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I take the high road ------

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner 01293735 CA

An out of area agent calls up yelling at me as I won't show his client a house without him there unless I have a referral agreement - I say thank you.

I have an agent who wants the keys to the house for her client before the close of escrow - I say, I am so sorry, I do not do that. It closes - you get the keys. I will be happy to meet you and client there anytime you wish to view the home.

I have a friend who calls to ask me questions about her realtor. I say - I am sorry that unless you sign with me as your agent, I cannot speak to you about the sale of your home. You need to call your agent and I am sure she can answer your questions.

I have a bank who is asking for the same short sale information to be sent over for the 4th time. I say - no problem. I have it right here.

I have a client with 542 credit who is short saling his house and needs a place to live. After being denied on 4 homes,I find him a great home for $1200 a month and he says "he wants to think about it." In a few days, I get a call from an agent for a referral for him on a home he wants to rent for $1700 a month and she wants to know if he can afford it. I tell her kindly, to check his paystubs. I do not have an agency on him for this home.

These are afew situations where I feel we as agents and brokers really need to watch ourselves and our clients. There is alot of legal liability for not only what we do, but what we say. I try to take my time before responding.

 

 

Posted by

 LORI BOWERS

http://www.loribowers.com

The Lori Bowers Group

A boutique Real Estate Office, with a full service team to serve all your Real Estate Needs

La Quinta, Palm Desert, Indio, Rancho Mirage, Coachella , Indian Wells and the surrounding Palm Springs Area.

78120 Calle Estado Suite 103

Old Town La Quinta

La Quinta, CA 92253

Phone: (760)8311595• Fax: (760)771-5327

Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Lori, Excellent advice. Too many folks these days want pro bono from agents like you and me. I have heard this situation about getting the keys  before funding several times recently. I really can not believe people actually ask that question. Hang in there and thinking before speaking in this or any other business is always a wise thing to do.

Aug 05, 2011 03:44 AM
Pam Miller
Realty Associates - Conroe, TX
Broker Associate - Water Crest on Lake Conroe

Lori - I have to admit that sometimes these types of questions make me lose my sunny disposition!  But, if you are able to take the the high road, then I think that is wonderful!

Aug 05, 2011 04:28 AM
Donne Knudsen
Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA - Simi Valley, CA
CalState Realty Services

 Lori -BRAVO!!!  WTG!!!  You're a class act!!!  If more Realtors/agents operated this way, we would probably see a lot less violations (at least here in CA we would).

Clapping Hands

Aug 05, 2011 05:15 AM
Linda Urbick
RealtyOne Group - San Ramon, CA
Selling San Ramon Valley - 925-786-5132

Lori - you are right we have to watch this. I recently attended a seminar and the attorney speaking indicated that we should not engage any type of conversation with a buyer who has an agency agreement with another agent. Even if they are the buyers of our listings. Everything should go thru their agent.

Aug 05, 2011 06:41 AM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Lori, great answers you gave.  What gets me the most is when someone asks me what they should do in their on going transaction.  Ask your agent, that's why they get paid for.

Aug 05, 2011 09:30 AM
Lori Bowers
La Quinta, CA
The Lori Bowers Group

I love all your input. Thanks for the comments.

Aug 05, 2011 09:42 AM
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Lori--I agree with all the points you make here.  I am glad that Donne K. sent me here.

Aug 07, 2011 09:28 AM
Brenda Mullen
RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX
Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!

That is absolutely awesome Lori-  I wish more agents were like you :)!

Aug 07, 2011 10:23 AM
Maya Swamy
Funds Available - Long Beach, CA
Ph.D. Long Beach, CA - fundsavailable.com

I came here from Donne's post. You make some great point - other realtors should follow them

Aug 07, 2011 12:20 PM
Pacita Dimacali
Alain Pinel - Oakland, CA
Alameda/Contra Costa Counties CA

Lori ---

I'm sure there will be a few more situations that will challenge you. But no worries...you will always pick the best and most ethical position.

Do you believe in karma?

Take care

 

Aug 07, 2011 09:49 PM
Don Sabinske
Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. - Zimmerman, MN
Sabinske & Associates Inc.

Lori, I like this one enough to reblog it.  I would just hope that all my agents are as smart as you are.

Aug 10, 2011 09:37 AM