Real estate agent's code of ethics in NJ

[Sooyeon Kim]

I have a question to real estate agents and investors in NJ. As an investor, I try not to bother my agent too much with simple questions, such as "is the listing that I saw from MLS site still active (since many of them remains active with an accepted offer)" or "is there an underground oil tank" since I bug her enough with multiple showings and low ball offers.

So I contacted a listing agent today and asked those questions.. And I disclosed that I have an agent who I'm working with. Then, the response I got was that it is against to the code of ethics to answer my questions as I'm working with an another agent. The way that he responded really made me walk away from that property. 

I'm wondering if it is how it works in NJ? Is the only way to talk to listing agent is through my agent? When I bought my apt in manhattan, as far as remember, the listing agents were eager to answer my questions so that they could sell their listing quickly. and the 2 following properties in NJ, my offer got accepted after I saw one or two properties which means I didn't have to do any extensive shopping and research. So this is my real first time acting like an investor, searching around, put low ball offers, and try to implement what I learned from BP. 

If this is really the way it works, how do you investors get more information that is not on the MLS sites? If indeed I have to rely on my agent for every little thing, I might need to seriously consider getting at least a NJ salesperson license so that I can work somewhat independently.

[Brett Tousley]

You have violated the listing agent's code of Pet Peeves and nothing more. I could type a book out here about the subject but I'd get carpal tunnel syndrome.

To break it down to just the meat and potatoes, listing agents do get tired of handling questions from people that are working with family members, part time agents and just agents that aren't available to answer their clients questions on their own.  

The reason for this is the commission is split most often split 50/50 and some listing agents get cranky when they feel like they are doing the buyer's agent job.  It's annoying to the listing agent because they are probably just as busy and usually busier than the agent you didn't want to bother with the question.

Your agent should be making these calls for you and if you've both agreed to work together as a partnership she or he shouldn't have a problem with how you do business.

Having said that, by disclosing you are already working with another broker, I'd give you the info you were looking for, ask who your agent is and then contact them right away to see if we could put a deal together.  Your agent would and should be embarrassed that they weren't doing their job but I have no motivation to make them feel bad about it.

I work for the seller and I want to get the property sold. Emotion isn't in my wheelhouse, it's just business.