Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- A $9.45M Austin home sale sparked a dispute over alleged undisclosed offers.
- TREC found insufficient evidence to discipline the listing agent.
- The case underscores the importance of transparency and fiduciary duty.
- Buyers and sellers should ask how agents handle conflicts of interest.
What occurs when the dream house goes on the market-and the realtor who is listing it wants it herself?
That query came down amid a confrontation between two of the best luxury agents in Austin.
The Accusation
Kumara Wilcoxon, the leading luxury real estate agent in Austin was accused of concealing multimillion-dollar bids on a Mediterranean-style villa. Why?
The complaint says? She purportedly wanted the house to herself.
In February 2025, Amy Deane of Moreland Properties, a buyer agent, filed a formal complaint with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
She alleged that Wilcoxon violated the Texas Real Estate License Act by not submitting two offers of her client to the seller.
How the Dispute Unfolded
The following is the timeline of the complaint of Deane:
- Early September 2025: Clients of Deane viewed the villa at Foothills Terrace, which is offered at 9.45 million. They made an above-asking, all-cash offer with a quick closing.
- During the evening: Wilcoxon (on behalf of seller, Mary Stanley) sent a text saying that the owner was away and that there were competing offers.
- The following day: Deane presented a new, full-price proposal. The team of Wilcoxon indicated that the seller wanted to take a few days.
- Deane was frustrated, losing the offer made by his clients who thought that the team was looking to sell itself.
The Twist
In June Wilcoxon purchased a similar mansion that sold at 8.99 million only 2 miles away. The listing agent? Amy Deane herself.
What TREC Decided
On May 28, TREC refused to discipline Wilcoxon. It said it couldn’t prove she intentionally withheld material information, noting Deane made and rescinded two offers within 12 hours.
Nevertheless, TREC recommended that she be on the side of disclosure of all.
The Wilcoxon, a brokerage of Kuper Sotheby, defended her and referred to her career that had been based on professionalism, integrity and outstanding service.
Deane, with a volume of more than 320 million a year herself, denied what TREC said–that her clients had changed one of their offers instead of rescinding two.
Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
Attorney Chad Cummings offers a clear rule:
- Don’t buy from, sell to, lease from, or lease to your clients.
- Bring in a colleague from another brokerage to handle deals at arm’s length.
- Provide full written disclosure if a conflict could arise.
Deane urges buyers and sellers to ask agents exactly how they handle conflicts and communicate offers.
Join The Discussion