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So, are you working with another realtor?

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Real Estate Agent with Island tradition Properties

This seems to be the biggest question when working with new clients.  Are they or aren't they working with someone?  This is something that could potentially land you in front of the board if you are not careful.  But what about those buyers who are in such a hurry and their agent is just not showing them everything they need.  Is it possible for a buyer to use several agents to show them property in different parts of the county they all work in?  I had a buyer call the other day and they were in front of a home they wanted to see.  They sold their home in Kentucky and were in great need of a new home and fast.  So I got the information needed and we saw the home and a few others that were in the same neighborhood.  It turns out they were using three or four other agents trying to get the best agent to use for their transaction.  Would we as realtors be liable for something if our client is searching the realtor pool for the best prize catch?  They are looking for the realtor who will work the best for them and it turns out it wasn't the other realtors.  Nobody has shown the people the same property so there is no problem there.  But, will all realtors involved be able to get a piece of the final commission if they decide to put an offer in on a property.   No, we didn't show them that property but we were all working with them for a short time to show them something in the quick time that they needed?

On some level I can see how this might be a problem, but I feel a client is able to use as many realtors as they want until they find the one they are truly comfortable with.  What would the standard be in this case.  Should we all just say, you need to choose one of us and stick with it?  Now my time with them was very short lived and it got me out of the office for an hour or two.   It just feels like something isn't right here and we might all be setting ourselves up for a big fall in the end.  Are there no easy transactions anymore?  Now I have only been doing this for around 9 months but feel very comfortable in this industry.  I am just ready for the buyer or seller who doesn't want to short sale or buy REO and they have their pre-qual in place and are serious about buying or selling.  Where are these people?  Do they actually exist?   Most of the time it seems everyone likes the thought of buying a home but they are very far from it.  I am looking forward to some normalcy in the industry very soon, I hope.

Comments(5)

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Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

A customer using multiple agents is similar to a dude dating multiple women at the same time. It all comes down to disclosure. As long as all parties are informed up front, I don't see the issue.

 But just like the boyfriend that gets busted from a facebook picture, things get dicey quick when upfront disclosure is missing.

Aug 01, 2011 03:01 AM
Christine Koch
eXp Realty - San Antonio, TX
Realtor - eXp Realty San Antonio TX

Miacheal,  we can have a buyer/broker agreement signed by the  buyer.  You can just name the properties you show or have them sign for any property that they purchase in a period of time.  This will protect your commission.

Aug 01, 2011 03:27 AM
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

How are they defining who the best realtor will be for them? Sounds like they could benefit from a sit-down to review how this all works.... And I agree w/ Christi --- put each property you show them on the buyer's agreement. Good luck!!

Aug 01, 2011 03:55 AM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Buyer broker agreement is the only way. I ask the question and if they are using other agents, I don't get involved.

Aug 01, 2011 05:23 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Michael -- I like Doug's comparison --- full and upfront disclosure is important.   

Aug 20, 2012 03:46 AM