Can You Work With Multiple Real Estate Agents?
You can work with more than one real estate agent at the same time only if you have not signed an exclusive buyer- or seller-representation agreement with any of them. The moment you sign an exclusive agreement, you owe that brokerage representation — and potentially commission — on transactions in the scope of the agreement, even if a different agent showed you the property.
Heading into a showing or an offer night and want a single page of buyer rights to bring with you? Our printable one-page TRESA Phase 2 buyer rights checklist covers client vs SRP status, the RECO Information Guide, written representation agreements, designated representation, and the confidentiality rules in one place.
Exclusive vs. non-exclusive agreements
Most Ontario buyer-representation agreements are exclusive, meaning the brokerage is your sole agent for the term and area defined in the agreement. Some agents will accept a non-exclusive arrangement — you should ask up front if this matters to you. Under TRESA Phase 2, in force since December 1, 2023, a brokerage that is going to represent you as a client must enter into a written representation agreement with you before providing client services, and must give a written information guide and disclosure of representation status to anyone who is a self-represented party rather than a client. If both sides of a deal end up at the same brokerage, the brokerage may also use the newer designated representation option, where a different individual agent is assigned to each side.
What can go wrong if you double up
- Two brokerages each claim commission on the same purchase.
- Procuring-cause disputes — who actually “introduced” you to the property — end up in arbitration.
- You end up paying the difference out of pocket if the seller will only honour one commission.
When working with two agents makes sense
Geographic specialisation. If you’re searching in Toronto and also looking at cottage country, it can make sense to engage a local specialist for each market. The agreement should be clearly scoped — by city, postal code, or property type — so the agents are not competing for the same transaction.
What to do if you want to switch agents mid-search
Talk to your current agent first. Most reputable agents will agree to a release if the relationship isn’t working; some may negotiate a holdover period during which they retain commission rights on properties they showed you. If the conversation is uncomfortable, ask the broker of record to mediate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I never signed anything?
- Under TRESA Phase 2, if you have not signed a written representation agreement with a brokerage you are treated as a self-represented party rather than the brokerage's client, and you may speak to other agents. Most brokerages in Ontario will still ask you to sign a written representation agreement before they provide client-level services such as drafting an offer.
- Can I work with one agent for buying and another for selling?
- Yes. Buyer and seller agreements are separate documents. You can use different brokerages for each side.
- Does the seller pay commission to two agents if I worked with two?
- Usually no. The seller pays one cooperating commission. Disputes between the two buyer’s agents about who earned it become a separate matter — and may end up at the buyer’s door.
Related Reading
Primary sources for jurisdictional facts:
Work With a Top Toronto Real Estate Agent
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