I am indebted to many of my competitors, we support each other often, what is good for one of us is good for the entire profession.

Yes, I have had it happen many times and that is why it is so important to have good working relationships with other agents in your area. It gives you a leg up.

Kathleen Daniels I agree, there is nothing better than working with an agent who you can trust will do a good job.

 Yes.  Even though we are legal adversaries, with fiduciaries to opposing parties, the "agent relationships" you describe can certainly make the difference.

I definitely am indebted to many of my competitors! We work together and support each other often..it pays to be honest, ethical and caring..it goes a long way!

I am always grateful to someone like that.

Kathleen,

Oops I misunderstood your question, at first.  Yes, there have been many agents in our experience that went to bat for us, and we happily returned the favor.  It boosts the reputation of the real estate community when it happens.  A

Absolutely yes-my first single family home sale. She held a sit down with me and the buyers and sellers. Never have done that again but we got the deal done. I was impressed!

As a listing agent, I do what is right & profitable and that includes everyone involved in the deal whether they know it or not...

Not really.

I have won my share of bidding wars because the listing agent told his/her clients that their past experiences with me were good and that I always got my clients to the closing table with no muss or fuss and on time. But I don't feel indebted, as I believe I earned my reputation. I do the same when the situation is reversed.

Working as a buyer agent.. it makes sense to know that listing agent and how they work. Mutual respect and follow through goes a long way to getting a transaction accepted and closed.

Absolutely over the years.  There have been times when the LA has been amazingly helpful.....and you know I return the favor whenever I get a chance to work with them again.

Michael Setunsky nailed this one!

I have stuck up for buyers if I think they are doing a good job & the seller disagrees. I have also given the sellers advice on who is easier to work with or who I have worked with. Just don't know those 'John Doe's'.

you are absolutely right

Kathleen Daniels - it is a WIN-WIN or NO DEAL! The listing agent is not 'against' us - we have to work together on a common goal - the seller wants to sell and buyers want to buy. Our job is to make that happen. Period.

And knowing you, you'd always do the right thing.

I am also indebted to some agents as they are to me in many situations.

ABSOLUTELY!!  It recently happened to me and the agent actually told my clients that!  He also told two people in my office that!  I totally feel indebted to him and for the record, it was a seamless transaction - one of the best I've had in years!  

It totally makes a difference when there is mutual respect between peers.

Sure our lives are all about our relationships with others and the law of reciprocity is human nature Kathleen Daniels 

agent relationships are very important.... and I can remember going to bat for new agents who were outwardly abused by their client... I told one client off and relayed that he was not buying any listing that I have in my inventory if I witness or hear of mistreatment of his agent... and I said it in front of the agent... he bought the house and it all went well...

As a listing agent, they sure do. Part of the offer, is the agent behind it who will do their fair share of the work. Get you signed docs, update you on inspection, buyers mortgage and appraisal. AND i dont have to turn over rocks to find them.On the flip side many buyer agents bring buyers to my listings, as they know i will be available to assist and getting the sale closed, i answer my phone, update them and get things done

Real estate is a team sport

Yes, quite often.

Relationships are important.  In life.  And in real estate.  Sometimes there is an overlap.  

Well I would have to say yes on a close agent I know.

Yes.  Those personal relationships work wonders.

Yes, unfortunately maybe 9 times in 18 years, but they do stand out!

I'm not sure that indebted is exactly how I feel but definitely having mutual respect for one another is important and my clients have won bid wars because the agent on the other side knew me and knew we'd get the job done.  Even agents in my company have won in multiple offer situations because the agent new me and that I was the broker of the agent even though they didn't know him.  Not that a seller should choose an offer because of the agent necessarily, but if almost all things are equal the minor details make a major difference, and the reputation of the agent bringing the offer is one of those differences.  -Kasey

These relationships do make a big difference.

Yes, and I let them know of my appreciation.