Real estate broker dating ethics
March 20, 2025 6:08 PM Subscribe
I figure if you need a license to do the job, there may be professional codes at least implied.
Real Estate Agent A represents client B in a smooth sale of B's apartment to buyer C.
After all the checks have cleared and the file has been moved to long-term storage, C invites A to dinner in their new apartment.
If A agrees (with exciting complications!), is it shady from a professional code perspective? Might a colleague view them askance?
Real Estate Agent A represents client B in a smooth sale of B's apartment to buyer C.
After all the checks have cleared and the file has been moved to long-term storage, C invites A to dinner in their new apartment.
If A agrees (with exciting complications!), is it shady from a professional code perspective? Might a colleague view them askance?
No, the transaction is over.
posted by snuffleupagus at 6:51 PM on March 20 [6 favorites]
posted by snuffleupagus at 6:51 PM on March 20 [6 favorites]
As long as the deal is completed A is ethically in the clear.
The only trouble that might arise is if B gets the idea that A and C were involved before the deal was complete. That could get complicated.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 7:16 PM on March 20 [6 favorites]
The only trouble that might arise is if B gets the idea that A and C were involved before the deal was complete. That could get complicated.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 7:16 PM on March 20 [6 favorites]
Best answer: Even in social worker land this wouldn't be against our code of ethics, necessarily (unless there is a risk of harm for whatever reason). Totally fine for a realtor IMO, since the business relationship is over.
posted by tivalasvegas at 7:17 PM on March 20 [2 favorites]
posted by tivalasvegas at 7:17 PM on March 20 [2 favorites]
Permission to bone granted. It’s a cute “how we met” story !
posted by St. Peepsburg at 1:54 AM on March 21 [2 favorites]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 1:54 AM on March 21 [2 favorites]
Having dinner with the buyer soon after the transaction creates an appearance of impropriety. A and C know that they weren't conspiring together, but it would be easy for someone on the outside to think that they were, especially if this liaison takes place immediately after the transaction closes.
I can't speak to a formal code of ethics. If B is happy with the sale, then it's probably fine. But if B is unhappy with the sale and gets wind of the hookup, the situation could get messy (not in a good way). If I ran a real estate agency, I would strongly discourage or forbid this sort of thing. Even setting aside the potential conflict with B and appearance of conspiracy, you could argue that A is being predatory (not recommending the sale unless C hooks up), or that C is taking advantage of A's attraction (implying they'll hook up if A supports the sale). There's all sorts of ways behavior could create a mess for the agent or the agency.
posted by Winnie the Proust at 5:35 AM on March 21 [6 favorites]
I can't speak to a formal code of ethics. If B is happy with the sale, then it's probably fine. But if B is unhappy with the sale and gets wind of the hookup, the situation could get messy (not in a good way). If I ran a real estate agency, I would strongly discourage or forbid this sort of thing. Even setting aside the potential conflict with B and appearance of conspiracy, you could argue that A is being predatory (not recommending the sale unless C hooks up), or that C is taking advantage of A's attraction (implying they'll hook up if A supports the sale). There's all sorts of ways behavior could create a mess for the agent or the agency.
posted by Winnie the Proust at 5:35 AM on March 21 [6 favorites]
Best answer: If the agent is a member of the National Association of Realtors, they do have a code of ethics. You could look there to see if there is anything that fits this scenario. But you don't have to be a Realtor to be a real estate agent (membership in the association is separate from state licensure), so it may not apply.
posted by misskaz at 7:12 AM on March 21 [2 favorites]
posted by misskaz at 7:12 AM on March 21 [2 favorites]
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posted by amtho at 6:26 PM on March 20 [6 favorites]