As I work mainly for my husband who is a builder, I deal with many people coming thru our open houses, looking at the new homes. The first words out of my mouth are always "Do you have a Realtor you are working with?" If they say yes, great. I always tell them to have their agent call me for any details or if he/she would like to view the home. If they say no, I tell them that i am a licensed Realtor and I can help them in any way they may need (help with listing their home, etc.).

I was working with some relatives of a friend as they were looking to sell their home. I did my comps, discussed the price and listed the house. I had a few showings but after a week on the market they decided to withdraw the listing as they were not ready to move and wanted to take more time. Then they decided to list it themselves so they could get the most money for the sale. They decided to only entertain clients who WERE NOT working with an agent, so they wouldn't have to pay commission. They kept me informed of all that they were doing–I told them this was a very bad idea but they forged on.

A few weeks ago, they called and had not had one viewing (what a surprise!) and now they have found a lot and want to build with a local builder. They really need to sell their house, so they were thinking of listing it again. They told me that they would be calling in the next few weeks to meet again to discuss listing.

After our conversation they met again with the builder and his agent. They called me because they had an interesting meeting with the builder's agent: They told her they were thinking of relisting with me and the agent told them, " I really shouldn't be saying this, but if you let me list your home, I can cut you a deal on the commission." They had informed the agent upon their first meeting that they were working with an agent and they told her the whole story how I listed it, they decided to try on their own and if they list it again, they would use me. They even told her I was a friend of theirs!

I guess this really got under my skin because I am presented with this situation all of the time. I could tell potential clients that if they build with my husband I could "cut them a deal". But I never would. If they are working with an agent, they are off limits. Has it gotten so cut-throat out there and we have all forgotten ethics? The fact that another agent would steal clients (an agent I have worked with in the past) and do it so blatently?

My "clients" were very uncomfortable with her offer, but not so uncomfortable that they didn't want to take her offer. I told them to go ahead and list with her. If she was offering them such a great deal, by all means go with her. But I told them to watch out - if it seems to be too good to be true it probably is. I'm sure she'll make her money somehow.

And if they come back to me? Sorry, I guess I'm just too busy now.