You want a better reputation? EARN IT!
Recently I read a blog post touting a Broker's "gift of interrogation" and I was somewhat taken aback. Maybe it's the use of the word interrogation which just sounds wrong to me. Maybe I grew up watching too many cop shows, maybe it's the fact I worked in the court system for many years. Whatever the reason, interrogate is a word I associate with criminal activity. And you can bet if another Broker or Agent interrogated my Seller, I'd have a little something to say about it.
If you are a REALTOR®, you have agreed to abide by the COE, and you would be wise to avoid substantive discussions with another Agent's Client.
SOP 16-13:
All dealings concerning property exclusively listed, or with buyer/tenants who are subject to an exclusive agreement shall be carried on with the client's representative or broker, and not with the client, except with the consent of the client's representative.
But I'm just trying to help my Client in their negotiations -- I have to use whatever advantage I have.
I think Agents are forgetting something. Yes, you do work for your Client and you do have a responsibility to look out for their best interests -- But not when you choose to break the rules in order to do so.
At the very least, substantive conversations with another Agent's Client will burn bridges with that Agent, and probably all the Agents in their office. Thereby, you have just made transactions with those Agents tougher on your Clients. That's not really looking out for your Clients; is it? Where's the "Trust Factor"? When did it become okay to throw integrity out the window for the sake of ego?
Sure, sometimes Sellers are going to talk more than they should. How about taking the high road and ending the conversation when it's clear they are giving you more information than they should? Consumers don't think of you as the enemy when you are showing their home. How about if you don't act like it? Make a choice to be aboveboard in all your dealings.
Another consideration? Ultimately, you work for yourself. And breaking the
rules could cost you your job. Is interrogating another Agent's Client really worth placing your integrity in question? Is showing off your interrogation prowess really worth facing the Real Estate Commission on an Ethic's Violation Charge, worth that 5 minutes of fame?
You want to know why REALTORS® have such a bad reputation with the general public? It's because there are a few Agents out there behaving in a less than professional manner, and they're hurting all of us. The onus is on each of us to stand up, speak up and call them on it!!! You want change? You'll have to make it happen . . .
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