Comments on: Shhhhh….

By: Paula Henry

Paula Henry — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:17:44 +0000

Vicki – I have to say – I have never been in a situation where I actually used information learned from my office, but I have received some great info from the other agent in negotiations on a home. In all situations, they should negotiate from a position of strength, not desperation.

Matthew – I remember those office meetings well, that’s where some of these statements came from. It never ceases to amaze me what some agents will give up about their client.

Patricia – I agree – agents do not mean harm – my guess is they just don’t think. Chances are slim, the person they are talking to is going to bring the buyer or list the right home, however, it could happen. It’s unfortunate many can relate to this. Most of the comments I hear come during negotiations or inquiries about a home.

I would be cautious to reveal anything about my clients, other than ” my client’s said to make an offer”, unless I had their agreement in writing.

By: Patricia Green

Patricia Green — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:44:17 +0000

Paula,
Loved your comments about “water cooler talk”, and how true it is. Most agents mean well when they are speaking to other agent “friends” but do forget that they have a responsibility at ALL TIMES to their client. Depending on the situation, I just listen and don’t speak. As an agent, it can help if I have a client looking for a good deal and their are agents (not just in my office only) that tend to have loose lips. It is a different situation thought if that client allows the agent to disclose to other agents their situation, and I have personally had that happen to me. Then it is okay to tell of their situation, no matter how desperate the client.
Just thought I’d throw that in………….Thanks!

By: Youngstown Ohio

Youngstown Ohio — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:08:05 +0000

youngstown ohio real estate

Dan –

Standard of Practice 15 states:

REALTORS®shall not knowingly or recklessly make false or misleading statements about competitors, their businesses, or their business practices. (Amended 1/92)
• Standard of Practice 15-1
REALTORS®shall not knowingly or recklessly ?le false or unfounded ethics complaints. (Adopted 1/00)
• Standard of Practice 15-2
The obligation to refrain from making false or misleading statements about competitors’ businesses and competitors’ business practices includes the duty to not knowingly or recklessly repeat, retransmit, or republish false or misleading statements made by others. This duty applies whether false or misleading statements are repeated in person, in writing, by technological means (e.g., the Internet), or by any other means.

If it’s true, it’s not necessarily a violation IMHO; call the broker. File a complaint. I’d love to, if I were in your position, be able to go “behind the sign” and tell the sellers, but I’d stick with telling their broker – assuming they care.

Good Point!!

By: Matthew Rathbun

Matthew Rathbun — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:22:27 +0000

I am going to throw in there that office meetings where agents are asked to “tell us about your listings” the same thing happens. I’ve been in many offices as agent and guest speaker and heard the same thing: “My clients really need to sell, their divorce is getting ugly” etc…

To Dan’s point, we need to remember that “ethics” are not the same as morality. “Ethics” are more a “Standard of Practice.” I agree that you should consider an Ethics complaint at your Association, but there are ways around the agent not being able to contact the opposing clients…. Maybe your clients may have a concern that might just sorta compel them to call the poorly represented sellers…. just saying…

By: Vicki Moore

Vicki Moore — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:08:31 +0000

This is one of my favorite topics. I have been told – as I’m sure everyone has – the most amazing things about someone else’s clients. I totally agree that it doesn’t hurt to ask; and I do. I have to laugh when the agent says the sellers have already bought another house or that the husband has left to the new city for the new job and left his wife and kids at the old house. What are they thinking? The first thing I do is call my clients. I’ve had agents tell me: My client is crying; she wants the house so badly. Hey stoop! What are you thinking?

By: Paula Henry

Paula Henry — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:44:23 +0000

Tina – Excellent point! Like you, I prefer email – it is safer and retains the integrity of the print. When agents don’t know how or don’t have the means to email – I have MyFax – it goes straight to my computer.

By: Tina Merritt

Tina Merritt — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:30:15 +0000

What about offers/counter offers/client communication being FAXED into an office fax machine???? I can’t tell you how many times I have been working late at night and seen a competitor’s offer or counter-offer come in over the fax machine for anyone and everyone to see!!!! As a listing agent, I am surprised and disappointed at how many agents are still not willing to learn how to email a contract. As a buyer’s agent, I’m amazed at the number of agents who still do not use email!!!!