Lawsuit Filed Against Realtors Who Don't Disclose Client

"A pending lawsuit in the suburbs of the nation's capital is focusing fresh light on a growing problem: Realty agents are failing to disclose whom they represent in transactions, even where state laws require them to do so in writing at their first substantive meeting with a potential client.

According to new research by the National Association of Realtors, just 30 percent of buyers during 2005 received disclosures about representation from their agents at their first meeting. Nearly half of first-time buyers either received no disclosures anytime during the sales transaction or were unaware of whether they did or did not."

"Clarity about representation is crucial because sellers and buyers often divulge confidential information to agents about their finances, personal circumstances or bargaining strategies that can dramatically affect pricing and negotiations."