Maureen you have touched some very important points here.  I value you all my clients dearly, beyond the closing and commission check.  I want every person to be lifelong friends and clients. There are some limitations though. 

1. A strong effort and much hard work is always given, never limited.  A reality check is also given in the process. Clients who are just not committed enough to make an offer after many, many homes, well I keep open communications with them.  If they need to take a breather and a recheck, I let them.  But no I don't keep taking them out if they're not committed.

2. I work my tail off for all my clients.  I give them my all during the whole process and beyond. I will do what is realistic to sell their home.  Over priced, no, that isn't realistic in the price range. I can't make a sell happen if it just won't because of pricing.

3. No buyer's agency, no showing homes.  I stand by that one strong.  

4. No way!  I will give it my all, but I won't give it all away. Another reality check.

5. Bring on the grumpies.  As long as they are realistic grumpies, we've been known to become great friends during the process. 

I feel that it all comes down to being very honest.  All these scenarios can be handled in such a positive way with honesty and great communication.  People appreciate that.  Those 2 things should never, ever be compromised at any time.  That is what will earn referrals. 

Julie-

Thanks for your opinion and views. I have to agree with what you have said.

Good Questions....

 1) As long as Dick and Jane are Ready Willing and Able - YES... if I find them the home that FITS every need they said they wanted on Day 1 - then we sit down and I ask them point blank.  My longest clients 13 weeks; 59 townhomes.  SOLD them a great place.

2) If Mary & Joe are not able to list their home for a realistic price AND I take the listing - I am not representing them to the best of my ability.  The best of my ability includes telling them they are unrealistic and if they won't budge on price that I can't represent them to the best of my ability - hence time for another agent.

3) Mary Jane is legally NOT a client without a Buyers Agency Agreement - she is a customer.  I work with clients.

4) If Johnnie Johnson doesn't listen to his hired professional- it's time for a new agent.  If I am listing his home he gets 100% all of time - if he isn't a serious seller - he needs to find a new agent.

5) Anyone who refers anyone gets a Thank You.  As long as Mr Grumpy wants to buy a home - all is good. I have worked with worse!

All good questions...we are humans too..and the more abused we get...it is harder to keep up the pace and give great service..I learned early on...you have to have some integrity and there is some business that you just don't want....so I suppose the question is..when do you draw the line...