Your Rights as a Home Buyer in Ontario
Before anything else—let’s make one thing clear: you have rights as a home buyer, and I’ll make sure you know them inside and out. Whether you're buying your first place or your fifth, understanding your legal protections under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA) is key to making confident decisions.
As of 2023, TRESA introduced updated disclosure rules and transparency requirements. What that means for you: agents must clearly explain your options, loyalty obligations, and representation terms—before you sign anything. You’re never stuck, and you’re never left in the dark.
I walk you through everything upfront: who I represent, what that means for you, and how to protect your interests. I’ll never pressure you into signing a Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA) without making sure it’s the right fit for you.
Bottom line—you deserve clear, zero-pressure advice and full transparency at every step. And that’s exactly what you’ll get with me.
➤ Want to see what RECO (the Real Estate Council of Ontario) says? I’ve included their full guide below—just keep scrolling.
What Is a Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA)?
A Buyer Representation Agreement—or BRA—is a formal agreement that says you’ve chosen to work with me as your real estate agent. It means I work for you, not the seller. My job becomes protecting your best interests, negotiating hard on your behalf, and giving you full access to my services.
Without a signed BRA, I legally represent the seller by default—even if I’m showing you the property. That’s just how the law works in Ontario. But once you sign one, you’ve got me in your corner, fully committed to you.
The BRA also outlines things like how long we’ll work together, what areas you're looking in, and what type of homes you’re after. I’ll always go through every clause with you in plain English so you know exactly what you’re signing.
This isn’t a trap—it’s protection. And if something changes, there are options to adjust or cancel it with mutual agreement.
Want to dive deeper into the fine print? Keep reading, or shoot me a message anytime.
Understanding the Real Estate Process
Buying a home in Ontario comes with a lot of moving parts—but I’m here to walk you through it all step by step. Whether you’re just browsing or ready to start visiting homes, the process always starts with a solid plan.
Here’s how it typically goes:
- 1. We Chat: We’ll talk about your goals, budget, timeline, and what kind of home fits your life right now.
- 2. Get Pre-Approved: I’ll connect you with great mortgage pros so you know exactly what you can afford (and how to strengthen your offer).
- 3. Start House Hunting: I’ll set you up with real-time listing alerts and book showings for homes that actually match what you’re looking for.
- 4. Make an Offer: I’ll walk you through every part of the offer—price, deposit, conditions, and closing date—so there are no surprises.
- 5. Home Inspection & Conditions: We handle due diligence and make sure you’re comfortable before locking things in.
- 6. Finalize the Deal: Once everything’s signed off, we get the lawyers involved and prep for closing day.
- 7. Move In: I’ll help with referrals for movers, cleaners, and anything else you need for a smooth transition.
No guesswork, no confusion—just a clear roadmap and a guide you can trust every step of the way.
My Buyer Services Explained
When you work with me, you’re getting way more than just showings. I offer a full suite of services to make sure you’re educated, protected, and supported—every step of the way.
- ✓ Market Research & Property Comparisons: I help you make informed decisions with real data—not guesswork.
- ✓ Mortgage Pre-Approval Referrals: Get connected to top-tier lenders that work for you, not the bank.
- ✓ Home Showings & Auto-Alerts: I book, organize, and keep you updated in real time with new listings.
- ✓ Offer Strategy & Negotiation: From price to conditions, I structure offers to give you the upper hand.
- ✓ Inspection & Legal Coordination: I guide you through home inspections and connect you with trusted legal pros.
- ✓ Digital Signatures & Documentation: You’ll never have to print or fax anything—everything’s streamlined.
- ✓ Trusted Referrals: Need a contractor, painter, or cleaner? I’ve got a vetted list of pros ready to help.
- ✓ Post-Sale Support: Just because the deal’s done doesn’t mean I disappear. I’ll stick around for the questions after closing, too.
And all of this? It’s included when you work with me. No hidden fees, no pressure, and no fluff—just a client-first approach you can count on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? You’re not alone. Here are some of the most common things buyers ask me—answered clearly, without the fluff.
What’s a Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA)?
It’s a legal agreement that says I represent you—not the seller. It gives you full access to my services, protects your interests, and makes it clear that I’m working for you. You’re never locked in without understanding what it means first.
Can I work with multiple agents?
Technically, you can before signing a BRA—but it can get messy. Once you sign with me, I’m your dedicated agent, and you get my full focus and priority service.
How much do I need for a deposit?
Most deposits in Ontario range from 1%–5% of the purchase price. It’s usually due within 24 hours of your offer being accepted and counts toward your down payment.
Can I get out of a BRA if I change my mind?
Yes—if things aren’t working out, the agreement can be cancelled with mutual consent. I don’t believe in holding clients hostage. If you’re not happy, we talk about it and make it right.
What happens if I want to back out after making an offer?
Once an offer is accepted, you’re legally bound to follow through unless you have conditions (like financing or inspection) that give you a way out. I’ll walk you through how to protect yourself upfront.
Should I get pre-approved before we start looking?
Absolutely. It helps you understand your true budget, strengthens your offer, and speeds up the buying process. I can connect you with trusted mortgage pros who’ll take great care of you.
What should I budget beyond the down payment?
Think about closing costs (land transfer tax, legal fees, inspection), moving expenses, and a small buffer for furniture or repairs. I go over this with you in detail so there are no surprises.
RECO Information Guide Explained
Before signing any kind of agreement with a real estate agent in Ontario, you’re required to receive and review the official RECO Information Guide. It’s part of the new rules under TRESA—and it’s designed to protect you.
This guide explains your options when it comes to working with an agent, the difference between client and self-represented status, and what kind of disclosures you're entitled to. It's straightforward and easy to follow—but if you ever want to walk through it together, I’m happy to do that.
I make sure every buyer I work with understands this guide fully before we move forward. It’s not just a formality—it’s a key part of helping you make informed, pressure-free decisions.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Buying a home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right plan, a clear understanding of your rights, and someone guiding you step by step—you’ll be in a great position to move forward with confidence.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of the game. The next step is simple—reach out and let’s talk about your goals. Whether you’re ready to start house hunting or just need some answers, I’m here to help.
I work with buyers all across Brockville, Ottawa, and the surrounding areas—and I’d be happy to walk you through your options.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
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Dominic Chan
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