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Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Debbie Reynolds our relationship is based on the trust. If the buyer can't trust you, there is no reason for you to work with this buyer.

In fact, I make it clear at our first meeting that I will be your exclusive buyer's agent. If you like someone else or more than one agent, you are free to do so - I will not be their agent right from day one!

Again - it boils down to TRUST!

Jan 19, 2015 11:05 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Debbie, it sort of depends.  If I feel like any trust issue they have with me means they are likely to be fundamentally untrustworthy.

Jan 19, 2015 10:57 AM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Debbie, I worked with a buyer for a long time, and we were friends before I ever started dealing in real estate with him. At first things were fine, but he was not getting any deals because he was lowballing already low-priced condos. He thought it was my fault for not getting the offers signed, but every time we were beat out by higher offers. Then he started telling me that he wanted to talk directly with the listing agent in this one complex because he felt he could get more information from them. He thought that the listing agent was so knowledgeable about the complex that he thought he would get a better deal by working directly with him. Eventually, even though I had a buyer-broker agreement, he went behind my back. I told him that he would not get a better deal by working with the listing agent because they are representing the seller, but he didn't believe me. He told me that he could just pay the listing agent under the table to accept his offer over higher offers because that is the way business is done in the corporate world. Things got ugly after that, because that is not the way I have ever done business, and this actually ended our friendship. By the way, this person was very high up in the business world, making millions, flying all over the world, and negotiating multi-million dollar deals with Home Depot, Lowe's, etc. As soon as I heard him say he was going to pay the listing agent under the table, I ran! So to answer your question, I would say no, I would not work with a buyer who says he wants to speak with the listing agent to get the real truth about the listings. Obviously they do not trust you for some reason.

Jan 23, 2015 12:18 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Some clients want to be in charge and they do try to call a listing agent, even to a seller behind your back. If I'm an agent who received such call, I'd always inform a selling agent about it.

Jan 20, 2015 04:15 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I do intend to set boundaries and tell him it could hurt his offer if he decides to make one. He may be disclosing his hand and not even mean to.

Jan 20, 2015 11:32 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I would try to talk him out of that, if he or they do not trust that I am doing my job I would let them go their own way. 

Jan 20, 2015 11:00 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I may check up on him a little especially with the properties he wants to see. I will caution him not to waste the other agents time. I am willing to write it up Gabe.

Jan 20, 2015 09:06 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

If this buyer will use you to make the purchase, why not.  Though it sounds like he/she may not be a very loyal one.

Jan 20, 2015 08:09 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Debbie,

Some people are like that, and given that he has signed the agreement, it looks like you are safe...but I am wary of someone who does that.  

Jan 20, 2015 03:10 AM
Rainmaker
927,795
Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

That sounds like someone who won't be loyal or truthful with you, Debbie.  I wouldn't waste my time, but then again I am not a realtor! LOL!

Jan 20, 2015 02:05 AM
Rainer
112,947
Vera Gonzalez
RE/MAX Suburban, Inc. - Sterling Heights, MI
Gonzo For Real Estate

I would be leary, I have worked with a bold person before, they had a bad habit of insulting the listing agents on the phone,  I did not  know  until the listing agent called me who had worked with me prior told me  to get my client under control. 

Jan 20, 2015 12:38 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I feel something isn't right here and know that not all agents would ask if he is working with an agent. And he might tell them anyway. It may be time to reevaluate.

Jan 19, 2015 11:48 PM
Ambassador
5,048,883
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I would have a serious discussion about the contract I have with the client and what this means, as well as the relationship the listing agent has with the seller, etc. And the buyer calling the seller might get the agent in trouble since it likely would be an enthics violation for interfering with the contractual relationship the listing agent has with the seller.

Jan 19, 2015 11:35 PM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Somewhere along the line Debbie Reynolds this Buyer must have been burned. You should have enough "real" truths in your arsenal to earn their trust if this is the path they wish to take. Typical questions like how much they paid, how old is the roof or how long the home has been on the market have readily available answers. Arm them and let them be on their way. If a listing associate fudges with these facts you just might win the trust back. A skeptical Buyer can educate even the most savvy associate!    

Jan 19, 2015 10:46 PM
Rainmaker
809,829
Bob Force (REALTOR®)
Weichert Realtors - Aspen Hill - Mount Airy, MD
The FORCE in Maryland Real Estate

The answer is NO. I would be documenting a termination of service notice.

Jan 19, 2015 10:30 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Probably not. If there's no trust in a relationship it's not worth the hassle.

Jan 19, 2015 09:11 PM
Rainmaker
2,817,671
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

No, I wouldn't as there appears to be a trust issue there.  Plus, the person may inadvertantly say too much to hurt negotiations.

Jan 19, 2015 08:59 PM
Rainmaker
4,333,714
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Doesn't he realize that with a signed Buyers Agreement, you are representing his best interests???

Jan 19, 2015 08:00 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

Remind him that the listing agent is more than likely working as the seller's agent, and you are there to represent his best interest. I'm sure you've already done that. I guess I would have a serious heart to heart with him. 

Jan 19, 2015 01:40 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Before you know he wills strike a deal or listing agent will hint he gets a better deal. The buyer agents will be history.

Jan 19, 2015 01:19 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

If I thought that he really didn't trust me I'd walk.

Jan 19, 2015 12:41 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Pat, He thinks he can get the agent to tell him things I can't find out. It may be he doesn't think I will be as bold as he is with his questions.

Praful, I have a signed Buyers Representation Agreement. I don't think he would breach it. At least I don't think that is his intention.

Jan 19, 2015 11:20 AM