How to choose a REALTOR® in Lloydminster
Choose a REALTOR® who is licensed for the side of Lloydminster you are buying or selling on, explains the written agreement in plain terms, and communicates the way you prefer. Dave Kadun, team leader of DK Real Estate Group, suggests checking licences, asking how fees work, and meeting more than one agent first.
Why does the border matter when choosing a REALTOR®?
Lloydminster sits in two provinces. Real estate is regulated by each province, so an agent needs a licence for the province where the property is located. In Alberta that licence comes from the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA). In Saskatchewan, registration comes from the Saskatchewan Real Estate Commission (SREC). Many local agents hold both, so it is fair to ask.
How do I check that an agent is licensed?
Alberta has a public lookup called RECA ProCheck. Saskatchewan has a public inquiry search on the SREC website. Both let you confirm a licence and see the brokerage the agent works for.
Who am I actually hiring?
In Alberta, you hire the brokerage, and the agent represents that brokerage. In Saskatchewan, the agency agreement is also with the brokerage. Ask the agent which brokerage holds the agreement, and who will work on your file.
What should be in the written agreement?
In Saskatchewan, a valid agency agreement has one expiry date that is less than 12 months out, shows the total commission and how it is calculated, and a true copy is given to you right away. In Alberta, residential agents must use a written service agreement that sets out the services, the fees, how long it lasts, and how it can end. Read it before you sign, and ask about anything unclear.
Is the commission set by law?
In Saskatchewan, the Commission states there is no standard commission and that compensation is negotiable. Ask the agent to explain what you pay and when.
What else is worth asking?
Ask how the agent will market your home or search for yours, how often you will hear from them, and what they know about the neighbourhoods you care about. Meeting two or three agents is reasonable.
About Dave Kadun
$200 Million Plus in sales since 2015. Dave Kadun has been licensed since January 2015, holds both Alberta (RECA) and Saskatchewan (SREC) real estate licences, and is team leader of DK Real Estate Group, working with Jennifer Kadun.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a REALTOR® and a real estate agent?
REALTOR® is a trademark of the Canadian Real Estate Association and is used by its members. All REALTORS® are licensed, but not every licensed agent is a REALTOR®.
Can I meet an agent before I commit to anything?
Yes. Many people talk with a few agents, ask the same questions of each, and then decide.
What if I have a concern about an agent?
Start with the agent's brokerage. If it is not resolved, you can contact the regulator, RECA in Alberta or SREC in Saskatchewan.
Talk with Dave
Dave Kadun, LPT Realty | 639-536-0401
Lloydminster, Alberta