Low inventory and high buyer demand has brought forward a misunderstanding some agents have about their ability to list or show property across state lines.  A few things to keep in mind when going on listing appointments or when representing buyers who are looking outside of our immediate market area:

1. First and foremost, you can only list and sell property in states that you are licensed in!  Even if your broker holds a license in a neighboring state, YOU can only participate in that transaction if YOU hold a license there as well.  If you have a buyer who chooses to look in a state your broker is licensed in (or another agent in your brokerage is licensed in) but you are not, you need to turn your buyer over to that person for that property.  If no one in your firm is licensed in the state they choose to look in, you must refer your buyer to someone who is!
2. Be prepared to provide a copy of the appropriate real estate license to the listing agent.  They are doing their due diligence and your cooperation will go a long way.
3. Don’t hesitate to request a copy of a licensee’s license if they are unknown to you.  Again, you are doing your due diligence in asking for it.
4. Be prepared if you are showing property listed in an MLS that you do not have membership in, to discuss compensation before endeavoring to show the property.  Offerings of compensation are limited to those who hold membership in a MLS, and for all others, office policy prevails.  Don’t be caught off guard!  And, don’t be offended or unprepared if the question is asked of you when a showing appointment is being made by someone who is not a member of the Berkshire MLS.
5. Remember, the Code of Ethics obligates you to cooperate with licensees, except when such cooperation is not in the best interest of your client.  Because someone is coming from out of the area (across state lines or across the state), you cannot unilaterly refuse to work with them.  If they are not licensed here, suggest a referral solution instead.

Staff at the office is always happy to answer your questions before you make a misstep, or please reach out to your broker if you have any questions.