Realtor vs Realtor

I, like a lot of people I know, am a huge fan of HGTV. Whenever I actually have a bit of spare time I tune into anything relating to design or real estate. However, it seems I’ve missed a controversial new show that first aired last Wednesday called “Realtor vs Realtor”.

Apparently, the premise is two agents competing to find a property for a “desperate” buyer. It seems that this show has got the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) in a twist.

First, because, and I quote HGTV, (the agents) “….. are the shamelessly confident warts-and-all-types, who are not afraid to say it like it is”. Legal counsel for CREA states “…this show is intended to appeal to the basest of viewer instincts by glorifying disreputable behaviour on the part of real estate agents.”

Secondly, because of the use of the word “Realtor” in the show’s title. “Realtor®” is a trademark which is owned by CREA, and in their opinion, this is an infringement of their intellectual property rights.

CREA’s counsel has sent letters to HGTV and CanWest Broadcasting asking them to cease and desist using the Realtor® trademark in connection with their show.

As Realtors in Ontario we are bound by a very strict code of ethics which is now provincial legislation. By and large, the day of the disreputable real estate salesperson has gone. Depicting this type of activity on a reality program and associating it with the Realtor® trademark “violates the spirit and likely the letter of our Realtor Code”. CREA’s position is that this could harm our reputation and possibly our livelihoods. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I’ll keep you posted……