10/16/2026
Overhearing snippets of conversation at the Annapolis Boat Show is one of my favorite things. Being an observer as much as an active member of a group gives me a great sense of where the industry is.
This afternoon, while walking the show, I heard something that really concerned me. A broker who was apparently a manager in a large company said the following to a newer broker. This is word for world and I did not mishear. It stopped me in my tracks.
“You will get a lot of calls from other brokers on that listing. Ignore their calls.”
If I were a buyer and I knew that a company was telling its brokers to ignore cobroker calls just because the company does not want to split commission, I would be furious. I would also be well aware that this is a breach of contract and it is a breach of ethics.
I will not say who this company was except to say it was a very big one focused on a particular sector of the market. I believe in lifting each other up and doing what’s best for the clients, even if it means my commission might be lower.
My tips: if you think your broker is doing this, discuss it with them…they may have breached the the listing agreement giving you leverage to cancel that agreement.
Specifically ask if your listing will be available for cobrokerage.
Don’t be fooled by glitzy advertising. Some of these companies are paying for their glitzy advertising by ripping you off.
Don’t EVER pay anything up front, whether you are a buyer or a seller.
We all advertise in the same places. Pay more attention to how honest your broker is, how well-done their listings and media are, their reputation and referrals, and whether you get along with them.
We love working with you and strive to always be transparent and honest. No game-playing.