THAT WAS THEN

Remember waaay back, oh, two or three months ago, when builders were clammoring to be our friends?  Back when they would ply us with catered events just to get us to take a peek at their stagnant projects?  And when they would offer nice bonuses to entice us to show their developments to our clients?  Those builders made us feel so important. Needed. Like they wanted to be our partners.  I even remember a builder telling a set of clients that I would be paid even though I did not accompany them on their first visit.  Anything to get the sale! 

...AND WITH A QUICK TURN OF THE WORM

We welcome May 2013.  Inventories are low and the builders are revving their Caterpillars to satisfy the shortage.  Freshly painted model homes are popping up all over and suddenly I find myself to be a persona non grata because the same company that had relentlessly pleaded for my attention just six months ago has taken from me a client with whom I had worked for nearly five years buying and selling properties, despite her protest that she was working with me as her agent.  She was told that if she wanted the "special discount," there was no room for a commission.

Did I have Agency established with my client?  Yes.  Can I legally go after her for a commission?  Yes.  Will I?  Not likely, but I am just as unlikely to ever show another of that builder's products again.   It's all over now.