remarks in the printed publication, the MLS® Review) - Limited to 240 characters.

Click here for PDF of this Notice plus a screenshot of the new field character sizes on input provided for visual reference.

REPORTS & DISPLAYS: Matrix® users are advised that reports and displays will print differently now with the additional field size. All Matrix® users should check their listings to make sure the remarks appear as you want to see them. The new client display/report is being revised to include the new and expanded Public Remarks field and should be available to all members by September 27th.

If you have any questions, please contact your respective Board staff or email us at [email protected].

OMREB IT and MLS® Services

September 23, 2013

MATRIX NOTICE: Use of Multi Media Links in MATRIX®

Members are reminded that the Additional Photos links and Virtual Tour links offered for MLS® Listings in Matrix® must go directly to the tour or added photos fields for the Specific Listing.

Please check that you are using your virtual tour and additional photos links correctly -- as set out in OMREB Regulations (below) and outlined in the screen shots provided here – and update URLs where necessary.

7.14 Multi Media Links

All multimedia links made available on REALTOR.ca if implemented by the OMREB, namely: alternate feature sheet – field 63; virtual tour – field 64; sound bites – field 65; sales brochure – field 66; additional photos – field 67; and Board preferred map service to locate property – field 84, must be limited to property specific information and advertisement of private sales is not permitted on those links.

Further, webpages linked directly from REALTOR.ca through multimedia links must not indicate where private sale information can otherwise be located. Webpages linked directly from REALTOR.ca through multimedia links or ’REALTOR® Website’ links cannot automatically redirect users to a third party site.

In accordance with The Canadian Real Estate Associations’ MLS® Technology Council’s Policy, multimedia links are to be limited to their respective fields. This ensures that REALTOR.ca displays information that consumers expect to see on the link they wish to use. MLS® Systems are member to member cooperative systems and members who participate on REALTOR.ca (which is a member developed and financed site) must respect the member to member facet in all multimedia links provided in association with REALTOR.ca.

Contact Sue Campbell at the Board [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.

September 19, 2013

MATRIX NOTICE: MATRIX® Email Delays

Matrix® users may notice that emails are taking longer than normal to be delivered.

CoreLogic® is aware of the problem and is working on restoring service to its normal capacity. Emails are being delivered, however users may notice a longer than normal delivery time. The backlog is expected to be cleared up in one to two hours, and email should return to normal delivery.

We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions, please email us: [email protected]

OMREB IT and MLS® Services

August 20, 2013

SENTRILOCK® NOTICE: SentriCard® Emergency Codes Available!

Good news for OMREB Members!

SentriLock has announced the following new service:

"As we improve our system and procedures, we are speeding up the process used by a member to access a lockbox when the SentriCard® is preventing access.

If your association allows 'One Day Codes', SentriLock will issue an 'Emergency Code' to a member that is an active cardholder at a lockbox in their approved region, under one of the following conditions:

a. The member has a possible defective SentriCard®.
b. The member cannot access a lockbox because the lockbox is not reading the SentriCard®.

This will prevent the member from having to wait for permission from the lockbox owner and provide quicker access.

The member will be granted only two business days to either get to a card reader and have a member of SentriLock view the card or get to their Board/Association to receive a replacement."

To download and print or save this advisory, click here.

August 9, 2013

MATRIX® NOTICE: Reminder to Update Shortcuts, etc.

Further to yesterday’s Notice re: “Fix for Top Menu Issues”, Matrix® users are reminded to ensure their shortcuts, Bookmarks, or Favourites to Matrix® are up to date.

Please confirm, delete and recreate your shortcut, Bookmarks or Favourites to Matrix®. Some old shortcuts and Bookmarks or Favourites still exist using the old URL: http://matrix.omrebmls.ca. This URL is incorrect.

Please update your Bookmarks and Shortcuts to: http://matrix.interiorbc.ca

For instructions on how to clear your DNS cache to ensure old links are deleted, click here (originally posted August 8th).

August 8, 2013

MATRIX® NOTICE: Fix for Top Menu Issues

Some Matrix® users have reported problems with the "Top Menu" links to REALTORLink® and WEBForms®. In some cases, when you click on either of these buttons at the top, the page appears to stall and you are left at a Matrix® Login page.

1) Confirm, delete and recreate your shortcut, Bookmarks or Favourites to Matrix®. Some old shortcuts and Bookmarks or Favourites still exist using the old URL: http://matrix.omrebmls.ca.

This URL is incorrect. Please update your Bookmarks and Shortcuts to: http://matrix.interiorbc.ca

2) If the solution in # 1 fails to address the problem, you must perform a “flush of your DNS cache” to stop the browser from looking for the old URL.

The following instructions explain how to perform this task. Please contact the OMREB help desk if you require further assistance.

How to clear your DNS cache
The following methods allow you to remove old and inaccurate DNS information that may result in 404 errors.

Windows® 8
1. Press Win+X to open the WinX Menu.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
3. Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
4. If the command was successful, you will see the following message: Windows® IP configuration successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

Windows® 7
1. Click the Start button.
2. Enter cmd in the Start menu search field.
3. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
4. Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
5. If the command was successful, you will see the following message: Windows IP configuration successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

Windows® XP, 2000, or Vista®
1. Click the Start button.
2. On the Start menu, click Run....
o If you do not see the Run command in Vista, enter run in the Search bar.
3. Type the following command in the Run text box: ipconfig /flushdns

To download and print PDF of these instructions (complete with screen shot), click here.

August 6, 2013

SENTRILOCK NOTICE: SentriLock University is Open!

SentriLock is proud to introduce "SentriLock University", a new on-line training program that will enable you to use your lockbox system to its fullest potential!

SentriLock University will empower you with a deeper understanding of the lockbox system. This training site will allow you to view videos or review handouts covering all the important functions of the system.

Each topic has its own set of information and quiz, so you can test what you have learned at your own pace. A comprehensive final exam is also available if you want to gauge your understanding of the entire system.

You may have noticed the new "SentriLock University" tab on the SentriLock website? Click here for information about how to enroll in this valuable training program.

Click here to download and print PDF of this Notice.

July 17, 2013

SENTRILOCK ADVISORY: SentriLite Showing Service ending!

SentriLock advises that the SentriLite showing Service will no longer be available -- effective August 31, 2013. They were unable to agree on terms for extending their service agreement with Showing Suite. Therefore, the free SentriLite service will be suspended at the end of next month.

What is SentriLite*?
SentriLite was a free showing feedback service offered by a 3rd party company, Showing Suite, through the SentriLock Website. Two of it's main features were the initial automatic import of your listings and the automated email surveys that users were able to set up for each of their listings for free.

For those utilizing an upgraded version of the Showing Suite service, you will no longer have access through the SentriLock website. However, you will be able to continue service through the Showing Suite website: http://www.showingsuite.com/.

SentriLock apologizes for any inconvenience this will causeour Members who are using the SentriLite service. They are currently evaluating their options for another showing feedback service.

*MORE INFO: Click here to download and print PDF of this Notice plus details regarding the SentriLite service.

July 2, 2013

SENTRILOCK REMINDER: Office Closed July 4th!

SentriLock advises that they will be closed on Thursday, July 4th for the U.S. Independence Day holiday. Regular hours will resume on Friday.

Normal operating hours are 5:00 am to 8:59 pm PST (8:00 am to 11:59 pm EST), seven days a week.

Toll-Free Number for Updating SentriLock Cards (automated line): 1-877-SENTRILOCK (1-877-736-8745); press 2 for the CARS system and follow along with the prompts.

REALTOR® Lockbox Web Site: http://lb.sentrilock.com; you’ll need your SentriLock ID and Password to login.

Mobile Website: m.sentrilock.com

June 21, 2013

SENTRILOCK NOTICE: Moving June 29th!

Exciting news from SentriLock... Effective July 1st, Headquarters will be located in West Chester, Ohio (move from Denver, Colorado).

NOTE: To facilitate the move, SentriLock will be closing the Customer Support Call Center at 9 p.m. EDT (6 p.m. Pacific) on Saturday, June 29th, instead of the usual 12 a.m. (midnite EDT) closing time.

The Customer Support Call Center will reopen as usual at 8 a.m. EDT (5 a.m. Pacific) on Sunday, June 30th.

During the moving of IT infrastructure, servers in the current Denver co-location will allow agents to renew their SentriCard® during the hours the Cincinnati Office is moving -- after 9 p.m.EDT on June 29th. The website www.sentrilock.com will remain operational for the majority of that time as well, with only minimal interruption.

It is SentriLock's intent that customers experience little to no impact on how they utilize the system. They plan to make this transition as seamless as possible for all of their customers.

However, unforeseen situations can arise. Therefore, the following precautionary actions are recommended:

• Agents are encouraged to renew their SentriCard® before 9 p.m. EDT (6 p.m. Pacific) on Saturday, June 29th. This will ensure your card is updated through the weekend at a minimum.
• Agents are encouraged to obtain any needed One Day Codes for Saturday, June 29th and Sunday, June 30th prior to 9 p.m. EDT (6 pm Pacific) on Saturday, June 29th.

SentriLock is extremely excited about this move to new Headquarters and looks forward to continuing to deliver exceptional customer service to OMREB Members.

Click here to download and print PDF of this Notice.

April 3, 2013

MATRIX NOTICE: Broken "Street Extensions" in Matrix®

Members are advised that the Board is aware that some “Street Extensions” are broken and missing for some listings in Matrix®.

CoreLogic® / MarketLinx® is working on this issue so you may notice some sporadic anomalies during this resolution period. Please note that it is not expected to last much longer. New values are being added to accommodate the KREB MLS® system.

We thank you for your patience.

March 21, 2013

BOARD MATRIX NOTICE: Lead Up to KREB Matrix® Launch -- Changes for OMREB Members

In just under two weeks, Matrix® will go live for the Kootenay Real Estate Board (KREB). While OMREB does not anticipate any downtime, our Members are being advised of some potential visual changes they will see online before April 2nd as various updates to Matrix® occur to prepare for the transition.

The first wave of Matrix® updates will start today – Thursday, March 21st. Some new fields and options will be visible in advance of the Matrix® system going live for KREB.

We anticipate that Members will have questions about the OMREB-KREB Technology Partnership and how it will affect them, so answers to Frequently Asked Questions have been compiled for your information. Updates will be made as additional queries are received prior to and during the transition.

Changes OMREB Members will experience:

1. All “Searches” will have an “Association” field added, and the search controls will be rebuilt to have the Association (KREB or OMREB) as the parent.

This means that “OMREB” will need to be chosen first before the list of “Major Areas” box shows up. This will also happen on all of the input forms.

It is important to remember, this change will not affect saved searches and auto emails, as there is no overlap between Area and Sub Areas for KREB and OMREB. However, moving forward, OMREB and KREB users will need to customize all “Hot Sheets”, “Market Watch” and default searches (including the Map Search) to display only OMREB and KREB listings, respectively.

NOTE: Even though the “Association” field will be visible to Members, you will not see any association-specific data until Matrix® goes live for KREB on April 2nd.

2. On all maps, the “Jump To Location” menu will have a larger list to include KREB Towns and areas to provide the ability to search KREB MLS® data.

With the transition on April 2nd , OMREB Members will be able to search KREB data and vice versa. However, KREB Members will not be able to input data to OMREB, and OMREB Members won’t be able to input data to KREB. A system check will be in place to prevent this.

3. The “Login Page” will be updated to reflect the OMREB-KREB partnership, rather than being only OMREB specific.

Click here for FAQs and here for screenshots showing how the “Search” page will change for Members.

February 27, 2013

MATRIX NOTICE: New "Who to Ask" Link on Home Page!

OMREB's “Who to Ask at OMREB” guide is now available via a new quick link added to the "External Links" on the Matrix Home Page for easy access by Members.

Click here for update. The revised version has also been posted to Matrix HELP > OMREB Provided Help Documents and to REALTORLink > Board Resources page.

February 5, 2013

SENTRILOCK ALERT: Bad Driver Affecting Card Readers!

Attention: Windows Users!

SentriLock has advised that the latest driver update from Windows Update for your SCR3310 USB Smart Card Reader has been causing some issues. Click here to download and print PDF of Alert or follow text inserted below.

WINDOWS-USERS ALERT: Bad SCM Driver Affecting Card Readers

Installing this device driver update may disable your smart card reader. This update is listed under optional updates and is called:

"SCM Microsystems, Inc. - Other hardware, Smartcard Reader ...".

This optional Microsoft update was released in December 2012 for SCM based card readers. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
• The card reader does not appear in the device manager.
• The sounds for connect/disconnect of USB devices repeat over and over.
• Intermittent reading of the SentriCard®.

**** If you have Windows 7 or Windows 8 and you are using an SCM card reader please do not install the Microsoft update for SCM card readers.

**** If you are not experiencing any issues with your smart card reader you do not need to take any action at this time.

If you are experiencing issues with your smart card reader, try the following steps:

The RollbackSCRDriver application removes the current driver (4.61) and replaces it with the previous working version of the SCR 3xxx driver. The SentriCard® Reader should remain plugged in during the following process:

1. First go to http://www.sentrilock.com/files using your web browser.
2. Next, download and RUN the "Card Reader Driver Rollback for Windows"
3. After the application finishes (roughly 30 seconds after clicking Install), confirm that the SentriCard® Utility works by inserting your SentriCard® into the card reader, your Log In screen should appear.
4. If the issue remains, run the RollbackSCRDriver application a second time.

Sincerely, SentriLock, LLC

February 4, 2013

LOCKBOX NOTICE: Important Strata Reminder!

OMREB would like to remind our Members that thievery is on the rise so it is extremely important that lockboxes are attached to a very secure and visible place to help deter the culprits.

We have received word of two stolen lockboxes at condo complexes this past weekend. If you are dealing with a Strata that does not already have a Strata Lockbox mounted on the building, please ask the Strata to contact Kate Smith at the Board (250-491-4560, ext 227 or 1-866-491-4560 Toll Free) for more information regarding this special “no cost to them” lockbox that will house the main key of the building.

NOTE: It is also a good idea to have your Sellers sign a lockbox waiver, as per the sample form attached (available in the OMREB Common Forms Repository in MATRIX Help). Please ask your Brokerage for a vetted and approved form – as noted on the cover page of the sample.

February 1, 2013

SENTRILOCK UPDATE: Update re: Mac/SentriCard Utility Issue!

Attention Mac users! Further to yesterday's advisory and workaround regarding issues with Java 7 and updating SentriCards, SentriLock has now provided the following resolution. Click here for SentriLock Notice (text inserted below).

A Resolution to the Mac/SentriCard Utility Issue

Note: This updated version will work on OS X 10.7 (Lion) or higher. Unfortunately, it may not work on 10.6 (Snow Leopard).

To begin:

1. Remove any previously installed version of the SentriCard® Utility 3.1 for Mac. The SentriCard® Utility is probably located in your Applications or Downloads folder. Clicking on Spotlight in the top-right corner of your screen and typing 'SentriCard® Utility' will provide the location of any that are downloaded.

2. Once you have found the SentriCard® Utility, drag any previously installed versions of the SentriCard® Utility to the Trash bin and restart your computer.

**Please drag ONLY the following kinds of files to the Trash: "Applications", "JNLP Files" and "Disk Images".**

3. After restarting, empty your Trash bin. Now, make sure your SentriCard® reader is connected to your computer and use the following instructions to download and install the updated version:

To start the SentriCard® Utility,

4. Open your web browser and go to http://www.sentrilock.com/files/. and bookmark this page.

**It is recommended that you bookmark this page as this is the new method of starting the SentriCard® Utility.

5. Click on the "Card Utility 3.1 Start" button. If prompted, updating Java 7 is optional. Ensure your card reader is plugged in and that your SentriCard® is inserted into the card reader to renew your SentriCard®.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and if you need any further assistance, please contact our support department at 1-877-736-8745 (7 days a week 8 AM to 12 AM Eastern Time; 5 AM to 9 PM Pacific)

Sincerely, SentriLock, LLC

January 31, 2013

REMINDER: Attention Mac Users!

Just a reminder to OMREB members who regularly use a Mac computer...

If you have not already done so, please send an email to IT Manager Charles Howarth [email protected] and copy to Kate Smith [email protected] with the subject line reading: “I have a Mac”.

This will allow the OMREB technical department to notify you directly of news or updates related to Mac systems as well as provide an indication of OMREB’s Mac user base.

Don't forget to update Charles and Kate if or when you change your email address, or no longer use a Mac, so we can keep this distribution list current and you won't miss out on Mac-relevant news.

January 31, 2013

SENTRILOCK ALERT: Apple and Java 7 Issue

Mac users are advised of the following alert from SentriLock… Click here to download 2-page PDF (advisory text inserted below).

As of today, Apple has decided to discontinue using the Java 6 version and is only using the Java 7 version. Unfortunately, Java 7 only uses 64 bit and the PCSC card readers used to read our SentriCard® do not work with the 64 bit, causing it not to function properly.

SentriLock is working on how to fix this issue, but we do not see an immediate resolution in the near future, as Apple is an independent operating system. Once a resolution has been discovered we will communicate that to you.

We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and appreciate your patience as we work to resolve this.

Rob Faulconer, Customer Relations Department Manager-SentriLock, LLC

WORKAROUND – Update from SentriLock:

MAC USERS: Renew your SentriCard at a lockbox with a renewal code from our automated line

We are working diligently on a resolution to the Java7 Apple issue, but in the meantime, you can receive a card renewal code via our automated line.

1. Call 1-877-736-8745
2. Press 2
3. Enter your cell phone number or SentriCard® number
4. Enter your PIN
5. Press 1 6. Follow the instructions, use the code provided to renew at a lockbox (CARS system)

This will allow you access to lockboxes until the resolution is complete.

We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you and appreciate your patience as we work to resolve this issue.

Rob Faulconer, Customer Relations Department Manager-SentriLock, LLC

Translation: This means that Mac users are unable to use their card readers to renew cards at the current time. SentriLock is working very hard on finding a solution – besides the workaround noted above.

Detailed Explanation: The main issue at hand is that Apple has blocked every currently released version of Java. This article explains it a little more: http://www.macrumors.com/2013/01/31/apple-once-again-blocks-java-7-web-plug-in/

Since SentriLock requires Java 6 to allow the components they use to work, when the Java 7 update is finally released by Oracle, the SentriCard Utility still won’t work. Starting today (January 31), Apple made their Xprotect anti-malware application block all versions of Java, aside from the one stated in the article that has not been released yet. As such, Java 6 and 7 are being forcibly blocked by Xprotect.

NOTE: Members with MACs can also opt to use a card reader connected to a Windows based system (PC) to renew their cards until this issue is resolved. Just a reminder that a card reader is not required to review card information and showing activity, as you can access this info online at: www.sentrilock.com

January 23, 2013

MATRIX NOTICE: 2013 Schedules Posted to HELP!

Members and Administrators are advised that OMREB schedules have been posted to OMREB "Help" for easy access and download.

A new "OMREB Schedules" category has been added. There you will find schedules for the In-House Courier delivery dates, MLS® Review delivery dates, and MLS® Tour dates (Central Zone).

All schedules are posted as per usual on REALTORLink > Board Resources > Tours & Schedules.

December 17, 2012

SENTRILOCK Notice: SentriLock Holiday Office Closure!

SentriLock will be closed for the stat holidays -- Christmas Eve (Monday, December 24th) and Christmas Day (Tuesday, December 25th).

Normal operating hours are 5:00 am to 8:59 pm PST (8:00 am to 11:59 pm EST), seven days a week.

Toll-Free Number for Updating SentriLock Cards: 1-877-SENTRILOCK (1-877-736-8745) - press 2 for the CARS system and follow along with the prompts.

REALTOR® Lockbox Web Site: http://lb.sentrilock.com - you’ll need your SentriLock ID and Password to login.

Mobile Website: m.sentrilock.com

December 17, 2012

MATRIX Notice: New URL Coming for MATRIX® in January!

Members are advised that on January 8th, 2013, the internet web address (URL) for accessing the OMREB’s MLS® system will change.

The new address will be: http://matrix.interiorbc.ca (as of January 8, 2013)

This update is being made to more accurately reflect the geographical areas covered by the OMREB–KREB technology merger taking place in early 2013.

Reminders will be posted as the "go live" date gets closer.

BOOKMKARKS & FAVOURITES: Once the new MATRIX® URL is active (Jan. 8/13), the link that you have "Bookmarked" or saved in your "Favourites" will need to updated by deleting old URL (http://matrix.omrebmls.ca ) and saving new one (http://matrix.interiorbc.ca). Visitors to the outdated link will be redirected to the new site during the transition period.

November 13, 2012

MATRIX NOTICE: Matrix Fix Wednesday Night!

Members are advised that on Wednesday evening (tomorrow night), an important patch and update will be performed to the Matrix® MLS® system at 9:00 pm. Expected downtime is 30 minutes.

The update will address various post Matrix® 6.1 fixes including a problem with Matrix® Home Page MLS® Quick Search Widget.

We apologize for any inconvenience the downtime may cause.

November 7, 2012

MATRIX NOTICE: Team Function Cancellation Form!

OMREB advises members that a new "Team Function Cancellation" form has been posted to MATRIX® Help in the OMREB Common Forms Repository (Matrix - Team Function - Cancelling Access).

As a Team Function REALTOR®, you are responsible for notifing the Board immediately regarding the status of members of your Team - particularly those that are no longer working for you - in order to cancel their authorized access to your listing data. This form has been created to ensure the security of the MLS® system.

If you are no longer working as a team and you don’t advise the Board to cancel their access, then you will provide unauthorized access to Matrix® which is in contravention of OMREB Regulations and liable for fines or loss of access privileges.

Click here to download form. To notify the Board of any changes, simply complete and email this form to: [email protected].

November 6, 2012

SENTRILOCK Notice: SentriLock MAC Alert!

Due to a recent update from Apple related to how their OS-X handles Java, MAC users may be experiencing issues when trying to run the New SentriCard Utility program version 3.1.

After researching the issue at length, SentriLock has provided a fix for the Mac/Java 7 issue. This solution is only for the case where, when attempting to run CU 3.1, they receive the following message:
To open "SentriCard Utility", you need to download the Java Runtime Environment for Webstart applications.

Before continuing, it is important to understand that this is a fix SentriLock found to resolve an issue that was introduced by a third party. The issue is not with our SentriCard Utility. Click here for instructions (PDF) or follow steps below.

Here are the steps for the potential workaround:

1. Go to java.com and download the latest version of Java before doing the rest of the steps
2. Have the agent open Safari and go to: http://www.sentrilock.com/filestest/
3. Have the agent click on EnableJavaWebPlugins.zip
4. After it has downloaded, have the agent go to their Downloads folder.
5. Have the agent hold down the Control key and click on the Enable Java Web Plugins application.
6. Have them click open in the pop-up menu that appears. They will be prompted if they're sure they want to open the unsigned application. Click the Open button to proceed.
7. The application will appear momentarily in the dock, then disappear. There is no other notification that the fix has been applied.
8. Proceed to either download the SentriCard Utility or start the SentriCard Utility if it is already installed. It should now run.

If the above does not resolve the issue attempt to clear your Java cache. To clear the java cache on a MAC you can use the following instructions:
1. At the top of the screen click 'Go'
2. Click 'Utilities'
3. Click 'Java Preferences'
4. Click 'Network' at the top'
5. If there is more than one instance of Java, click the first one to highlight it.
6. Click 'Delete Files'
7. Ensure all boxes are checked and click 'OK'.
8. If there were multiple instances, repeat the above steps.
9. Re-launch the card utility program and attempt to renew again (a reboot may be required).

If you continue to experience trouble when trying to run the SentriCard Utility, please call SentriLock Support at 1-877-736-8745.

October 19, 2012

MATRIX® NOTICE: Adding Social Networking Links!

Starting tomorrow (Tuesday, October 23rd), OMREB Members will be able to add social media networking links to their online profiles!

OMREB and CREA have recently completed the software changes required to add social networking links to your online profile so they will display in CREA’s online services -- REALTOR.ca, REALTORLink®, and ICX.ca -- and add/update this information in MATRIX® (OMREB’s MLS® system) and in MMSI (OMREB’s membership database).

Currently, the new system will support Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Click here for instructions complete with screenshots. (NOTE: A new feature allowing you to upload a personal photo for your online profile directly to REALTOR.ca will be available soon - stay tuned for announcement.)

Add Links Via Revised Education-Invoice Site: In order to have your Social Networking Links display, you must login to OMREB’s online Education and Invoice History site and add them to your Personal Information page (this is the same site where you currently register for education courses). The link noted below is new and the site goes live on Tuesday (tomorrow), so please delete the old link and replace it then.

NEW URL – please Bookmark and add to “Favourites”:
(New site live on Tuesday, October 23)
http://mmsi-web.omrebmls.ca/index.php?client_id=OMREB
(This link is provided on the MATRIX Home Page under “Exterior Links” and will be updated for tomorrow.)

OLD URL – please delete from saved “Favourites” and Bookmarks:
(This site will be deactivated on October 23)
https://mdweb.marketlinx.com/omreb/default.pl

MORE EDUCATION SITE UPDATES: Working Calendar Added!

You will notice that the recently completed revisions to OMREB's online Education pages have also provided a new look to the site -- incorporating the Board's logo colours.

Good news! This latest update will include a working Course Calendar where you can see what courses are coming up. If registration is available for a course, you will be able to click on the course name to go directly to the registration page. Click here for details about the Education page updates along with helpful screenshots.

Both documents linked here will be archived to the MATRIX Help page under OMREB Provided Help Documents as: 1) Adding Social Media Networking Links, and 2) Registering Online for Education Courses.

October 19, 2012

MATRIX® NOTICE: Release Notes for MATRIX® V6.1

In preparation for the launch of Matrix® Version 6.1 on the evening of Monday, October 22nd, release notes are now available to provide insight into the highlights and features in the latest version of the Matrix® MLS® system, including:

* New and improved Matrix Mobile
* Enhancement to My Listings page
* Share My Listing capability
* Enhancements to Recent Portal Visitors widget
* New Portal Acitivty page
* Significant enhancements to CMA Functionality
* Ability to save Custom Sort Orders
* More user-friendly Help Page
* Miscellaneous Bug Fixes

To learn more about the current enhancements, click here for release notes. The document will be archived to the Help section under OMREB Provided Help Documents.

The system is expected to be offline starting at 10:00 PM on Monday for one (1) hour. MATRIX® V6.1 will be fully functional and ready to use when you start your day on Tuesday, October 23rd!

October 17, 2012

MATRIX® NOTICE: New MATRIX® Release Coming!

All OMREB members are advised of the latest release update to Matrix® coming on Monday, October 22nd, 2012 at 10:00 PM. The system is expected to be offline for one (1) hour.

Stay tuned for the upcoming release notes which will provide insight into the highlights and features in the latest version (6.1) of the Matrix® MLS® system.

September 14, 2012

TECHNICAL UPDATE: Additional Security Now in Place in Light of Recent Godaddy Outages!

Godaddy (host and provider of DNS services to websites around the world) experienced large-scale problems, earlier this week that affected access to many websites for several hours - including Touchbase.

Since then, the Touchbase technical team has been working hard to set up an alternative. In the unlikely event that Godaddy should experience a similar issue in the future, Touchbase now has the option to seamlessly switch over to a back-up DNS provider with no impact on the service they provide to our Members.

OMREB is very pleased that Touchbase will offer this additional security going forward.

September 13, 2012

TECHNICAL ALERT: Issues with Rogers & Touchbase!

Due to some issues with missing Touchbase text messages, Members are advised to update their Touchbase profiles to ensure they include email as back-up (much more reliable than texting).

The Board has received some reports about intended recipients (Buyers' agents) not receiving showing appointment confirmations sent out via Touchbase. And, Touchbase has indicated that this is not a server problem but related to Rogers Wireless, so expanding profiles to include emails is especially important for Rogers customers who are experiencing issues with texting.

Touchbase recommends that anyone who is having these issues should call the support line and report them: 1-800-469-1664

September 12, 2012

SENTRILOCK NOTICE: Please Update SentriCard® Utility!

Members are reminded to upgrade their SentriLock Card Utility to v3.1 - if you have not already done so (as per April notice).

Please be advised that the warranty for SentriCards® deemed defective due to not having upgraded the SentriLock Card Utility will be void and failure to do so will result in a charge of $6.72 billed to your account.

This update is required to avoid card failure and should be done as soon as possible!

SentriCard® Utility 3.1 - Key features and improvements:
• cloud based interface
• simpler and easier to use
• automatically updates
• improved Internet connectivity
• automatic SentriCard® renewals
• more secure

PC and Mac Compatible: Click here for SentriLock notice with Windows and Mac OS X instructions attached.

To download and install new Utility, visit: http://www.sentrilock.com/files

September 11, 2012

TECHNICAL ALERT: Touchbase Up and Running!

Touchbase has advised that www.touchbaserealestate.com is up and running fully today. In light of yesterday's downtime due to hosting outages, they will continue to monitor the situation very carefully.

Godaddy who is responsible for hosting, and/or providing DNS services to websites around the world - millions of which were affected, including Touchbase - was able to actively restore their services last evening.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

August 27, 2012

MATRIX NOTICE: Touchbase Improvements!

Touchbase has announced some important improvements to the system - some as a direct result of suggestions from our members.

Here is a list of the major improvements made during the summer:

• The Listings section is now faster, easier and more efficient to filter, and is now fully compatible with Safari on the Mac, Firefox, and Google Chrome. Navigation is easier and cleaner too.
• The Showings in process now benefits from all of the same improvements as the listing section PLUS we have added features so that only one person may work in an appointment at any one time.
• For those using Touchbase 3.0/Pro the function to set up a seller for reception of messages is faster and cleaner as is the real-time showing availibility calendar.

Coming very soon...

• A brand new Record Keeping function. Handy for those occasions when a member, or office, wants to add a request made outside of Touchbase. This function will allow requests to be recorded from up to 2 months prior to enable records, and reports, to be fuller and more complete.
• A complete revamp of the Profile section to make it consistent with the improved Showing in Process and Listings. It, also, will be cross-browser compatible, and much, much faster to load.

Click here to download and print this notice.

July 18, 2012

MATRIX NOTICE: New Tech Support Email!

Members are advised that a new email specifically for Matrix® and OMREB Technical Support is now available.

The new [email protected] address will deliver to OMREB IT Department/Help Desk Staff Janna Hansen, Sue Campbell, and Charles Howarth. It is meant to be used as a multi-functional email for members to contact us via one email address. You can send suggestions for Matrix®, or any other product, and contact us for support regarding Matrix® or any OMREB service.

Please note that there is a new link provided at the bottom of the Matrix® Home Page:

For OMREB Technical Support and all things related to Matrix® including features and additions, please email us at: [email protected]
Authorized users only. Usage is governed by OMREB Bylaws and Regulations. All information contained herein is copyright ©OMREB.
Matrix v6.0. Copyright © 2012 CoreLogic. All rights reserved.

Click here for copy of this notice with screen shot.

July 3, 2012

SENTRILOCK ADVISORY: Storm Update!

SentriLock advises all customers that a line of severe storms passed though the Cincinnati area at 5:00 pm EDT on Friday. June 29th, with high winds in excess of 80 mph resulting in power outages in the area.

SentriLock was on generator power with all systems operational through the weekend. A state of emergency for the entire state of Ohio was issued by the Governor on Saturday with over 1 million without power statewide and temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees over the next several days.

In the event SentriLock systems lose generator power, all website and card renewal traffic will reroute to the Denver data center. In this scenario, they will not have telephone customer service connectivity and automated voice response services will not be available.

While SentriLock does not anticipate any generator problems, the high heat over the next several days could slightly increase the possibility of the loss of backup power.

They will continue to update us as events occur and thank you for your patience during this difficult time.

June 27, 2012

SENTRILOCK ADVISORY: Updated Safety Notice re: Lockbox Batteries!

SentriLock has issued an advisory regarding replacing batteries for the NXT Lockbox (does not include NXT Wireless). ***JUNE 29 UPDATE: Link to instructions added below.***

SentriLock has been notified of two instances where customers replacing the batteries in the NXT lockbox have resulted in severe damage to the lockbox. The customer utilized batteries purchased from sources other than SentriLock and the batteries were inserted backwards (reverse polarity).

Inexpensive lithium batteries, primarily from China often are assembled without a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) current limiting device. The lack of this device allows the battery to enter thermal runaway if short circuited and the battery can catch fire or explode. Inserting the batteries backwards in non-Wireless NXT lockboxes can short circuit the battery.

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT CUSTOMERS REPLACING BATTERIES OBSERVE THE POLARITY MARKINGS ON THE UNIT AND INSTALL THE BATTERIES CORRECTLY. ALSO, CUSTOMERS SHOULD AVOID OFF-BRAND BATTERIES OR DISCOUNT BATTERIES AS THESE BATTERIES MAY BE INHERENTLY UNSAFE!

Click here to download and print this SentriLock advisory.

***ADDED JUNE 29th - BATTERY REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR NXT LOCKBOX: Click here for step-by-step how to. Note reminder added to Step 5 regarding which end of battery is "positive". Also posted to MATRIX Help > OMREB Provided Help Documents > SentriLock Guides & Forms.

BATTERIES FROM THE BOARD: Members are reminded that batteries for the lockboxes are available from the Board for $2.50 each. The retail price of quality lithium batteries at local stores can be $7.00 and up.

Please use "Administration - Sundry Supply Order Form" posted to OMREB Board Forms on REALTORLink and in the MATRIX Help Section under OMREB Common Forms Repository.

Click here for Order Form.

June 25, 2012

SENTRILOCK NOTICE: Office Closure July 4th!

SentriLock advises that they will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th for the U.S. Independence Day holiday. Regular hours will resume on Thursday.

They will be open as usual on Monday, July 2nd (Canada Day) and Tuesday, July 3rd. Normal operating hours are 5:00 am to 8:59 pm PST (8:00 am to 11:59 pm EST), seven days a week.

Toll-Free Number for Updating SentriLock Cards: 1-877-SENTRILOCK (1-877-736-8745); press 2 for the CARS system and follow along with the prompts.

REALTOR® Lockbox Web Site: http://lb.sentrilock.com; you’ll need your SentriLock ID and Password to login.

June 25, 2012

MATRIX NOTICE: Display Fixes - MATRIX® for Androids!

Members with Android phones and tablets running Android 4.0+, Ice Cream Sandwich that like to use the matrix.omrebmls.ca site on their mobile device , and who have been experiencing display issues, are advised that they can download Google Chrome for Android Beta from Google Play. *(June 26: See update added below for another option.)

The Chrome for Android Beta browser has shown to display search results without the need to refresh the page.

Instructions on downloading Chrome Beta for Android from Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android.chrome

1. On your mobile device:
a. Touch Download.
b. Touch Accept & download.

2. When the installation is complete:
a. You will find the Chrome icon on the Home or All Apps screen.
b. Touch the icon to open the browser.

* UPDATE (June 26): Please note that Android phones and tablets running Gingerbread or Honeycomb have been successful using Matrix through Firefox for Androidwhich also can be downloaded from Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.mozilla.firefox

June 22, 2012

MATRIX NOTICE: Fixing Runtime Errors: WEBforms™, Matrix®

OMREB Support advises that a Microsoft or Adobe patch has recently caused errors to many users of Internet Explorer for accessing Matrix® and WEBforms™.

Steps to Correct
Members who are experiencing this error, will need to reset "Advanced Internet Explorer Settings" to the Default Levels.

Go to Windows Control Panel > Internet Options >
Click on the Advanced Tab >
1) Click on Restore Advanced Settings (you may not see anything happen at this point)
2) Click on Reset (make sure to uncheck the ‘Delete Personal Settings’).
3) Restart Internet Explorer if requested by Microsoft

Click here for screenshots illustrating the above instructions on how to resolve the error message.

June 6, 2012

TECHNICAL ALERT: Attention LinkedIn Users!

Members are advised that it appears "LinkedIn" has been hacked and password files have been posted on the web. OMREB's IT support team recommends that Members change their LinkedIn passwords immediately if you have a LinkedIn account.

Click on the link below for PC World article. Use the link provided in paragraph 7 (click on "following this link") to go to your LinkedIn "Settings" page where you can change your password.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/257045/65m_linkedin_passwords_posted_online_after_apparent_hack.html

If you are already logged in, click on your name at the top right of the screen and choose "Settings" in the drop-down menu, then click on "Change" on Password Change line to make your change.

June 6, 2012

SENTRIOCK REMINDER: Please Use SentriLock Lockbox Transfer Form!

Members are reminded to use the supplied and posted "SentriLock Lockbox Transfer Form" required for the transfer of ownership with the sale of a lockbox and for submission to the Board.

You will find this form posted in the MATRIX Help section under OMREB Provided Help Documents > Sentrilock Guides & Forms > "SentriLock Lockbox Transfer Form". Include on this Board form are instructions on how the Seller makes the data transfer and the Purchaser updates the card in the system.

Click here to download and print required form.

May 14, 2012

MATRIX NOTICE: IMPORTANT Matrix® Upgrade!

On Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 9:00 pm, OMREB’s Matrix® MLS® system will be taken offline to perform the upgrade to Version 6.0 of the MLS® software. The expected downtime to complete the upgrade is approximately 2 hours and should be completed by 11:00 pm.

Version 6.0 of the Matrix® software is a full update to Matrix® 5.7. Some of the notable updates and features include:

• Integrated Mapping: New tabs allow users to quickly and easily toggle between the search form, results display, and a fully interactive map.
• Enhanced and redesigned Top Menu: Top Menu 2.0 is an enhancement to the Matrix top menu, geared toward reducing the number of clicks required for navigation throughout Matrix.
• Print HTML: Significant effort has been undertaken in 6.0 to deliver greater flexibility and a better result when printing listing displays.
• Photo Viewer: The photo viewer feature has been re-visited and modernized in Matrix 6.0.
• Contact Categories: In Matrix 6.0, users now have the ability to categorize their contacts. There are a total of 12 customizable Categories available to all users.

This build of Matrix® includes numerous fixes, enhancements and improved functionality. For full details, click here to review the Matrix® 6.0 Release Notes. This document has been posted to the Matrix® HELP Tab > OMREB Provided Help Documents for easy reference.

April 30, 2012

MATRIX NOTICE: Reminder re: New Lock Boxes for Stratas!

Members are advised that a number of lockboxes have been reported stolen from a strata property (condos) in Kelowna, and reminded that strata-specific boxes are available.

The Board now has strata lockboxes that can be strategically placed on the building and lag bolted to the property so that only the main entrance key is kept in it then all REALTOR® lockboxes are placed on the individual unit doors. Just a little more security for the Strata and the client.

There is no cost to the Strata for the lockbox and the Board will reimburse up to a fixed amount for the installation. Strata Managers can contact Kate Smith at the Board office for more information: 250-491-4560, Ext. 227

April 27, 2012

MATRIX NOTICE: New KCS Request Form Posted!

A newly updated Request Form for 2012 has been provided by Kelowna Condominium Services Ltd. (KCS) to include the most recent Depreciation Report in the attachments list for Form B.

This new form is effective May 1, 2012 and has been posted to the MATRIX Help Section for easy reference. You will find it under OMREB Provided Help Documents. Click here for form.

NOTE: Not to be confused with the proposed StrataDocs site, this form has been updated and provided by KCS to reflect the recent Strata Property Act requirement regarding depreciation reports for Stratas.

April 26, 2012

SENTRILOCK NOTICE: Improved Reliability & Sustainability!

The SentriLock Team has extended their sincere apologies for the system outage experienced last month - a situation that was not reflective of what OMREB's Members have come to expect from them in terms of uninterrupted system up-time.

SentriLock wishes to take a moment to let you know what steps have been taken in light of that event. Probably the most important thing you will see is not only has SentriLock corrected the underlying problem, they have taken additional steps to mitigate impact from any future technical issues.

As the company CEO notes: "Events like these make you re-evaluate your disaster recovery plans and show that preparedness cuts across several areas beyond just technical issues."

Click here for a summary of what occurred, what SentriLock has done to improve the systems, and what they are planning to do to further ensure improved reliability and survivability.

April 10, 2012

SENTRILOCK NOTICE: SentriCard® Utility 3 Released!

SentriLock is proud to announce the release of SentriCard® Utility 3. This update is recommended to avoid card failure and should be done at your earliest convenience!

Key features and improvements:
• cloud based interface
• simpler and easier to use
• automatically updates
• improved Internet connectivity
• automatic SentriCard® renewals
• more secure

PC and Mac Compatible: Click here for SentriLock notice with Windows and Mac OS X instructions attached.

To download and install, visit: http://www.sentrilock.com/CU3

February 24, 2012

SENTRILOCK ADVISORY: Invalid Cardholders Policy!

Due to a recent increase in individuals calling the SentriLock Customer Service Department and attempting to use another Member's SentriCard®, SentriLock reminds users about their policy on "Invalid Cardholders".

If a SentriLock Customer Service Representative becomes aware of an "Invalid Cardholder" during the verification process, that SentriCard® will be terminated. As customer satisfaction is of utmost importance, so is security to you and the entire group of SentriLock Member Users.

February 17, 2012

MATRIX NOTICE: Top 10 Data Integrity Issues!

So far this year, we have seen many issues regarding Data in the MATRIX MLS® system:

1. “For sale” signs in the listing photos - showing advertising
2. Multi-level homes listed with the total square footage - all showing on the main floor
3. “No Showings Until” posted in Comments
4. Unfinished floor area being counted as finished square footage
5. Incorrect P.I.D #
6. Partial Seller Names
7. Wrong Sub Area
8. Wrong Type of Dwelling
9. Contact information included in the Public Remarks
10. NOT including bathrooms as a room - causing an inaccurate count of bathrooms *

To maintain professionalism in our industry, please make sure that none of these top 10 issues are part of your listing inventory. They are all covered in OMREB’s Regulations, and fines can be issued.

Click here to review and download Section 7 – MLS® Rules and Procedures in OMREB Regulations. Click here for PDF of this Notice.

* NOTE: Did you know that without bathrooms noted (or with incorrect number listed), your listing will NOT come up in searches on REALTOR.ca, MATRIX®, INTERFACExpress™, etc.

February 15, 2012

MATRIX NOTICE: New ‘World Properties’ Field!

OMREB members are advised that a new field is available in Matrix® that will allow for specific designated properties to be uploaded and available for international exposure on www.WorldProperties.com:

Send to World Properties – Y / N

Click here for full details regarding the WorldProperties.com website. Please note that the service provided is the Basic Service as outlined in this brochure. Participation in any of the enhanced services is strictly voluntary and not facilitated in any way by OMREB.

Members are encouraged to thoroughly read the brochure and direct any questions to www.WorldProperties.com

January 18, 2012

SENTRILOCK NOTICE: The Latest SentriCares News!

SentriLock has released its 10th Edition of the "SentriCares" Newsletter today. Included in this newsletter are the three key focuses for SentriLock in 2012: the release of the RAD, a new improved web site, and enhanced training materials.

Links are included for SentriLock's newly compiled Agent training videos, one for Gen I/II and another for NXT. These videos are what is presented during the conversion event and will help in bringing new Agents onboard, or refresh those that have even been using the system for years.

To view the January 2012 newsletter, click on link: http://www.sentrilock.com/sentricaresissue10

All past Agent Newsletters can be accessed at: http://www.sentrilock.com/sentricares

NOTE: A link to archived newsletters is also provided on OMREB's MATRIX Home Page (right column) under External Links > SentriCares Newsletters, along with a link to the SentriLock's Support, Tips, and Login page.

November 29, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Lockbox Waiver Form Posted!

Members are advised that a new form has been added to the SentriLock Guides & Forms in the MATRIX Help section under OMREB Provided Help Documents.

Lockbox Waiver Form & SentriLock Flyer - Describes the operation, purpose and associated risks of a lockbox, with a form for Home Owner authorization to install or waive the placement of a lockbox on their property. Includes a SentriLock informational flyer outlining the advantages of and extra features provided by this electronic lockbox system.

Click here for newly posted form and flyer.

November 23, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: SentriLock Guides Added to HELP!

Members are advised that a new reference page has been added to the MATRIX Help section for SentriLock how-to guides: OMREB Provided Help Documents > SentriLock Guides & Forms.

Two documents have now been posted for Members:

* Lockbox Battery Replacement Guide & Warning - Step by step instructions on how to replace the Lockbox NXT battery. Includes a warning about damage resulting from reversing battery polarity.

* SentriLock Lockbox Transfer Form & Instructions - Required for the transfer of ownership with the sale of a lockbox. Included on this Board form are instructions on how the Seller makes the data transfer and the Purchaser updates the card in the system.

November 1, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: SentriLock News & Tutorials!

Members are advised that SentriLock's 9th Edition of the SentriCares Newsletter includes two new video tutorials.

The first is the REALTOR® training video that was provided during your conversion event, which covers the lockbox basics, and the second is a step by step instructional video on how to update a lockbox clock.

To view the November 2011 newsletter, click on link: http://www.sentrilock.com/sentricaresissue9

Additionally, all current and past Agent Newsletters can be accessed at: http://www.sentrilock.com/sentricares

NOTE: A link to the newsletter archive is also available on the MATRIX Home Page under "External Links" > Sentricares Newsletters.

October 17, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Sentrilock Logon Update!

Members are advised that Sentrilock has now activated the new LOGON ID numbers.

This means that your old alpha character version ( i.e. smitjan-omreb) will now be replaced with your new numerical Logon ID + omreb (i.e. 8880088-omreb).

October 6, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Logon ID Changeover Tonight!

Members are reminded that the scheduled logon ID changeover and the MATRIX® system maintenance to facilitate this will take place tonight between 6:00 and 8:00 pm! Upon the completion of this changeover, you will use the LOGON ID number emailed last week to access all OMREB provided services (see below for details).

Individual emails were sent on October 6th to each Active Member (including REALTORS®, Brokers, unlicensed and licensed REALTOR® Assistants, Brokerage Administrators, and Salesperson Administrators) and on October 7th to Property Managers, Strata Managers and Data Service Contractors to advise of the personal OMREB Membership number you will use as your logon ID for access to ALL OMREB provided services when the changeover is complete (October 14th).

EMAIL UPDATES & LOGON INFO: If you did not receive an email with your new logon ID, please email [email protected] or [email protected] to update your email address and receive your logon info.

When the changeover is complete, the number provided will become your access Logon ID for Matrix®, REALTORLink®, WEBForms™, Touchbase®, Sentrilock, INTERFACExpress™, and is already used for your access to the OMREB Education and Invoice History site.

YOUR PASSWORD DOES NOT CHANGE DURING THE CHANGEOVER PROCESS.

The change over process will begin tonight at 6:00 pm PST (Thursday, October 13) and will last for approximately 2 hours. The timeline for this process is as follows:

• 6:00 pm – Matrix® is unavailable online while OMREB’s Membership system and the Matrix® MLS® system update their respective databases to use the NEW LOGON ID’s (the numeric OMREB Membership ID).

• 8:00 pm – Matrix® is available online. Members logon to Matrix® using their new LOGON ID. NOTE: Logon access to Matrix® and WEBForms™ (via http://www.webforms.info/webforms) will be updated immediately.

OVERNIGHT UPDATES - Members that access these websites can use their current username and password until their new LOGON ID is processed:

• Access to REALTORLink® and WEBForms™ (via REALTORLink) will be updated overnight to use the new LOGON ID.

• Access to SentriLock, INTERFACExpress™, and Touchbase® will update overnight to use the new LOGON ID.

The number noted in your email is your permanent LOGON ID for all OMREB provided services. Do not share it, lose it or forget it.

TRANSITION DOCUMENTATION: Click here for information previously emailed to members to prepare for the transition.

OMREB would like to thank you for your cooperation and assistance during this changeover.

October 6, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Logon ID for Changeover Emailed!

Members are advised that emails were sent today to each Active member (including REALTORS®, Brokers, unlicensed and licensed REALTOR® Assistants, Brokerage Administrators, and Salesperson Administrators) to advise of the personal OMREB Membership number you will use as your logon ID for access to ALL OMREB provided services when the changeover is complete late next week (October 13th). Watch your inbox! Click here for sample email.

NOTE: Emails with IDs for Property Managers, Strata Managers and Data Service Contractors will be distributed on Friday.

EMAIL UPDATES: If you did not receive an email with your new logon ID, please email [email protected] to update your email address.

After the changeover is complete on October 13, 2011, the number provided will become your access Logon ID for Matrix®, REALTORLink®, WEBForms™, Touchbase®, Sentrilock, INTERFACExpress™, and is already used for your access LOGON ID to the OMREB Education and Invoice History site.

YOUR PASSWORD DOES NOT CHANGE DURING THE CHANGEOVER PROCESS.

The day of the Changeover and beyond:

The change over process will begin at 6:00 pm PST on Thursday, October 13, 2011 and will last for approximately 2 hours. The timeline for this process is as follows:

• 6:00 pm – Matrix® is unavailable online while OMREB’s Membership system and the Matrix® MLS® system update their respective databases to use the NEW LOGON ID’s (the numeric OMREB Membership ID). • 8:00 pm – Matrix® is available online. Members logon to Matrix® using their new LOGON ID.

OVERNIGHT UPDATES - members that access these websites can use their current username and password until their new LOGON ID is processed:

• REALTORLink® and WEBForms™ access will be updated overnight to use the new LOGON ID. • SentriLock, INTERFACExpress™, and Touchbase® update overnight to use the new LOGON ID.

The member number noted above is your permanent LOGON ID now for all OMREB provided services. Do not share it, lose it or forget it.

The OMREB would like to thank you for your cooperation and assistance during this transition.

October 2, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Preparing for the Logon ID Change Over on October 13th!

On Thursday, October 6, 2011, the OMREB will send out a personal email to each Active member (plus Assistants, Administrators and Data Service Contractors) using the email address that we have on file for you. This email will contain your OMREB Membership number that you will use to logon to ALL OMREB provided services. This email will not contain your password.

YOUR PASSWORD WILL NOT CHANGE DURING THE CHANGEOVER PROCESS.

As of the change over date (October 13th), this number will become your access Logon ID for Matrix®, REALTORLink®, WEBForms™, Touchbase®, Sentrilock and INTERFACExpress™, and is already used for your access LOGON ID to the OMREB Education and Invoice History site.

ALL OMREB Members have been assigned a Membership Number – including Property and Strata Managers, Brokers, REALTORS®, Licensed and Unlicensed REALTOR® Assistants, Brokerage Administrators, Salesperson Administrators, and Data Service Contractors.

Click here for instructions on How to Find Your OMREB Membership Number via MATRIX® along with the initialTransition Notice and this Supplement. Property/Strata Managers who do not have access to the MLS® system will find this number on their OMREB invoice or they can call the Board Office for assistance.

The day of the Change Over and beyond:

The change over process will begin at 6:00 pm PST on Thursday, October 13, 2011 and will last for approximately 2 hours. The timeline for this process is as follows:

• 6:00 pm – Matrix® is unavailable online while OMREB’s Membership system and the Matrix® MLS® system update their respective databases to use the NEW LOGON ID’s (the numeric OMREB Membership ID).
• 8:00 pm – Matrix® is available online. Members logon to Matrix® using their new LOGON ID.


Overnight Updates: • REALTORLink® and WEBForms™ access will be updated overnight to use the new LOGON ID.
• SentriLock, INTERFACExpress™, and Touchbase® update overnight to use the new LOGON ID.

This LOGON ID is your permanent LOGON ID now for all OMREB provided services. Do not share it, lose it or forget it.

The OMREB would like to thank you for your cooperation and assistance during this transition.

September 27, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Release of Matrix® 5.7.10 on Thursday!

OMREB Members are advised of the forthcoming release of Matrix® 5.7.10 on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 6:00 pm.

This latest release of the Matrix® platform mostly includes a rollup of internal Matrix® bug fixes including the following:

• Matrix® will now automatically disable all auto emails associated with an agent who has been inactive for 30 consecutive days,
• A Clear Password link has now been included on client portal logon pages where portal passwords have been enabled,
• Disabled auto emails are no longer accessible via the portal.

This update is expected to take approximately 30 minutes to complete. During this time Matrix® will be unavailable.

September 16, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: User ID Change Over Coming in October!

OMREB members are advised of a very important and necessary technical change coming on October 13th! On Thursday, October 13th, 2011, the USER ID that you use to logon to Matrix®, REALTORLink®, WEBForms™, Touchbase®, SentriLock and INTERFACExpress™ will change.

The old and outdated VanDat logons (a combination of letters from first and last names) will be retired, and the numeric OMREB Membership ID (your membership # from your OMREB invoice) will become your logon ID for ALL OMREB and CREA services (including Education and Invoice History site for online course registration, etc.).

ALL OMREB Members have been assigned a Membership Number – including Property/Strata Managers, REALTORS®, unlicensed and licensed REALTOR® Assistants, Brokerage Administrators, Salesperson Administrators and Data Service Contractors.

***PLEASE NOTE – PASSWORDS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED***

Click here for transition details and how to find your Membership number via MATRIX®. Property/Strata Managers who do not have access to the MLS® system will find this number on their OMREB invoice or can call the Board Office.

Closer to the transition date, personal emails will be sent everyone with their new USER IDs.

September 14, 2011

MATRIX® UPDATE: Link to Professional Standards Manual!

Members are advised that a link to the Real Estate Council of BC’s (RECBC) Professional Standards Manual - the practical guide to the Real Estate Services Act's (RESA) regulations, and Council's rules and regulations for licensing and licensee conduct, etc. - is now available in the "External Links" Section on the MATRIX Home Page (lower right column). Click here for screen shot.

Please note that a link to this comprehensive manual can also be found on Council's home page at http://www.recbc.ca/.

NOTE: The link to "All OMREB News" has been removed from this section. Please refer to the "OMREB News" TAB in the top blue menu if you are looking for archived postings. News items are posted to the "News" tab for reference purposes. Each news item can be easily found by opening the “Welcome” tab first and scrolling through to find the date and which “Notice” tab it has been posted to - Board, Central Zone, Commercial Zone, Education, BCREA-CREA, MATRIX, North Zone, Shuswap Zone. As a rule, only the initial posting is archived here; reminders and re-posts are usually not included.

September 7, 2011

MATRIX NOTICE: New Fields Added to MATRIX!

OMREB Members are advised of the following field updates in MATRIX®.

Added to ‘Access’:
Boat Access
Boat Access Only

Added to 'Street Suffixes':
Mews
Grove
Grange
Crossway
Parkland
Edgewood

September 6, 2011

MATRIX NOTICE: 2011 Municipal Taxes In!

OMREB Technical Department wishes to advise members that the 2011 Municipal Taxes have finally been received and processed for the following jurisdictions.

Received and completed:

202 - City of Armstrong
208 - City of Enderby
214 - City of Kelowna
217 - City of Kelowna
228 - City of Revelstoke
233 - City of Vernon
304 - District of Coldstream
323 - Township of Spallumcheen
331 - District of Lake Country
348 - District of Sicamous
364 - District of West Kelowna
541 - Village of Lumby
713 - Grand Forks Rural
719 - Revelstoke Rural
722 - Vernon Rural
723 - Central Okanagan Rural
789 - Salmon Arm Rural

Have not received:

194 - Kelowna Rural (First Nations Land)
318 - District of Peachland
322 - District of Salmon Arm

For those missing jurisdictions, including First Nations land, OMREB is still working to attain these files. Providing the municipal tax information is voluntary for municipalities to provide. Typically, OMREB does not receive Tax information for First Nations land.

August 16, 2011

MATRIX NOTICE: New Touchbase Mobile!

We are delighted to announce that the TouchBase mobile web version is now available!

Members can now access the main functions of Touchbase, everywhere and easily directly from their smartphones. This is a web based application designed to be compatible with all the latest mobile devices with access to the Internet (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile).

How can members use it ?

Simply by going to www.touchbasemobile.com on their smart devices and logging in, in the usual way, with their same user names and passwords as Matrix.

For more information, please visit the Touchbase help center: http://helpcenter.touchbaserealestate.com/Home/touchbase-mobile

Take advantage of Touchbase services when you want and where you want!

August 4, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Remember to Include Bathrooms!

Members are reminded to please make sure to include the number of bathrooms on MATRIX in order for your listing to receive the exposure it deserves!

You must include bathrooms in your list of rooms to have them counted and for your listing to come up during a search on REALTOR.CA. You do not need to include the measurements.

Are you guilty? Click here for current list of all of the Residential listings in our Board area showing as having “No Bathrooms”. Please check to see if one of your properties is on the list and make the necessary correction.

June 30, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: MATRIX® Email and Shaw Email Accounts!

Over the last months and in some cases since the initial release of MATRIX®, many emails, direct emails, auto-emails from MATRIX® AND other personal Shaw email accounts destined for another @shaw account, never reach their destination. I.e. – they are never delivered. Click here for the previous OMREB email sent out to address spam and email issues.

We have also seen occasional problems with TELUS and Hotmail email addresses but the number of incidents in comparison to Shaw is significant. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT OMREB, MATRIX® AND / OR TARASOFT ARE NOT THE REASON FOR EMAILS NOT BEING DELIVERED. All investigations show that the emails to Shaw are being delivered successfully. It is what happens once they have been delivered that is causing problems.

Typical contact with Shaw support will instruct you to remove, phone numbers, various contact or signature information, but this is only part of the problem. While it may appear to temporarily resolve the situation, it is only a band aid solution. OMREB and Tarasoft have been working diligently to reach a solution to this ongoing problem which appears to only affect REALTORS® in the Okanagan / Shuswap areas.

Please remember that this appears to be intermittent. Not all emails are being disposed of by Shaw, but it appears to be on the increase of late. For detailed Notice and some potential suggestions to assist in delivery of emails, click here

May 27, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Matrix® 5.7 and Internet Explorer Versions

With the introduction of MATRIX® V5.7, some users are seeing a banner message from MATRIX® indicating that your web browser is out of date and that MATRIX® may not perform optimally.

This message applies to Internet Explorer 7 and earlier versions of Internet Explorer. Microsoft has indicated that Internet Explorer 7 will no longer be supported when the lifecycle of Windows XP has expired which is currently 2014. OMREB Technical support recommends installing and updating your version of Internet Explorer.

The current versions of Internet Explorer are: Internet Explorer 9.x for Windows 7 / Vista and Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP. It is advisable for users to keep their computers current and up to date to ensure functionality, compatibility and security fixes are applied and their PC is protected.

NOTE: Members are also advised that MATRIX® is compatible with the other currently available Internet browsers: Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.

May 26, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: MATRIX® Data Input Forms Moved to HELP!

OMREB Members should note that the links to the OMREB Data Input forms (Residential – Farm – Commercial) previously included on the MATRIX® Home Page have all been moved into the HELP Section of MATRIX®.

They can now be found in the OMREB Common Forms Repository section under OMREB – MATRIX® Data Input Forms. This section is located towards the bottom of the HELP page.

May 26, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Integration of WEBForms™ and MATRIX® 5.7

OMREB members are advised that until further notice, the WEBForms™ links on single line full displays within MATRIX® will be temporarily disabled. This will allow the development teams additional time to refine the operation of these links as well as enhance and improve their functionality.

The two new tabs across the top menu bar in MATRIX® will remain:

• The REALTORLink® tab will automatically log you in to REALTORLink® when clicked.



• The WEBForms™ tab will currently take you to the sign in page for WEBForms™ - unless you have previously signed into REALTORLink®, in which case you will be directed to the list of transaction kits under your logon.

NOTE: Members will be advised when the configuration work is complete on the listing specific links to WEBForms™ kits as soon as the work is completed.

May 26, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Welcome to MATRIX® 5.7 !

Welcome to the latest release of MATRIX® - Version 5.7!

The new build of OMREB’s MLS® software includes the following key features:

• Multiple photo uploading – members will be able to upload all 20 photo’s into their MLS® listing in MATRIX® at once.
• Single sign on from MATRIX® to REALTORLink® and WEBForms™ - OMREB members will be able to click on the new REALTORLink® and WEBForms™ tabs across the top of MATRIX® and be automatically signed in to the website.
• WEBForms™ integration into MLS® listings – a new WEBForms™ icon will be available on the single line and full displays of MATRIX® that will allow the user to sign in to WEBForms™ and automatically begin the creation of a new kit.
• Enhanced statistical functionality - within the MATRIX® software.

In addition to these features, the new build contains numerous bug fixes and minor enhancements. Detailed feature instructions are available in the HELP Section > OMREB Provided Help Documents or click here to review these Release Notes.

May 17, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: MATRIX® V5.7 Release Date Announced!

The latest release of MATRIX® - Version 5.7 - will be made available to OMREB members on Thursday, May 26, 2011.

The new build of OMREB’s MLS® software will include the following key features:

• Multiple photo uploading – members will be able to upload all 20 photo’s into their MLS® listing in MATRIX® at once.
• Single sign on from MATRIX® to REALTORLink® and WEBForms™ - OMREB members will be able to click on the new REALTORLink® and WEBForms™ tabs across the top of MATRIX® and be automatically signed in to the website.
• WEBForms™ integration into MLS® listings – a new WEBForms™ icon will be available on the single line and full displays of MATRIX® that will allow the user to sign in to WEBForms™ and automatically begin the creation of a new kit.
• Enhanced statistical functionality - within the MATRIX® software.

In addition to these features, the new build will contain numerous bug fixes and minor enhancements. Detailed feature instructions will be made available at release.

NOTE: Please note that at 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 25th, the MATRIX® system will unavailable while the new build is being deployed and configured.

May 16, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: 72 Hour Deadline for Entry of Listings!

Members are reminded that Matrix® will soon NOT allow your office to activate a listing that is older than 72 hours...

Effective, Thursday, May 19th, any listing that is not activated within 72 hours of the List Date will require activation at the Board level. This is the date on Page One of your Listing Contract.

If your listing is past the 72-hour deadline, please send a written reason for late submission to Sue Campbell, Data Integrity at OMREB: email [email protected] or fax to 250-491-4580 / 1-877-632-6184 Toll Free, Attention: Data Integrity

REGULATION - 7.9 Deadline for Entry of Listings

MLS® listings must be entered into the MLS® within 72 hours after execution by the Seller(s), otherwise the listing shall be deemed late, provided however that the Seller has not directed otherwise in the MLS® Contract as a term of that contract.

Violations of the 72 hour regulation that are found by the Board or reported to the Board, and if warranted will be brought to the Board of Directors for assessment of a fine not less than $250 for a first violation and may be up to $1,000 for a second or subsequent violation.

March 24, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: OMREB WEBForms Update!

Effective today, the WEBForms™ service will obtain MLS® Listing information directly and real time from OMREB’s MLS® system, MATRIX®.

This integration allows members to perform a simple search in WEBForms™ to locate a listing and create a populated Transaction kit. Previously, listing information was 24 hours old on WEBForms™ and listing entered into MATRIX® would update overnight. This new feature will allow for immediate access to the listing information for WEBForms™ purposes.

Members should not notice any significant change to WEBForms™.

If you have any questions, please contact OMREB Technical Support at [email protected] or call the Board Office at 250-491-4560 / 1-866-491-4560 Toll Free / Extension 232 (Charles Howarth) or 236 (Janna Hansen).

March 24, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Matrix® 5.5 Released!

Welcome to the new MATRIX® 5.5 - officially released today!

Click here to find out about some of the major features that are part of this new MATRIX® software release and here for more detailed documentation.

If you have any questions regarding this upgrade, please contact OMREB Technical support at [email protected] or call the Board Office at 250-491-4560, Ext 232.

March 22, 2011

TOUCHBASE NOTICE: New Agent Interface!

Just a reminder that OMREB Members will be switching over to the newer, faster and simpler Touchbase Agent Interface on Monday, March 28, 2011.

The NEW updated version of the Touchbase Agent Interface will be capable of searching through your entire real estate board for contacts, and does so significantly faster than previous versions due to improved layout and navigation!

Click here for more information about the new version.

To watch a short video on how the new Agent Interface works, go to: http://helpcenter.touchbaserealestate.com/Home/advanced-admin-interface-3/listings/information_automatically_sent_with_confirmation

March 22, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Remember to List Bathrooms!

Members are reminded to make sure to include "Bathrooms" in Matrix® during the Rooms input to make your listing more accessible online.

If you do not include any bathrooms during the data input, potential Buyers using "Number of Bathrooms" as part of their search criteria will NOT see your active listing.

NOTE: We currently have 80 such properties listed in MATRIX without this critical info. Please click here to make sure yours is not on the list - in alphabetical order by Street Name.

Click here for screenshot noting "Baths" in "Rooms" section of "Residential Details".

March 1, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Foreclosures Listings!

During the past few weeks, listings for foreclosures have been appearing in the MATRIX system twice as Members listing foreclosures are not checking to see if the property is already listed.

NOTE: When listing a foreclosure, please ensure the property is not already active in MATRIX. If the previous listing is active, kindly send a copy of the court order to Sue Campbell at [email protected]

February 2, 2011

MATRIX® NOTICE: Update on Matrix® HELP Tab!

Members are advised that a new OMREB Common Forms Repository has been added the HELP tab of Matrix® so all those Board forms that are on REALTORLink® can now be found on Matrix® as well.

September 9, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE: New Version of Matrix® Released!

OMREB Members are advised that a new version of Tarasoft MATRIX® (v 5.3.2) will be released last night.

Click here for details about the upcoming changes and improvements.

August 12, 2010

CENTRAL ZONE NOTICE: Sub-Area Changes on West Side of Okanagan Lake!

The Central Zone Executive has given approval to make some changes to Sub-areas on the west side of Okanagan Lake from Kelowna - effective August 18, 2010 (morning). These updates are meant to reflect the changing geography and names of the areas on the west side that are a part of OMREB.

Sub-area changes include the following:

1. Rename WE - Westbank to: WEC - Westbank Centre 2. Rename WK - West Kelowna to: WKE - West Kelowna Estates 3. Rename WS - Westside to: WSR - Westside Road 4. Separate Smith Creek and Shannon Lake into separate sub-areas (all existing listings will remain in the Shannon Lake sub-area). REALTORS® will have to manually update their listings for these areas if required as the board has no way of identifying which listings belong in which area: a. SHLK - Shannon Lake: North of IR#9 including Shannon Lake b. SMCR - Smith Creek: The area north of Elliott Road, west from the Glen Canyon Regional Park up to and including Broadview Place.

REALTORS® who are using the current sub-area of Shannon Lake / Smith Creek in their search criteria will need to add 'SMCR - Smith Creek' to their search criteria to pick up listings that have been manually moved to the new sub-area, or new listings in the new sub-area.

Click here for revised Central Sub-Area Descriptions. The Central Zone MLS® Tour Schedule has been updated accordingly - click here for revised July-September 2010 Schedule.

July 13, 2010

TOUCHBASE NOTICE: New Feature for Showing Confirmations!

Touchbase is delighted to announce that a new feature has been added so that Showings Instructions can be sent directly with a confirmation to each sales representative who requests a showing. No more cutting and pasting the same important instructions. Simply add showing instructions for your listing in the Listing section on Touchbase and it will automatically add this information to your showing confirmations.

Agents won't have to remember: "Lights on, cats in, shoes off...", etc. It will be all there on their phones as they approach the property.

Click here for information on this helpful and time-saving feature.

June 28, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE: "Office Manual" Now Available!

A Matrix® Office Manual is now available for Office Administration processes (not for REALTOR® use).

Office Administrators can add and modify listings for anyone in their office and the manual will provide the skills they need to manage these listings along with valuable tips regarding data entry. Click here to download and print manual.

June 14, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE: "Team Function" Now Available!

Work as a team? If you work as a group with a team leader or are a family team, the "Team Function" in Matrix® is now available.

Please click here to download, print and complete the access request form and forward it to Kate Smith at the Board Office for set-up. Click here for instructions on how to access the team function once it has been set up for you.

April 29, 2010

MATRIX® UPDATE: Data Entry Forms Updated!

Members are advised that the Data Entry forms for MATRIX® have been updated and will soon be available on WEBForms.

April 22, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE: New Mandatory Field for Strata Listings - "Storage Locker"

Members are advised that a new mandatory field has been added to data input for Strata Listings - Storage Locker (yes, no) - along with a field for the Storage Locker Number (not mandatory). Please modify your Strata Listings to complete the mandatory field.

APRIL 9, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE: Data Entry Change for Properties with Manufactured Home Component - Not in a Mobile Home Park!

Members are advised that there is a data entry change for properties with a Manufactured Home component but not in a Mobile Home Park.

This change is for properties that are Single Family Residential or Recreational on their own land - not in a mobile home park but with a Manufactured Home on the property. This option on the data entry form will allow you to include the Manufactured Home section to the pages of your data input.

Click here for instructions.

March 19, 2010

IMPORTANT UPDATE RE: Shaw and Telus Email Blocking!

OMREB and Tarasoft have been working with Shaw and TELUS Tier 2 Technical support to resolve the issues around emails from MATRIX® not being delivered. The domain name 'OMREBMLS.CA' has been blacklisted for the simple reason that Realtor® clients that have been receiving these emails are reporting them as 'SPAM' email instead of simply unsubscribing to the service.

Email currently appears to be moving, but this is not expected to last through the weekend. We are looking into what options we have available, however, there is no immediate and quick solution. Members can use the Print Report feature in MATRIX® and save the printed "CLIENT REPORTS" to their computer and manually send out these emails using their email software (Outlook, Outlook Express, etc). We are working diligently for a permanent resolution to this serious problem.

There may be a couple of likely reasons that these would be reported as spam:

* During the transition from Kinnexus to MATRIX® when you set up these clients portals, clients would have started receiving emails perhaps without notice of a change and since they appear quite different than what they were used to receiving from Kinnexus, they may have thought they were spam.

* They may not have asked to receive listing updates via email, however they were activated as an auto-email recipient. Instead of 'un-subscribing', they reported the emails as spam - especially if the emails were delivered very frequently within a short period of time.

To prevent this from happening again, OMREB and Tarasoft® require your assistance:

The purpose of the client portal is just as the name suggests – you have a client relationship whereby you have at least established their basic search criteria and advised them of the service.

* Ensure the recipient that you are sending auto-emails to 'wants' to receive these emails. It is important to make sure that your client understands that you will be sending them frequent or infrequent (depending on the schedule you set up) listing updates to the email address they have provided you. Advise them that if they no longer wish to receive these 'listing updates', they should advise you and use the 'Unsubscribe' link in the email they receive. They should not simply ignore the emails and report them to TELUS or Shaw as spam.

* Configure the scheduling options in MATRIX® for the delivery times of auto-emails. If you set your client to receive the auto-emails ASAP, this may send out more emails than your client was expecting to receive. In MATRIX® when you set up an auto-email you are given a variety of options:

· ASAP - Emails are sent as soon as possible.

· Daily - Emails are sent on the days you choose. You can specify them to go
in the AM or PM or both on the days you select.

· Monthly - Emails are sent on the first of the month at midnight.

* Include text in your subject line that is not 'suspicious' or 'spam-like' in nature. Using catch lines like 'Check this out' or 'You've got to see this' will only increase the likelihood that the email will be flagged as spam.

* In the initial email that you send out to your client, include some text to inform them that the email they are reading was sent out as mutually agreed upon and that if they DO NOT wish to receive these emails, to either unsubscribe using the link in the email, or to contact you directly to have the auto-emails disabled.

Click here for information about how spam filtering in MATRIX® works and how the "Unsubscribe" feature works.

March 12, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE: Changing the Mapping Pin Location!

Members are advised that all property location adjustments must be performed from Matrix® in order to ensure that they are properly and accurately mapped in realtor.ca.

The Property Relocation Module (PRM) in REALTORLink® should not be used because the location data sent to CREA from Matrix overwrites the coordinates set in PRM.

Click here for detailed instructions on how to manually relocate your property's 'pin' in Matrix®.

If you have any questions, please contact OMREB Technical Support at [email protected]

March 12, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE: "Password Change" Now Enabled!

Members are advised that the "Password Change" ability is now live in MATRIX® to enable OMREB Matrix® Users to manually change their passwords.

Click here for instructions and detailed information about password changes, password requirements, and the required 6-month password change.

If you have any questions, please contact OMREB Technical Support at [email protected]

March 10, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE: Helpful FAQs Now Posted!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MATRIX® are now posted in the HELP Section. Click here for details.

March 5, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE: Reporting A "No Agency Sold"!

Members are advised that two accounts have been set up in MATRIX® to allow a listing to be sold in either of the following "No Agency" situations:

1. Where the buyer has no REALTOR®.
2. Where the Selling representative is a) a Licensee but does not belong to a board, or b) a Licensee / REALTOR® from out of Province.

In situations where the Selling REALTOR® is from another BC Board, we still need to collect the Office and REALTOR® Information and enter them into MMSI. Always check MMSI / MATRIX® first to see if the REALTOR® already exists in the system.

This process will ensure a higher level of data integrity moving forward and allow the board to be able to watch and track listings of this type.
Click here for detailed instructions regarding "Selling Information".

Queries regarding MATRIX® should be directed to the IT Department: Charles Howarth [email protected], Janna Hansen [email protected], or Sue Campbell [email protected].

March 5, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE: Primary Photo Now Mandatory for All Listings!

Members are advised that all MLS® listings in MATRIX® must now have a primary photo for the listing in order for it to be activated by Brokerage Administrators. Without a photo, activation is not possible.

An email has been sent to Office Admin Contacts to advise of this requirement.

February 24, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE: TELUS and Shaw "Spam Email" Problem Resolved!

The problems associated with MATRIX® Auto Emails and Manually Sent Emails being flagged by both TELUS and Shaw as "spam" have been resolved.

Both Shaw and TELUS have reported that a number of clients who were receiving the Auto-emails and manually sent emails from MATRIX® had reported them as 'Spam' email and this resulted in both companies flagging these emails as spam and removing them from being delivered to their recipients. There may be a couple of likely reasons that these would be reported as spam:

* During the transition from Kinnexus to MATRIX® when you set up these clients portals, clients would have started receiving emails perhaps without notice of a change and since they appear quite different than what they were used to receiving from Kinnexus, they may have thought they were spam.

* They may not have asked to receive listing updates via email, however they were activated as an auto-email recipient. Instead of 'un-subscribing', they reported the emails as spam instead especially if the emails were delivered very frequently within a short period of time.

To prevent this from happening again, OMREB and Tarasoft® require your assistance:

The purpose of the client portal is just as the name suggests – you have a client relationship whereby you have at least established their basic search criteria and advised them of the service.

* Ensure the recipient that you are sending auto-emails to 'wants' to receive these emails. It is important to make sure that your client understands that you will be sending them frequent or infrequent (depending on the schedule you set up) listing updates to the email address they have provided you. Advise them that if they no longer wish to receive these 'listing updates', they should advise you and use the 'Unsubscribe' link in the email they receive. They should not simply ignore the emails and report them to TELUS or Shaw as spam.

* Configure the scheduling options in MATRIX® for the delivery times of auto-emails. If you set your client to receive the auto-emails ASAP, this may send out more emails than your client was expecting to receive. In MATRIX® when you set up an auto-email you are given a variety of options:

· ASAP - Emails are sent as soon as possible.

· Daily - Emails are sent on the days you choose. You can specify them to go
in the AM or PM or both on the days you select.

· Monthly - Emails are sent on the first of the month at midnight.

* Include text in your subject line that is not 'suspicious' or 'spam-like' in nature. Using catch lines like 'Check this out' or 'You've got to see this' will only increase the likelihood that the email will be flagged as spam.

* In the initial email that you send out to your client, include some text to inform them that the email they are reading was sent out as mutually agreed upon and that if they DO NOT wish to receive these emails, to either unsubscribe using the link in the email, or to contact you directly to have the auto-emails disabled.

To download document with tips noted above, click here.

Click here for information about how spam filtering in MATRIX® works and how the "Unsubscribe" feature works.

February 23, 2010

TOUCHBASE® UPDATE: Links Working!

Members are advised that Touchbase® is fully integrated into MATRIX® and the links to Touchbase® in MATRIX® are now working.

February 4, 2010

TOUCHBASE® UPDATE!

As you are aware, there has been a delay in getting Touchbase® integrated into MATRIX®. Touchbase’s best estimate is that it will be operational by early next week.

There is now a link to Touchbase® on the right hand column of the Matrix® Home Page.

In the meantime, members can still log into Touchbase® at www.touchbaserealestate.com using their old Kinnexus passwords. Unfortunately, listing information available will not be current.(If you have already forgotten that password, please email [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected].)

Touchbase management apologizes for this delay and its technical team is endeavoring to have Touchbase® functional as soon as they possibly can.

February 3, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE - New Passwords Activated for REALTORLink® and WEBFormsTM!

Members are advised that REALTOR and Office information has now been updated by CREA. This means that your User Name and password to access REALTORLink® and WEBFormsTM is the same as you are now using to login to Matrix®.

Please note that the Change Password form in Matrix® will be activated once we are certain that all systems and services have been fully integrated.

February 2, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE - Continue to Use Old Password for REALTORLink®!

Members are advised to continue using their old passwords in REALTORLink®. A notice will be posted when the new passwords have been uploaded by CREA.

Please note that the Change Password form in Matrix® will be activated once we are certain that all systems and services have been fully integrated.

February 1, 2010

MATRIX® UPDATE - Picture Quality Enhanced if Photos Imported from Kinnexus are Replaced!

The quality of pictures in MATRIX® is directly related to the import process of photos that existed in Kinnexus.

The Kinnexus program stored all photo's in a proprietary format that needed to go through a special conversion process in order to make them useable in MATRIX®. Through this conversion process, there was a loss of resolution and quality in the photo's that now appear in MATRIX®.

Members are encouraged to change the photo's in MATRIX® with the original or new photos for the listing property. This will ensure a high level of photo quality in MATRIX®. There are no restrictions on dimensions or resolutions for pictures being uploaded into MATRIX® as long as they are of decent quality.

February 1, 2010

MATRIX® ACCESS CODES - Form for Unlicensed Assistants!

Members are reminded that in Matrix®, Unlicensed Assistants must have their own user ID and password, and be authorized by their REALTOR®.

Click here for authorization form for completion and return to OMREB.

Forms should be scanned and emailed to Kate Smith [email protected] or Janna Hansen [email protected], or faxed to 250-491-4580 or 1-877-632-6184 Toll Free.

January 29, 2010

IMPORTANT NOTICE - MATRIX® Cutover Timeline!

All members are reminded that on Monday, February 1st, 2010, the old Kinnexus MLS® system will be turned down and MATRIX® will become the new standalone MLS® system for MLS® data entry, listing management, and searching. While we fully intend to keep Kinnexus available to members in a limited capacity, all new listings, changes to listings, searching, emailing and auto-emailing MUST be performed from within MATRIX®. The Kinnexus database will NOT be updated with listing information being uploaded into MATRIX®.

Friday, January 29, 2010:

During the late afternoon all contacts in Kinnexus that have a First Name, Last Name, and an email address will be automatically imported into the new MATRIX® MLS® system.

Saturday, January 30, 2010:

After 5:00 PM on Saturday, the Kinnexus data entry function will be disabled. This is to allow a final import and reconciliation of the listing data to be performed on Sunday, January 31, 2010.

Sunday, January 31, 2010:

The Kinnexus Auto-email function will be turned off late in the evening. No auto-emails will be sent out from Kinnexus from this point on. The Kinnexus email function will remain active for a period of time to allow members to save emails and attachments they may wish to retain. You will be able to forward your Kinnexus emails you wish to save to another address or print the emails out.

Monday, February 1st, 2010:

Tarasoft MATRIX® will go to live status. All new listings will be handled from the new MLS® system.

IMPORTANT: all members should check their listings in MATRIX® for accuracy. Many fields are now mandatory that were not mandatory in Kinnexus. Please review all of your 'Active Listings' to ensure that all the data is complete and accurate. Members should also review the mapping of their listings in MATRIX® and adjust the pin location of the property accordingly. This will ensure that your listing is correctly mapped on Realtor.ca and ICX.ca.

PLEASE NOTE: For two weeks, after February 1st you will still be able to access Kinnexus for the purpose of ensuring your contacts, mail attachments, and searches that you wish to keep have been transferred. After February 15th, 2010, the entire Kinnexus system will no longer be available.

PASSWORDS: Members will need use their MATRIX® password to access the system as well as the Online Education History page. On Tuesday, February 2nd, your MATRIX® password will also be the password used to access WEBForms™, REALTORLink®, and Interface Express. Within 2 weeks from going live with MATRIX®, the 'Change Password' functionality will be made available to members so that they can change their password from within MATRIX®. This will in turn ensure that your password changes are reflected across all previously mentioned services.

MATRIX® Reference Material

Members are also encouraged to check the 'Help' menu in MATRIX® for access to the Quick Reference Guide prepared by OMREB as well as other training material including a training webinar video. This information will be continually updated with new material as it becomes available.

To receive a quicker response, members are encouraged to email OMREB’s IT Department rather than calling if they have questions regarding the new MLS® system: Charles Howarth [email protected]; Janna Hansen [email protected]; or Sue Campbell [email protected].

If your call is of an urgent or critical nature, please call the Board office for assistance: 250-491-4560 or 1-866-491-4560 Toll Free. A representative from Tarasoft will be onsite Monday to assist with the cut-over.

January 25, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE: OMREB Password Changes for February 1st!!

Members are advised that passwords for accessing Matrix®, REALTORLink®, WEBFormsTM, Touchbase® and the OMREB Education-Invoice History site are changing on February 1, 2010.

Click here for memo emailed to Brokers for Tuesday meetings. Hardcopies are being distributed to members this week via in-house courier.

January 21, 2010

MATRIX® TRAINING WEBINARS - Dates Now Available!

Matrix training Webinars are now available for member REALTORS®/Licensed Assistants, Unlicensed Assistants, and Data Service Contractors/Appraisers.

Click here for January 26th to 29th Schedule.

To register for a Webinar: Please email Janna Hansen at [email protected] and include in the SUBJECT LINE of your email - Your Name, Office Name, and the date and time of the Webinar you wish to take. Unlicensed Assistants must also include the Name of their REALTOR®.

The day before the webinar you will receive an invitation that includes the access details to the website and telephone number for the Webinar. The webinar will require Java to run, so there will be a system test check included in the invitation email that will check if your system is equipped to run the webinar.

REMINDER: There is a $35+GST Webinar fee for Unlicensed Assistants to take the Webinar – the fee will be charged to the Member REALTOR®. All other categories listed above can attend these Webinars free of charge.

January 21, 2010

MATRIX® NOTICE - Instructions for Version 5.0 Processes!

Quick step-by-step instructions are now available showing the new Matrix® 5.0 processes. Click on the Help Tab of Matrix® and then OMREB Provided Help.

January 15, 2010

OMREB MATRIX® - Cutover Checklist!

A Matrix Cutover Checklist was emailed to members to assist you in ensuring your email, contacts and, archived email attachments are ready for cutover to the new MLS® system on February 1st.

Click here for list.

January 13, 2010

MATRIX® UPDATE - 'Go Live Date' Moved to February 1st!

The date for making the MATRIX® MLS® system live has been moved from January 20, 2010 to February 1, 2010.

As part of our commitment to providing you with the best and most comprehensive new MATRIX® MLS® system experience, we are moving the release date. Several factors have influenced this decision and are as follows:

· OMREB's monthly statistics are generated on the first of the month. The original date for going live would have required that statistical data between Kinnexus and MATRIX® would need to be merged and checked. Going live with MATRIX® on the 1st of the month will ensure that all statistical information being generated occurs entirely from within one system.

· Data exports to realtor.ca, icx.ca and other 3rd party developers will have additional time to ensure that the information being received is accurately mapped and displayed.

· The MATRIX® MLS® system is being fully integrated into the Board’s Membership system MMSI. There are still some technical modifications to implement and test.

Exciting News!

Moving our date of implementation means that the long awaited and anticipated release of Tarasoft MATRIX® version 5.0 will also be released to OMREB Members on February 1, 2010.

While we have been converting and preparing to deploy MATRIX® for the OMREB Membership, Tarasoft has been working over the last many months on its new release of MATRIX® 5.0.

One of the primary features of this version is the new and improved CMA Wizard module which is more robust and intuitive, and provides an easier way to create CMA’s step-by-step. “My Matrix” and “Contacts Management” have been redesigned to better organize everything by client with special filters to help you work more efficiently.

OMREB Members can rest assured that the training they have received for the new MATRIX® system is all relevant with only the CMA process changing slightly. Full documentation for the new features with screenshots will be provided shortly and well in advance of the launch date.

January 8, 2010

MATRIX® UPDATE - Preparation Tips For New MLS® System

The scheduled date for switching to OMREB's new MLS® system Matrix® is Wednesday, January 20th.

With the cutover just a couple of weeks away, members may wish to prepare themselves and their clients for the new system. Click here for some helpful tips to ensure a smooth transition into Matrix®.

January 8, 2010

NEW MLS® SYSTEM - Tarasoft Matrix® Update

Members are reminded that continued customization of the Board's new MLS® system (feature enhancements and updates) will be ongoing as we approach the live cutover to Matrix® on January 20th.

Throughout the next few weeks leading up to the cutover, members can expect variations in search results as new features are being made available.

For example, the Commercial property type has undergone a significant overhaul in cooperation with OMREB's Commercial Zone Executive and Membership, and those changes are being implemented on an ongoing basis.

We have received a number of emails and calls about missing pictures and features not working, etc. This is normal behavior as we get closer to the cutover and various features are being modified and customized for OMREB. Listing data will be updated more frequently over the next week.

We thank you for your patience and appreciate your cooperation through this stage of our deployment.

January 8, 2010

URGENT REMINDER - Last Week for MATRIX® Training!

Members are reminded that this coming week – January 11 to 15, 2010 - will be the last sessions for Matrix® training before the cutover to the new system.

January 20th will be the day that Matrix® becomes OMREB’s MLS® system, so if you have not attended a training session yet, please register immediately! If you know one of your fellow REALTORS® has not taken the training, please remind them to register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that you will need your REALTOR’S® OMREB Member number for registering.

REGISTRATION LINK: To register, go to www.sectorlearning.com/omreb. You will need your OMREB Membership Number to login to the registration site. Click here for registration instructions.

Queries regarding the MLS® System training should be directed to Janna Hansen at the OMREB office: 250-491-4560 or 1-866-491-4560; [email protected].

January 5, 2010

TRAINING ADVISORY - REALTORS® Unlicensed Assistants Can Register Now for Matrix® Training!

Unlicensed Assistants are advised that registration for training for OMREB's new MLS® System "Tarasoft MATRIX®" is now available and step-by-step registration instructions are here.

The cost for the classroom training is $70 plus GST and will be charged to the member REALTOR®.

Please note that you will need your REALTOR’S® OMREB Member number for registering.

Link to online registration site at Sector Learning: www.sectorlearning.com/omreb

NOTE: Webinars will soon be available for a cost of $35 plus GST (charged to the REALTOR®). Dates for the Webinars will be posted on the registration website when available.

Queries regarding the MLS® System training should be directed to Janna Hansen at the OMREB office: 250-491-4560 or 1-866-491-4560; [email protected].

December 2, 2009

URGENT TRAINING REMINDER - Register Now for December and January Dates!

Training for Tarasoft MATRIX® is mandatory for all OMREB Members! Without training, you will not receive a user ID/login code to access the system.

NOTE: Only Licensed REALTORS® and their Licensed Assistants are being trained on the new Matrix® system at this time. Training logistics are still being modified for the Office Administrators and REALTOR® Assistants. Please be patient as we prepare the training module for these groups.

Don't wait until the last minute to join a MATRIX® training session! Bookings are now available for December and January dates in all Zones.

CALLING ALL CENTRAL & NORTH ZONE MEMBERS! We still have seats available in the North Zone for December 10 & 14, and in the Central Zone for December 9, 10, 14, 15 & 16. These spots urgently need to be filled to avoid class cancellations, so please sign up now!

December 16th will be the last available course before Christmas so please register early to beat the rush in January.

Remember that the hard cut-over to OMREB’s new and improved MLS® System will happen as scheduled on January 15, 2010 and Kinnexus will be gone.

Get your hands-on training now so you can start playing with the new system and get familiarized with the technology before it is officially launched.

Click here for updated registration reminder flyer.

REGISTER NOW! Please note that you will need your OMREB Member number for registering. Detailed instructions of how to find your number are included in the Step by Step Instructions.

Click here for registration instructions.

Link to online registration site at Sector Learning: www.sectorlearning.com/omreb

Note: Queries regarding the MLS® System or training should be directed to Janna Hansen at the OMREB office: 250-491-4560 or 1-866-491-4560; [email protected].

October 9, 2009

NEW MLS® SYSTEM TRAINING
- Register Now for November Dates!

Members are advised that registration for training for OMREB's new MLS® System "Tarasoft MATRIX®" continues with dated available in November (October classes are now full). Click here for step-by-step registration instructions.

Please note that you will need your OMREB Member number for registering. Detailed instructions of how to find your number are included in the Step by Step Instructions.

Link to online registration site at Sector Learning: www.sectorlearning.com/omreb

Members are reminded that this training is mandatory! Only Licensed REALTORS® are being trained on the new Matrix® system at this time.

More course dates will be added as the current ones fill up. You will be able to choose a class date that fits your schedule. Stay posted for updates!

Please note that the initial training blocks are for OMREB members only (including licensed assistants who are members). Training for personal and unlicensed assistants will be made available at a later date – watch for more news!

Address clarification: The Vintage View Centre Venue should read West Kelowna, BC. This update will soon show on the registration page.

Note: Queries regarding the MLS® System should be directed to Charles Howarth, Janna Hansen or Sue Campbell at the OMREB office: 250-491-4560 or 1-866-491-4560; [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected].

October 9, 2009

NEW MLS® TRAINING ALERT: Email Updates Required!

Members are advised to keep OMREB informed of email address changes so we can maintain current email distribution lists. Don’t miss out on urgent information regarding OMREB’s new MLS® System "Tarasoft MATRIX®". Please help us to keep you informed!

Undelivered or Rejected Mail: We have received a number of bounce backs for undelivered or rejected emails – “recipient unknown” or “mailbox full” or “possible spam alert” – from the October 8th email to members regarding the launch of registration for the new MLS® System.

New Email Address? If you did not receive yesterday’s training notice, please email OMREB immediately to advise [email protected] of your current email address. (Check your junk mail first as the training email may have arrived there instead.)

Mailbox Full? If your mail box is full, please ensure that your inbox is emptied regularly to allow important notices to get through and email [email protected] to advise when the backlog is cleared so the October 8th Notice can be resent.

Working Email Address Required by All Members! Please note that without a current email address, you will miss out on important Member Communications regarding the new MLS® System "Tarasoft MATRIX®", urgent training advisories and registration confirmations. Registration for training courses is online and requires a working email address for each member.

Members are reminded that this training is mandatory!

Note: Queries regarding the MLS® System or training information should be directed to Charles Howarth, Janna Hansen or Sue Campbell at the OMREB office: 250-491-4560 or 1-866-491-4560; [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected].

October 8, 2009

NEW MLS® SYSTEM TRAINING
- Register Now for October Dates!

Members are advised that registration for training for OMREB's new MLS® System "Tarasoft MATRIX®" begins today. Click here for step-by-step registration instructions.

Link to online registration site at Sector Learning: www.sectorlearning.com/omreb

Please note that you will need your OMREB Member number for registering. Detailed instructions of how to find your number are included in the Step by Step Instructions.

More course dates will be added as the current ones fill up. You will be able to choose a class date that fits your schedule. Stay posted for updates!

Please note that the initial training blocks are for OMREB members only (including licensed assistants who are members). Training for personal and unlicensed assistants will be made available at a later date – watch for more news!

Members are reminded that this training is mandatory!

Address clarification: The Vintage View Centre Venue should read West Kelowna, BC. This update will soon show on the registration page.

Note: Queries regarding the MLS® System should be directed to Charles Howarth, Janna Hansen or Sue Campbell at the OMREB office: 250-491-4560 or 1-866-491-4560; [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected].

September 18, 2009

REGISTRATION FOR NEW MLS® SYSTEM
TRAINING STARTS ON OCTOBER 7th!

Your new MLS® system - Tarasoft MATRIX® - is coming soon!

Members are advised that course registration for MATRIX® training will start on October 7th for training sessions that will begin on October 26th and carry into January 2010. Training will be mandatory for all members, including licensed assistants. As soon as the online registration page is launched, a notice will be posted on Kinnexus.

Please note that training for unlicensed assistants will also be made available. Details, costs and dates are to be determined and will be announced soon. Training for office administrative staff will also be available and will be managed by OMREB support staff. Details and dates will be announced soon.

Registrations will be available online via a dedicated website and members will be provided with the link to the site. Instructions will be provided on how to sign up (a very simple process) and you'll be able to pick the class that is best suited to your schedule.

Watch for updates posted in this new MLS® section - accessible via the banner at the top of the Kinnexus Home Page!

September 16, 2009

Kinnexus Data Cleanup - your assistance requested

As the conversion of Kinnexus listing information to Tarasoft Matrix, OMREB's new MLS® system continues, all members are asked to review their listings in Kinnexus - paying particular attention to the room dimensions field.

Room Dimensions: should be width x length measurement in feet (15'6" x 22'). NOT a description of the room. For example, in the ensuite Dimensions field, there are many listings have 3pce, 4pce, 5pce, etc. *** Please Note: There is a separate field in Kinnexus for ensuite bathrooms that allows you to specify the properties of the ensuite.

Data that is NOT a measurement cannot be converted and will not be imported into Matrix. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

August 11, 2009

TARASOFT NOTICE: Matrix® Deployment Preparation - Client Contacts

In preparation for migration to the Tarasoft MATRIX® system this fall, members are advised to start going through their client contact information in Kinnexus to ensure that each one has a first and last name plus an email address.

Contacts without email addresses will not get imported into the new MLS® system as email addresses and full names are the required fields for MATRIX®.