My seller told me not to cooperate with a particular firm regarding her listing. Can the seller do that?
Yes. While Article 3 of the Code of Ethics requires that REALTORS® cooperate with other brokers, there is an exception when cooperation is not in the client's best interest. A seller’s demand not to cooperate with a firm or agent is a legitimate instruction regarding the sale of her property, and could be viewed as meeting this exception. Be sure, however, that the decision not to cooperate originates from the seller and not you.
It’s a good idea to get this instruction in writing from the seller. Should brokers or agents from that particular firm call for a showing, you can inform them of the seller’s decision to restrict cooperation on this particular sale and follow up by sending written confirmation.
I hesitate but may disagree with the Seller’s request not to do business with another Broker… Suppose it’s for discriminatory reasons or Title 7 protections??
Hmmm…wouldn’t that be in conflict with Mls rules of cooperation? To avoid violating Mls rules, it might better serve client and broker not to list in Mls. I had a similar request years ago from a seller. She wanted to exclude showings by her ex-husband, who was also a Realtor! I don’t remember how we handled the situation at the time,
Sounds like noting is concrete anymore, aren’t things getting out of hand. Oh let me look at my handy dandy book of ethics to see if it complies. Get real.