34/ RECO 2017 ANNUAL REPORT/REPORT ON OBJECTIVES Report on Objectives More and more consumers will understand RECO’s role in consumer protection and the value of working with a regulated real estate professional Increase public awareness of RECO, its role and the value of working with a registrant Objectives for 2017–19 2017 Accomplishments Connecting with consumers • Participate in consumer shows across province to increase face-to-face interactions with Ontarians, targeting new Canadians in addition to first-time home buyers, up-sizers and downsizers • Continue to seek opportunities to deliver consumer education presentations • Deliver consumer protection and education outreach each year (in 2017, continue RECO’s Be Home Smart campaign and launch web series on “how to keep a cool head in a hot market”) • Continued and expanded Be Home Smart campaign launched in 2016 • Met face-to-face with approximately 70,000 Ontarians at baby, bridal and boomer shows, shows that reached new Canadians, as well as community festivals. Answered their questions and provided them information about rights and responsibilities when buying and selling • Delivered consumer education presentation for first-time home buyers at Ottawa Bridal Show and Kitchener-Waterloo Bridal Show • Developed and presented an educational game show at two community events. Contestants were asked a series of questions about key buying and selling pitfalls Educating consumers about the value of a regulated industry and their rights and responsibilities in a real estate transaction • Continuing to update and improve website to reinforce it as a go-to source for real estate consumer protection information in Ontario • Continuing to engage with consumers through earned, paid and social media • Updated website regularly with timely information for both registrants and consumers • Provided helpful information for consumers and registrants via Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn How we will measure success Measuring success • Conduct consumer survey each year to gauge awareness level of RECO; maintain or improve awareness level of 37 per cent • Increase exposure of RECO messages on social media, news stories and paid ads • Consumer survey showed consumer awareness of RECO increased from 37 per cent to 39 per cent • Reach of RECO messages: 1.9 million on social media, 7.5 million in news stories, and 51.7 million in paid ads