I often check out several other non MLS websites for real estate properties, digging for investments for my clients. I have yet to find one I don't already know about. I often see the same ones over and over again, and that is what caught my eye.

Recently I found an associate's listing being marketed on craigslist by a different broker. Searching around some more revealed this broker was advertising and marketing many listings from other brokers that he did not have permission from.

A quick call to TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission) verified a broker cannot advertise the listings of another broker without an agreement, without permission, or without consent. Only the broker who obtained the Exclusive Right to Sell or Lease Agreement can market the property unless the owner gives another broker permission as well.

Yes I do want maximum exposure for my listings, and for another agent to bring me an ideal offer. However I did the listing presentation and earned the trust to market this listing. That means I am spending my time, energy, and money advertising for my client I earned the right to represent. And here comes along an unethical agent or broker who downloads the agent's information and photos off the MLS and markets the property as thier own listing. 

Some people don't see this as a big deal. My clients may love the extra exposure. To a professional and ethical Realtor this is unacceptable to me or my company. We all follow a standard code of ethics when we recieve our license. I hold myself to a higher level of ethics, professionalism, and integrity that my clients respect and appreciate when they select me as thier representative.

So let me ask you a question: Would you prefer to be represented by someone with no ethics, no integrity, and no respect for industry professionalism on one of the largest financial investments you may make in your lifetime? Would you trust what they wrote on your contract if they violate licensing laws and steal listings from other agents?

In a tough market, some desperate agents will try anything to make a quick buck at the expense of others. Do you trust them to represent your best interests?

Do the right thing, work with the right agent. It's time to trust a professional who is accountable to a higher standard. Call Mike Wong for all your real estate needs in today's market.