Over the last twenty years or so, we have seen a huge number of changes in the real estate industry. No longer should you assume that the real estate agent showing you a home is working for the seller unless you call the agent that has the for sale sign on the lawn (or an agent in their office). Nor should you necessarily assume that the agent that you are working with is, in fact, working for you with undivided loyalty and will get you the best deal on the purchase or sale of a home. You should also be aware that legal agency relationships are significantly different in other provinces and states.

 

Because of these significant differences and somewhat recent changes, every real estate agent in the province is required to discuss two things early in their relationship with every potential client and customer. These two things are: Agency relationships (or who is working for whom and disclosing when an agent is actually working for the other party of the transaction) and how they are being paid (similar to any other service provider, every real estate professional expects to be paid for their work, but unfortunately - and oftentimes - buyers and sellers have been told that their work is "free").

 

The videos on this page discuss the relationship issue: