When working with a REALTOR, it is important to understand who the REALTOR works for, and to whom is the REALTOR legally obligated. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) requires REALTORS to disclose Agency Relationship to a potential client at the earliest time possible.

Buyer’s Relationship to Realtors

A Buyer has a choice of two relationships with a REALTOR.

As a Client, a real estate company acting as a Buyer’s Agent must do what is best for the buyer. A written contract, called a Buyer Agency Agreement, establishes buyer agency. It also explains services the company will provide, establishes a fee arrangement for the REALTOR’s services and specifies what obligations a buyer may have. Under such agency, a buyer will be obliged to work with that company for a period of time. In return, confidence a buyer shares with that company will be kept confidential. The REALTOR is also required to offer professional advice, negotiate the best price for the buyer and provide the buyer with as much information required to make the right decision.

As a Customer the buyer can expect to be treated fairly and honestly. It is important for the buyer to realize that under such a relationship the REALTOR is technically a sub-agent of the seller so that duties are owed to that seller. However, the buyer can expect the REALTOR to disclose all pertinent information about a property, not to misrepresent any facts, and to honestly answer all questions about the property. Under such relationship with the buyer, the REALTOR must not imply that they shall negotiate a price for the buyer as that would be a direct conflict with the REALTOR’s sub-agency relationship with the seller and a violation of our rules and regulations.