Real estate board criticizes B.C.'s move to regulate 'shadow flipping'

TheReal Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is criticizingPremier Christy Clark's moveto impose new ruleson realtors who profit from a controversial selling practice describedas shadow flipping.

Dan Morrison, the board's new president, accused the government of pre-emptingthereal estate sector, which is currently reviewing its ownpractices.

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Anindependent advisory committee was struck last month to investigate possible misconduct.

"We would have liked to have seen them come back with their results and recommendations before any proposed legislation or changes in policy are implemented," Morrison told On the Coast guest host Gloria Makarenko.

Morrisonsaid the real estate sectorhad hoped thecommittee could do its own probebefore the province got involved.

"We believe that before you make major decisions you need to get the facts of the issues first," Morrisonsaid.

No complaints to board, says president

Morrisonalso defended Vancouver realtors, saying his organizationhas not heard a single complaint about the practice of shadow flipping,in which an agent resells a property before the deal closes. The practice came to light in an investigation by the Globe and Mail.

Morrison's comments come a day after the real estate board sent a letter to the premier expressing its concern about the new rules.

Last week, Clark said the government is closing a loophole that allowed realtors to profit from shadow flipping.At the time, the premier described some agents as "shady" and "greedy."

The real estate board's letter, written by former president Darcy McLeod, said he understands the premier is trying to "curb speculation" associated with the high demand for homes in Vancouver, but added that there are "unforeseenconsequencesassociated with attempting to impose limitations on the market."

McLeod'sletter saidthemedia has exaggeratedthe problem.

"The term 'shadow flipping'was coined to inflame public opinion, the letter said, adding,"an assignment agreement is a regulated practice in B.C."