Agency Relationships in BC Real Estate: What “Representation” Really Means

When you work with a REALTOR in British Columbia, it’s essential to understand who they represent and what that means for you. In real estate, this is called the agency relationship, and it’s the foundation for your rights, your protection, and the advice you can expect.

Here’s what you need to know.

Client vs unrepresented: the difference is bigger than most people think

In BC, the experience can look similar on the surface. You tour homes. You ask questions. You write offers.

But legally, there’s a huge difference between being a client and being an unrepresented party.

If you sign a representation agreement and become a client

Once you enter a client relationship through a signed representation agreement, your REALTOR is required to act in your best interests. That includes duties like loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure of material information, and managing conflicts properly.

What this means for you: you get advice, strategy, and an advocate who is working for your outcome, not just facilitating paperwork.

If you choose not to be represented

If you don’t have your own REALTOR, you’re considered an unrepresented party. The REALTOR on the other side still must treat you honestly and with reasonable care, but they cannot advise you the way your own representative can.

Practically, that means they generally can’t guide you on things like pricing strategy, negotiation approach, or what contract terms best protect you.

What this means for you: you might save nothing, and you can expose yourself to real risk because no one is obligated to advise you in your best interests.

Dual agency in BC: why it’s usually not allowed

In British Columbia, dual agency (one REALTOR representing both sides in the same transaction) is generally prohibited, with a narrow exemption for certain remote, underserved areas where separate representation isn’t feasible.

What this means for you: in almost all Metro Vancouver transactions, you should expect separate representation for buyer and seller, which keeps advice clear and conflicts minimized.

The key forms you’ll see in BC

Real estate paperwork can feel like a blur, so here are two documents you’ll commonly encounter early on.

Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services (DORTS)

This is a required disclosure that explains whether the real estate professional is representing you as a client or not, and it’s part of BC’s consumer protection framework.

Privacy Notice and Consent

This covers how your personal information can be collected, used, and shared for real estate purposes. It’s standard and important, especially when offers, financing, and legal documents are in motion.

What this means for you: these forms aren’t “just admin.” They clarify your protection and how your information is handled.

Three questions to ask before you commit

Before you sign anything, these are the questions that keep you protected and informed.

1. Who do you represent in this transaction?

2. How do you handle confidentiality and conflicts of interest?

3. What exactly is included in my representation agreement?

If a REALTOR can answer these clearly, you’re in a good place. If the answers feel vague, slow down.

Final thought

Real estate in BC moves quickly, but your representation should never be an afterthought. Knowing whether you’re a client or unrepresented changes the advice you’ll receive and the legal duties owed to you.

If you’d like help reviewing any BC real estate forms or understanding what you’re signing, reach out anytime. I’m happy to walk you through it so you feel clear and protected.

Erin Price Emery
Vancouver REALTOR® | The Collective Real Estate Team | Oakwyn Realty
erin@priceemery.com
Call or text: 604-767-7725
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