Dangerous Words and Phrases

Did you know there are dangerous words and phrases salespeople in real estate should avoid?

The following are examples of words or phrases occasionally used by salespeople that would permit a judge or jury to infer that real estate brokers are engaged in an illegal conspiracy:

• “I’d like to lower the commission rate but the board has a rule….”
• “This is the rate that everyone charges”
• "The MLS will not accept less than a 120-day listing”
• “Before you list with ABC Realty, you should know that nobody works on their listings”
• “If Jim Smith was really professional (or ethical), he would have jointed the board.”
• “The board requires all REALTORS to make their salespeople join.”
• “The best way to deal with Jim Smith is to boycott him.”
• “If you valued your services as a professional, you wouldn’t cut your commission.”
• “No board member will accept a listing for less than ninety days.”
• “Let him stay in his own market.  This is our territory.”
• “If he was really a professional, he wouldn’t use part-timers.”
  

**Information shared from the Antitrust Compliance Guide for Realtors and Realtor-Associates