A buyer had purchased a house. Between the time, it was a firm deal and the title transfer date he got in a severe car accident and could no longer work for the short term. The realtor that was representing him had coerced the buyer into assigning the sale to the realtor himself for a discounted price because he fearfully convinced the buyer that he would have difficulties keeping his financing from the lender.
Assigning to yourself it is a clear conflict of interest, the real realtor did not try to market the assignment to anyone else and the sale amount was one lakh dollar less than market value ! He also forged the seller's signature to convince the buyer that it was "OK" to assign the property.
The issue could be avoided by making sure you have a power of attorney lined up in the case that you have an accident, making your realtor show you comparables to confirm what market value is before transferring.
Also if you have a feeling there may be a conflict of interest always obtain legal counsel or receive a second opinion to determine what your options are.
