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Please get over "the threshold" issue in a real estate transaction!

By
Real Estate Agent with Own Tulsa License #142914

Please get over "the threshold" issue in a real estate transaction!

Realtors are independent contractors and very competitive among themselves. Yes, we may work for the same brokerage, but we're all self-employed.

Groom carrying bride over the threshold!

A misunderstood concept in real estate is that the Realtor who took the home buyers across the threshold of a home for sale are entitled to the commission should these Buyers purchase that home.

Balderdash! The Realtor entitled to the commission is the one who can demonstrate procuring cause. The legal definition of procuring cause would be "the cause that results in the attainment of a stated goal". In real estate it would mean that the Realtor who, by their actions in producing a buyer, brought about the sale of a property.

In my books, that means that the Realtor who has the signed Buyers Broker agreement and/or the Realtor who wrote the contract claims procuring cause in a real estate transaction - not necessarily the Realtor who took prospective Buyers across the threshold.

And seriously, Realtors, if you are showing your Sellers' home to prospective Buyers, you are doing what the Sellers paid you to do. If you happen to be on both sides of the transaction, representing both the Seller and Buyer, that's great. But if another Realtor winds up representing the Buyers and brings you a contract, be grateful and proud that you serviced your Sellers well.

Please get over "the threshold" issue in a real estate transaction!

The only threshold rule I recognize is the one on a couple's wedding night. It is believed in some cultures that a marriage will be blessed if the bride does not trip or fall while entering her new home - hence, the reason the groom carries his bride over the threshold.

Home buyers are more savvy today and educate themselves well on the internet - many understand that they have a right to their own representation in a real estate transaction. So, get over the abandoned threshold debate and work towards a smooth transaction for all parties involved.

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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Thom Abbott
MyMidtownMojo.com |770.713.1505 | Intown Atlanta GA Condo Living - Atlanta, GA
Midtown Atlanta GA Condos For Sale

Lori...I've signed brokerage agreements, and the parted ways with clients. I don't take the time to "chase" them and see if they bought something I first showed them, and then demad I be paid. Did I bring the offer? Did I get them to the closing table? Nope.

We all want to make money, but we should in some sense earn it, right?

Sep 04, 2010 07:35 PM
Mike Carlier
Lakeville, MN
More opinions than you want to hear about.

The buyer broker agreement may entitle you to a commission paid by the buyer, but not necessarily by the cooperating listing broker.  To collect from the buyer, be prepared to substantiate that you have complied with your part of the agreement.  I think your opinion of what constitutes procuring cause may not be the same as an arbitrator's.

Sep 05, 2010 01:57 AM
Lori Cain
Own Tulsa - Tulsa, OK
Midtown Tulsa Real Estate Top Producer

Thom - thank you. If you had time to chase them (or even wanted to), you might need another profession.

Mike - I can not imagine a circumstance where I would seek compensation from a Buyer if not offered. To me, the Buyer Broker agreement is more about defining roles and making a commitment.

Sep 05, 2010 02:29 AM
Cynthia Larsen
Cotati, CA
Independent Broker In Sonoma County, CA

I've never even heard the term.  Sounds like a real cut-throat environment you are working in. I guess I'm naive in that matter, the agents here respect the fact that buyers will go to open houses on their own to check out neighborhoods. I always ask "are you working with an agent". And if they say yes I tell them that if they are interested in the house they should call their agent and have them submit an offer. Most all transactions here are co-brokered.

Sep 05, 2010 09:24 AM
Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

I thought the threshold idea was done - I'm surprised you meet up against agents with this mindset.  It all comes down procuring cause, which agent caused to buyer to purchase exactly that threshold. 

Sep 05, 2010 09:33 AM
Lori Cain
Own Tulsa - Tulsa, OK
Midtown Tulsa Real Estate Top Producer

Thank you ladies for dropping by. I think the "threshold issue" is just dying a slow death. :=)

Sep 06, 2010 10:25 AM
Maureen McCabe
HER Realtors - Columbus, OH
Columbus Ohio Real Estate

I thought it was long over too...

"The only threshold rule I recognize is the one on a couple's wedding night. It is believed in some cultures that a marriage will be blessed if the bride does not trip or fall while entering her new home - hence, the reason the groom carries his bride over the threshold."

I knew about it...  I did not know that was why it was done.

Sep 10, 2010 10:13 AM