Demystifying the Paperwork: Hiring Your Real Estate Professional

When it comes to selling your home, the paperwork might not be the most exciting part of the process, but it’s one of the most important. Hiring a real estate professional isn’t just a handshake deal—it’s a legal agreement that establishes clarity, ensures transparency, and protects you as the seller. Let’s break down the key documents you’ll encounter when hiring a REALTOR® in Alberta.

1. The Consumer Relationships Guide

Before you officially hire a real estate professional, they’ll review the Consumer Relationships Guide with you. This document explains the types of relationships you can have with your real estate associate and ensures you’re fully informed before moving forward.

Here are the three relationship types:

• Common Law Agency Relationship: The entire brokerage represents you as their client.
• Designated Agency Relationship: Only your individual real estate associate represents you.
• Customer Relationship: The real estate professional owes you no fiduciary duties—they facilitate the transaction but do not advocate for you.

This guide also outlines how potential conflicts of interest will be managed, ensuring transparency. Your signature acknowledges that you’ve reviewed and understood the information.

2. The Seller Brokerage Agreement

This is the official contract between you and your real estate professional. Most sellers sign an Exclusive Seller Brokerage Agreement, which sets the framework for your working relationship. Here’s what it includes:

• Representation Details: Clearly outlines who is representing you and their duties to you.
• Key Contract Terms: The agreed-upon list price, included items, possession date, and the duration of the agreement.
• Fiduciary Duties: If you’re entering a fiduciary relationship, your REALTOR® owes you:
  • Undivided loyalty
  • Confidentiality
  • Full disclosure
  • Obedience to lawful instructions
  • Reasonable care and skill
  • Full accounting of funds and property

This document protects your interests while establishing clear expectations for both you and your real estate professional.

— Patrick Murray
REALTOR®, MCNE, CCS