FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REALTORS® and How to Choose One
1. What is the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®?
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.
2. What questions should I ask when looking for a REALTOR®?
- What unique skills do you have to offer that will help me buy or sell a home?
- How will you market my home?
- Are you a member in good standing at the FVREB?
- What are all the costs I can expect and how are they paid?
- If I am not happy can I cancel my listing or buyer agency agreement?
- How many homes did you sell in the last 12 months?
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?
3. Can the FVREB recommend a REALTOR®?
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.
Listing Properties
1. What is REALTOR.ca?
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.
2. How can I cancel my listing?
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.
3. Is it safe to list my property during the COVID-19 pandemic?
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.
Complaints
1. What can I do if I have complaints about my REALTOR®?
Please refer to this page, How to Handle REALTOR® Issues.
2. How long will the complaints process take?
Depending on the situation, the process can take between approximately four to 12 weeks.
3. Why does it take 4 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.
4. Will I be notified of the outcome of my complaint?
You will be contacted by the Professional Standards Department of the FVREB throughout the process.
Open Houses
1. What is the Board recommending to members in terms of holding open houses during this pandemic?
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.
2. What are my duties and obligations with regards to holding open houses during the pandemic?
It is your duty and obligation to comply with all public health safety protocols and avoid unnecessary risks.
3. What options do I have to replace in-person open houses?
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.