RealTown's RealTalk

I just came from a 2 day ethics class!  :)

Questions:  Are you both REALTORS?

Do you have an exclusive representation agreement  (signed BBA) with the consumer?

If you do, and she approached the agent, the agent could discuss the terms of future representation with her upon expiration of your exclusive, but that is it.

It's possible that if the agent approached the consumer and continued to pursue her after she disclosed she had representation, that the agent's words and actions may have been inappropriate. However, it sounds more like he approached the line but did not cross it.

If you do not have signed exclusive representation with that buyer, she is 'fair game' no matter who approached who first.

Fortunately, it sounds like you have a rapport with her.

(How'd I do, COE experts?)  :)

Candice ~~~
Candice A. Donofrio, ABR, CCSS, e-PRO, MRE
Owner/Designated Broker ~ 928-704-5181 / 866-228-2643
Next Wave Real Estate Investments, LLC
Bullhead City, AZ ~ On The Beautiful Colorado River
Certified ePRO Internet Professional and Trainer
Certified Commercial Sales Specialist
Faculty, Commercial Real Estate Institute
Candice@RealEstateBHC.com  http://RealEstateBHC.com
www.CommercialBHC.com   www.RealEstateBHC.biz
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"It's fun to do the impossible."  ~ Disney

Personally I wouldn't have commented on another agents status. Perhaps the agent discussed is an "uber agent" in the area, but it's one thing that keeps new agents coming into the business, their axcessibility and eagerness to help clients find properties. An inverse of the question at hand is why given this "uber agent's" reputation hadn't the client in question worked with them or even known them. I've only been in the business for 5 years and have come up on this situation several times. Your broker/owner can assist you with how to reply,  or you can really show how your earnestly working in their best interests and have the time and resources to best assist them. Don't make it an issue with your client, instead display your professionalism and rise above this issue.

I wouldn't confront the other agent they may be a listing agent for a property in the future. At the next professional contact with the agent I would say hello and mention how they had met your client. That should be enough to "mark " your territory and advise a seasoned agent of your relationship.

I use the term agent rather than Realtor(TM) because you both may not be Realtors(TM). If that is the case refer to the Rules of Ethics for Realtors(TM). Many "older" agents have too much confidence in their positions as an "authority" and assume their reputations will carry them. As a "fresh" agent you have the opportunity to show your zeal, professionalism, and dedication to your client to find them the property they desire.

Good luck in your endeavor

I'm a Realtor, and from the MLS web site, so is the person in question that have pursued my client.  I have been in this area since day one, 6 years, I have a GRI, e-Pro, QSC and have taken classes as a HomeStager.  I have a web page, a MLS web page, I'm a HUD agent and spend an awful lot of time learning every detail of this business and pride myself on being very knowledgable about real estate and the business.  When I tried to find out about this particular Realtor, I couldn't find anything except his name on the MLS list, (no web page), his company and license info and nothing else except his name on the company web page, (no picture or bio). 

I have a representation agreement with this client, of course, and have a very good relationship with her, otherwise I don't think she would have called me from work to tell me about this situation.  I asked this question, basically to see what my friends and fellow Realtors had to say.  From what I heard from my client, he was aggressive, pushy, and kept telling her that, "it was who you know that mattered."  She told me that she took it as a put down to me and wasn't very happy that he also thought she was incompetent in not remembering who I worked for when he asked her.  I think this person did not know what he was doing.  It's possible he was a part time Realtor, like I have come into contact with time and again, and doesn't have the education to be out there talking to anyone.  I personally am extremely offended by this person and would like to tell every part timer out there, it does not matter how much time you put into this business, just make sure you know what you're doing.

""The customer was a Realtor and asked who she is using.  When she told him, he replied that he has worked in the same area for a long time and never even heard of me before.  He continued to ask questions and even gave her his card saying, "It's all in who you know, and if you ever even have a question, just call me.""

My response is this:  The good news is that your clients found the person offensive, so don't stress it too much...BUT, I would bring it to the attention of your local MLS president to ask his/her opinion.   By doing this, you get to find out what is or isn't considered legal for your MLS and for your area, plus you get to mention the persons name to your MLS president, who will remember it I promise you.   We recently had an agent who FINALLY got suspended for a year after repeatedly violating all sorts of rules and regs.   Not everyone filed formal complaints against the person, but many people brought the situation to the attention of the MLS president.  Although we are not supposed to gossip about others, I assure you that people reputations spread like wildfire and come into play when a formal complaint is filed.   If you have no "bad marks" against your name you will be treated fr better than someone who comes in front of an ethics committee with a rotten reputation!     ~BrucePaluzzi@243-9999.com      www.243-9999.com