The guide comes first
In Alberta, a real estate professional goes over the Real Estate Council of Alberta's Consumer Relationships Guide with you before working with you. It explains the two ways you can work together.
- Client: the brokerage represents you. It owes you duties like loyalty and confidentiality, and works in your best interest.
- Customer: you get more limited help. The agent has to deal with you honestly, but doesn't represent you or negotiate for you.
Being a client means a written agreement
If you want to be a client, you sign a written service agreement, often called a buyer representation or buyer brokerage agreement. Written agreements have been required for residential buyer clients in Alberta since July 1, 2014.
A written agreement should spell out:
- who the brokerage is
- the services you'll get
- how the brokerage is paid
- what each of you agrees to do
- how long the agreement lasts
Exclusive or non-exclusive
With an exclusive agreement, you work with one brokerage only. With a non-exclusive one, you can work with more than one at the same time. You can talk about which suits you before you sign.
Questions worth asking
- Will I be your client or your customer?
- What exactly will you do for me?
- How are you paid, and who pays you?
- How long does this last, and how can it end?
Fees and terms are negotiable, so it's fine to ask.
How I do it
Before we start, I walk you through the guide. Then we sign an agreement that sets out my services, my fee and how long it lasts, so you always know where things stand. Send me a message if you'd like it explained before you decide.