The work day came to a close yesterday with a call from a Buyer. He got my number from a friend. He’s been out looking for homes and finally found one he’d like to make an offer on.

High dollar home, pre-approved, has all his down payment funds, wants to move in the next 45 days, can we get together tonight and write the offer?! It was the total package for a smooth “drop in your lap” transaction. 

But wait.  Hmmm.  I ask, “Who showed you the home?”

“Well, it’s like this.  I am involved with another Realtor, but we don’t get along. She’s great and all that – but… I know it sounds like I am cheating on her, it's not working out with her and I plan to cut the ties tomorrow.”

This other agent put a lot of time and effort into helping this man find a home.  They were out all day together looking. I think they can work through the personal issues.  Call her, work through the issues and write the offer!

There are agents who might have jumped on this, written the offer and found reasons why it would have been OK to do it.  But there are many things I believe in – and a big one is – don’t do things that aren’t right. 

At some point in your career – you could end up being the other agent. Set your karma right - don’t help someone “cheat” – and don’t let money make you justify doing things that you probably know you shouldn’t be doing.  

Buying or selling Tucson real estate, Mt Lemmon, Tucson bank-owned homes, Tucson rental homes, or Tucson lease option homes? Visit www.KGCPropertiesLLC.com!

                                     

 

This blog is written with my opinions and my opinions are presented with accuracy but not guarantees. Please talk to a professional before making any real estate, financial or agency decisions.    Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind - 2011. If you want to reprint parts of this - just email me for my permission:TucsonsRealEstate@gmail.com.

 

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

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

SEP
21
Outside Blog

Great post!  Thank you!

9:42am • #50
195,512 Points Outside Blog

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. 

9:46am • #51
228,957 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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

9:46am • #52
1,022,995 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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. 

10:24am • #53

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?

10:40am • #54
Outside Blog

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

10:52am • #55
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I have been the recipient of several buyers on the rebound.  I never got in to a situation exactly like this, however, where they had already seen the home. Congrats on the feature!

 

12:20pm • #56
495,787 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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?

12:22pm • #57
902,234 Points 20 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Gabrielle, very good advice and a gret reflection of your integrity.
12:23pm • #58
584,667 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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!

12:56pm • #59
147,395 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

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!

2:00pm • #60
347,395 Points 29 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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

2:06pm • #61
209,930 Points 1 Featured Post

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. 

4:05pm • #62
119,666 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

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

7:14pm • #63
471,429 Points 11 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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

11:23pm • #64
SEP
22

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.

6:13am • #65

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.

9:07am • #66
316,844 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

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.

10:52am • #67
117,833 Points 1 Featured Post

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.

11:41am • #68
SEP
25
267,897 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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!

9:19pm • #69

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All


What does the graphic say?
Leave a response…


(optional)
Spam Prevention:
 
20130205_083835 Rainmaker_large

Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind, Broker/Owner

Tucson, AZ

More about me…

KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate

Address: PO Box 18621, Tucson, AZ, 85731

Office Phone: (520) 245-0242

Cell Phone: (520) 245-0242

Email Me



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find AZ real estate agents and Tucson real estate on ActiveRain.