Hi folks. This article is a response to,"How to Take Advantage of Struggling Real Estate Agents, as a Seller". I was going to write a post to address many of the comments about "I'll show any listing regardless of commission" and "I always put my client's interest first" but then I realized I had already written that post. So here it is.
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Are you being honest with yourself?
First posted 2-24-2008
Here's a little scenario for you.
"Hi Broker Bryant. We saw your ad in the paper and would like to list our property with you."
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Excellent!! I'll be right over.
So, I head over and give them my little spiel and they want to list with me.
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OK folks sign here and here and I will get your property up and running on the market.
"But Broker Bryant.....how much do you charge?"
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Folks, I am bound by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics that states: "When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary" Since your best interest is getting the property sold with the least costs to you I will leave the commission up to you. If I didn't do this I would be putting my interest and livelihood ahead of yours and would be in violation of our CoE. So just pay me whatever you want.
"Well that sounds great Broker Bryant!! You're the bomb!!"
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Yes, I am. Commission does not matter to me at all. I'll gladly work for free if it is in your best interest. That why I'm a REALTOR®. Make sure and tell your friends too.
"But Broker Bryant....don't we have to offer the other agent some money to show and sell our property."
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Yes I'm afraid you do. Our MLS will not allow a property to go into the system unless we offer the selling broker compensation.
"How much do we need to offer?"
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Well folks remember the other broker will be a REALTOR® too and is bound by the same CoE that I am: "When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary" So why don't we just offer them $1. Most REALTORS® don't look at the commission anyway. They just want to get the best deal for their Buyers. The co-broke doesn't really matter. In fact, if they don't show your property we can bring them up on Ethics charges.
"Broker Bryant....we are soooooo glad we called you. You have far exceeded our expectations. No one has ever explained your ethical duties like this before. We'll be sure to send you lots of referrals!"
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Thank you folks!! It sounds like my job here is done!!. Before I leave can I borrow a fiver to pay for my gas home? THE END.
Sounds foolish doesn't it? Well if you feel we have to show every property regardless of the co-broke then this is exactly what you are implying. Or does your incorrect interpretation of the CoE only apply to Buyer Brokers?
If you are telling your Sellers that Buyer Brokers must show their property regardless of the co-broke you are harming them and in fact may be in violation of the CoE. And if you are telling them that Buyer Brokers, who do not show their property, are acting unethical and illegally then you are wrong and may very well find yourself in front of an Ethics Committee.
But, by all means, if you CHOOSE to show all listings, regardless of the co-broke, you are free to do so. Personally, I think you are fooling yourselves. It is your business though. Just know that you do not have to do so. Of course, you do need to have this conversation with your Buyer.
Whay say you?
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