I show my clients homes that fit their needs.  Period.

If the home is what they need, the vehicle it finds to market is moot.

I know who my client is, and never forget that.  I have no problem telling the other side, or my client, to seek skilled help as needed.

If you are worried that your buyer is going to go around you, then he probably is going to. Sign him up on an exclusive buyer's agent agreement. Then you can show him anything. But you probably should have that talk about the psychology of sellers who want to "save" the commission. How reasonable is that seller going to be? If I was a buyer I don't think that I would want to deal with an unreasonable seller who knows nothing but thinks he knows everything.

Bill Roberts

Hey Mike, Thanks for your post.  How do you feel about these discount companies that are placing homes on the market for sellers so they can just get their home listed on Realtor.com and only offering $100 to the selling agent on the MLS.  Would you still show those listings to your buyers??

Michael,

I repeat:

"I show my clients homes that fit their needs.  Period.

If the home is what they need, the vehicle it finds to market is moot."

See, I look at the client/agent relationship as one of trust and fiduciary responsibility.

I would add:

Out of respect for my Broker-in-Charge, and the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, I reserve commission conversations for my clients and coworkers, as I have been instructed.

Wow, the Sherman Anti-Trust Act.  I'm impressed.  That usually doesn't come up. :)

I like Sherman tanks better.  Without them, real estate is a tankless job.

Sorry, go back to your discussion.  I'm just feeling giddy. 

Careful...

I agree with many points already but think not showing those listings without your clients understanding and direction is a violation of the law and Realtor code of ethics... Now, get them under exclusive BA agreement, explain the problems, etc... and they may very well tell you not to show them the listings... that is very much what I do with the FSBO issue and they usually don't want to deal with it when there are so many other homes available... Now, be factual and let them choose and you should stay legal AND not show the homes that will end you more work/grief for you...

 Just my thoughts...

 Mark Ryan

If I were your client and you did not show me FSBO's for the reasons you presented I most certainly would find a new agent. I want an agent who works to find me the home I want. Sorry, but you are not representing your clients if you do not show them FSBO's that meet their needs and desires.

If the buyer agent's services are worth more to his or her client than is being offered by the listing office, then the buyer agent should enter into a buyer agency agreement with the client.  That agreement should state the agent will perform the work for X dollars, and that the agent will show the buyer all properties that meet the buyer's criteria, regardless of whether the seller is represented.  The agreement should also state that the buyer will pay the difference, if any, between the value of the buyer agent's services and the amount being offered by the listing office/seller.

The result?   Buyers see all the inventory (as likely required by the Department of Licensing in that state), and buyer agents are paid an amount that it agreeable to both the agent and his/her client.

Ken Whitney
General Manager
MLS4owners.com

Louis,

I'm with you, get a buyer's agency agreement and show them the home they want, no matter who is selling it!

Todd

How can you have to do twice the work load with a FSBO doesn't your TC do all your paper work anyway. I just did a deal and was the only agent involved and it turned out to be  the most relaxing deal I ever closed!