REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT
In Ontario every agent must get written permission from buyers before showing properties. Without it, buyers are liable is anything went missing from a home.
With a signed agreement, liability falls on the agent who is insured.
It gives us permission to act on your behalf and allows us to enter homes while taking the liability off the Buyer.
We are committed to taking time out to research and show properties, and the agreement confirms that the buyer is committed to only using one agent and to having us submit and negotiate offers.
Using a Realtor® to represent you in a purchase is free and best of all you get sound advice regarding home inspections and in choosing the right home for you.
REALTORS® aren’t just people who help find you a home. They’re an invaluable resource for knowledge, contacts and advice that help turn buying a piece of property into a home. Here we explain what you can expect when you enlist the help of a REALTOR®.
There are a number of different kinds of relationships that you can develop with your REALTOR®. However, they all fall primarily under two categories – agency relationships and non-agency relationships.
Agency
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SINGLE AGENCY
An agency relationship is one where the REALTOR® represents you exclusively. In that respect, the REALTOR®’s primary obligation is to you, and they are required to act only in your best interests. Anything you tell your REALTOR® agent is strictly confidential, and the REALTOR® has an obligation to disclose to you any information he or she has that is related to the transaction.
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DUAL AGENCY
Dual agency refers to the situation where the REALTOR®represents both the buyer and the seller as agent at the same time. In this case, both parties are required to sign a dual agency contract setting out the obligations of the REALTOR® to both parties, and obtaining the consent of the parties to this type of representation.
NON-AGENCY
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It is possible for a REALTOR® to work with you without being your agent. In this case, the REALTOR® can give you information, but cannot provide you with advice. There is a big difference between these two concepts. Nothing you say to a “non-agent” is confidential, so you have to be careful what you confide. As a buyer you will likely want your REALTOR® to act as your agent, but that decision is up to you.
Remember, the REALTOR® Code requires REALTORS® to disclose the nature of the relationship they have with you, and the duties and obligations associated with that relationship. Make sure you have this discussion with your REALTOR®.
SELECTING A REALTOR®
There are lots of ways to find a REALTOR®. As you drive through prospective neighbourhoods, jot down the names and numbers of REALTORS® on the For Sale signs. Open Houses are a great way to meet face-to-face. Maybe friends or family members have a REALTOR® they love. If you are browsing properties on REALTOR.ca, you can also contact a REALTOR® directly through that web site. Interview two or three and pick the one you think will be your best “business” partner. Here are a few helpful questions to ask when talking to a REALTOR®.
How REALTORS® can help buyers like you
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Review your list of wants and needs to help you determine your price range.
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Answer questions about the markets you’re interested in and help you compare homes and neighbourhoods.
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Use the local real estate Board’s MLS® System. Your REALTOR®can give you access to exclusive features of an MLS® System that the public is not privy to.
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Preview properties to ensure you’re only shown homes that meet your needs and budget.
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Make appointments and walk you through potential homes, answering all your questions.
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Give up-to-the-minute information on financing and explain your mortgage options.
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Negotiate with the seller, smooth out any potential conflicts and draw up a legally binding contract.
Stick with your REALTOR®
Your REALTOR® can become an expert on your specific needs and tastes. Scattering your time and energy amongst multiple REALTORS®will work against your goal of finding your best home. And because most REALTORS® have equal access to the same property listings, there’s no real advantage to having multiple REALTORS®.
Canada’s money laundering reporting requirements
No matter which REALTOR® you select, he or she will advise you of reporting requirements by FINTRAC, the federal agency responsible for administering Canada’s Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing legislation and regulations. Your REALTOR® is required by federal law to complete a client identification form, and must ask you as a client (buyer) for verified ID such as a driver’s license or passport. You can find out more on the FINTRAC web site at http://www.fintrac-canafe.gc.ca.
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