News
The latest news for real estate professionals
May 17, 2023
Falsifying documents result in disciplinary action
Falsifying trade-related documents can have significant implications and consequences for ...
Topic: falsifying documents
February 14, 2023
Always verify identity to protect both you and your clients
Registrants are required to verify that the parties in a transaction are who ...December 19, 2022
Property taxes: Get it right
It is critical that real estate agents always confirm details of a property using appropri...
Topic: property taxes taxes
December 15, 2022
How the CAO helps real estate agents and condo buyers
The following article is a guest column from the CAO.Recent data reveals tha...
Topic: CAO Condominium Authority of Ontario condominiums Condos
October 28, 2022
Statement from the Registrar
Mortgage fraud is illegal
We are aware of recent allegations that some real estate agents...Topic: fraud mortgage fraud
October 5, 2022
Convey all offers, regardless of the timing, unless instructed otherwise
For listing representatives, proper handling of the offer presentation process is critical...
Topic: offer presentation Offers
October 5, 2022
Listing agents must take reasonable steps to verify information about parking spaces
Originally published in For the RECOrd (July 2022)
Case summary
In a recent discipline d...Topic: parking spaces
October 5, 2022
Mishandling of delayed offer presentation, pre-emptive offer and multiple representation leads to discipline
Originally published in For the RECOrd (April 2022)
Case summary
A property was posted t...Topic: delayed offer presentation multiple representation pre-emptive offer
September 28, 2022
Electrical safety and your clients
The following article is a guest column from HCRA.The Electrical Safety Auth...
Topic: Electrical Safety Authority ESA
June 1, 2022
Registrant satisfaction survey 2021
Every two years, RECO conducts a registrant satisfaction survey to get input on a broad ra...
Topic: registrant survey
May 18, 2022
Illegal building: The HCRA, Tarion, and you
The following article is a guest column from HCRA.
Consumers want someone they can trus...
Topic: HCRA illegal building Tarion
October 15, 2021
Payments and applications are fully online on October 25, 2021
Effective October 25, 2021, all payments and applications for new registration and reinsta...
Topic: online forms online payments
September 2, 2021
Concerns about steering based on commission
We are concerned that some real estate agents and brokerages in Ontario may be steering th...
Topic: Code of Ethics commission professionalism prohibition Real Estate and Business Brokers Act 2002 remuneration steering
August 24, 2021
RECO moves to fully online registration applications for salespersons and brokers
Dear Broker of Record,
Effective September 17, 2021, we are phasing out PDF forms and m...
Topic: applications online forms online registration applications registration applications
July 8, 2021
Online payments and web forms
Introducing online payments
Just a reminder that as of June 24, 2021, we have moved to a...Topic: forms online payments payments web forms
October 7, 2020
Personal Real Estate Corporations (PREC) and Advertising Terms
The Ontario Government has introduced new and amended regulations to the Real Estate and B...
Topic: Advertising advertising terms Advisory Group Personal Real Estate Corporation PREC remuneration TRESA
November 20, 2019
Updates on the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2020
October 1, 2020Government Introduces New and Amended Regulations: Personal...
Topic: advertising terms Personal Real Estate Corporation PREC REBBA REBBA 2002 REBBA reform TRESA Trust in Real Estate Services Act
June 28, 2019
Report on Mandatory Continuing Education spells out action plan for enhancements
A new report covers key findings on RECO's Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) program. C...
Topic:
March 29, 2019
Now live: Check out RECO’s Updated Real Estate Professional Search Tool
We know that the Real Estate Professional Search Tool is a key source of information for r...
Topic: website
March 28, 2019
RECO’s submission to government REBBA review consultation
In late-January 2019, the Ontario government launched a consultation on possible changes t...
Topic: REBBA REBBA reform
January 31, 2019
The Ontario government is consulting on REBBA reform–and they want to hear from you
Today, the Ontario government launched a consultation on a broad range of possible changes...
Topic: REBBA REBBA reform
December 28, 2018
Learn about RECO’s proposals for REBBA reform
The Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA) provides a strong foundation for ...
Topic:
November 29, 2018
RECO’s new Strategic Plan: a bold commitment that will build trust in the industry
Earlier this fall, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) released a Strategic Plan for...
Topic:
October 16, 2018
Ask the Registrar: Legalization of Cannabis
Soon it will be legal to grow up to four marijuana plants in Ontario residences. How do I ...
August 30, 2018
Legal corner: Mishandling of offer process results in major fine
For listing representatives, fair handling of the offer presentation process is essential....
Topic: delayed offer presentation legal corner muitple offers
August 28, 2018
Supreme Court declines to hear TREB’s appeal against the Competition Bureau: What it means for compliance with REBBA
On August 23, 2018, the Supreme Court of Canada declined the Toronto Real Estate Board's (...
Topic: Advertising
July 31, 2018
Ask the Registrar: Pre-closing visits
My client is buying a property with a basement apartment, and they would like to bring a p...
May 31, 2018
When the property is damaged after the offer: Three ways to protect your buyer client
Real estate transactions depend upon good faith between buyers and sellers. Unfortunately,...
April 26, 2018
Ask the Registrar: How long do I have to keep old files to be compliant? Do we require written permission to destroy old files?
The short answer to your question is that the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (...
Topic: documents electronic files old files REBBA
March 29, 2018
Ask the Registrar: I heard about new regulations regarding door-to-door sales and standard lease agreements. How do these apply to me?
Door-to-door sales
As of March 1, 2018, Ontario has banned unsolicited door-to-door sales...March 29, 2018
Represent your client, but remember: tenants have rights, too
Real estate salespeople are expected to work hard for their clients. But when a registrant...
February 28, 2018
Industry leaders speak up on key issues at RECO Town Halls
Last fall, RECO toured the province to host Town Hall meetings with the leaders of real es...
February 28, 2018
Professional courtesy is part of the job
Most registrants know that professional courtesy is essential to earning the respect of co...
February 27, 2018
Education update
High-tech learning coming to Registration Education
With just over a year to go until the...Topic: Education Mandatory Continuing Education MCE Registration Education
January 31, 2018
RECO welcomes new CEO
RECO welcomed a new CEO this fall. Michael Beard brings a history of public service and ...
Topic: RECO CEO
December 30, 2017
REBBA review update: Ontario government passes key legislation
This month, the Ontario government passed the Strengthening Protection for Ontario Consume...
Topic: REBBA review
December 1, 2017
Tune into RECO’s Town Hall to learn about multiple representation rule changes, and more
On December 7, tune into RECO’s Town Hall meeting to learn more about issues that matter...
Topic: Mandatory Continuing Education multiple representation REBBA reform service standards Town Hall
October 30, 2017
The new registration education program: Giving new registrants a strong start
Development of the new real estate registration education program is well underway and we'...
Topic: Education Registration Education
October 30, 2017
Enhancing our Service Standards
We’re excited to share with you a new report card that outlines the levels of service th...
Topic: service standards
August 9, 2017
RECO’s recommendations for REBBA review
In June 2017, the Ontario government launched the first of two public consultations on pro...
July 31, 2017
Follow-up on RECO’s AGM
At RECO's Annual General Meeting, we didn't have time to answer all of the written questio...
Topic:
June 30, 2017
Government launches consultation on multiple representation
Last week, the Ontario government launched a consultation on proposed changes to...
June 30, 2017
Ask the Registrar: I won’t be trading for a year or two. Can I park my registration until I’m ready to trade again?
Under the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA), there is no concept of parki...
Topic: parking your registration registration reinstate real estate registration
May 31, 2017
What you need to know before using an escalation clause – UPDATE
(Updated June 6, 2017)
Note: This article replaces a recent newsletter article on...Topic: Offers
May 3, 2017
Charging “entry fees” for pre-construction units
The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) has become aware of a potentially unlawful pract...
Topic: Fees professionalism
April 4, 2017
RECO selects provider for new registration education program
RECO’s work on a new registration education program (the New Program) has reached an imp...
Topic: Registration Education
March 30, 2017
Ask the Registrar: Multiple representation and customers
Do multiple representation disclosure requirements apply when you’re representing one cl...
Topic: clients clients vs. customers customers multiple representation
February 28, 2017
Introducing RECO’s first-ever Advisory Group
Recruitment for RECO’s new Advisory Group is now complete! We reviewed an overwhelming n...
Topic: Advisory Group
February 28, 2017
4 advertising shortcuts that lead to consumer complaints
RECO often gets complaints from consumers about advertisements for the home they have boug...
Topic: Advertising complaints
January 27, 2017
Legal Corner: Failure to disclose multiple representation leads to major fine
Multiple representation is garnering media attention, and a disciplinary decision from las...
January 26, 2017
Keeping your appointments is basic professional courtesy
The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) has been receiving complaints about registrants ...
Topic: professionalism
January 26, 2017
What you should disclose about a heritage property
Although the article below refers to clients, the same obligations apply to your customers...
Topic: Disclosure Heritage Material Facts
December 28, 2016
When a deal falls through, understand how to handle written consent to release the deposit
By Joseph Richer
In a recent post on REM Online, Vito Campanale proposed an alternate way...Topic: Deposit
December 28, 2016
RECO unveils new courses on advertising compliance and residential condominiums
The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) continues to expand the number of Mandatory Cont...
Topic: Advertising Condos Education
November 29, 2016
Clients shouldn’t sign documents they can’t understand or even read – Preparing a ‘clarity copy’
Have you run into a situation where the Agreement of Purchase and Sale is unreadable? Prin...
Topic: Agreements
October 19, 2016
Wells and septics shouldn’t leave a bitter taste in the mouths of new homeowners
For many Ontarians, a rural home or cottage provides an escape from the noise and the hust...
Topic:
July 28, 2016
Are you complying with anti-money laundering laws?
This spring, an investigation by the Canadian Press found that according to government rec...
Topic: Money laundering Other reguations
June 9, 2016
Updated: Competition Tribunal Ruling and Compliance with REBBA 2002
On April 27, 2016, the Competition Tribunal issued a ruling in favour of the Competition B...
Topic: Compliance
May 30, 2016
If I help my brother or a friend to buy or sell their house at no charge, am I still subject to REBBA 2002? Isn’t it just a private deal?
Brokers and salespeople are regulated, just like doctors and lawyers. You wouldn’t expec...
Topic: Compliance Disclosure For the RECOrd
May 30, 2016
The one-stop electrical safety resource for you and your clients
Guest column from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
We know how important it is for y...Topic: Electrical systems For the RECOrd
May 30, 2016
What you need to know before you put up that “for sale” sign
Last August, Chris Swift was putting in a “for sale” yard sign as part of his sign ins...
Topic: For the RECOrd professionalism Safety
May 19, 2016
Competition Tribunal Ruling and Compliance with REBBA 2002
On April 27, 2016, the Competition Tribunal issued a ruling in favour of the Com...
Topic: Compliance
March 24, 2016
RECO’s dispute resolution process: resolving complaints through increased communication and cooperation
While the events in this article are real, the names used are fictional.
When “Jane” ...Topic: Compliance professionalism
March 15, 2016
RECO issues RFP for new Registration Education Program
RECO has taken an important next step in its proposed vision for the future of registratio...
Topic:
March 1, 2016
What registrants need to know about “shadow-flipping” and their disclosure obligations with assignments
New Registrar’s Bulletins
RECO has published two new Registrar’s Bulletins to help ...
Topic:
January 7, 2016
New Registrar’s Bulletin on advertising compliance
In response to registrant feedback, RECO is making changes to further help registrants com...
Topic: Advertising New at RECO
November 25, 2015
Watch RECO’s Webinar: We asked, we heard you, and we’re taking action.
We asked, we heard you, and we’re taking action
This year, RECO engaged registrants acr...Topic: Advertising New at RECO webinar
August 31, 2015
Most common complaints spotlight series: offer handling
A high proportion of complaints to RECO pertain to the handling of offers.
It’s impor...
Topic: Agreements Disclosure Offers
August 31, 2015
Broker of Record Corner: Returning deposits in failed transactions: what you need to know about your responsibilities
Whether your brokerage is on the buying or selling side of the transaction, it’s always ...
Topic: Agreements Brokerage Deposit
August 12, 2015
Two key rule changes you need to know about
Two legislative changes took effect on July 1, 2015. As a result, electronic signatures ca...
Topic: Bill 55 Electronic signatures
July 15, 2015
More information on Kitec plumbing
Recently, RECO released an article on material facts that mentioned how the issue relates ...
Topic: Plumbing
June 23, 2015
Drones – Did you know?
Using an aerial drone to take photos or videos can provide a unique perspective on a prope...
Topic: Drones
June 3, 2015
Kitec Plumbing and Material Facts
By Joseph Richer, Registrar
Recently, RECO has received inquiries about registrants' ob...
Topic: Disclosure Material Facts
April 24, 2015
Clear communication leads to success
Communicating frequently. Providing sound, accurate advice. Making commitments and keeping...
Topic: professionalism
April 17, 2015
The UFFI Warranty
Those new to the profession may well wonder: What is UFFI? Why is there a UFFI warranty in...
Topic: For the RECOrd Offers
April 9, 2015
Understand new rules for handling offers
New rules for handling written offers come into effect on July 1, 2015.
Your brokerage ...
April 9, 2015
Do you want to advertise a property as “coming soon?”
Tempted to put a “coming soon” message on a yard sign or in an ad for a property you...
Topic: Advertising
December 23, 2014
Six things you need to know about “sub-brokerages”
Updated May 6, 2022Some brokers in Ontario have been creating new brokerages, ...
Topic: Brokerage Sub-brokerage
