You are right thay should have had the business sense to refer. Maybe that itself says a lot about them. I predict that we will see a huge number drop out this month as NAR and State Association dues need to be paid.

I would refer to a capable agent.  I moved companies last year and decided not to take a listing with me, but wanted to make sure my clients were well taken care off.  So I handed them off (couldn't refer) to another agent I trusted and who was familiar with the house (and had met the sellers).

We have agents leaving and getting jobs - but so far those that have listings still have them.  That may change when at the end of the month when the dues are really due!

Geeze, I forgot about that...there was a mass exodus in September and more in November/December...that's  OK... more for us serious sellers...it's about time anyway...the ones who aren't full timers or neewbies without help ruin alot of deals...thanks for posting Graham!

Great Post idea!

You would think that the responsible thing to do is give the listing to someone in your office that you trust or admire & ask for a referral fee!

Another idea might be to call the seller & explain to them that because of unforeseeable circumstance that you need to have someone you trust or a very competent business partner take over the listing. No need to go into details.  At least have the courtesy to call the sellers! Sheesh, don't be such a coward.

They should have referred them for sure! If they played their cards right they could have made some money off those listings if they had sold. You don't just drop them, refer the listing to an associate for a 20% referral fee and make some money on it in the end. Then they also haven't upset a customer and harmed the reputation of the company they worked for. What a shame. Good for you though!

Brenda,

Hello, if the are going "in-active" just give it to a friend or something.

Or "hello" any one can give me their contacts for a listing...I'll take care of them!

Mary, I agree...but, if they go inactive, can they collect a referral fee...I don't think they can if they go in-active, I'm not sure, will have to ask my broker...

I hope that everyone leaving the industry will refer their clients to me!  :-D

I would never leave my clients without an agent!!  I'm off for surgery now and have 2 backup agents covering for me!!  You should never burn your bridges! 

The listing belongs to the Broker, and some Brokers will not let the agents do anything with it when the agent moves on. They will assign it to another agent in the office.