Ok, so I am a fairly new Realtor. Most of my experience is in new home sales. I work for a small firm in Norhtern Arizona and recently working with a client for 2-3 weeks. I went on vacation for a few days, have returned to find this client now working with the owner of the company, and they have placed a deal in escrow. Am I off base in thinking at the very least there should be a shared commission on this deal? I approached her about this and she said that since she called her off of one of her signs, that she was now her client??? Again, new here, so no preconceived ideas, but does this seem fair?

Are you using the words "Client" and "Customer" interchangeably?

Nobody owns a "Customer". A Buyer Broker Agreement would have given you some protection, by making that Customer into your Client BEFORE going on vacation.

I'm sorry that you are learning this hard lesson during hard times. When it comes to money, some of the nicest people will turn on you.

If this same thing would happen with an Agent from another Firm . . . . it would be called Competition. When it happens within your own Office, it's more un-savory. Too bad the Customer didn't at least ask for you, and when told you were on vacation, wait until you returned.

It sounds like it is time to start looking for another office.

Hey Vermont, sorry about that, yes it was only a customer,not a client. And I do understand about another firm, however, this is the owner of the real estate office I work in, and her attitude was such, that I was shocked. I realize the rule of law is such I am out of luck, and this is not really the issue. I was curious from a newby standpoint, was this something that is commonplace inner ofice?

Big Toe, Thank you for your comments, and it's a long story, but we will most likely leave this firm.

Again, thank you both for your comments

As a general observation, there seem to be an abundance of newer Agents who are being kicked under the bus for One Lousey Commission.

These are tough times, and I guess boosting morale for the long term is not the order of the day. Maybe it's something in the air, or the cycle of the Moon . . . . which is New Today !