Belleville Blog

It is not uncommon for a Realtor to represent both the Buyer and Seller in a transaction. Often we will show one of our listings to a prospective Buyer and they will decide they would like to make an offer. This is permitted under law providing full disclosure is made to all parties concerned. This is handled using a form called "Confirmation of Co-operation and Representation".

Recently we had just such a situation. A Buyer decided they were going to make an offer on one of our listings. The Buyer knew the Seller and there was some back and forth discussion between them. The prospective Buyer asked us to prepare and offer and started outlining the details of his offer. During this whole process the Buyer was prone to point out negative aspects of the Seller's property and the Seller was not pleased. We were now in the middle of a conflict. "Conflict of Interest" became apparent.

It was our decision that, despite a hefty commission for handling the Buyer's offer as well as having the listing, we chose to release the prospective Buyer and suggested he contact another agent to prepare and negotiate his offer. We would receive the offer from his agent and act on behalf of our Seller/Client.

Though multiple representation is usually a simple process and we are able to handle it professionally and with fairness to both parties, there are certain circumstances which compell us to step firmly on the side of our principal client. To fulfill our fiduciary duty to our client we must step away from the other party.