Under RECA regulations, what is required before a licensee can represent a buyer?

A written buyer representation agreement is essential before a licensee can represent a buyer according to RECA regulations. This formal, documented agreement establishes the relationship between the licensee and the buyer, clarifying the expectations, obligations, and rights of both parties. It also ensures that the buyer’s interests are legally recognized and protected during the transaction process.

This written agreement is crucial for maintaining professionalism and transparency in real estate dealings, as it provides a clear framework for how the licensee will act on behalf of the buyer. Without this formal arrangement, the buyer's interests could be at risk, and the licensee would not have the necessary authority to advocate effectively for them.

Other options, such as a verbal agreement or an informal handshake, do not fulfill the legal requirements set forth by RECA for representing buyers. Similarly, obtaining approval from the seller is not pertinent to the licensee's representation of the buyer; it is the buyer's express authority that is needed for the licensee to act on their behalf.