About CREA

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada’s largest single-industry trade Associations. Our membership includes more than 130,000 real estate brokers, agents and salespeople, working through 84 real estate Boards and Associations across Canada.

Not just anyone can call them self a REALTOR®. To do so, real estate professionals must either be direct members of their association or be members of both their local real estate board and CREA, depending on the province. As well, they must abide by the ethical standards laid out in the REALTOR® Code.

WHAT CREA DOES

CREA works on behalf of the public and its REALTOR® members. To do so, it:

• Represents the interests of its members to the federal government and its agencies on existing or proposed legislation that will affect those members, and/or impact homeownership.
• Assists our REALTOR® members to better serve their clients by providing quality technology products including REALTOR.ca, WEBForms® and DDF®.
• Enhances member professionalism and ethics by providing national standards, including establishment of symbols of quality associated with using CREA brands and trademarks. Protects and promotes the two primary national CREA trademarks, MLS® and REALTOR®.
• Produces accurate, up-to-date information and analysis on economic issues.

HOW CANADIANS BENEFIT

The REALTOR® Code, which sets out standards of professional conduct for members of CREA, helps protect the rights and interests of buyers and sellers. And our advocacy to governments continues to influence legislation for the benefit of homeowners.

CREA’s efforts also allow our REALTOR® members to better serve their clients. Our vigilant eye on both the economy and government, plus the economic statistics and analysis we provide, enhance our members’ knowledge. This, in turn, can improve the quality of advice they can provide to clients. As well, the REALTOR® Code helps create a level of trust between REALTORS® and their clients.

ORGANIZED REAL ESTATE IN CANADA

Organized real estate in Canada operates at three different levels. The real estate board generally operates at a local level. Provincial and territorial associations represent their province or territory and CREA represents the industry nationally and internationally.