In the fast-paced world of real estate, unexpected situations can throw you off balance. Have you ever been in one of these perplexing situations? 

Scooping sellers

You've just received an unexpected voicemail from your client, barely 48 hours after they terminated their listing due to a family emergency. They're puzzled by a card left at their door by another agent named Trey, apologizing for you, Syed’s, inability to sell their home, a rather rude assumption. They're also wondering when your for sale sign will be removed or if they should take it down themselves until they decide when to relist with you. This situation raises questions and concerns. Is this even allowed? You've heard similar stories from colleagues, and it's becoming increasingly frustrating to see other REALTORS^® trying to poach clients.

Supervision shortage

During your recent brokerage meeting, your manager, Evelynn, emphasized the importance of staying present during property inspections and appraisals. She reminded everyone that your brokerage's clients expect more than just listing their property on the MLS^® System and collecting a fee – your firm is not a mere posting brokerage. While she didn't reveal the specific incident that prompted this reminder, word quickly spread through other REALTOR^® channels.

An associate, Marren, had a conditionally sold listing. After a year of frustrating offers, with one buyer never giving their deposit and another buyer unable to get financing, they finally secured a credible offer. The inspection was scheduled, and everything seemed to be going smoothly until the seller arrived home and found the inspector’s truck in the driveway.

Assuming the inspection wasn’t finished yet, they waited outside. Minutes later, the inspector, thinking the seller was the unlicensed assistant who let them into the house and handed them the key so they could lock up. Apparently, the buyer’s agent, Ryerson, had overbooked themselves, and someone else had to give the inspector access to the home and left the inspector alone. Confusion erupted, tempers flared, and the seller was not happy.

What should you do?

While these examples and names are fictional, they reflect real issues faced by CREB^® members. So, what should you do if you ever find yourself in such a predicament? Your seller is upset, trust with the other agent is shattered, and a simple apology won't suffice. The answer lies in CREB^®'s formal complaint process.

In the coming weeks, we will clarify the formal complaint process and provide examples of how to navigate it. This will shed light on what Trey, Syed, Evelynn, Marren and Ryerson can expect during the investigation, hearing, and appeal stages.