Can an AGENT sell anywhere in the State?

The answer is YES, But should they?

To me the correct answer is that an agent should sell where they are the expert.

I am licenced to Sell Real Estate in the Commonwealth of Virginia but that does not mean, I will sell homes anywhere in Virginia.

I will only sell homes in my area and specifically where I am an expert.

I recently had a conversation with a prospect (who had been looking and working with an agent from a different area, about 3 hours from Charlottesville) who asked me to help them look at some homes in my area. They went on to tell me that had been talking (no buyer broker relationship) with an agent from a different area.

Now they wanted to look near Charlottsville and they asked if I could assist them.

"Sure I can, but I do not want to step on any toes, so please inform the other agent that if you buy with me, I will be representing you."

Then I get the call, that the other agent told the prospect, that the agent can help them in my area too. I have seen this before and the prospect felt like they should at least try the other agent (they felt obligated).

I said to the prospect "I hope it works out for you, but if it does not please feel free to call me anytime".

Now had the agent thought about this, they could easily have gotten a referral fee from me. They would not have to drive 3 hours, setup appointments with homes (since they do not have access to our MLS) which will be interesting. Drive around several counties, that they do not even know. Not to mention help negotiate a deal when they do not really know our market.

More important is that the agent (in my opinion) is NOT acting in the best interest of the customer/client. This goes right back to our "code of ethics". see link: http://www.realtor.org/mempolweb.nsf/pages/code 

I am afraid, since the market is tighter, that some agents are forgetting they have a duty to their clients and are acting in their own best interests….

When I have a client, who wants to buy in Richmond or Alexandria Virginia, I would not only be a fool not to use a referral agent, I would not be acting in my clients best interests.

(NOTE: These are my opinions, but I feel very strongly about them)

Your Agent in Charlottesville, Virginia
Charles McDonald