REALTOR â  - The word REALTOR â  is a registered trademark.

Not all licensed or registered brokers or salespeople are REALTORS â.  The term REALTOR â  is a trademark identifying real estate licensees in Canada who are members of the three levels of organization.  In order to use the word REALTOR â, or the REALTOR symbol on signage or business cards, an individual or brokerage company, must be a member of all three levels of association.  The Federal is the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), in Ontario, the Provincial is the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) and a local Real Estate Board, i.e., Toronto Real Estate Board in my case.

REALTORS â  adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice.  The code of ethics is a firm set of rules, describing what kind of performance you have a right to expect from a REALTOR â.  It's your guarantee of professional conduct and the best in service.

For years most of the public did not realize that disciplinary action may be taken against a REALTOR â  by the public and also by other REALTORS â  for unfair, fraudulent or deceptive practices.

Individual REALTOR â  and/vs. Company

Most Real Estate salespeople were not "born" into the industry.  They have come from all walks of life and usually, but not always, previous employment experience.  The Real Estate Industry is a people business, with a very heavy emphasize on service.  As we know, not every salesperson gives excellent service.

What that previous job experience was, and how knowledgeable about changes in real estate matters, can often indicate the level of service to expect, when choosing a REALTOR â, regardless of number of years in the real estate business, promises made, or brokerage company involved.  Some franchise companies do extensive corporate advertising promoting themselves to get your business; however, it does not necessarily go hand in hand that your sale or purchase will be treated the same way.

REALTORS â  are all independent contractors and are free to work for any company.  Companies are always looking to recruit REALTORS â.  Regardless of company or franchise involved, however, you must remember that companies don't sell real estate...  people do!

Since 1990 - New REALTORS â  are More Knowledgeable

The Real Estate industry has continued to drastically change from the outdated way of doing business.  For the public who have not consummated a transaction in the past few years, changes will be evident, as transactions and laws have become increasingly more complex.

Prior to 1989, it was much faster, easier academically, and cheaper financially, to become licensed in Ontario.  Since 1989, Provincial Licensing requirements have greatly improved and raised the educational requirements and professional standards of newer licensees.  Changing real estate legislation and rules have greatly improved consumer protection and it is critical for your agent to know these many changes.  The Real Estate industry itself, has lobbied for better consumer protection, which has been in place since 1995, namely, Purchaser Agency or also known as Buyer Brokerage.