I've made it a practice to include the state Consumer Information Statement (CIS) in each email that I send to a new or prospective client that inquires about a property and ask that each visitor to an Open House reads and signs such if they state that they are not working with a Realtor.
While it may not have any consequence to some, I've saved one deal from falling into the hands of a potential buyers' friend who was a "dormant" agent. After showing a beautiful home to a young couple at a recent Open House (and having them sign the CIS), they expressed their sincere interest in the property and initiated negotiations on the home. After finally getting through the mortgage pre-qualification the next afternoon, they were ready to begin the offer process. Later the next evening, I get an email stating that they want to go through the wife's friend on the purchase because "they want her to get something out of it."
Mind you, this "friend" did NOTHING to this point, but stood to make over $18,000 in commission if she successfully assumed representing the buyer. The "friend" called me advising that she represented the clients and I simply asked her how she could justify procuring cause. She had no clue as to what I was talking about, but her Broker certainly did.
For those of you that have CIS, or similar forms, in your state, USE THEM! They can come in handy and save you plenty in the long run!
Have a Productive Day,
Scott
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