What is a REALTOR®?
The trademark REALTOR® identifies only those real estate professionals who are Members of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and, as such, subscribe to a high standard of professional service and a strict Code of Ethics. The term REALTOR® does not mean “real estate agent” or “broker”.
Every member of the Ottawa Real Estate Board is also a Member of CREA. All REALTORS® across Canada are governed by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, which states that REALTORS® are committed to:
- Professional competent service.
- Absolute honesty and integrity in business dealings.
- Co-operation with and fairness to all.
- Personal accountability through compliance with CREA’s Standards of Business Practice.
Click here to view the full REALTOR® Code of Ethics.
Can the Ottawa Real Estate Board recommend a REALTOR®?
OREB is unable to recommend a particular REALTOR® to anyone, nor do we have any knowledge of specific fee or commission structures offered by our Members. There are a wide variety of programs and services in the marketplace to meet your needs. Please consult with family, friends, and colleagues for referrals. Click here to ‘Find a REALTOR®’.
What is the MLS® System?
The Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System is a co-operative system used only by REALTOR® Members of Canada’s real estate boards. It is accessible to any REALTOR® Member who has agreed to represent your interests and share remuneration from the transaction with a co-operating REALTOR® Member.
The MLS® System includes an inventory of listings of participating REALTORS®, and ensures a certain level of accuracy of information, professionalism, and co-operation amongst REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board operates the MLS® System for Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board, the Renfrew County Real Estate Board, the Cornwall and District Real Estate Board, and the Rideau St. Lawrence Real Estate Board. OREB enforces a set of Board-specific MLS® Rules and Regulations that apply to all of the above Members’ listings.
Only a REALTOR® can list properties on his or her Board’s local MLS® System.
What is the difference between the MLS® System and Realtor.ca?
The MLS® System contains detailed information and numerous search tools, all designed to match people with the properties that fit their exact requirements. REALTOR.ca is a website operated by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) that displays an abbreviated version of most listings uploaded to the MLS® System.
