📁 Case #006: Agent Claimed TRESA Required Buyer Representation

🧾 Summary

A buyer interested in rural properties contacted a listing agent for more information and to schedule a showing. The agent responded stating that “under new TRESA rules,” all buyers must be in a signed Buyer Representation Agreement before viewing a property or asking questions.

The buyer — a lawyer by profession — requested clarification. The agent insisted it was now a legal requirement to sign a BRA to be shown any property. The buyer refused and forwarded the email chain to RECO for informal verification.

RECO confirmed (via general inquiry) that TRESA does not require a signed BRA for basic interaction, questions, or showings. The buyer chose not to pursue a formal complaint but reported the misinformation for record-keeping.

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⚠️ Key Issues

• False claim that representation agreement is legally required

• Pressure tactic used to coerce contract signing

• Agent potentially misunderstood TRESA or was weaponizing it

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📎 Supporting Documentation

• Email correspondence with agent

• Screenshot of claimed “requirement”

• Confirmation from RECO’s public information desk

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⚖️ Legal Concerns

• Misrepresentation of law may violate Code of Ethics for registrants

• Agents are permitted to offer representation but must disclose all options, including self-representation or customer status

• False legal claims undermine trust in real estate professionals

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🔍 Current Status

• Buyer declined to pursue RECO complaint

• Agent has not responded to request for correction

• No apology or clarification was issued