I do show them, but do so conditionally. Some Realtors don't show them according to what I have heard at the water cooler many times. Buyers sometimes get frustrated by that but there are some valid concerns, and I certainly understand. At the same time, I love what I do for a living but it's for a living, not a hobby.
As Tom Morgan, Vice President of Legal Affairs for the Texas Association of Realtors (TAR), said in today's e-magazine, Texas Realtors DO have a responsibility to show ALL non-MLS listings that we are aware if by way if the buyer or their Realtor.
Fortunately for Texas Realtors, TAR has provided the "Registration Agreement Between Broker and Owner" (2401) that defines the sales price and the commission payable. I'll go one step further and state as a Broker that, if the seller is unwilling to sign this agreement then Texas Realtors still have the duty to inform the buyer client that yes, we can show you that property, but keep in mind that the seller is unwilling to pay the commission therefore be advised that the signed Buyer Represntation Agreement says that if the seller refuses to pay then the commission payable will be paid by the buyer. That is precisely what I have told my buyers in these circumstances.
The interview continued with a follow up about being responsible for showing properties that we DON'T KNOW about. Sounds silly, impossible even, but Realtors have been tested on unrealistic matters like this for years, and sometimes lose. Mr. Morgan said that it isn't reasonable to be expected to show properties that we don't know about.
Is there any other reason or reasons why Realtors don't like to show them? Certainly. Often FSBO sellers have had a bad experience so they can be difficult. Other reasons include their reason for NOT using a Realtor - they didn't agree with the suggested pricing, repairs, or improvements. It makes our job much more difficult in that we end up having to do considerably more work and be challenged on everything, usually. It truly is a challenge for all.
None-the-less, we do have a responsibility to show the home with the conditions that I previously stated. Keep that in mind the next time you see one that possibly meets your clients needs.
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