Long story short- lawyer type advice needed

[Joy Suh]

I am a broker. I have a very good friend of mine who I have been looking for a home for over a year. I had to leave out of the country so I talked with my broker over email about completing the deal for me.

In the email he offered to complete the deal for 50/50 which I thought was very fair.

So, now my friend is under contract and I emailed my broker to clarify our deal in which he now magically states all that he will give me is a 20% referal fee. And that I should be lucky to receive that. As well, he has appointed my client to hire his daughter as the lawyer for the deal.

They are set to close in about a month, inspections are done, just waiting for financing.

What are my options? What if I have a signed agreement with my friend/client prior to her going under contract with my broker.

I can say that Im truly shocked and hurt by this behavior. any help with be greatly appreciated

[Ellis San Jose]

Perhaps your local or state board of realtors has a legal hotline you can ask this question.