Whether you’re entering the market for the first time or have experience with real estate transactions, this page offers practical answers to the questions clients often ask. From selecting the right professional to understanding listing agreements and knowing what to do if issues arise, the information here is designed to help you make informed, confident choices every step of the way.
REALTORS® are licensed professionals who are members of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). CREA holds the trademark “REALTOR” and it symbolizes a commitment to competence, service and professional conduct. Real estate agents, on the other hand, are those who have taken the real estate course but do not belong to a real estate board. They cannot call themselves REALTORS® and they do not have access to MLS®, REALTOR.ca® or any other tools provided through Real Estate Boards or Associations.
Aside from asking these questions, we also recommend talking to several Realtors from different brokerages. Think about how well you communicated with each. Did they take the time to talk and listen to you? Did they understand your preferences for neighbourhood, size and affordability?
No, the FVREB cannot recommend a Realtor. We recommend you get a referral from friends and family who have bought or sold a home with a Realtor. We are confident they will have positive experiences to share with you.
REALTOR.ca is the #1 Real Estate website in Canada. When visitors arrive on REALTOR.ca, they are instantly connected to REALTORS®, listings and valuable tools and information to guide them through their real estate journey. With over 25 million visits per month and over 700,000 consumer account holders, REALTOR.ca continues to introduce new features to improve visitors’ experience.
The cancellation privileges are contained in the Multiple Listing Contract and are very limited. This should be thoroughly discussed before entering into an agreement. If you agree to anything that is different than what the contract says, make sure to get that agreement in writing. Generally, that will be done on the Schedule ‘A’ of the MLS® contract.
There will certainly be some risks in listing your home for sale at this time. If you can wait, that may be the wisest choice. However, if you feel you must consider selling right now, there are steps you and your REALTOR® can do to minimize those risks. Talk to your Realtor about what your options are.
Please refer to this page, How to Handle REALTOR® Issues.
Depending on the situation, the process can take between approximately four to 12 weeks.
The process takes some time to be resolved because due process is given to every complaint. The timeline includes time for response, investigation, committee review and decision making. There are also some circumstances when hearings take place. If an appeal is requested, the matter can take an extra two months.
You will be contacted by the Professional Standards Department of the FVREB throughout the process.
For now, we are encouraging all members to leverage the use of virtual open houses, live streaming, and other related technologies. We have made it easier for members to add a Live Stream Open House to their listing in our system, as well as doubling the number of photos they can upload from 20 to 40 per listing to provide members with more opportunities to showcase your listing online.
It is your duty and obligation to comply with all public health safety protocols and avoid unnecessary risks.
There are several virtual options available to you today. Ask any REALTOR® what tools they have available. Not all Realtors will be as familiar with the tools out there. As always, you should interview several Realtors to get a feel for the differences between them and the services they provide.
