REALTORS across the area (and the country) have raised concerns about buyers, inspectors, appraisers and others being given access to listed property without the presence of the agent. This growing phenomenon was the topic of discussion at the SWRA Professionalism Exchange on October 19th.
During the Exchange attendees acknowledged the following: - The seller is the owner of the property.
- The seller alone has authority to dictate who has access and when access is permitted.
- REALTORS should not assume the right to pass on access information or permission simply because it was given to them.
- The REALTOR, the firm and the individual obtaining access without permission of the seller are at risk of a lawsuit.
- The REALTOR providing access without permission is at risk of an allegation of unethical conduct. See standard of practice 1-16 and 3-9 of the Code of Ethics.
Communication is essential to creating an environment of respect and cooperation.
Listing agents should secure detailed showing instructions from the seller and communicate same to the buyer agents. Buyer agents should seek out those instructions and be willing to follow them. Buyer agents should also communicate the showing instructions to buyers, inspectors and others needing access.
