I am happy to say that I managed to go over 6 years in real estate without experiencing the "joy" of selling one of my friends' listings. I always thought how fun and easy it would be to do a deal with a friend...especially your BEST FRIEND -- WRONG! Recently, one of my clients with whom I had been visiting lease listings, called to give me the address of a property in the neighborhood in which he and his family wanted to live. At the same time, he gave me the name of the listing agent and asked the dreaded queston, "she's with the same broker, do you know her?" "Of course", was my reply. "She's my BEST FRIEND". And then, it started! Turned out that even though he wasn't planning on buying yet, this was the "perfect" house...one worth the sacrifice. He would do whatever necessary to own it. Next came the pre-approval, and we wrote our offer only to be involved in a multiple offer situation, and a bidding war. I would never argue with an agent who is not my friend, but felt like it was okay to voice my frustration with my BEST FRIEND. After all, what was wrong with her...we submitted the first offer. Give us first choice! Being my BEST FRIEND, I expected her to favor my client's offer; but, being my BEST FRIEND, she was overly cautious NOT to favor our offer! WHAT A MESS! Being the consummate professionals we are, and being passionate about the best interests of our prospective clients, we had our first fight ever--and it was a knock-down, drag out! Somehow, the sellers did choose our offer to work first, and we moved on into the option period. Our second fight came over the "amendment for repairs". Again, we had mixed emotions due to our friendship, and our dedication to our prospective clients. In this case, I believe our strong friendship paid off. We each knew the other was a reasonable and fair agent, and we communicated, listened, cooperated and came to an equitable solution for all parties. The next month held a rocky road and a roller coaster ride, but at the end of the day, we worked together and the deal successfully closed this past Friday. PHEW! I am happy to say we are still BEST FRIENDS, and I believe our friendship is stronger because we came through this unscathed. I'm not in a hurry to do it again in the next 6 years, though!
P.S. Please pray for me--on Saturday another Realtor friend asked me to show one of her listings to a sign caller. He has signed a buyer's rep with me, and we made an offer on her listing!! HERE WE GO AGAIN :( Am I a glutton for punishment -- or what?
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