I'm with you. If they are splitting up well that would be ok but right now it's very touchy territory.

Hella,

I would do what you did.

Sounds like you responded well.  So nice when friends and clients give us referrals, we don't want to shoot them down or disappoint.  Is the agent a CA agent in a different area?  Just becaues they are franchise doesn't mean they will refer or use the same franchise, you never know.  But, you are right, the wife needs to be on board. -Kasey

Depends why  you got the referral IMO

Have them sign a Buyer Broker Agreement!

I would call and find out why they are in need of a representation. Open communication is a must if they want my services.

That's a hard one........

Perhaps the spouse works in a different geographic area or works on different property types than you do.  Perhaps he wants some independent help so it is less emotional.  Perhaps the husband's employer needs an agent.

I'd say thank you and touch base with the referred buyer and find out diplomatically what's up and let her know how I got her name. Maybe a divorce is in the works?

Hum.  I wonder if they knew the buyer is married to a RE agent.  Odd. You handled it like a true professional. 

Same thing you did. It just doesn't make sense otherwise.

Does sound like maybe you are being put in the middle, and not a good place.

YOu did the right think.  weird situation.

Call the referral anyway. Something might have changed...divorce?

That's what I would do too.  I recently had a buyer referred to me also which turned out that a family member of the buyer was an agent and guess what this buyer was going to use both of us to see who could get her a home first. Wouldn't sign a buyer representation..this was my first clue.

Definitely a touchy subject.  I'd probably thank the friend and have a frank and diplomatic discussion with the buyer that would center around what you said to the friend.  "I'm here if you need me."

Sounds like you already did it.

take the business

Get an agreement in writing.

I'd educate and thank my clients on how to refer me. What to ask, what to say. I have been hired by out of area agents and just paid them a referral fee towards their closing costs.

I would not waste my time.

I agree with you. ''Big thanks for thoughts of me''~ appreciation words to your friend. 

Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® - you did the right thing!

I would handle it exactly as you did, Hella. 

Yes, the other party needs to be consulted.

I think you handled it just the right way!

I would just say thank you and move on.

Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® I think, you responded appropriately.

You did the best thing.....who knows maybe they'll come back around.

I would be happy to meet with them to discuss, but wouldn't commit before having that conversation.

You handled it well.

Last time I tipped off my banker about a good deal, I found out she bought it having my broker reprenting her.  She was dating him which I do not know. I truly stay away from it. 

you said the right thing....I would have done the same thing....

Well done! Offer help only if necessary!

Yep that is what I was going to suggest and what I would do

What you feel is right.

Interesting scenario, but you handled it the only way that makes sense.  

I would thank the friend and gently let them know that the buyers spouse is a licensed Realtor.

My friend needs to know that the buyer's spouse is an agent and most likely will be working with their spouse on their real estate needs.

Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® You did the right thing.

Have a meeting with all involved and propose a win win win

Thank your friend for the referral and move on.

I think you did the best you could with that. Most likely the husband will be helping unless is it far out of his area. 

I would have said the same thing. If the buyer is married to an agent, I'm betting the buyer better use that agent!