Few People Want to Report a Real Estate Agent

This issue can sometimes be a difficult one.  On one hand if there is an agent making flagrant errors in judgement, that needs to be remedied!  To ignore it reflects on us all.  But, on the other hand, I do remember one particular agent who was more of a busy body than a good agent.  She seemed to make it her life's work to exaggerate perceived "infractions," and report them. 

It's one thing to market better, or be more skilled and knowledgeable than another; but it's quite another to simply want to go around bumping off your competition.

I did report one particular agent who continually viewed and toured listings that were under contract. Once can be a mistake and I did call and listened to her hum or haw with some excuse. When she did it again, I called the RMLS. Not sure if they did anything but issue a warning...if that. 

you make some excellent points here - glad that you took the time to write this post 

I agree with the others comments, you have made some excellent points.  Many times I have been faced with the same dilemma and it really comes down to deciding what to do on a case by case basis.  But bottom line is acting with the utmost integrity and expecting others in our profession to do the same.

Having sat on our Ethics and Grievance Committee for three years, I totally get how cumbersome reporting an agent can be. But that being said, having adjudicated many a complaint, I also know how important it is to report when behavior is truly egregious. If we don't, we give permission for that behavior to continue.

Elizabeth- I do believe it should be on a case by case basis but if it's blatant and the agent continues to ignore what's right then report it. Not doing so is like us when we complain about doctors or law enforcement protecting their own. 

Elizabeth, the agent advertising bad neighborhoods should be turned in.   Would the real estate commission ever see this?

Oh, I totally agree, Elizabeth. Our not reporting only perpetuates the problem...not just from the guilty agent but, others see that no measures are taken and feel free to do and say what they please.

I tend to call them out and if there is no correction or remorse reporting is necessary. I teach ethics and it is hard to let things slide.

I'm mullling over reporting an agent that represented her husband in a fraudulent situation.  The difficulty I am having is proving it.  Proof is vital.  And my spidy senses tell me she lied to me about a lot of things, but proving she lied is another.  My seller got fed up with the buyer not depositing the EMD and voided.  We'll never know if the buyer could have consumated the deal.