It’s Like Meeting A Great Guy – Only To Find Out He’s Married.

Hi Gabrielle, it always pays to do the Right thing!   I like your title, it reminds me of a great old song, so I attached a link below to Alanis Morissette's song.

http://youtu.be/Jne9t8sHpUc

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Jne9t8sHpUc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Great post!  Thank you!

I agree with your perspective, however, I always ask if the prospect is contracted with another agent before I discuss any other issues. Many agents fail to get a BAA and use the obligation factor to get a contract, why is beyond me, so if a contract doesn't exists and the prospect meets my client profile, I'll represent him. 

I love the title to your post!  Congrats to you for doing the right thing!

If I get dumped like this I watch to see if the Buyer closes on anything I showed him.  If they do I will file "procuring cause" and try to get the commission. 

I have to say to a large extent I agree with Kimo. If a buyer's agent hasn't even gotten a BAA, they are not properly representing their own interests, so how are they representing the buyer? I think this is very much a situational issue, and not as black and white as we'd all like to wish it was. I think maybe a better determining question than "are you working with a real estate agent?" is "are you represented by a real estate agent?" Many uninformed consumers may think because they met an agent at an open house and got set up for a custom house search they are working exclusively with that broker. In the situation above, I would make it clear that I cannot legally or ethically interfere in a contractual relationship between another agent and a buyer, but if that changes I'd be happy to help the person in any way I can. I would also entertain giving the initial agent a referral fee so as not to burn bridges. Also, on the flip side, if I have a client I know I'm not working well with, why wouldn't I refer them to an agent better suited for them, pocket the referral fee and and lose the angst?

Great job Gabriella - The highest form of ethics has been displayed.

Hi Gabrielle, you did the right thing assuming the buyer goes back to the other Realtor.  What if he doesn't or the other Realtor fails to follow up?

Darn Gabrielle - are you saying agents should not only have a conscience, but follow it?

Good for you. Doing the right thing always feels good - and keeps you healthy, too!

I enjoyed reading this post, and clever title!  This buyer should have 'cut the ties' a while ago.  You'll get another easy deal soon!

Just like with me, if they'll cheat WITH you, then they'll cheat ON you :) Fabulous post, Gabrielle!

If I were in the same situation, I would have asked the potential client if I could call the other agent and see if you could work out a referral or split- obviously the client was not happy with the other agent and wanted different representation- like you I would not have just taken the deal and run with it- but nI am sure that he would have found and other agent that would...  This way everyone wins a partial...  And nobody completely loses. 

Looks like you know a lot more than just how to spell "ethics."

Gabrielle,  I totally agree with you and have done the same thing.  "What goes around comes around!"

Hi Gabrielle,

congratulations for demonstrating integrity, accountability and compassion -- to your higher Self, to the other Agent and Broker, and to the image of our 'universal' real estate industry.

I too had some time ago similar circumstances when a prospective buyer who came through my listing with another agent approached me later wishing to buy ONLY through me. I immediately called and texted, and later in the office faxed the other sales Rep and his Broker, explaining  the 'delicate' circumstances and that I would be writing the offer, yet they would get their standard 30% comm. off the total fee.  This resulted in gaining  a 'silent' friend, and in addition respect from the other agency too.

I feel that as an industry we are often navigating through complex and uncertain times with high levels of competition and clouded ego --  it takes strength to empower qualities of intuition, empathy and balance in order to awake and gain new vibrations  -- catalyst to spiritual awakening.

Your conundrum takes me back to the great American Ashkenazim sociologist Lawrence Kohlberg who stated in his moral reasoning theory that only a few people in the higher stages will embrace  fully integrity, accountability and loyalty. You are definetely one of them, plus you empowered your Soul with good Karma.

To you with respect, Gabrielle.

Thank you for your honesty and integrity. All agents should abide by it, but unfortunately, as we both know, many don't. It was the ethical thing to do.

Kudus to you Gabrielle, as many of the other agents stated, if only what you demonstrated would be the normal practice for handling a situation like this, however it is not.

Hi Gabrielle,

You certainly did the right thing. I am sure if the other agent found out she/he would thank you! Hopefully the guy does go back and use her/him.

Catching up on AR featured blogs.  Had to post on yours.  You are a good agent to re-think what the circumstances were for that buyer.  It's good to be on the right side of the rules!  Best of luck!