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Being Black Balled by Agents Outside of Their MLS!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with MVP Realty, LLC

I had a home listed in North West Indiana for 6 months.  I personally went into all of the major Brokerages, multiple times, in the area to market the property, introduce myself, shake hands, etc.  In 6 months the property was shown twice.  Maybe the market is poor, maybe there actually wasn't anyone interested in a beautiful 2 story home located on the golf course and lake (that was sarcasm).

This listing was to assist a family member, but at the same time I was offering 4% commission to a cooperating agent.  I thought that was extremely generous!  After little interest in the home I thought it would be best to refer this property to an agent that was local.  I had been speaking to an agent about sending them this referral for about 2 months.  So, the listing was turned over 1 week ago, and the next day that agent says " I have a couple that might be interested in that property.  It seems curious to me that all of a sudden that people and agents are interested in the property.  I personally feel like I was being black balled for not being a "local"agent.  They have since shown that property twice in 1 week.  I'm sure glad the market has turned around (again, sarcasm!)

Give me your thoughts.  Am I being paranoid, or does this sound to convenient?  Personally, I'm pissed and feel that a lot of those agents behavior was unethical.

 I can tell you this.  If I have a client who is looking out of my MLS area or even state, I am going to bend over backwards to assist them and the cooperating agent.

 Thanks for listening to me vent!

Justin

Alan Brown
Coldwell Banker Realty - Davenport, FL
34 Years of Real Estate Experience .
Sad but true....happens all the time and everywhere, put it down to human nature.
Apr 15, 2008 08:25 AM
Justin Biehl
MVP Realty, LLC - Fishers, IN
Your Hamilton County Real Estate Coach

Alan,

You're right unfortunately.  However, I plan on being in this business a long time, so ethics and service are key components to my daily practice.  Thanks for the comment!

Justin

Apr 15, 2008 08:34 AM
Cherimie Crane
Cherimie Crane & Associates - Beaufort, SC
Justin..that just stinks. Sorry it happened to you.
Apr 15, 2008 08:40 AM
Konnie Mac McCarthy
MacNificent Properties, LLC - Cobb Island, MD
Broker/Owner - VA & MD "Time To Get A Move On!"
who knows people are amazing right.....you would think that they would like to make money showing their clients homes that meet their critieria...not focusing on messing up another agent...... just remember Karma...it's real....
Apr 15, 2008 08:43 AM
Nicole Spears
msWoods Real Estate - Southport, IN

Justin,  That stinks!!  If you were offering them a brokers coop (a generous one at that!!) then it should be of no concern to them. They shouldn't even care if there was no coop fee as far as Ethics goes.  Sounds like they were really looking out for their clients (us Hoosiers are good with sarcasm, huh?!).  ;)

Apr 16, 2008 06:22 AM
Jeff&Grace Safrin
F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate - Valparaiso, IN
SpousesSellingHousesTM

Not necessarily so Justin - We have found that if the clients really want to see the home - they will call us - the listing agents - no matter if other brokers do not cooperate to show them the property. I remember your listing and it is in a subdivision with alot of homes on the market and no signs are allowed in the yards along with a annual assocaiton fee that is expensive for some. Our recent buyers here in NW IN are making offers on show quality, updated homes, priced below Market value! We did keep your listing in mind, and even rsvp's we couldn't make the open house due to prior appointments...But, there are more buyers out looking now than in winter - perhaps this is the time?

Best wishes

Grace

Apr 17, 2008 07:35 AM
DeVerie Riley
Associated Real Estate - Tehachapi, CA
Helping Buyers in Tehachapi & Bakersfield

Isn't sad that people have to act like this...I don't think your feelings were far from the truth on this one...

Cheers, DeVerie

Apr 19, 2008 04:33 PM
Brian Kreick
Willinger Real Estate - Wenatchee, WA
Team up with a local agent to get the property in the MLS.  Offer the agent 1% and the soc 3%.
Apr 21, 2008 03:02 PM
Anonymous
Kelly

I am a homeowner and I signed with a "non familiary" agency after problems with the local one. I know they are doing this to my agent and I for one, if I can prove it, hope that there is legal action. I am sick of watching good agents being "taken down" by the good ol' boys clubs.

Mar 10, 2010 01:21 AM
#9