Special offer
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®, Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Not yet.

When they call, I ask web leads, "Who is your real estate agent?"

It's more difficult to quickly respond to that question with a lie, instead of a yes or no to, "Are you working with a real estate agent?"

I'm so sorry to hear that happened to you, Hella. 

Apr 29, 2018 08:27 AM
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Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

    If they don't have a signed agency agreement, they are fair game.  

Apr 29, 2018 10:18 AM
Rainmaker
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Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Sorry this happened to you.  But if they really have another agent, why is that agent not with them for the showing??

Apr 29, 2018 09:46 AM
Rainmaker
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Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I will go to your post and see how my response measures up to yours.
I would stop in my tracks, call the agent and tell them, "Mr/Mrs DB are here viewing this property and I have just learned that they are yours, so would you like to come up and join them?"
At that point, I would inform the buyers that all further communication will go through their agent. And if their agent doesn't come to finish the showing, showing over and we go separate ways.
We really try to weed out people like that. But it has been known to happen. Sometimes the agent they've been working with doesn't want to work on the weekend, out of town or whatever and the buyers don't want to wait. So they lie.

Apr 29, 2018 08:49 AM
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Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

No, hasn't happened...yet. Sorry to hear!

Apr 29, 2018 08:11 AM
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Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

I just read your post, and I suggest all the commenters do the same.  I made the same assumption that many have made... that you didn't ask the all-important "Are you working with an agent?" before agreeing to meet them.

But you did ask, and at the time... there were not.  But prior to meeting you they met up with another ... let's call him "strongly charismatic" agent who convinced them to allow him to "brand" them as his clients, and hand out his cards to any other agents.

Unless they've also signed an exclusive buyer's agreement with him, I would have treated them like any other potential client.  Clearly they fell in love with him at first glance... and there's a strong probability they might have fallen out of love, and been in love with you... had you simply been more "yourself".

Just because he's "claimed" them... and they passed out his card... does not make them his client.  Yet.

Apr 29, 2018 11:07 AM
Rainmaker
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Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I'm not sure a card has ever come out but the truth certainly has (as far as them working with another agent) Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® 

Apr 29, 2018 10:18 AM
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Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

No...and I read and commented on your blog.  A

Apr 29, 2018 08:47 AM
Rainmaker
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Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

I read your thought provoking post and your professionalism shines.

I remember hearing a story years ago from a bank teller that explained that when she was being trained, she was never shown a 'counterfeit' bill, she just worked with 'the real deal' and one day, they slipped a counterfeit bill into her pile and she recognized it immediately! 

Hopefully my story encourages you...perhaps these buyers will re-think the experience and they will easily see the 'counterfeit' that clearly does not appear to have their best interest at heart.

Apr 29, 2018 08:33 AM
Rainmaker
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Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

I'm interested to read about it but I can't get to it for a while. It's an interesting scenario that has worked to my advantage more than twice.

Apr 29, 2018 11:45 AM
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Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

No I haven't. I always ask if they are working with another agent.

Apr 29, 2018 11:36 AM
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Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

NO !!!!

Apr 29, 2018 11:28 AM
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Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I had someone tell me that when they said tehy wanted to make an offer and i said we can go back to my ofice to write it up. They said their agent would and after i clearly asked them if they have a agent prior to  setting up the showing

Apr 29, 2018 11:27 AM
Rainmaker
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Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

no, and the agents have them sign a buyer agreement, or they don't work them.... and the serious ones sign... 

at an open house, we want them to have a buyer's agent on all of our listings....

Apr 29, 2018 10:52 AM
Rainmaker
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Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Ouch; thanks to my policies, that never happens to me. I keep preaching Buyer/Broker Agreements and many of you keep saying "don't need'em". 

If you make sellers sign a Listing Agreement, why on Earth would you double standard buyers and not ask them to sign a BRE (in CA)?

Apr 29, 2018 10:29 AM
Rainmaker
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John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® it didn't happen to me. It helps to ask buyers, if already working with another real estate agent.

Apr 29, 2018 09:52 AM
Rainmaker
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Joyce Marsh
Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes

Years ago I had this happen. I’m anxious to read about your experience. 

Apr 29, 2018 09:25 AM
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

In the middle of s showing?  No. Nope. Nyet. 

Apr 29, 2018 09:20 AM
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Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Morning Hella. It depends.... if you are representing the seller and it's your listing.... that would be possible.

I have not read your blog yet, but that's the first question I ask when I interview buyer-clients at my office even before I show the first house, let alone do a search. Especially, and more so, from people I don't know.

The second thing is that they have to sign both a buyer broker AND agency agreements before I do anything.

Apr 29, 2018 08:37 AM
Rainmaker
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Thankfully, no. If someone asks me to show with whom I don't already have some sort of relationship, I always ask if they are already working with another agent. I've found that some people volunteer this information up front, others don't until you specifically ask them.

Apr 29, 2018 08:21 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

I have not had that happen, but if it did, this is what I would do:

Ask them if they signed a written agreement with "their" agent.  IF they did not, I would let them know that if they want to make an offer on that property, I will be makeing the offer for them. 

I would then follow up with an e-mail and an agency agreement for that one property.

Eve

 

 

Apr 29, 2018 04:01 PM
Rainmaker
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Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

Only at an open house which is fine. I won't schedule showings without understanding that if I show them the home (not my listing) and they like it, they'd use me to buy it. 

Apr 29, 2018 03:54 PM
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Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Thankfully no, knock on wood!

Apr 29, 2018 02:34 PM
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Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

It is a good idea to have them select you as their agent and sign the agreement before any showings.

Apr 29, 2018 02:02 PM
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Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

Not yet.. I always try and vet them first over the phone.. I ask them upfront if they are working with another agent, or have an agency agreement signed... or if they plan on working with more than one agent.  If the answer is yes to any of these, I pass...

Apr 29, 2018 01:55 PM
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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I have not. 

I have had buyers tell me they are not working with an agent which is what I ask them before I will show a property.  Turns out, the buyers were not honest. Their agent submitted an offer on my listing with a thank you for showing their client the property.  

Apr 29, 2018 01:23 PM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Well it looks like you get to pay two agents for this home then, have your agent call me.

Apr 29, 2018 12:59 PM
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Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I haven't had this happen but am going to go read your post to see what happened!

Apr 29, 2018 12:33 PM
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Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I am single. Are you going with someone?   I see your your left hang 3rd finger has a white ring mark! 

Apr 29, 2018 12:06 PM
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Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Yes it has happened and it stings

Apr 29, 2018 11:42 AM
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Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Not in 28 years.

Apr 29, 2018 09:26 AM
Rainmaker
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Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I would be pretty upset if that happened to me.

May 28, 2018 03:50 PM
Rainer
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Jon K. Judd
Keller Williams Realty - Central Delaware - Dover, DE
GRI, e-PRO, SFR, Delaware Homes

My first contact I ask, "are you working with an agent".

Doesn't mean they won't tell me a little white lie...

So far, it has worked for me...

May 04, 2018 01:00 PM
Rainer
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HOMEiZ.COM Real Estate Technology
HOMEiZ.COM - Agoura Hills, CA
The Real estate social network

Never work with a buyer without sign a buyer's representation agreement! You are wasting your time! 

May 02, 2018 06:34 PM
Rainmaker
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Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Before showing buyers, I always ask if they are working with another REALTOR.  Have not had that happen.

May 02, 2018 06:07 AM
Rainmaker
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Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I will take a look.

Apr 30, 2018 07:41 AM
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Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

No.

Apr 30, 2018 06:13 AM
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Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Perfect example of why we ALWAYS have a Buyer Broker Agreement signed BEFORE showing ANY houses...

Apr 30, 2018 05:52 AM
Rainmaker
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Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I have never had that experience; however, I always ask that quesiton at our first meeting.

Apr 30, 2018 05:04 AM
Rainmaker
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Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

My first question is "Are you working with anyone else?" 

Apr 30, 2018 05:01 AM
Rainmaker
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Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

It is better they say it sooner, than simply cowardly disappear to write an offer with a cousin or someone they have. 

Apr 29, 2018 11:39 PM
Rainmaker
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Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® - not in the middle. Sometimes they just disappear and show up at their new home.

Apr 29, 2018 10:50 PM
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Jeff Perlis Prime Properties
Prime Properties - Lake Arrowhead, CA
Experience Your Own Transformation!

Not like that, but some buyers, same as sellers do try different agents before committing. 

Apr 29, 2018 10:38 PM
Rainmaker
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Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

Hmm no I never have I do normally ask a buyer before scheduling a showing if they do or do not have an agent. That's probably why I have never been surprised Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® 

Apr 29, 2018 07:48 PM
Rainmaker
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Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Thankfully noI try really hard to get that resolved before we look.

Apr 29, 2018 07:11 PM
Rainmaker
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William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Yes I haveI then asked if they had a written contract with that agent.  If so, I stop the showing right away.  (unless it is my listing)

Apr 29, 2018 07:01 PM
Rainer
370,200
Jay McHugh
SendOutCards-Appreciation Marketing Expert - Acton, MA
YOUR SendOutCard Mentor

yes...they lied when they set up the showing..shit happens ...folks lie.... and this shows their character .... Always ask the needed questions before making the appoitment and stress your role etc.....

Apr 29, 2018 05:51 PM