Does a buyer’s agent always have to provide feedback after a showing?

QUESTION: After a recent showing, I spoke with my buyer and decided not to give feedback to the listing agent except to tell them, “Thank you!”

The showing went well, but my client was concerned that if we showed too much interest in the property, then it might hurt our negotiating position if we made an offer. So, even though I did not specifically discuss the feedback with my client, I used my discretion and did not provide more feedback to protect my buyer. Over the last three days, the listing agent has been texting me constantly and demanding that I provide “real” feedback on what my client thought. He has even threatened to file an ethics complaint against me for not cooperating with him. Do I have to provide feedback?

ANSWER: No. Your duty to cooperate under the Code of Ethics is not more important than your duty to your client.

A REALTOR®’s obligation to protect their client is paramount. Article 1 of the Code states that REALTORS® must “pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other party in a non-agency capacity, REALTORS® remain obligated to treat all parties honestly.”

Article 3 of the Code further states that “REALTORS® shall cooperate with other brokers except when cooperation is not in the client’s best interest. The obligation to cooperate does not include the obligation to share commissions, fees, or to otherwise compensate another broker.”

These articles of the Code together make clear that if you client thought the property was “perfect”; “priced very well”; “extremely well-maintained”; or “located in an excellent neighborhood” with very few other listings; then keeping the feedback to yourself was likely the right decision. All these statements may tip your client’s hand as to potential contract terms, and therefore giving them to the seller could be unethical or a breach of your fiduciary duty under the License Law. To be clear, this is not always the case, but it is a possibility and so it is important to be cautious if in doubt.

A buyer agent does not have a duty to provide showing feedback, however, such feedback is helpful to the seller if they are considering making changes to the property to make it more appealing. If you do end up talking to this listing agent to give feedback, continue to assume that anything you say may be used by the seller or listing agent to negotiate sale terms.

Stating that your client is still looking or doesn’t love the floor plan will not likely affect your client’s bargaining position, but you should still proceed with caution. When in doubt, consult with your client, and get clear communication from them about what is confidential.

By keeping the buyer front of mind, you can ensure compliance with both the Code and the License Law.

Release Date: 8/7/2025

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