SPECIAL UPDATE ON TRESA

TRESA Implementation Delayed

Phase II of TRESA was to come into effect April 1, 2023 but has been delayed while the government considers the addition of Dual Representation. No future date for implementation has yet been given.

Watch the video below to view the Announcement by RECO.

Updates will be provided as soon as they are available.

Below you will find an item by item summary of RECO's TRESA video series combined with the notes from each section.

Customer Relationships

  • Customer Relationships are no longer permitted under TRESA
  • Under TRESA a person is either a Client or a Self Represented Party
  • There is no equivalent to a Customer under TRESA
  • There is no equivalent to a Customer Service Agreement under TRESA

What is a Self-Represented Party

  • A Self-represented party is a party that is not a client of a brokerage.
  • Someone who has chosen to represent themselves in a real estate transaction.
  • In respect of a trade, is an unrepresented party that is not receiving services from a brokerage.

What can registrants do for Self-Represented Parties?

  • You can’t provide assistance to a self-represented buyer unless the seller is your client
  • You can’t provide assistance to a self-represented seller unless the buyer is your client
  • You can provide general information on the business of trading in real estate to any person

What kind of assistance is permitted for a Self-Represented Party?

  • Assistance must meet the test of being a service, or incidental to a service, provided to your own client and as a service to your own client, and must be in the best interests of your client.

Examples of assistance is permitted to a SRP if representing a Seller

  • If representing a seller, showing the property to a self-represented party would be a service to your seller client.
  • Suggesting to a self-represented buyer that they consider viewing a similar property owned by someone else listed by your brokerage would not be in the best interest of your seller client.

Are all non-clients self-represented parties?

  • No. A potential client, or consumer asking general questions about the real estate market is not a self-represented party. However, care must be taken not to create an implied representation agreement during interaction.

Can I show a property to a buyer who is self-represented?

  • Yes, IF the seller is your client. This would be a service to your seller client.
  • No, IF the seller is not your client, as this would be providing a service to the self-represented buyer. Services can only be provided to clients

Do I have to provide assistance to a self-represented party?

  • Obligation depends on your representation agreement with your client and client’s lawful instructions. 
  • Must be careful not to create an implied client relationship.

Will there be an agreement with a self-represented party?

  • No, you are not permitted to provide services to a self-represented party

What is the NEW RECO Information Guide?

  • A guide to help consumers understand:
    • Benefits of being a client of a registrant
    • Duties and obligations registrants owe to clients
    • Obligations of clients
    • Risks in receiving assistance as a self-represented party from a registrant representing a client in the transaction
    • Content of agreements with brokerages including remuneration arrangements.
    • Multiple Representation details
    • How to bring a concern to the attention of a brokerage or file a complaint with RECO.

When MUST a registrant provide the RECO Information Guide to a consumer?

  • Guide must be provided BEFORE:
    • Providing any services to a client
    • Entering into an agreement with a client
    • Any assistance is provided to a self-represented party.

RECO Information and Disclosure to Self-Represented Party form

      • Registrants are required to provide the form in addition to the guide to a Self-Represented Party
      • Form is to ensure they understand:
        • Risks of receiving assistance from a registrant who is protecting and promoting the best interests of their seller or buyer client.
        • The limited nature of the assistance they can provide.
        • That they should seek independent professional advice before proceeding.
      • Registrants are to make best efforts to obtain an acknowledgement that the information and disclosure has been received. If signed, a copy must be provided to the self-represented party.
    • RECO is working on a process to facilitate the electronic delivery of the form and acknowledgement of receipt along with a PDF version.

Part 1

Part 2