This is a very interesting question. I think that the underlying theme represented by the associations in all jurisdictions is that we need to be honest with the public, but our fiduciary responsibility is to our client.
That again, Virginia is the wild West. It seems to be more acceptable there to go off the contract, and not stick to it line by line. I often find that expectations are off on the other side because there seems to be folks feel like they have the freedom to translate the contract in all kinds of ways. Not sure if anyone else has had that
@Russell Brazil According to NAR code of ethics in VA:
We have duties to the public, our clients and other agents and the duties to our clients are listed first for a reason.
It states "When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORSĀ® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORSĀ® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other party in a non-agency capacity, REALTORSĀ® remain obligated to treat all parties honestly. "
https://www.nar.realtor/about-nar/governing-documents/code-of-ethics/the-code-of-ethics#!#DutiestothePublic
Hope this helps, great discussion!
