A relative recently had his house up for sale in New Jersey and near the end of the listing agreement had a falling out with his agent. There was about three weeks left to go before the listing agreement expired.
So, he calls Rich for free real estate advice, or at least hoping to get a family discount. I told him to call his agent and ask for a release from the listing agreement. Happens all the time. The agent had already taken the house off the market so there were no showings, and a slim to no chance of it being sold. I let him know that once a client/agent relationship sours, most agents are more than willing to just move on. Worst case scenario...it automatically expires in three weeks anyway.
As it turns out, the agent's broker said no. They would not release the listing agreement, even though the house was off the market and near it's end anyway. I was stunned as to why a broker would not allow a client to be released from a listing agreement with only a short period left.
Essentially, what turned out to be an issue between a client and an agent, has now been transferred to be an issue between a client and a brokerage. Why carry a listing in your inventory that has been taken off the market, and the client is adamant about terminating the relationship? I don't think it was just spite, but who knows. More likely it was just their "office policy."
The day before the listing expired, the broker called and wanted to know if my relative would re-list with them, but with a different agent assigned. Not only will they not re-list, if at all possible, they won't ever do business with that brokerage again.
Life is too short to hang on to a client who doesn't want to work with you.
Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114
410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com
Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist
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Rich Iarossi is a full time licensed REALTOR®, working in Crofton, MD. My coverage areas are: Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Calvert, Queen Anne, and Baltimore City and County. I specialize in residential real estate, working with both buyers and sellers. Use the registration free search on my website at www.RichSellsHomes.com. If you’re not already working with a REALTOR®...I can help. Call me at 443-995-9595 (Cell) or 410-451-6255 (Office).
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