In today’s real estate market, the topic of providing feedback to listing agents after a showing is getting a lot of attention. With systems like ShowingTime automatically requesting feedback, many agents are starting to ask important questions about where the line is.

As the founder of Slice of Florida Realty, I wanted to share some thoughts to help agents think through this issue carefully.

Florida law has two main types of representation: Single Agency and Transaction Brokerage.

In Single Agency, you have a fiduciary duty to your buyer, which includes complete confidentiality. This raises an important question: Even if you don’t believe the feedback is helping the other side, does sharing your buyer’s thoughts, reactions, or opinions on a property still breach that duty of confidentiality?

In Transaction Brokerage, you act as a neutral facilitator with duties to treat both parties honestly and fairly. This leads to another important question: Where is the line between being courteous and potentially sharing information that could affect your buyer’s negotiating position?

Many agents are now asking themselves:

• If I share that my buyer thought a home was overpriced or had several issues, could that information help the seller improve the property or pricing?
• If my buyer later wants to make an offer on that same house, could my earlier feedback put them at a disadvantage?
• Even in transaction brokerage, am I truly staying neutral if my feedback helps one side strengthen their position?

These are important questions that each agent should carefully consider. Many agents are choosing to either limit their feedback to basic courtesy responses or get their buyer’s specific permission before sharing anything.

Best Practices to Consider:

• Always make sure your agency relationship is clearly disclosed and documented.
• Consider discussing with your buyer what feedback, if any, they are comfortable having shared.
• Think carefully before sharing specific opinions your buyer expressed during a showing.
• When in doubt, many agents are simply responding that they are not providing detailed feedback due to their duties to their client.

This is an area where practices are evolving. Every agent should evaluate their own procedures and speak with their broker or legal counsel about what makes sense for their business.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and discussion purposes only. It is not legal advice. Please consult your broker and/or an attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Steve Martin Smith is the Broker/Owner of Slice of Florida Realty and Host of the globally downloaded Real Estate Agent Man Podcast

(941) 894-9800