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Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties, The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730 (Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070)

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Rainmaker
351,587
Olympus Executive Realty Inc.
Olympus Executive Realty INC. - Orlando, FL
Home Of The Top Producers

It is completely unethical & unprofessional, it seems to be the new thing with a whole new breed of agents in the field. Under no circumstance should they be calling a client that is represented. 

Jul 29, 2015 08:00 AM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

It is never appropriate nor acceptable. I had it happen with an elderly Seller and she became so upset thinking something had happened to me (because I ALWAYS return calls and my reputation is such)   She called me in tears and I had to drive to her home to prove that I was ok.    I went directly to the Broker in Charge !

PS  The agent in question admitted he'd never attempted to contact me and went straight to my seller.  I've not seen his name attached to a listing or purchase in many many months now.

Jul 29, 2015 07:49 AM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

I wouldn't over react to it. Her lack of business ethics will get her in trouble one of these days. Scenarios like that are why I try to remember to tell sellers to tell anyone that calls with questions to say " You need to call my agent if you have questions". Then hang up.

Jul 29, 2015 09:20 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

Hmmmmm....the correct answer is 'no' it's not acceptable. If you are in escrow with her, I would monitor it and hold off saying anything for the sake of world peace.

Jul 29, 2015 08:42 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

she had no business calling that seller.....the seller was listed with you....I don't care if the seller was that buyer agent's mother.... shoule have gone through you....and the seller should have been told to refer all inquiries from agents to you....

Jul 29, 2015 08:37 AM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Debbie - It is not acceptable for the buyer's agent to call your seller. You have no idea what they might be talking about, and in this case, they implied that you were not responsive to your phone messages.

I would say something to the agent for sure, and depending on how she responded, I may take it up with her broker.

Jul 29, 2015 08:03 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Debbie,

I would definitely say something.  I recall an agent from New York calling one of our sellers, and our seller gave him an earful about his lack of ethics...There is a protocol in business, and one has to follow it and respect you as part of the process.  Implying that you don't return calls is so telling of her lack of integrity.  A

Jul 29, 2015 07:08 AM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

I would certainly remind her that her call to your Seller was inappropriate and not within the Realtor transaction guidelines....as much as they can be friend, any discussions relating to this transaction must be through you.  Explain that to your Seller as well and let her know it is imperative she follow suit, so you can avoid any potential issues during the transaction. 

Jul 29, 2015 07:03 AM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

It is okay *IF* you (the Selling Agent) were truly "unreachable".  

    But 30 minutes?  Give me a break.

Jul 29, 2015 12:41 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

 I would say no but there are many times I wish I had contacted the sellers directly but refrained and contacted the listing agents managing broker instead ..

Jul 29, 2015 10:09 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,482
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

In Denver this would not be acceptable, but maybe in smaller towns you will find those who know each other.   I would recommend to your seller to keep the communication at a minimum until after closing. 

Jul 29, 2015 09:53 AM
Rainmaker
2,362,942
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

No. It is never acceptable and I would say something very clear  to her after closing 

Jul 29, 2015 09:43 AM
Rainer
67,369
Evelyn M Epperson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Johns Creek, GA
A Tradition Of [Excellence, Trust & Service]

Hell No!  That is why the seller has a listing agent.  I am shocked with other agents are doing these days.

Jul 29, 2015 08:16 AM
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2,178,553
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

No!  I would have a discussion with her broker so this tactic isn't used as common practice... in order to make the listing agent look bad to their client.

Jul 29, 2015 07:07 AM
Rainmaker
4,333,725
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

NEVER! Call us and we will ask...

Jul 29, 2015 07:03 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Respect goes a long way while little respect will haunt your career forever. No, it is not acceptable! 

Jul 29, 2015 08:06 PM
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

The agent was out of line by calling and further by implying that you fail to answer your phone or return phone calls.  Sounds like an insecure piece of crap agent to me.

Jul 29, 2015 03:43 PM
Rainer
359,046
Nina Rogoff
Boston, MA
Wix Websites for Real Estate Agents

Yikes! I would most definitely call the broker. Every agent should know that you have to keep to the boundaries of the working relationship. It doesn't matter if it's your next door neighbor or your niece. If you don't represent her, don't discuss the transaction with her.

When you say the agent sold the property, do you mean as the buyer's agent?

Jul 29, 2015 02:19 PM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Not appropriate, especially without your permission, regardless whether agent knows seller or not. Question is, would mentioning this to the agent really make  her behave differently another time? 

Jul 29, 2015 12:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Very simply, No.

Jul 29, 2015 12:39 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Not without my permission...and if i give it i will call my clent to expec the call.

Jul 29, 2015 12:18 PM
Rainmaker
3,340,443
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

In a word...No.

Jul 29, 2015 11:42 AM
Ambassador
2,161,048
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

No. It could be considered interference with another agents relationship with their customer. 

Jul 29, 2015 11:24 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

NOT without listing agent and seller permission. I have had it happen and it often leads to chaos.

Jul 29, 2015 10:47 AM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

hmmm. after reading the disclaimer. makes me ponder. First knee jerk reaction is never. But, is 30 min too long? no, was it a super important question or shoot the breeze? IF (the ole what if) if this important question that couldn't wait, would it  ever ever be part of theoretical lawsuit (ie..did the roof ever leak) then the buyers agent knows better or should. (then u shd call them and say something) or was it, hey what time does the mailman come by daily? :). then let it go. And how well did they know them. after all they didn't get the listing. we can be high and mighty and say never... but we also have to be real... but as most have said, it is not a good idea and i think you should broach the topic with the agent when the opportunity arises.

Jul 29, 2015 08:55 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

I think too many agents are overly sensitive...would I be mad?  Maybe...just depends on what they wanted.  Was it to mention something about the house, or was it just to disparage you?

Call the broker? Naw, since when do they care?

I have an agency relationship with all my buyer clients and I seriously doubt that they would spend 2 seconds speaking to the listing agent.  

If I really had to do anything...which I have in the past because an agent told my buyer that my "exclusive right to represent contract" meant nothing, I would educate them myself and not look elsewhere for help.

Eve

Jul 29, 2015 07:46 AM
Rainmaker
2,094,761
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

She had no right to contact your seller, whether she knew the person or not, and she knows it! I would probably address it directly with her first and then depending on her response, perhaps call the broker.

Jul 29, 2015 09:21 PM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Wrong.  And even worse to imply you were unresponsive.  Was she, by any chance, peeved SHE didn't get the listing from someone she knew?  

Jul 29, 2015 08:33 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Debbie. Wow, that is pretty foolish. That agent needs a talking to so that something like that doesn't happen again.

Jul 29, 2015 07:54 PM
Ambassador
6,393,154
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Not cool to lie to your client like that, Loggers do that to us all of the time in an effort to drive a wedge between our client and their Forester.

Now in Real Estate, my agent trusts me to make the right decisions and say the right things and often suggests that more can be accomplished with a direct conversation.

Even today, my agent was sitting in my office when another agent who was looking at one of our properties called, he handed the phone on over to me, I think that the other agent was a little shocked when I got on the line, but it did help to facilitate a better understanding of what it would take for his client to submit a successful offer.

Jul 29, 2015 05:34 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 kind of expect this from this particalur agent. She has done things like this before with me and other agents. I don't think it would influence the seller to list with her but you never know.

Jul 29, 2015 09:07 AM
Rainmaker
292,685
Jack Lewitz
Exit Strategy Realty - Evanston, IL

I say if the seller is home during a showing then they are open targets and if my buyer has a question then I ask the seller directly and hopefully in earshot of my buyer.

Jul 29, 2015 10:38 PM
Rainer
273,237
Richard Robibero, e-Pro, ABR, SRS
Panorama R.E. Limited - Toronto, ON
Selling Your Home as if it were My Own!

I'm steaming reading that. Especially the part about saying you were unreachable. Not to put fuel on the fire but even if the deal went great your seller could potentially hold that against you.

Potential Seller to your client - "Heard you sold your house. How was your Realtor?"

Your client - "Debbie? She was great except that she doesn't always answer calls."

Taking extreme but honestly, could you not see this happening? I would call her.

Jul 29, 2015 10:35 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I don't believe it's acceptable and I warn all of my listing clients never, ever to speak with a buyer's agent if they are contacted directly. I warn them that they could be giving up negotiating leverage in what may appear to be a casual conversation. Sellers get it when it gets put that way and mine will always refer the caller back to me.

Jul 29, 2015 09:32 PM
Rainmaker
90,543
Debra Peters
Referral Realty - Manorville, NY
NY Real Estate Salesperson

ABSOLUTELY NOT! Not only is that interfering with your listing, it is unethical and VERY unprofessional. That being said, it makes me wonder why she even thought it would be ok. New to the business? An "unprofessional", professional? Did she not pay attention in class or training?

I think someone needs to remind her that this is something you do not do!

Jul 30, 2015 10:26 PM
Rainmaker
115,432
Jeanne Feenick
NextHome Premier - Basking Ridge, NJ
The Agent you choose REALLY does make a difference

NO!  Questions should funnel through the listing agent - no direct contact with another's client - bad business.

Jul 30, 2015 01:21 PM
Rainmaker
1,084,061
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

I could see this happening on very, very, rare occasions.  But No....I think I will get the answers and relay that information.

Jul 30, 2015 06:05 AM
Rainmaker
61,716
Scott Thompson
Columbia Mortgage Plus - Blue Springs, MO
Commerical Finance - Blue Springs, MO

No harm no foul.  Congradulations on the sale.

Take her out and celabrate .... oh maybe mention you were a bit miffed by that but its cool AND IF YOU EVER DO IT AGAIN &^!$@##*&^$#.

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY :)

Jul 30, 2015 02:50 AM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

I had one better than that.  The BROKER of a company called my seller and chewed her out.  He thought he could do that because she was a titile company employee and he knew her.

Jul 30, 2015 02:16 AM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Sounds like she was acting as if you are not there or non-existent. This behavior is very demeaning. You let her get away with this, she gets away with this, and she'll do it again with you or someone else. Investigate the code of ethics for the right violation, I would write her a formal letter to 'put her on notice', call that behavior out in the open a unacceptable, copy to the brokerage, the state association and perhaps your dept of real estate. Make sure the letter shows who you have copied.

Jul 29, 2015 11:37 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

I would have call her out on this and notify her broker . Sounds to me like she is newly licensed and if not , she should know better .

Jul 29, 2015 11:01 PM