Clients ~ An Easy to Understand Concept
Ontario Real Estate Source
By Brian Madigan LL.B.
While it may be difficult to understand the “customer” status relationship, no one seems to have difficulty with “clients”.
The concept of a client is simple and straightforward. It is the usual name of the principal in an agency relationship.
Many professionals deal with agency and represent clients, including lawyers, doctors, engineers, architects, barristers, solicitors, notaries public, conveyancers, paralegals, attorneys, accountants, consultants etc.
In just about all cases, the principal is referred to as the “client”. There is one notable exception, and that is doctors, whose principals are known as “patients”.
It is also easy to figure out that the highest duties are owed to the client or patient. You don’t have to know specifically what they are, but just about everyone knows inherently that clients stand in first place. That’s as good as you get. It is very basic and very fundamental.
And, of course, it’s the common law.
Brian Madigan LL.B., Broker is an author and commentator on real estate matters, if you are interested in residential or commercial properties in Mississauga, Toronto or the GTA, you may contact him through Royal LePage Innovators Realty, Brokerage 905-796-8888
www.OntarioRealEstateSource.com
Customers ~ Who are they?
Ontario Real Estate Source
By Brian Madigan LL.B.
No one outside the real estate industry seems to know the difference between clients and customers.
In fact, once explained, most seem to think it is absurd, and to say the least a little unfair, and perhaps a “ruse” by the real estate industry.
Recently, I have found myself pointing out the fine distinction between clients and customers, agency and non-agency relationships.
Sophisticated consumers including lawyers, doctors, architects and teachers have found the matter puzzling.
I suppose it won’t be too long before someone takes issue with the entire concept.
For that matter, lawyers, doctors and architects all act as agents, so the matter of agency law is not alien to them. But, many express surprise that real estate professionals, generically known as agents in many jurisdictions may not be “agents” at all.
I have to admit, this is indeed one of the most difficult concepts to explain. Once, I have that one down, I’ll move on to the “trinity”.
Brian Madigan LL.B., Broker is an author and commentator on real estate matters, if you are interested in residential or commercial properties in Mississauga, Toronto or the GTA, you may contact him through Royal LePage Innovators Realty, Brokerage 905-796-8888
www.OntarioRealEstateSource.com
