Whats the difference between a Realtor, a Representative, an Agent, and a Broker?
People who have successfully completed a specified real-estate training program are eligible for registration by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). The word “Realtor” is a registered trademark of CREA and it indicates that the person using it is registered with CREA. Under Ontario laws, to sell real estate, you also have to be licensed by the Real Estate Council of Ontario. In order to do that, you first have to be registered by CREA. To start with then, everyone is a Realtor. A Broker is a Realtor who has undergone additional training and is registered as a Broker. Under Ontario’s Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, only a Broker can undertake to “trade” in real-estate, i.e., to represent and advise a buyer or seller. When you sign a listing agreement, or a purchaser agency agreement, you are not agreeing to work with the person at the table with you. You are agreeing to work with the Broker whose name is on the papers. In my case, you’re signing an agreement with Homelife
