REALTOR® A was holding an open house for their client’s home, which had been on the market for several months, so REALTOR® A was thrilled to see Buyer C approach the home after two hours with no visitors. REALTOR® A gave her a tour of the space, but Buyer C indicated she was looking for more of a “fixer upper”, as she had almost singlehandedly completed some significant renovation projects in her previous homes, and was looking for the perfect next project.

REALTOR® A had another listing that she knew was perfect for Buyer C, and hadn’t been listed in the MLS yet as the client had just signed their agreement earlier that morning. REALTOR® A described the home to Buyer C, and offered to show it to her. Buyer C replied, “Oh, thank you, I am actually working with someone. I should probably ask them about it.” REALTOR® A responded, “that’s fine, but to be honest, I’m not sure if your agent will even get a chance to see it. At the price at which it’s listed, I’m confident it will sell before I can even get it in the MLS.” Somewhat reluctantly, Buyer C agreed to let REALTOR® A show her the second home. REALTOR® A drafted an offer, which was accepted, and the parties completed a quick close.

Proud of a job well done for her client, REALTOR® A was shocked when she received notice of an ethics complaint filed against her by REALTOR® B, alleging a violation of Article 16 for interfering with his exclusive relationship with Buyer C. At the hearing, REALTOR® B provided the hearing panel with copies of this exclusive buyer agency agreement with Buyer C, and Buyer C testified that she did tell REALTOR® A she was working with someone, but felt pressured to tour and submit an offer with REALTOR® A or risk losing the house.

REALTOR® A defended her actions, stating, “Listen, if I had known that Buyer C had an exclusive agreement with someone, I would have backed off. But she never said that she was working with someone exclusively; just that she was working with someone. It’s not my responsibility to fill in the gaps on what she told me or hammer her with questions and drive away a potential buyer just to determine what sort of relationship she has. That doesn’t serve my client well.”

What did the hearing panel decide?

How could a complaint have been avoided? What steps could have been taken to avoid a violation?