Thread: How to handle another Realtor's clients

Show them your listing because it benefits your seller. If they want to buy your listing go ahead and write it up for them and split the commission with the other agent because, again, it benefits your seller.

There is no reason to show them any other houses unless you are feeling very generous. They already have an agent who will be getting paid. It could get real messy if you show them other houses and they want you to write an offer on one of them.

Of course, if they don't have a written agreement with the other agent then do whatever you feel comfortable with.

That's what I figured the response would be. Here is what happened.

After showing the house, I thanked them. She said she would be unable to attend the open house the next day. She then said, "If I want to see the house again can I call you?" I said sure. Then I told her she could also have her agent show her the house at anytime. She then told me that she doesn't have a written contract with the agent. That the agent just told her to tell people who showed her houses that she was her agent. What should I do here? If she wants to see the house again and contacts me, am I working both sides if the Realtor isn't involved at this point?

Also, she kinda complained how the Realtor didn't even let her know that this street was here. I assume she is outta town. Now my mind is running thinking, should I contact her Sunday evening and see how her house hunting has gone? And proceed to tell her I'd be willing to help in anyway I can and just leave it at that? Not actively but passively asking for the job of being her Realtor? Am I crossing an ethical boundary? I just think this may be a good thread to get thoughts and opinions and then newbies can also learn from this.

Thanks,

Show your listing and not the others unless you like working for free. One of the first questions I ask is if the person is already working with another agent. If someone is working with another agent I suggest they need to get their agent to schedule a time to see my listing. If they lie, I cannot help that.

Originally Posted by markbrian

Show your listing and not the others unless you like working for free. One of the first questions I ask is if the person is already working with another agent. If someone is working with another agent I suggest they need to get their agent to schedule a time to see my listing. If they lie, I cannot help that.

I contemplated that but I have two thoughts. 1) I'm not providing due diligence to my client to try and get their home sold, via showing it, if I opted to let their Realtor show it. And 2) There is a high probability when things like this occur that the agent isn't doing a very good job, and shortly I will be getting a call asking if I can help them.

But I completely understand your point. I do have time. If I was swamped they'd have to just wait on their Realtor but I am actually preparing to do an Open House tomorrow and wanted to see what things looked like today.

You may need to understand that if you have to show it for the other Realtor, then you are treading on dangerous ground with dual agency, implied agency, the ethical implications of messing with another Realtors client, etc.

The reason I ask is so I do not waste my time showing homes to someone and not get paid for it. If the potential buyer is working with an agent that is a slacker then they might call me, or another agent to get in the door.

But by asking that question, I am working my way towards getting them to work with me. If they do not want to work with me, I do not want to work with them. If they are already working with another agent, I do not need the headache of a complaint at the Association.

Just like asking if they have already gotten a preapproval letter. Certain questions I ask so as to not waste my time with tire kickers and dreamers that cannot buy. They may be really nice people, but if they cannot buy, I cannot waste time, money and resources on them. Simple economics.

lived in another state who I set up a web page from the mls and sent him listings in the area where his family lived. A short sale was listed, his family went and looked and they called the listing broker.

If we had all brokers like this we would be in trouble. My mistake was not to make him sign an agreement for showings so I blame no one but myself.

The other broker after 3 hours of convincing my client he didn't need a Realtor got him to sign a contract that i wouldn't have my worst enemy sign.

I understand why the Realtor didn't want him to have representation. There aree concessions from the seller going directly to the agents short sale company.
The offer we made was 12k above asking price to cover my commissions. His greed was just unbelievable! There is also a nonrefundable of deposit addenda, and a 3 day inspection period!

I am considering filing a complaint against him.