By Farah Khan, Broker, Pontis Realty Inc., Brokerage. Last updated October 23, 2026.
In Ontario, a real estate salesperson and a real estate broker are both registered with RECO, the provincial regulator, to help you buy or sell property. A broker has at least 24 months of experience as a salesperson plus extra education, and is qualified to manage or own a brokerage. REALTOR® is not a licence. It is a CREA trademark that a salesperson or broker can use only if they are a CREA member.
That is the core difference. The rest of this guide explains each title, compares them side by side, shows you how to check any agent on RECO’s public register in a couple of minutes, and answers the question most people really have: does the title change what you get as a buyer or seller in Toronto? Mostly it doesn’t. A few things do matter, though, and they are worth asking about before you sign anything with a real estate broker in Toronto or anyone else.
Salesperson vs Broker vs Broker of Record vs REALTOR® in Ontario (Comparison Table)
| Salesperson | Broker | Broker of record | REALTOR® | |
| What it is | RECO registration to trade in real estate | RECO registration at the higher level | The broker legally responsible for a brokerage | A CREA trademark showing membership |
| Who controls it | RECO | RECO | RECO (the brokerage designates the person) | CREA |
| Education | Salesperson Program: pre-registration (5 courses, 4 exams, 2 simulations), then post-registration courses within 24 months of registering | Broker Qualifying Exam, then the Real Estate Broker Program, completed within 12 months | Same as a broker | None beyond the salesperson or broker registration |
| Experience required | None before registering | At least 24 of the 36 months before applying as a registered salesperson | Must already be a registered broker | None beyond the registration they hold |
| Can represent buyers and sellers | Yes, through their brokerage | Yes, through their brokerage | Yes | Only because they are also a salesperson or broker |
| Can manage or own a brokerage | No | Yes | Yes, and is accountable for its compliance | Not on its own |
| Can use REALTOR® | Only if a CREA member | Only if a CREA member | Only if a CREA member | Yes, by definition |
Two things stand out. Three of the four columns are legal registrations under Ontario law; REALTOR® is the odd one out. And salespersons and brokers sit on the same legal footing when they represent you in a deal.
What Is a Real Estate Salesperson in Ontario?
A real estate salesperson is a person registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) to trade in real estate while employed by a registered brokerage. It is the entry-level registration, and every broker in the province started here.
To qualify, a person completes the pre-registration phase of the Real Estate Salesperson Program within 24 months, joins a brokerage and applies to RECO. Once registered, they have another 24 months to finish post-registration courses, or the registration lapses.
You will also see salespersons described as a “sales representative” or “real estate agent.” Those are permitted descriptions of the same registration, not separate licences.
What Is a Real Estate Broker in Ontario?
A real estate broker is a RECO registrant who has worked as a salesperson for at least two years and completed additional broker education. That training centres on running a brokerage: supervising agents, handling trust accounts, managing compliance and resolving problems.
A broker can do everything a salesperson can do. The higher registration also lets them manage an office, supervise salespersons, open or own a brokerage, and serve as its broker of record.
How to Become a Real Estate Broker in Ontario: 4 Steps
- Build experience. Be registered and employed as a salesperson for at least 24 of the 36 months immediately before applying.
- Pass the Broker Qualifying Exam. This is the gateway into the broker program.
- Complete the Real Estate Broker Program. Four courses, a wrap-up session and a final exam, taken in order and finished within 12 months.
- Apply to RECO to change the registration from salesperson to broker.
The education landscape also changed recently. In March 2025, RECO approved four institutions to deliver registration education, starting summer 2025: Algonquin College, Career College Group, Humber Polytechnic and Fleming College. If you read elsewhere that Humber is the only option, that information is out of date.
[CONFIRM: one or two sentences on Farah’s own path, e.g. “I registered as a salesperson in YEAR and became a broker in YEAR, mainly because…”]
What Is a Broker of Record in Ontario?
The broker of record is the registered broker designated as responsible for a brokerage’s compliance with Ontario’s real estate rules. Every brokerage has one, and that person must be a broker, never a salesperson.
In practice, the broker of record answers for how the whole office runs: trust accounts, agent supervision, advertising rules and written policies, such as how the brokerage handles competing interests when it represents more than one party. RECO’s advertising rules require them to identify themselves as “broker of record.”
Most buyers and sellers never speak to the broker of record. They are, however, the right person to contact if a problem with your agent can’t be sorted out directly.
Is a REALTOR® the Same as a Real Estate Broker?
No. REALTOR® is a membership mark, not a licence level or job title. A REALTOR® can be a salesperson or a broker. What makes them a REALTOR® is membership in good standing with the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), usually through a local board such as the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).
CREA members agree to follow the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, which sits on top of the legal duties every RECO registrant already has. Since October 1, 2020, Ontario’s rules have let CREA members describe themselves as REALTOR®, REALTOR® salesperson or REALTOR® broker.
So a title like “Jane Smith, REALTOR® broker” tells you two separate facts: Jane holds a broker registration with RECO, and she belongs to CREA.
Are All Real Estate Agents in Ontario REALTORS®?
No. Every agent trading in Ontario must be registered with RECO, but CREA membership is a separate choice. A registered salesperson or broker who isn’t a CREA member can still legally represent you. They just can’t use the REALTOR® mark.
Real Estate Agent vs Broker in Ontario: What Does “Agent” Mean?
“Real estate agent” is an umbrella term. Under RECO’s permitted-terms rules, both salespersons and brokers may call themselves a real estate agent in their advertising. So “agent” on a sign or profile could mean either registration, and the only reliable way to know which is to look the person up.
Can a Real Estate Salesperson Work Independently in Ontario?
No. A salesperson must be employed by a registered brokerage to hold a registration at all, and can’t trade in real estate without both. Your agreements and deposits run through that brokerage, which is why its name appears on every listing, sign and business card.
Brokers can’t freelance either; they also trade through a registered brokerage. The difference is that a broker is qualified to open and run one. In my case, my brokerage is Pontis Realty Inc., Brokerage in Mississauga, even though I work directly with my own clients rather than handing them off to a large team or call centre.
Broker or Salesperson: Does It Matter Who You Hire in Toronto?
For most buyers and sellers, less than you might think. Salespersons and brokers are both trained and regulated by RECO, bound by the same Code of Ethics under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA), and covered by RECO’s mandatory professional liability insurance, which includes errors and omissions coverage and consumer deposit insurance.
A broker title does tell you something concrete: at least two years in the business and extra training in brokerage operations, trust funds and compliance. That can be useful on complex files, such as a commercial lease or investment property, a multi-unit purchase, or a deal with unusual conditions. It does not guarantee better pricing advice, neighbourhood knowledge or negotiating skill. Those come from the individual, whatever their registration.
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent in Toronto
When you interview agents, these do more work than “Are you a broker?”:
- How many deals like mine have you handled recently? A condo in Liberty Village and a detached house in Scarborough are different jobs.
- Who will I actually work with day to day? On some teams, the person you meet isn’t the person who shows homes or negotiates your offer.
- Which representation model does your brokerage use, and what happens if it also represents the other side?
- How is your commission set out in the representation agreement? Commission is negotiable and must be in writing.
- What is your RECO registration number? Then check it yourself (steps below).
[CONFIRM: add 2 or 3 real questions Farah’s clients ask her during agent interviews, ideally with a one-line note on how she answers.]
If you are buying, our guide to buying a home in Toronto covers what to expect once you’ve chosen someone. Sellers can start with selling a home in the GTA.
TRESA Representation Agreements: What Changed for Buyers and Sellers
Phase 2 of TRESA took effect on December 1, 2023, and it changed how every agent works with you, salesperson or broker:
- Written agreements. Your representation agreement with a brokerage must be in writing, covering the services, the term and how the brokerage is paid.
- The RECO Information Guide. The brokerage must give it to you before providing services. It explains the difference between being a client and a self-represented party.
- Designated representation. Brokerages may choose a model where a specific salesperson or broker acts as your designated representative, instead of the whole brokerage representing you. It is optional for each brokerage and must be set out in your agreement.
How to Check If a Real Estate Agent Is Registered in Ontario (RECO Search)
You can confirm any agent’s registration on RECO’s free public register. It takes a couple of minutes.
- Open RECO’s Agent/Brokerage Search at registrantsearch.reco.on.ca.
- Choose a search type: salesperson/broker, brokerage name, or category/city.
- Enter the agent’s name exactly as it appears on their card or listing.
- Confirm the status reads “Registered.” Any other status means they can’t currently trade in real estate.
- Check the category to see whether the person is a salesperson or a broker.
- Match the brokerage. It should be the same brokerage named on their advertising and on your agreement.
- Review enforcement history. RECO publishes discipline and other regulatory actions, so you can see whether the agent has a record.
- Not found? Check the spelling and legal name, then tick “Unregistered/Formerly Registered” to search people registered within the past 10 years. If they still don’t appear as registered, don’t sign anything.
Run the same search on the brokerage. It takes another minute and confirms the business behind the agent.
Work With a Licensed Real Estate Broker in Toronto and the GTA
Titles help you understand who you’re dealing with, but the right fit comes down to experience with your type of property, clear communication and a representation agreement you fully understand. If you’d like to talk through your plans with a registered broker, book a private consultation or request a free home valuation. You can also call or WhatsApp +1 416-998-3890.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Real Estate Brokers Charge More Commission Than Salespeople?
Not automatically. In Ontario, commission isn’t set by registration level. It is negotiated with the brokerage and must be written into your representation agreement. Ask any agent, salesperson or broker, to walk you through exactly what you will pay and what is included before you sign.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Real Estate Broker in Ontario?
At minimum, two years of work as a salesperson, because RECO requires registration as a salesperson for at least 24 of the 36 months before applying. On top of that, the Broker Qualifying Exam and the Real Estate Broker Program must be completed, and the program allows up to 12 months.
Does a Broker Owe Me More Legal Duties Than a Salesperson?
No. When either one represents you, the same TRESA Code of Ethics duties apply. A broker’s extra responsibilities relate to supervising others and running a brokerage, not to a higher standard of care toward you as a client.
What Is the Difference Between a Broker and a Brokerage?
A broker is a person; a brokerage is the registered business. Every salesperson and broker in Ontario trades through a brokerage, and every brokerage has a broker of record who is accountable for its compliance.
What Protects My Deposit If Something Goes Wrong?
Every Ontario salesperson and broker must take part in RECO’s professional liability insurance program, which includes consumer deposit insurance. Deposits paid to a brokerage are held in its trust account. For details on a specific claim, check RECO’s consumer deposit insurance page.
About the Author: Farah Khan, Real Estate Broker
Farah Khan, Broker, Pontis Realty Inc., Brokerage
Farah Khan is a real estate broker registered with RECO, serving buyers, sellers and investors across Toronto and the GTA in residential and commercial real estate since 2012. She works directly with her clients from first consultation to closing. [CONFIRM: RECO registration #XXXXXXX] [CONFIRM: “Farah is a REALTOR® and member of TRREB and CREA” only if true]. You can verify her registration on the RECO public register. Read more about Farah.