This, however, is not without exceptions. The Code contains several carve outs permitting a REALTOR® to contact a represented individual:

• General announcements, canvasses, or mailings to prospects describing available services and terms of availability.
• Offering to provide, or entering into a contract to provide, a different type of real estate service unrelated to the type of service currently being provided.
• Offering the same type of service for property not subject to other brokers’ exclusive agreements.
• To inquire as to the terms of the existing exclusive agreement if the other agent refuses to disclose the expiration date and/or the nature of the existing agreement.
• The contact was initiated by the individual, the REALTOR® may discuss the terms of a future agreement or may enter into an agreement that becomes effective upon the expiration of the existing agreement.

Interfering with another agent’s relationship with a client may also expose an agent to liability under a claim of interference with a business relationship. In order to obtain relief under this theory, the following elements must be satisfied:

• There was a valid contractual relationship or a valid business expectancy.
• There must be knowledge of the relationship or expectancy.
• There must be intentional interference with the relationship or expectancy.
• There must be damages.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to successfully contact the REALTOR® on the other side of the transaction, and your situation does not fall within one of the enumerated exceptions, you should attempt to contact the broker. Unfortunately, even if contacting the broker does not yield the desired result, you should contact the Board Office staff for assistance so you don’t risk an ethics complaint, and possibly a contract interference complaint.