Knowledge and expertise is required to maintain a real estate license. REALTORS are closely regulated and require more training than you may have first imagined. You’re trusting a REALTOR with your most valuable possession, your home. REALTORS take this
Sun
Knowledge and expertise is required to maintain a real estate license. REALTORS are closely regulated and require more training than you may have first imagined.
You’re trusting a REALTOR with your most valuable possession, your home. REALTORS take this responsibility very seriously. Here’s their promise:
Your REALTOR is highly trained.
REALTOR training is so rigorous that a large portion of candidates never complete the pre-registration courses. Those who do pass must master a long, diverse list of subjects ranging from housing construction to family law.
Your REALTOR is continuously trained.
REALTORS must keep pace with the times. All licensed REALTORS must take continuous education courses to make sure their knowledge on subjects like legal issues and technology are up to date.
Your REALTOR is an ethical businessperson.
A licensed REALTOR must be registered under the provincial laws that govern exactly how real estate can and cannot be traded. These regulations are your legal guarantee of professional behavior.
Your REALTOR does everything by the book.
REALTORS must adhere to the extensive Code of Ethics of the Canadian Real Estate Association. Several provinces have additional Codes of Ethics governing REALTOR behavior. Your interests must always be put first.
Your dealings with a REALTOR are insured.
For your peace of mind, provincial regulators sponsor consumer protection programs that may require, for instance, that REALTORS maintain Errors and Omissions Insurance. Often deposits consumers make in real estate transactions are also insured under these programs.
Opportunity for recourse.
Should you have concerns about the professional behavior of a REALTOR, contact your local real estate board or the Real Estate Council of British Columbia. They take these matters very seriously and will work quickly to resolve any issues.
Your REALTOR will grant you access to our exclusive Multiple Listings Service.
The MLS is the single most powerful tool for buying and selling a home. Your REALTOR will give you access to exclusive features of the MLS system that the public is not privy to.
(Source: Canadian Real Estate Association, www.howrealtorshelp.ca)
© The Vancouver Sun 2007