REALTORS® in British Columbia are not only governed by the Real Estate Services Act, they also adhere to the Realtor Code of Ethics in order to be a member of a real estate association.

These rules and regulations ensure that all Realtors act in the best interests of their clients while maintaining high professional standards.

Key obligations include:

• Loyalty – Realtors must always prioritize their clients' best interests.
• Confidentiality – Any personal or financial information shared with a Realtor must remain confidential, even after the transaction ends.
• Full disclosure – Realtors must provide clients with all relevant information that could impact their decisions.
• Avoiding conflicts of interest – Realtors must disclose and manage any conflicts that arise, such as representing multiple clients in the same transaction.

To call yourself a Realtor, you must be a member of a real estate association like Greater Vancouver REALTORS® and adhere to a separate set of rules on top of government regulations.

The main set of rules Realtors follow are called the REALTOR® Code.

This set of ethical standards guide Realtors through their professional work, with rules covering:

• Honest and professional service – Realtors must act with integrity and put their clients’ best interests first. They’re also required to stay informed about market conditions and legal requirements.
• Transparency – Realtors must clearly explain their role in a transaction, whether they represent a buyer, seller, or neither. They must disclose all relevant facts about a property and cannot mislead or withhold information.
• Protection from conflicts of interest – If a Realtor has a personal or financial interest in a property, they must disclose it in writing. They cannot accept undisclosed commissions or benefits from third parties.
• Clear contracts and agreements – All service agreements and transaction documents must be in writing, easy to understand, and signed by all parties. Realtors must explain all costs and fees upfront to avoid surprises.
• Fair dealings with all parties – While protecting their clients' interests, Realtors must also treat all parties—including buyers, sellers, and other Realtors—with fairness and respect.

A Realtor provides professional representation that protects home buyers and sellers. Here’s how they support you:

• Transparent communication – Realtors must clearly explain the nature of their services, including fees and contract terms.
• Expert negotiation – Whether buying or selling, a Realtor helps secure the best possible terms.
• Accurate market insights – Realtors analyze Multiple Listing Service® data to assess pricing and trends.
• Guidance on legal paperwork – Contracts, conditions, and disclosures are complex, but Realtors ensure all necessary documents are correctly completed.
• Secure transaction process – They oversee key details, including deposit protections and regulatory compliance.

Beyond finding the right home, Realtors help you identify potential risks and neighbourhood insights:

• Neighbourhood trends – Schools, amenities, and future developments can impact your investment.
• Property history – A Realtor reviews zoning regulations, past renovations, and permits.
• Undisclosed risks – Issues like buried oil tanks, asbestos, or unauthorized suites could lead to financial and legal challenges.

The British Columbia Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) regulates real estate professionals to ensure compliance with industry standards. Protections include:

• Errors and Omissions insurance – Safeguards clients from financial loss due to fraud or errors.
• Deposit security – Assurance funds provide protection for buyers and sellers.
• Accountability measures – BCFSA has a consumer formal complaint process to ensure licensees uphold professional conduct.

Buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction—it’s a significant milestone. With a Realtor by your side, you can navigate the process with confidence, knowing they are bound by ethical and legal obligations that protect your interests.