Frequently
Asked Questions
If you can't find an answer to your question here please contact
us.
Q. What does BCREA do?
A. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) represents 12 member real estate boards and their more than 18,000 REALTORS® on all provincial issues, providing an extensive communications network, standard forms, economic research and analysis, government relations, required post-licensing courses and continuing education. Click here for more information.
To demonstrate the profession’s commitment to improving Quality of Life in BC communities, BCREA supports growth that encourages economic vitality, provides housing opportunities, respects the environment and builds communities with good schools and safe neighbourhoods. Click here for more information.
Q. What are the differences among the provincial
real estate organizations?
A. Click here for an explanation.
Q. What steps do I take to become a REALTOR®?
A. The Real Estate Council of British Columbia has posted
step-by-step instructions on how to obtain a real estate licence.
Please visit the Council's website or call 604.683.9664 (toll free: 1.877.683.9664). Click here for more information.
Q. Where do I take the licensing course?
A. The Real Estate Division of UBC, 604.822.8444. More
information is here.
Q. How do I apply for my licence?
A.The Real Estate Council of British Columbia (604.683.9664, toll free: 1.877.683.9664) handles all aspects of licensing.
Q. How do I reinstate my licence?
A. The Real Estate Council of British Columbia (604.683.9664, toll free: 1.877.683.9664) handles all aspects of licensing.
Q. If I have an out-of-province real estate licence,
how do I get a BC licence?
A.The Real Estate Council of British Columbia (604.683.9664, toll free: 1.877.683.9664) handles all aspects of licensing.
Q. How do I hang up my licence?
A. The Real Estate Council of British Columbia (604.683.9664, toll free: 1.877.683.9664) handles all aspects of licensing.
Q. How do I register for the Residential Trading
Services Applied Practice Course or the Commercial Trading Services Applied Practice Course?
A. For residential course registration information, click here. For commercial course registration information, click here. The completed application must be
mailed or delivered (if paying by cheque), delivered (if paying
by cash) or faxed (if paying by Visa or MasterCard). Please note,
registrations are not taken over the telephone. Online registration is also available for the residential course.
Q. How do I sign up for cpe courses?
A. cpe courses are available for licensed REALTORS® through local real estate boards. Call your board for a listing of available courses. Check REALTOR
Link® for schedules and course descriptions.
Q. Where can I get information on becoming a
sub-mortgage broker?
A. Registrar of Mortgage Brokers, here, or 604.660.2947.
Q. Where can I take the property management
course?
A. The Real Estate Division of UBC (604.822.8444). More
information is here.
Q. What are the benefits of using a REALTOR®?
A.You're trusting a REALTOR® with your most valuable possession: your home. REALTORS® take this responsibility very seriously. Here's what a REALTOR® promises:
Your REALTOR® is highly trained
Your REALTOR® is continuously trained
Your REALTOR® does everything by the book
Your REALTOR® is an ethical businessperson |
Your dealings with a REALTOR® are insured
Opportunity for recourse
Your REALTOR® will grant you access to the exclusive Multiple Listing Service® |
More information about the REALTOR® commitment, plus buying or selling your home, including
step-by-step guides, checklists, expectations and questions
for your REALTOR® and information about REALTORS®'
extensive training and Code of Ethics, visit www.howrealtorshelp.ca.
Click here for more information.
Q. How can I find a REALTOR®?
A. Consider consulting family and friends, phone a few real estate companies and interview some REALTORS® or visit www.REALTOR.ca.
Q. Where can I find a copy of the Working With a REALTOR® brochure?
A. The brochure can be found here.
Q. How can I find out if someone has a real estate licence?
A. You can determine this by using the Real Estate Council of BC’s online Licensee Search tool. Alternatively, you can contact the Council by phone (604.683.9664, toll free: 1.877.683.9664).
Q. How do I make a complaint against a REALTOR®?
A. The Real Estate Council of BC outlines the complaint process. Click here for more information.
Q. How do I get my deposit back?
A. This is a legal question that requires a consultation
with either a lawyer or a notary public.
Q. How do I find out about property transfer
taxes?
A. BC's Property Transfer Tax is a land registration tax payable (by the buyer) when an application is made at any Land Title Office to register changes to a certificate of title. The Property Transfer Tax is distinct from property tax, which is the amount paid on an annual basis for services received from local government.
The Property Transfer Tax rate is 1 per cent on the first $200,000 of the fair market value of the property, plus 2 per cent on the fair market value over $200,000.
For more information from the BC Ministry of Small Business and Revenue, click here.
Q. Where can I find real estate statistics?
A. BCREA publishes monthly provincial statistics. See the Economics page for more information. BCREA's 12 member real estate boards also publish their own statistics. For these, contact the appropriate real estate board directly.
Q. Where can I get a copy of The Condominium Manual?
A. Click here for an order form .
Q. Where can I find back issues of Legally Speaking?
A. Issues of Legally Speaking from January 2007 to the present are available here. REALTORS® can find older issues on REALTOR Link®. Non-REALTORS® can contact bcrea@bcrea.bc.ca regarding issues prior to January 2007.
Q. How can I find a particular issue of Legally Speaking?
A. See the keyword index.
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