‘Buying’ the Realtor: Legality Questioned

Ilyce Glink, (Real Estate Matters, May 30), says there are some things you can do if your home isn’t selling, and she suggests that “increasing the commission above the normal range . . . may help get more attention for your property.”

Having recently sold a house and being satisfied with the performance of my agent, I reflected on how I would have felt if my agent was providing “more attention” for another property whose owner offered to increase his commission.

That sounds like a betrayal of trust, if it isn’t out-and-out illegal. There was no hint in our contract that his services would be keyed to the amount of his commission.

There was no dialogue between us that hinted at more diligent or extra performance on his part if I would just sweeten the pot.

Glink also suggests that “giving the buyer’s agent a . . . bonus for bringing the buyer to the table” can also help sell your house.

I’m not sure of the law in this matter, but if the agent representing me in my purchase had accepted money from the seller to “bring me to the table,” I would have contacted a lawyer, the district attorney, the Department of Real Estate or, at the very least, The Times.

My agent should have been representing me and my interests. If he or she was accepting money from the seller to influence my actions so that the agent could get a bonus, that is a conflict of interest, if not illegal.

MELVIN KOVNAT

Thousand Oaks