Third Party Relocation

Members (including Trial Members) execute a binding bi-lateral contract with Buyers USA Relocation when they click on the "I Agree" button to accept a lead. This button is on the same page as the Agreement for each lead. Among the agreed to statements on this contract is the agreement ot pay Buyers USA Relocation a specific referral fee within 7 days of the closing of an applicable real estate transaction.

It is our belief that relocating homebuyers will not seek assistance from our system if they already have relocation benefits through their employer or if they are already working with another REALTOR (unless they are dissatisfied with that REALTOR). Since 1992 we have rarely run into situations were a lead informs our member "after-the-fact" that our member must pay a hefty referral fee to some other company. Normally when this happens the lead's relocation benefits or some other valuable consideration is in jeopordy. Another variation is where the member or member's company has another on-going contract with the other relocation service that is demanding an "after-the-fact" referral fee. It is our position that neither of these scenarios negate our member's contract with us and therefore may place members in a potential situation where we have to take legal action, REALTOR ethics procedures, and inform there state license board. (In many states "after-the-fact" referral fees are illegal.)

We fully realize the position that this situation places our leads and members in. We don't want to see our leads become financially damaged -- even thought they should have never requested assistance from us in these cases. On the other hand, we don't wish for our member's to have to pay two referral fees. However, as painful as it is, the simplest solution would be for members to do just that. We realize that this is unacceptable (and should be illegal.) Regardless, as our company has a financial investment in the leads the solution is not for Buyers USA Relocation to take a total loss. Therefore, these are the possible options for our members.

Options:

• If you are absolutely paranoid that there is a 3rd party situation (which is extremely rare), then we suggest that you cease working with our company by cancelling your account. Of course, we would expect you to weigh the lost value of other commissions you should earn with our company.
  
• If you can provide us with official documentation that this situation exists (i.e., an after-the-fact referral fee as a condition of relocation benefits), we suggest that you immediately inform the third party relocation service of your prior relationship and obligation with our company and discuss a lower referral fee. Normally, when this happens we are willing to negotiate likewise.
  
• Inform the lead that you cannot work with them.
  

Our bottom line is that Buyers USA Relocation will not accept a total loss in our referral fee in this situation. We do expect to be paid. While we may be willing to negotiate a lower referral fee (provided that documentation is provided), we will do this only if all parties agree to negotiate. If you have such a situation occur, you can fax your request and documentation to us at 256-237-2036.