Important Things to Know Before Hiring a Realtor® by Barb Ginson, REALTOR® and Wanita Johnston, REALTOR® with Royal Lepage Triland Realty Thinking about buying or selling a home? Partnering with a licensed real estate professional can make all the difference. Here’s what many people don’t realize about what goes on behind the scenes — and why hiring a knowledgeable, licensed realtor is a smart move. Did You Know? 1. We Keep Our Skills Up to Date: Every two years, licensed realtors must renew their license. This includes taking 3–4 courses to stay current with laws, practices, and market trends. 2. You Can (and Should) Ask to See Our License: A valid real estate license is proof that your agent is qualified to help you. You’re entitled to ask for it at any time. 3. We Carry Real Estate Insurance: All licensed agents are required to carry errors and omissions insurance for your protection and peace of mind. 4. We Are Regulated by Multiple Boards: Real estate professionals in Ontario are governed by RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario), OREA (Ontario Real Estate Association), CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association), and LSTAR (London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®). 5. We Work Under a Licensed Brokerage: Even though realtors are technically self-employed, we must operate under a registered brokerage unless we are a Broker of Record.
6. We’re Required to Provide You with the RECO Information Guide: Before we provide any services or advice, we must give you the RECO Information Guide. This document explains your rights, what to expect, and how the process works. You must review and acknowledge this before we move forward. 7. You’ll Be Asked for Personal Information – It’s the Law: As part of federal anti-money laundering regulations, we must collect your identification details using a process called FINTRAC before any official documents are signed. 8. We’re More Connected Than You Think: Realtors can connect you with trusted professionals like mortgage brokers, lawyers, inspectors, stagers, and contractors — people who can help smooth the path to closing. 9. We’re With You Until After Move-In Day: A good realtor doesn’t disappear after the paperwork is signed. We help guide you through the process right up until you’re settled in your new home. 10. There Are Ways to Report Concerns: If you’re ever unhappy with the service you receive, there are official channels where you can file a complaint and have it properly reviewed.
Spring 2025 Real Estate in St. Thomas: A Smart Guide for Buyers & Sellers by Charlene Bertin, REALTOR ® New
808 Talbot Street St. Thomas, ON 519-633-0600 royallepagetriland.com stthomas@royallepage.ca
View important disclosures and notices about trademarks at rlp.ca/notices Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale and/or buyers or sellers currently under contract with a brokerage.
47 Carrie Cres. St.Thomas, On
19 Chamberlain Crt. St. Thomas, On
$599,000
$859,000
Barb Ginson 519.808.2575 BarbGinson.com REALTOR®
Wanita Johnston 519.200.0449 WanitaSellsHomes.com REALTOR®
Page 20 Hometown St. Thomas • July-August 2025 30
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