I just closed a deal where I have the buyer.  During my digging for info, I realized that one of the sellers is licensed RE.  I told the agent that they needed to disclose...they did not disclose, and it closed yesterday.

...and then the Lagent asked me to put in a good word to my investor that she was a good rental property manager.

Sure I did...I told the buyer to make sure that he did NOT hire her!

Eve

Ps:  "immediate" family is now...the "ex" is past family.

Personally, I would always rather over-disclose something like this than under-disclose.

I am not 100% certain. But if the spouse's siblings were considered immediate family while the marriage was intact, I would say, yes, an ex-spouse is still immediate family. One upside to disclosing the relationship: It shows that you are likely to be a reasonable person to work with if you are willing to represent your ex!

Well your Honor the reason I did not disclose is....because... and if it smells wrong who cares what the Law or the Rules are...  you know I love you so do not get mad Inna, Endre

Inna,

It does not matter, we are in California!  Disclose, disclose, disclose or be deposed.  A

Inna Ivchenko I believe this person is no longer part the immediately family. However, it might be best to state the agent had a past relationship with the client.

My MLS does not provide a checkbox for EX.

However, I  know a favorite past time of real estate agents is to throw other agents under the bus, I would disclose a relationship exists.

Of course this will INSPIRE a series of questions to which I would respond 'That is none of your business." Ultimately ending in "If you are not going to tell, why did you disclose?" And around we go.

Required or not relationship disclosures are appropriate at all times.

No, but if you get into a dual agency deal then it would fall under a relationship to disclose since its not a true dual agency deal. 

Must? I don't think so...

Inna, we consider someone an "ex" even a day or two after a break-up.

However, if you ever truly needed to know, I am serious that I would consult an attorney for the law of the relevant state, and find out when the law says a spouse is no longer a spouse.  Common practice and accepted understanding may have little to do with it, if the matter went to court or if your professional reputation were on the line in an RE transaction.

In my continuing ed class they said if you have to ask, you probably should. In NH it is typical to disclose any family relation

The key is X

Nobody ever got into trouble for disclosing - only for not doing it.  So when in doubt, I do it.

Fortunately my wife will never be an Ex.

Fannie Mae does not include ex-spouses or their families as immediate family for financing or gift giving purposes. I am good with that interpretation so would not disclose though I would never have the opportunity to be put in this situation.

  I have the George Strait song, "All my Ex's Live in Texas" playing in my head now, thank you.

The first lesson I learned from my first broker...

"When in doubt, disclose".

I don't know if you 'have" to, but I would.

I think this will be a subject for argument for attorneys in court. I personally think you don't have to disclose because your are no longer related; however, it's better to disclose so no questions ask.

I say it does not matter. If you know it ... disclose it.  I recently had a buyer agent not disclose that the buyers are relatives AND the loan officer is the agents spouse.  

 You don'tneed to but would and I do for close friends.

I don't think it's required.  But, it could get dicey.

Better safe than sorry

I think George Strait said it best... "All my exes live in Texas, that's why I reside in Tennessee."

It's seems like one of those "you technically don't have to, but it wouldn't hurt if you do" type of disclosures.

I would disclose this. I'm not sure if it's the law or not, but I believe that it's best to disclose, disclose, disclose. 

Inna Ivchenko - good question. Since  the relationship is 'X' - I believe, it is NOT a relationship.

Checking other answers...

I would disclose I rather over communicate than undercommunicate!

No but I would do it anyway. 

I wonder what the  banks would say for arms length transaction in a short sale. Good question.

I can't see any reason as to not disclose this.  What would be the purpose?

I will still put it in there.

When in doubt, disclose. In this case, I definately would.

Yes...when in doubt disclose.

There is no specific definition of time frame. Was he or she an immediate familiy member at one time? If the answer is YES....disclose.

What would you do if the ink on the divorce paper is just drying up. The better question would be ... why even consider working with an ex?

Take the high road and show the parties in the transaction you are an ethical agent and believe in disclose, disclose and disclose!

It seems appropriate to disclose even if it is not legally required

I'm with Kathryn Acciari - while an 'ex' is not immediate family, disclosing will show the other side that you're an ethical person through and through! 

In Ontario, disclosure is required if the relationship falls into the definitions provided in the law and regulation.  You can read the relevent text at the e-laws website for more information.

Always disclose whether required to or not is how I think it should go

to be on the "safe side" I would disclose it.... up front....

I think you don't have to disclose - but you should anyway to protect yourself.  I can't imagine 10 exes - that defies imagination - 

I disclosed that I am representing a family member in a current listing - it is my cousin's wife's father - he comes to dinner every year at Christmas. I don't think technically he falls into the rubric that requires disclosure - but I figured I would anyway - 

When in doubt disclose.   

I would think that I would, yes.

I would disclose it. There was a familial relationship even though it may have been in the past. Plus, that you're representing an X would tell me that you're at least cordial. I think it's one of those no harm done if you do and a raised eyebrow if you don't. Regardless of whether or not it's actually a thing.

Better safe than sorry in today's litiguous society!

I would say disclose disclose disclose

You know I would say yes because you are 'presumed' to have intimate knowledge above & beyond the normal client. That's my thoughts.

Might vary by state, but arms length might apply, and I would disclose.

Luckily, I don't have that as a possibility.