Common Questions

About Sears Certified Agents
What is a Sears Certified Agent?

A Sears Certified Agent is a Real Estate Salesperson or Broker who has been selected by QV Realty for their high levels of performance. Sears Certified Agents work with national real estate brokerages such as RE/MAX, Royal LePage, Sutton Group, Coldwell Banker, Prudential, Homelife, Keller Williams and Century 21.

Sears Certified Agents have years of specialization in the communities they serve, and are rigorously reviewed for their sales abilities, licensing and professional achievements. Every Sears Certified Agent possesses at least 3 years of experience, and is well versed in the complete real estate sales process including listing, home searches, negotiations and closing.


Can I use the same Sears Certified Agent when buying and selling?

Yes. However, if you’re looking to sell a home in one area and buy in another, we may recommend two different agents to assist you.

Sears Certified Agents have many years of expertise in their markets. They understand property values for the area, and know the unique benefits and issues of the communities. This ensures you get expert advice when both buying and selling a home.


What if I’m not completely satisfied with my Sears Certified Agent?

We know that your comfort is the most important thing when buying or selling a home. Every Sears Certified Agent is recognized in their industry as a high performer, and has been selected for their skill, knowledge and proven track record of sales. However, if you aren’t completely satisfied with your Sears Certified Agent, simply call us at 647-728-4817 or toll-free at 1-877-SEARS-51. We’ll put you in touch with another Agent who may be better suited to meet your needs.


Can I use my own agent and still participate in the program?

The program is designed to help people find a real estate salesperson or broker in their area. However, if your salesperson or broker is already a Sears Certified Agent, and you have not started the process of searching for a home or listing your home for sale, contact us to ask to be enrolled in the program.

Individuals who have already begun the home search of listing process with a real estate salesperson or broker are not eligible for the program. This program is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers who are under any agreement with another brokerage or to induce any buyer or seller to breach their agreement with another brokerage.


I am currently a licensed real estate professional working with a national brokerage. How do I become a Sears Certified Agent?

The Sears Certified Real Estate Services Program is operated by QV Realty. We can guide you through the process of applying to become a Sears Certified Agent. You will be asked to provide information about your professional achievements. To learn more about becoming involved in the Sears Certified Real Estate Services program as a Sears Certified Agent, please contact syeung@QVCanada.com


About the program
How does Sears Certified Real Estate Services work?

Just sign-up online or call our Customer Care Centre at QV Realty. One of our Customer Care Associates will speak with you to ask some basic questions such as whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, the neighbourhoods you’re interested in, your budget, and so on.

We use this information to select a Sears Certified Agent ideally suited to your needs. Within 48 hours of speaking with us, an Agent will call you and arrange to meet. They’ll talk with you to get more detail on your goals, and will walk you through the process of working with a licensed real estate salesperson or broker. They’ll answer any questions you have right from the beginning, and will explain real estate agreements including the Buyer Representation Agreement, Listing Agreement and Referral Agreement.

Once you’ve formally signed with your Sears Certified Agent, they’ll begin the process of finding the right home for you or placing your home on the market. From researching listings and arranging showings, to home valuation and recommending ways to “stage” your home, your Sears Certified Agent is working for you.

You’ll hear from our Customer Care Associates at QV Realty occasionally to see how you are progressing with your home search or sale. Our Customer Care Centre is here for you if you have any questions or concerns throughout the process.

When the time comes for making or reviewing offers, your Sears Certified Agent can provide expert advice and guide you through offers, acceptance and closing. Shortly after your real estate transaction is completed, including closing and taking possession, you will receive your Sears Gift Cards.


Is there a cost for using Sears Certified Real Estate Services?

In short, no. If you’re buying a home, there is no cost whatsoever. If you’re selling a home, only standard real estate commission fees apply. In either case, whether you’re buying, selling or both, when you use a Sears Certified Agent, you could earn thousands in Sears Gift Cards.


What makes Sears Certified Real Estate Services different from other referral and rewards programs?

The difference is our people and our rewards.

The rewards of buying or selling a home with a Sears Certified Agent are significantly higher than the rewards you’ll find with other programs. And they’re easy to understand. No points. No miles. On typical real estate transactions, you’ll earn 0.6% of the sale price of your home in Sears Gift Cards.

Plus, to help you save even more, you’ll receive a Sears Home Savings Book with exceptional offers. You could save hundreds of dollars on furnishings or improvements for your home.


I’ve completed the online sign-up. How soon should I expect to hear from Sears Certified Real Estate Services?

You should receive a call within 48 hours – usually much sooner.


Can I still qualify for the rewards if I end up Leasing or Renting?

No. The program only offers the reward to buyers and sellers of a Resale Residential home. Please see terms and conditions for more details.


Can I still qualify for the rewards if I end up buying directly from a Builder or “off plans”?

It will vary depending whether or not the builder is offering a co-operating commission to the buying real estate agent. Rewards will also vary depending on the commission rate. Please check with your Assigned Sears Certified Agent for more information.


About the rewards
When will I get my Sears Home Savings Book?

You will be sent your Sears Home Savings Book after you have formally signed with your Sears Certified Agent. Once you receive your Book, you can start using it right away.


How much can I earn in Sears Gift Cards?

When you buy or sell a home through Sears Certified Real Estate Services, you could receive 0.6% of the value of the home. For many people, this could be thousands. And if you buy and sell a home, you’ll earn Sears Gift Cards based on the sale price of both transactions. You can use our calculator to see how much you could earn. But here’s an example of how you could earn thousands.

If you sold your home for $300,000, you could earn $1,800 in Sears Gift Cards. Buying a home for $400,000 could earn you $2,400. If you did both, you could earn $4,200 in Sears Gift Cards.


When will I get my Sears Gift Cards?

Your gift cards will be sent about 30 days after the closing of your real estate transaction.


How can I use my Sears Gift Cards?

The variety of products and services from Sears is unmatched by any other retailer in Canada. You could furnish your home, book a vacation, make home improvements, and much more. See Sears Gift Cards for a more complete outline of the variety of goods and services you can purchase with Sears Gift Cards.

You can use your Sears Gift Cards at all Sears Department Stores, Sears Home Stores, Sears Dealer Stores, Sears Appliance and Mattress Stores and Sears Outlet/Liquidation Stores, as well as all for all catalogue and online orders.


Are Sears Gift Cards transferable?

Yes. Once activated, your gift card can be used by anyone and has no expiry date.


Can I use my Sears Gift Cards to pay my Sears® Card or Sears MasterCard® account?

No. Sears Gift Cards can only be used to pay for new purchases of merchandise and services at Sears.


What happens if I lose a Sears Gift Card?

Please treat your Sears Gift Cards as you would treat cash. In most cases, lost Sears Gift Cards may not be recovered.

In some cases it may be possible to trace lost gift cards. If it is traceable, the original card may be cancelled and you may be issued a replacement card for the balance remaining on the card.


Have another question that isn’t answered here?

Please let us know. Call our Customer Care Centre toll-free at 1-877-SEARS-51, in Toronto at 647-728-4817, or email questions@qvcanada.com. We’ll answer your question right away, and consider adding it to our website.


About Mortgage Financing with RBC
Why finance your home through RBC Royal Bank?

• Access to an Expert - RBC Royal Bank Mortgage Specialist (24/7)

• Our expert will provide tailored home financing solutions that best meet your needs

• Save money on your banking fees when you have multiple products with RBC Royal Bank

• You are dealing with trusted mortgage specialists from Canada's largest mortgage provider


Why get Pre-approved for a mortgage?

• Peace of mind and confidence knowing how much you qualify for in advance of your purchase decision

• You will save time by identifying your price range before going out to shop so you can avoid disappointments

• Clear expectations and understanding all steps gives you negotiated power as it shows the agent and seller you are a serious buyer

• Rate guarantee


Is there a fee to use a Mortgage Specialist from RBC Royal Bank?

No. It is free and there is no obligation for their professional advice. Find out more about the benefit of using a Mortgage Specialist.


Do I need to go to a RBC Royal Bank Branch to meet a Mortgage Specialist?

No. You do not need to go to the branch to meet the Mortgage Specialist. We can arrange a meeting for you with a RBC Royal Bank Mortgage Specialist at any time most convenient for you.

The RBC Royal Bank Mortgage Specialist is available 7 days a week – 24 hours a day.


Do I need to use RBC Royal Bank as my financial lender to use the Sears Certified Real Estate Services?

No. RBC Royal Bank is our preferred financial institution, but you are not obligated to use them for your home financing needs.


What if I have another financial provider, can I use RBC Royal Bank?

Yes. You can still use RBC Royal Bank. Our preferred financial institution is RBC Royal Bank and we want to make sure you benefit from the advice of the largest Canadian lending network for your home financing needs. We can arrange a meeting for you with a RBC Royal Bank Mortgage Specialist at any time most convenient for you.

The RBC Royal Bank Mortgage Specialist is available 7 days a week – 24 hours a day.