This transaction may require you to place even more trust in the listing broker than you typically think of in selling your primary home. When your permanent address is on the market the day to day interaction between broker and client can be a live stream of information. Let’s face it you know when the property is being shown because you are part of that coordination and planning. You have a chance for better feed back as you are curious about each and every showing. Why should your vacation home be any different?

I majored in real estate studies in college, have been license to practice for almost 25 years now, and taught brokerage and appraisal at the institute for practicing real estate, I live by these simple rules of real estate. Work hard for your clients as you have a fiduciary relationship to them (a Bond of Trust and Confidence) and in the case of a listing agreement (which is a personal service contract) you are agreeing to protect their interest first and foremost.

It is my opinion that too many listing agents sacrifice some of their clients trust to expedite the offer and get the deal done. When a seller tells me he can be flexible on his price that is not an endorsement to give away your clients money (I would say I’ll present all offers as a requirement of my listing agreement) you will never hear me say “I think he’ll take less.” When the market softens we need not sacrifice our duties to our clients, after all - your sellers’ today may become your buyers’ tomorrow.

Give me your thoughts and experiences in the seller/broker or buyer/agent relationship (Your comments are valuable, please leave one).