When it Comes to Business Cards

Here's something new brokers might not know about real estate ethics:

What should you do if your co-broker's clients offer you their business cards?

Scenario: Your co-broker couldn't attend a property showing because of another commitment. The client arrives, introduces themselves, and hands you their business card.

Option 1: Yes, accept the business card, as it might seem impolite not to. Your integrity dictates that you won't "steal" the client from your co-broker anyway.

Option 2: Absolutely! Accept the card—it's not your fault if your co-broker can't service the client. If the client prefers to work with you, then so be it.

Option 3: No, politely decline the card and let the client know you'll coordinate everything directly through your co-broker.

Here are the results from the poll conducted in Wednesday's post about business cards:

Remember, there are no absolute right or wrong answers here. This discussion is intended to spotlight some of the more controversial issues in real estate brokerage.

A significant majority (75%) voted for Option 1: Yes, accept the business card, as it might seem impolite not to. Your integrity dictates that you won't "steal" the client from your co-broker anyway.

Personally, I voted for Option 3: No, politely decline the card and let the client know you'll coordinate everything directly through your co-broker.

My reasoning stems from a memorable experience early in my real estate career.

In the corporate world, it’s common practice for professionals to exchange business cards during introductions. So, when I met a co-broker and her client at one of my very first property showings, I cheerfully introduced myself and handed my business card to everyone, including my co-broker's client. After the showing, my co-broker scolded me for this. I reassured her that my integrity would prevent me from ever contacting the client directly, even if they reached out to me first. Still, the damage was done, and I likely ended up on my co-broker's blacklist.

The core issue here isn't necessarily about whether you'll directly approach your co-broker's client, but rather the perception of whether you can be trusted.

Accepting a business card might plant a seed of doubt in your co-broker’s mind. If the deal falls through and the client ends up buying a property through another broker, your co-broker might suspect that the "other broker" could be you. What if the co-broker exhibits signs of incompetence, potentially jeopardizing the deal? Wouldn’t you feel tempted to reach out to the client directly?

One final thought: What if the client handed you their business card in front of your co-broker? Would you still accept it? Or how would you feel if the owner gave their business card directly to the prospective buyer?