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Confidentiality – Big Part of a REALTOR’s Job

By
Real Estate Agent with Own Tulsa License #142914

Confidentiality - Big Part of a REALTOR's Job

Sadly, many people must sell their homes due to the "3 Ds" as I call them - death, divorce or disaster - which often requires confidentiality as a big part of a Realtor's job. Disaster may include health problems or a job loss - or a job change. image of divorcing couple selling tulsa home

Just received news last night that a couple is divorcing and putting their home on the market. I would love to advertise the house on Facebook because many people know the artist that renovated the home. However, one spouse that's selling is a teacher at a local university - and they don't want word out about the divorce.

One Buyer I'm working with is house-hunting because of a serious disagreement with her landlord, but we're unable to make an offer on a house until she finds about a possible job offer in another state. She has a high profile job, so mum's the word until she finds out.

A girlfriend's husband died unexpectedly and he didn't have sufficient medical or life insurance. She is sorely behind on bills and trying to keep their locally-owned business afloat. She doesn't want friends to know her situation of despair, so we are working quietly to get her home ready to put on the market.

For some reason, Buyers want to know why a Seller is selling - and they ask all the time.

"Why are these people selling?"

To which I answer, "Because they want to live somewhere else."

Confidentiality - Big Part of a REALTOR's Job

Because the reason for buying or selling (mostly selling) is often due to a critical situation, Realtor's must use discretion and honor the confidentiality expected and deserved by their clients.

If you find yourself in a grave situation which necessitates selling your home, I promise to be respectful of your privacy and help you through the real estate process. Among many other skills, confidentiality is a big part of this Realtor's job! 918-852-5036

Content written and published by Lori Cain.

Copyright 2013 Lori Cain All Rights Reserved - Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain

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Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale or call 918-852-5036 for more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate. In addition to my advanced grasp of the internet to market your Tulsa home for sale, I include a home staging consultation with every listing AND professional photography - at no aditional cost to you!

Lori is a residential Realtor with eXp Realty serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

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Lori Cain
Own Tulsa - Tulsa, OK
Midtown Tulsa Real Estate Top Producer

Richie - it's a learned habit, I'm afraid.

Susan - yes it's annoying. I think it's human nature to ask.

Jimmy - I understand. I don't go to them either.  :)

Susan - great points - confidentiality lasts even past the listing agreement expires!

Carol - definitely the right choice!

Janis - against the code of ethics, for sure!

Joan - agreed!!

Jul 14, 2013 02:16 PM
Rosie Crow
Serving Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg, Missouri City - Sugar Land, TX
Exceeding Expectations. Delivering Results
Realtors who release confidential information are doing a disservice to their client.
Jul 14, 2013 03:39 PM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

It is confidential and in respect and honor to our sellers whom I represent, I feel no need nor urgency to even discuss the matter. It seems to work for me. I am never asked either.

Jul 14, 2013 04:47 PM
John Dzialo
Law Offices of John Thomas Dzialo - Santa Ana, CA

Well, confidentiality is major part of realtor’s job and its prime duty keep the matter confidential unless they give us permission to share any information. Realtor’s must use discretion and honour the confidentiality expected and deserved by their clients. 

Jul 14, 2013 07:22 PM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Lori - Super post.  Yes, you guys such play an important tole and keeping things condidential is critical.  (I think there may even be a court case now about this as it relates to a divorce).

Jul 14, 2013 08:01 PM
Josh Gidcumb
Keller Williams Realty - Champaign, IL
Real Estate - 217-202-0571, Champaign, IL

Greetings Lori. I totally agree with you on this. Confidentiality is key for realtors. The whole relationship is built on trust with the client. This should always be top of mind for all of us. Keep up the great work and have a great week!

 

Jul 14, 2013 09:01 PM
Sharon Kowitz
CRS-SRES-ABR-GRI-E-Pro-CREN ~ COMPASS RE - Cary, NC
Cary, NC Relocation Specialist ~ Buying or Selling

Bad things happen to good people and it is our job to hold their hand until they reach the other side of a transaction.

Confidentiality is part of this job, thanks for a great post.

Jul 14, 2013 09:50 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Our fiduciary responsiblity to our sellers (and buyers, for that matter) is to make sure we do or say nothing that jeopardizes their negotiating position. It's really important to keep one's mouth shut... but I know if I chat up an agent very often they will let stuff slip.

Jul 14, 2013 10:16 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

I like your answer. Sure we have access to a lot of very personal information and must guard it carefully.

Jul 14, 2013 10:17 PM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

A good reminder and lesson for all of us. .confidentially  is one of our most important duties as Realtors. .

Jul 14, 2013 11:09 PM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Lori, confidentially is one of the five fiduciary responsibilities we have to our clients as real estate agents. Good response as to why they are selling.

Jul 14, 2013 11:39 PM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Sorry ... can't talk about it. Confidential and can not make a public comment because of previous information, knowledge. (smile)

Jul 15, 2013 12:05 AM
Rob Spinosa
US Bank - Larkspur, CA
Mortgage Loan Originator, Marin County

"Transparency" is a buzzword that is very much in favor.  And while I am all for appropriate transparency, and especially telling of the truth, I do not disregard that with transparency comes a high degree of need for discretion.  Dwight Eisenhower was not transparent about the plans for D-Day.  We are all grateful for that...

In all important matters, it is often not possible or advisable to be 100% transparent, though I still uphold that it's 100% necessary to be honest.  Your answer above accomplishes both.  Good work.

Jul 15, 2013 12:06 AM
Lori Cain
Own Tulsa - Tulsa, OK
Midtown Tulsa Real Estate Top Producer

Rosie - disserve to say the least!

Jane - interesting that you're never asked, but that's great!

John - expected and DESERVED . . .

Debbie - would be interested to hear about the court case if anyone has a link.

Josh - the relationship is SO important. You have a great week also!

Sharon - hand-holding is a big part of our job also. People literally put their lives in our hands.

Nina - absolutely loose lips jeopardize our negotiating position.

Gary - thank you! Guarding information is important.

Fernando - a good reminder indeed.

Michael - thank you - that response lets people know I'm not talking!

Andrew - you're awfully clever this early in the day!!!  :)

Jul 15, 2013 12:23 AM
Lori Cain
Own Tulsa - Tulsa, OK
Midtown Tulsa Real Estate Top Producer

Rob - great comment and feedback. Thank you!

Jul 15, 2013 12:24 AM
Jeff Fisher
PureWest Real Estate - Whitefish, MT
PUREWEST REAL ESTATE/Christies

I've always tried to follow this simple definition of a fiduciary; is someone that by law has to put the client's well being ahead of their own.

Great post!

Jul 15, 2013 12:39 AM
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

Yes, Confidentiality is a FIDUCIARY duty...legally it is not always required. Morally is another story.

Transaction brokers, facilitators, and non-agents have no fiduciary duties.  No fiduciary=no confidentiality.

 

 

Eve in Orlando

Jul 15, 2013 02:26 AM
Lori Cain
Own Tulsa - Tulsa, OK
Midtown Tulsa Real Estate Top Producer

Thanks Jeff and Eve. The transaction/single party laws are about to change in our state, but I don't know what to expect once it's rolled out. Regardless, our clients depend on us to be caring and trusted partners.

Jul 16, 2013 09:53 AM
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