The answer

Transaction brokerage is a written arrangement in which a brokerage facilitates the transaction for buyer and seller in an even-handed, objective, and impartial way rather than advocating for either as a sole agent. Both parties should understand the lost advocacy, confidentiality boundaries, services, compensation, alternatives, and right to independent advice before agreeing.

Calgary-specific context

It can arise when the same Calgary brokerage or professional is connected to both sides; urgency around a desired property should not replace an informed relationship choice.

What to do next

Ask for the written agreement and a side-by-side explanation of transaction brokerage, alternate representation, customer status, and another brokerage.

Related guides

education guideCalgary Designated Agency, Transaction Brokerage, and Conflict GuideCompare sole advocacy, designated-agent relationships, same-brokerage opposite sides, transaction brokerage facilitation, customer status, alternate representation, confidentiality, informed consent, and independent-advice triggers when interests meet.education guideCalgary Real Estate Representation and Agency Relationship GuideMap Alberta client, customer, sole agency, designated agency, common-law brokerage, transaction brokerage, confidentiality, advocacy, and instruction relationships before sharing strategy, touring, listing, offering, or consenting to a conflict path.education guideCan I Buy or Sell a Calgary Home Without an Agent?Map valuation, property evidence, marketing or search, disclosure, offer drafting, negotiation, deposit, financing, inspection, documents, insurance, title, legal closing, privacy, safety, records, deadlines, and fallback responsibilities when buying or selling without representation.

Verify before relying

Official sources for this topic

These sources explain the rules and records relevant to this topic. Check the current requirements for your property.

RECA consumer informationAlberta real estate consumer guidance.RECA representation and service-agreement guidanceRead the current official guidance and confirm what applies to your property.RECA ProCheckOfficial public lookup for the licensing status and authorization of Alberta real estate, mortgage, property-management, and condominium-management professionals.RECA Real Estate Act RulesCurrent Alberta rules defining agency, designated agency, transaction brokerage, service agreements, records, confidentiality, conflicts, and professional conduct.RECA complaint processOfficial explanation of RECA's complaint role, written complaint process, investigation scope, resolution paths, and possible discipline.Law Society of Alberta lawyer directoryOfficial Alberta directory for checking lawyer status and searching by location, practice area, language, and other criteria.Alberta hiring a home inspectorOfficial Alberta consumer guidance for checking the inspector and business licence, bond and errors-and-omissions insurance, written contract, and written report.RECA deposit fraud warningCurrent regulator warning to independently verify unexpected or changed real estate deposit instructions through trusted channels.

Check the current information at the linked source. Ask the appropriate professional how it applies to your property.

Important

Real estate rules, market conditions, property records, taxes, financing terms, bylaws, and physical conditions can change. Verify time-sensitive and property-specific facts with current official sources and the appropriate qualified professional before acting.