The High Road: Broker allegedly breaches clients’ trust

Real estate brokers have a statutory obligation to keep client information confidential.  Failing to do so is a violation of New York Property Law and can lead to license forfeiture.

A broker with the commercial brokerage Grubb & Ellis was accused in a complaint to the state Division of Licensing Services this month with having acted “in an untrustworthy and incompetent manner by reason of his unauthorized disclosure of client information.”

After wrestling with myself, I have decided to withhold his name (though it is a matter of public record), so let’s call him Mason Leicester.

The 45-page complaint alleges that Leicester

If you have a broker, don’t put your brain to sleep

Congratulations: You have recognized the need of a real estate broker to help you sell or buy a home.

That doesn’t mean that you should leave all the decision-making to that individual. Or you’ll suffer consequences.

It’s a broker’s responsibility to advise, guide and negotiate for you based on his or her knowledge of the local housing market, experience, skill and professionalism.

Although a real estate broker has a fiduciary duty to put your interests above all others within the law, don’t take anything for granted.