Frequently Asked Questions

BC Real Estate Organizations

1. What does BCREA do?

   The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) represents 11 member real estate boards and their approximately 18,000 REALTORS® on all provincial issues, providing an extensive communications network, standard forms, economic research and analysis, government relations, applied practice courses and continuing professional education (cpe). Click here for more information.

   To demonstrate the profession's commitment to improving Quality of Life in BC communities, BCREA supports policies that help ensure economic vitality, provide housing opportunities, preserve the environment, protect property owners and build better communities with good schools and safe neighbourhoods. Click here for more information.

2. What are the differences among the provincial real estate organizations?

   Click here for an explanation.

Real Estate Licensing

• What steps do I take to become a REALTOR®?

  The Real Estate Council of British Columbia has posted step-by-step instructions on how to obtain a real estate licence. Please visit the website of the Real Estate Council of BC.

• Where do I take the licensing course?

  The Real Estate Division of UBC, 604.822.8444. More information is here.

• How do I apply for my licence?

  The Real Estate Council of British Columbia (604.683.9664, toll free: 1.877.683.9664) handles all aspects of licensing.

• If I have an out-of-province real estate licence, how do I get a BC licence?

  The Real Estate Council of British Columbia (604.683.9664, toll free: 1.877.683.9664) handles all aspects of licensing.

• How do I register for the Applied Practice Course?

  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.

• How do I sign up for cpe courses?

  BCREA's 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.

• Where can I get information on becoming a sub-mortgage broker?

  Registrar of Mortgage Brokers, here, or 604.953.5300.

• Where can I take the property management course?

  The Real Estate Division of UBC (604.822.8444). More information is here.

Working With a BC REALTOR®

1. What are the benefits of using a REALTOR®?

   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.

2. How can I find a REALTOR®?

   Consider consulting family and friends, phone a few real estate companies and interview some REALTORS® or visit www.REALTOR.ca.

3. Where can I find a copy of the Working With a REALTOR® brochure?

   The brochure can be found here.

4. How can I find out if someone has a real estate licence?

   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).

5. How do I make a complaint against a REALTOR®?

   The Real Estate Council of BC outlines the complaint process. Click here for more information.

6. How do I get my deposit back?

   This is a legal question that requires a consultation with either a lawyer or a notary public.

7. How do I find out about property transfer taxes?

   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.

BCREA Publications

1. Where can I get a copy of The Condominium Manual?

   To order The Condominium Manual, click here.

2. Where can I find back issues of Legally Speaking?

   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.

3. How can I find a particular topic in an issue of Legally Speaking?

   See the keyword index.

4. Where can I find real estate statistics?

   BCREA publishes monthly provincial statistics, monthly podcast videos and quarterly housing and mortgage rate forecasts. See the Economics page for more information. BCREA's 11 member real estate boards also publish their own statistics. For these, contact the appropriate real estate board directly.