Maria Mak. Burnaby Realtors. Understanding Agency Relationship when working with REALTOR®

The agency relationship is established through a contract between you, the client, and your agent, the company under which the REALTOR® is licensed. Most REALTOR® use a blue brochure titled Working with a Real Estate Agent to disclose the nature of the agency relationship with their client.

A REALTOR® can act for a seller or a buyer, or to a limited degree, both. Whomever they represent, REALTORS® have a legal obligation to uphold the integrity of their clients, while protecting and promoting their interests.

Seller's Agent /Buyer's Agent /Dual Agency  

•For your REALTOR® to list your property for sale on MLS®, the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver requires completion of a listing agreement.

•Signing this agreement with you commits your REALTOR® to uphold the above obligations.

•The listing agreement also states the compensation amount the seller will pay the REALTOR®.

•The contract of purchase and sale is initiated when an offer is made by the buyer to purchase the sellers's property.

•The contract outlines the terms and conditions of the offer, such as offer price and subject conditions.

•The seller may reject the offer or make a counter offer.

•Once all terms have been accepted and both seller and buyer have signed the contract, each party is legally bound to fulfill the conditions of the contract.

•Dual agency is created when an agent represents both the buyer and seller in a single transaction.

•This can happen if a REALTOR® who is representing a buyer, sells one of their own listings to that buyer.

•A dual agent must be impartial to both buyer and seller and fully disclose all information relating to the transaction.

•A REALTOR® can be a dual agent only if both seller and buyer agree in writing.

Remember: always read all contracts and disclosure forms before signing. If you have questions about agency relationships contact your REALTOR® or Maria Mak @ Sutton Centre Realty or visit her website at www.mariamak.com , You'll be smilling too!