August
2004 | Index of all Real Ethics columns
Protect yourself with sign-in sheets
Here is the all-too-common problem: You have been working with a buyer for a week when you get an
irate call from another broker claiming you are working with his or her client.
You explain that you met the buyer at an open house and the buyer told you he wasn't working
with anyone. The other broker says "I have a buyer agency with this buyer and I'm filing an
ethics charge against you." But the buyer really told you that he had not established a
relationship with another broker.
Could you have prevented this from happening? What if, at your open house, you had a sign-in
sheet that stated you had disclosed your agency to the buyers (which shows that you have complied
with Standard of Practice 16-12)? Next on the sheet you have two columns: One states, "We
have agency representation with another broker." The other column states, "We have no
agency relationship with another broker."
Ask your visitors to check whichever is appropriate. Then have a place for their signature.
This accomplishes two things. First you know if this is a prospect you may want to keep in touch
with, and second, you have proof of what potential buyers (by their signatures) told you about
any agency relationship they did or did not have.
Is it possible that a form similar to this should be given to every buyer who calls to see one of
your listings? Could be.
Each month, the Aurora Association of REALTORSŪ Web site features Real Ethics,
a column by Steve Stazel devoted to explaining Code of
Ethics issues for members. A REALTORŪ since 1974, Stazel is a Professional Standards
instructor and senior Ethics
instructor for the Colorado Association of REALTORSŪ.
If you have an ethical concern or an issue you would like
to see addressed, please call Stazel at (303) 773-3333 or e-mail him at
stazels@msn.com. The comments of this article reflect the understanding and
opinions of the author and do not represent an official expression of policy by the National Association
of REALTORSŪ.
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