It has happened to us multiple times, and in every one of those cases neither client ended up getting the property. Our approach is straightforward. We gather as much information as we can from the listing side, provide comparable sales so each client understands fair value, and then let each client decide their own number. We'll give a range and advise on how to strengthen an offer, but the exact bid is the client's decision. On the lending side it's even simpler, and given how broad an area we cover, it comes up rarely. When it does, we tell the listing agent that both buyers are well-qualified and the seller gets to choose. Our job there is to confirm each buyer can perform, and the choice belongs to the seller. The key is that both clients get the same honest information and the same quality of representation, and the seller makes the call. Handled that way, there's no real conflict, just two well-prepared buyers competing fairly.