Are You Represented? Why Your Relationship with a Real Estate Professional Matters

If you’ve scanned a QR code from a workshop or brochure, welcome! You’re already taking the first step toward protecting your interests.

You should know this before you sell

Whether you're downsizing, relocating, or helping a loved one transition, real estate decisions carry weight. But before you sign a contract or share personal details, there's one question you should always ask:

“Am I a client—or not?”

In British Columbia, your relationship with a real estate professional isn’t just a formality it defines your legal protections, your negotiation power, and the duties owed to you. Yet many consumers aren’t aware of the difference between being a client and being an unrepresented party.

Let’s break it down.

What Does Representation Really Mean?

When you work with a licensed Realtor®, they’re required to disclose their role in the transaction. This is where two key documents come into play:

1. Your Relationship with a Real Estate Professional

This mandatory disclosure outlines whether the professional is working for you or for someone else. It explains the difference between client and non-client relationships, and what each entails such as confidentiality, loyalty, and full disclosure.

2. Not a Client? Know the Risks

If you’re not formally represented, you may be navigating the process alone. This disclosure highlights the risks of being unrepresented, including limited advocacy and no fiduciary duty. In other words, the agent may be working in the best interest of someone else.

Why It Matters

Being unrepresented can leave you vulnerable—especially in competitive markets or complex transactions. Without a formal agency relationship, you may not receive:

• Strategic advice tailored to your goals

• Confidentiality around your financial position

• Negotiation support or market analysis

• Advocacy during contract review or due diligence

For seniors, families, and first-time buyers, these protections are often the difference between a smooth transition and a costly misstep.

Empower Yourself

At Seniors Real Estate Solutions, we believe informed decisions begin with clarity. Understanding your relationship with a real estate professional is the foundation of a safe, confident transaction especially during big life transitions.