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Playing by the rules

The Division of Real Estate Enforcement Unit, now those are attention getting words! Today I did something I hope I never, ever have to do again. Recently, a friend of mine told me a story: if you don't tell people there is a snake in the grass you are no better than the snake. But I'm still not happy about having to write a letter of complaint about another agent.

On December 27, 2007 one of my sellers received a letter and contract to buy from an agent here in Pueblo. This listing has a sign on it and has been on two MLS. This agent is not a Realtor, in fact she's an agent who already has a disciplinary action against her. But she is crossing signs in my opinion and violated any standards of professional conduct. Her letter to my sellers said in additional provisions that she was a licensed real estate agent on "inactive status." After I became aware of the situation I looked her up on DORA, she is actually an active agent.

Fortunately for me, my seller works for a title company and understands the rules of the game. My seller not only contacted me to tell me about her offer, he faxed me everything he had received from her. So today my cover letter, with the cover letter from the other agent and offer got faxed to the Real Estate Commission.

I don't ever want to have to write another letter like this again. Why is it so hard to play by the rules?

Failure is not the only punishment for laziness; there is also the success of others.
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Posted by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor on 01/11/2008 02:48 PM

Comments (11)

dora, do the right thing

Originally posted at: Do the Right Thing. : Playing by the rules

11 Comments on Playing by the rules

JAN

2008

Dena, It's a good thing that your sellers had someone looking out for their interest. It's unfortunate that people continue to "bend the rules" to get around doing things the right way.

Howdy Dena

You did the right thing by turning it over to the Division of Real Estate Enforcement Unit. I also do not understand why some folks think they don't need to play by the rules. As long as we go by the rules we can have a free conscience.

Have a good one

Dale

That question has always given me pause considering how many people are in prison that are actually very bright folks that just could not understand their value to society using their positive energy.

Turn the bad ones in and let the guardians of the public take care of them.

Fierce competition in the industry and agents struggling in the market of new challenges and more difficult sales, sometimes make people (agents) do some not so smart things. If they think it's worth losing a professional license over, not to mention their reputation and other consequences....they'll sink themselves eventually with or without a complaint. Unfortunately actions like this agents brings the whole real estate profession down a notch

Thank you all for your comments. You make me feel better about the whole thing. I'm not the kind of person that goes around being a Tattle Tale. But when pushed into a corner.......

Dena I agree completely with what you said about "if you don't tell people there is a snake in the grass you are no better than the snake" because they just keep on burning people unless someone has the guts to step forward. You had the guts and did the right thing.

Snakes come in many forms though. Be sure that you don't get bitten by a copperhead while dodging a black snake!

I absolutely agree with you that if we don't discipline our profession, it will only go downhill.

JAN

2008

Thats unfortunate. I wish I could say it didnt happen often. I think its bad we have to report others but it would be so much easier if everyone would abide by professional ethics.

Dena - seems to me the only way for get this sort of thing to stop is to report the violations. It can be a lot of work, especially if there is a hearing and all, but so often folks just turn the other cheek. Good for you, and good for your sellers.

Jeff

JAN

2008

Dena...It is not hard to play by the rules. And even if it is at times, it's the way we have to play this game or most of us would stop playing and go home. It's knowing that many others play by the rules enables us to remain in real estate.

Don't feel bad if you report someone who is not being ethical. We need to feel bad when we don't because these people will do wrong again and again if they are not stopped.

Good luck and good job!

Kathleen

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