Once they have obtained their brokerage license, real estate brokers in Quebec are faced with several options. Depending on their preferences, they can choose to work independently, join a real estate agency, or partner with a property developer.
This choice has significant implications for how they work. Is one option more beneficial than the others? This article will review these different possibilities to better understand their impact on the practice of real estate brokers in Quebec.
What is an independent broker?
An independent real estate broker is a professional who chooses to operate autonomously, without being affiliated with a real estate agency. Although they work on their own, they must hold a brokerage license issued by the Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ), which allows them to legally practice in the province.
What are the pros and cons of being an independent broker?
One of the main advantages of independent brokerage is the freedom and autonomy it offers. The broker does not have to pay fees to an agency and can define their own working methods based on their preferences and goals. This flexibility allows for a more personalized approach and better time management.
However, this independence also comes with several responsibilities. The independent real estate broker must bear numerous costs alone, such as:
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Transportation expenses;
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Costs related to advertising and work tools (computer, phone, camera, marketing materials, etc.);
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Professional liability insurance premiums.
Thus, while independence offers greater freedom and increased control over one’s business, it also involves managing financial, administrative, and logistical aspects that can represent an additional workload.
Professional associations and networks in quebec
Being an independent real estate broker does not necessarily mean working in isolation. Independent brokers can benefit from collaborating with various associations or organizations that offer support, resources, and professional networking. These organizations include:
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The Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ);
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The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA);
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The Quebec Federation of Real Estate Boards (QFREB);
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The Network of Independent Reak Estate Brokers of Quebec.
These organizations play a key role in protecting and promoting the interests of brokers, while also providing tools, training, and resources to support their professional practice.
Joining an agency: how to choose the right banner
When a real estate broker decides to join an agency, they must also choose whether to affiliate with a well-known banner such as RE/MAX, Royal LePage, or Via Capitale, or instead opt for a local agency, often smaller but well established within its community.
This decision mainly depends on the broker’s priorities and values. Working under a national or international banner can offer increased visibility, access to powerful marketing tools, and structured support. On the other hand, a local agency might provide a more personalized approach, greater flexibility in business practices, and closer relationships with clients.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each option has its own advantages, and brokers are free to choose the path that best aligns with their professional goals, working style, and the clientele they wish to develop.
What are the advantages of working with an agency?
Working within a real estate agency is a popular choice among brokers, and for good reason. Agencies generally have a strong market presence, providing their brokers with high visibility through well-established advertising campaigns and effective online platforms.
One of the main advantages is the logistical support offered by the agency. In fact, the agency takes care of several practical aspects of the profession, such as:
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Renting and maintaining office space;
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Supplying office materials and marketing tools;
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Handling administrative tasks.
This allows brokers to fully focus on their core duties: representing clients, selling properties, and offering guidance throughout the process.
By joining an agency, brokers also benefit from an existing professional network that includes various real estate industry experts, such as:
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Land surveyors;
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Building inspectors;
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Real estate photographers;
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Home staging professionals.
This kind of collaboration streamlines transactions and enhances the quality of service provided to clients.
Another significant advantage is access to ongoing training. Agencies frequently offer workshops, seminars, or specialized training to help brokers stay up to date and develop their skills.
And what about the drawbacks?
On the other hand, working in an agency does come with certain costs. Brokers are typically required to pay:
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Membership fees;
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Monthly dues or a percentage of their commissions.
These costs can vary depending on the banner’s reputation and the range of services offered. Therefore, it’s important for each broker to assess whether the benefits they receive justify the expenses incurred.
Working for two residential real estate agencies at the same time: is it allowed in Quebec?
Although a real estate broker may choose to affiliate with a well-known banner, Quebec’s Real Estate Brokerage Act is clear: a broker may not, under any circumstances, work for more than one real estate agency at a time. This rule applies even if the agencies share the same banner or belong to a franchise network.
In fact, it’s not uncommon for one real estate agency to own another, so-called sub-franchised agency. Even in such cases, the two entities are considered legally distinct. The parent agency cannot transfer or share brokers with the franchised branch, and vice versa.
The sub-franchised agency, like any other agency, must have its own brokers, manage its own client files, and maintain its own records. This separation is intended to preserve the integrity of real estate brokerage and ensure clear management practices that comply with OACIQ standards.
Real estate brokers affiliated with a builder or property developer
In Quebec, a real estate broker holding a valid license issued by the OACIQ may sell new properties on behalf of a builder or property developer in exchange for compensation. However, this collaboration must follow strict rules governed by the Real Estate Brokerage Act.
Even when acting on behalf of a developer, the broker remains a professional in real estate brokerage. They retain their official title and remain subject to all legal and ethical obligations. In practice, this means a broker may only work with a builder or developer either as an independent broker or through the agency to which they are affiliated.
According to the terms outlined in the brokerage contract, compensation will either be paid directly to the broker if they are self-employed, or to the agency if the broker is affiliated with one. In the latter case, it is strictly forbidden for the broker to receive direct payment from the builder or developer. All compensation must go through the employing agency.
Independent broker or affiliated broker: which option to choose?
Whether a real estate broker works independently or is affiliated with an agency, their competence and professionalism remain the same. The choice to join a banner or work autonomously mainly depends on personal considerations: goals, working style, personal values, or the need for structure and support.
Some brokers will prefer the autonomy, management freedom, and flexibility that come with independent status. Others will be drawn to the structure, administrative support, marketing tools, and brand recognition an agency can offer.
Regardless of the path chosen, the real estate broker remains a trusted partner in helping you achieve your project. Whether independent or agency-affiliated, their role is the same: to guide you with care, advise you accurately, and protect your interests at every step of the transaction.
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