People from all over the world consider buying a property in Whistler. Depending on their place of residence, I am often asked if I can show or send a list of the properties I have listed for sale, as the assumption is that I can only get involved with selling properties I”represent”. Well that’s not the case.
Here in British Columbia a Realtor (“Real Estate Agent”) can show potential purchasers any and all properties listed for sale, no matter which Realtor is actually representing the seller. This is obviously much more convenient than having to visit every real estate office to consider each office’s listings.
Usually there is no obligation for a buyer to pay any commission to conclude a residential real estate transaction in Whistler. The seller will usually be responsible to pay a commission from the proceeds of an eventual sale, to the office representing him. If applicable, that commission is then split between the various offices and Realtors involved in the transaction. However, it is possible that a formal Buyer’s Agency agreement is struck between a Realtor and a buyer with a corresponding commission arrangement put in place – it would be the Realtor’s responsibility to disclose this to the Seller / Seller’s Realtor.
Be aware that it is also entirely possible that a Realtor represents both the Seller and the Buyer of a particular property - this is known as Dual Agency and certain disclosure rules apply.
My advice to anyone considering buying a property in Whistler: find an experienced, knowledgeable Realtor that you feel comfortable with and work on forging a trusting partnership that will benefit you both in the short and long-term.
The real estate industry in Canada, particularly in British Columbia, is highly regulated with consumer protection always uppermost when rules are established. All buyers and sellers should feel comfortable that their rights are protected and that their Realtor undergoes significant professional training to obtain and then maintain his / her BC Realtor’s license.
For the record, I have been a fully licensed BC Realtor since 1989 and a Whistler resident since 1997. I have been qualified to act as a Managing Broker since 2004.
