I only trust you and me .... but I'm not so sure about you.

Trust?  How about an iron clad referral agreement that stipulates the "rules of the road"?

We only deal with builders whom we have had positive experiences with in past dealings. 

Michael Jacobs  thank you for the heads up... i love fat slow pitches in the middle of the plate :) . i would never never ever steal a client, i would never , nor should another builder ever use an agent to attain a client and not pay the procuring agent. i have seen it many time however. i have an example here right now where a top agent has a development and is giving buyers agents only 500 dollars for a buyer and it IS ON MLS. they started out at no, zero, zilch dollars. i know that is not stealing them, not the same question but another example of greedy people doing stupid things

When I saw your question, I thought of Barbara Todaro and Mike Rock.  I wonder about their answer. 

I would hope that anyone you refer to someone else would not steal your business. Referrals are given to someone you know and trust and if it is misused, then it only happens once.

there are people who have earned that trust....it's something that must be earned.... I've never had to have a listing agreement with any builder for whom I've marketed their subdivisions ( and I did 40 of them)....and sold to completion every one of them.... but they earned my trust and I theirs.... I would have an agreement with a builder with whom I've never done business.....not all are worthy!!!! be careful with that....a trusting relationship is like rocket fuel!! you'll soar with little effort.

Good morning Connie. I refer clients to two builder referral partners on a regular basis, absolutely trust both of them.

No, I would not. I would register my Buyer with all builders, even ones they haven't asked about.

I am lucky that I have never had that as a fear. 

Corinne,

If you have to ask, then I would have the client sign, and the builder sign on the land part also.  We had some agents and developers we worked with that were so above board that nothing was ever written or signed.  We loved  working with them.  A

Get it in writing, and be specific.

Corinne - I think I would make sure to have a buyer broker agreement with said client, just to make sure. Then I would also have a conversation with the builder, just to make sure.

I have this situation happening right now.  Just closed on a land purchase, but the builder is a REALTOR.    Hope to have a solid relationship with these buyers. 

Corinne Guest, Managing Broker - I feel that any trust issues may be dealt with in writing.  But even still, unethical people will not honor the agreements they have signed.  The answer to your question is NO, not without all terms expressly stated in writing!

Very tricky circumstance Corinne. You have to trust the builder & your buyer to do the right thing.

When my name is on the line I stay in close touch.  Just to make sure things are as they should be.

I would not refer the client out unless out of state. I would represent him through the build in state

No.  I would always go with the client to meet with a builder.  Not only the commission is at stake, but you risk your client being taken advantage of as well.  I had one a few years ago where the client scheduled directly with the builder.  The client thought the builder was paying closing cost and adding the price to the contract.  Instead what happened, the sales price increased, but there was no where in the contract for the buyers closing cost to be paid.  The builder also put for the buyer to pay for the title policy, which is normally a sellers expense in Texas.

Customer gets registered for build job with understanding I get the land! If not, last deal and maybe a grievance claim at the Board, not to mention his sullied reputation!

Get it in writing.

You could use an agency agreement I would assume. 

 I don't trust builders. I send them cover up too much stuff.

Have a Buyer Broker agreement signed w/ your Buyer explaining all aspects and you will be protected. Also get something in writing from the Builder to back up that he will pay you or the Buyer understands it is their responsibility

if you "refer" a client are you not giving that client to someone and will only expect a referral fee?

Corinne Guest, Managing Broker This is a business transaction and not a matter of trust. Get it in writing.

It depends solely on the builder and his integrity and if I am in doubt I will have a contract ready to sign.

Why not execute a builder co-broke agreement?

I would be extremely careful Corinne Guest, Managing Broker 

No I would try to get the buyer to sign a buyer agency agreement.