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There's something wrong with this Deal.....

By
Real Estate Agent with Celtic Realty

About eight months ago I began working with a customer to find a property.  The customer signed a buyer's broker agreement with me.  We looked at a number of properties but she couldn't find just what she was looking for.  I had her pre-qualified by a local who I had done business with in the past.

Long story short, she goes out riding around in her car and finds a house.  She takes the info sheet. The house is listed with another realtor (who also does business with the same local mortgage guy and has his name on the back of realtor's info sheet).  Turns out she likes the house and makes an offer with the listing agent.  She calls the mortgage guy and asks about me.  He tells her he hasn't talked with me in a while (true).   The deal closes.  No one tells me anything.  Turns out the mortgage guy is a "friend and business partner" of the realtor; together they own a title company.

The customer said she didn't realize what she had done.  The morgage guy took no responsibility, even though I had told him I had a buyer's agreement with the customer.

The buyer's agreement is valid and I'm told by an attorney I should sue the customer.

I am not a happy camper.

Posted by

Patricia

Comments(5)

Donna Harris
Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com - Austin, TX
Realtor,Mediator,Ombudsman,Property Tax Arbitrator

Sorry to hear your story.  In Texas, procurring cause trumps a buyers rep agreement any day. Another reason I don't use one. If a buyer is going to use someone else to buy a house, a buyer's rep agreement isn't going to stop them.

Feb 01, 2010 06:44 AM
Patricia Harris
Celtic Realty - Dunedin, FL

Thanks for your comment.  Nice Name too!

Feb 01, 2010 07:40 AM
Betty Knowles
Southwest Missouri Realty - Springfield, MO
Ready to sell? Call Betty!

Patricia,  I'm sorry to hear this.  In Missouri a buyers agent is very important however only if you remain in contact with the buyers.  If you can show that they didn't ask to be released or that you haven't abandoned them, you might have a case.  Just to help you feel a little better it has happened to all of us and it stinks!  Good luck!

Feb 01, 2010 08:57 AM
Jeanine Metts
Metts Group at Future Home Realty - Clearwater, FL
Make Your Move with the Metts

Ouch Patty, Did you talk to the other Realtor who didn't ask if the buyer signed an agreement? You can have the board challenge it. Pro is pretty good holding ethic behavior accountable. I can guess the mortgage Broker. I always had doubts about him. I would put in a complaint with the board. Hope all is well!

Jul 30, 2010 04:52 PM
Patricia Harris
Celtic Realty - Dunedin, FL

Thanks for your comment Jeanine....and yes, you do know the mortgage broker.  I will NEVER do business with him again.  Most of the employees at the title company left with bad feelings toward the company.  Lots of dishonesty etc.  I will NEVER do business with them either!  Anyway, let's get together ...haven't seen you in ages.....hope all is well.....

Aug 02, 2010 05:18 AM