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When to take the business, and when should you say no thanks?

By
Real Estate Agent with Lee Realty LLC AK.16290

I have been to many meetings and seminars and heard veteran Realtors speak about turning away business that they feel does not suit they style.  I have listen but never thought this would happen to me.  I have a decent business, and have enjoyed steady growth each year.  I felt that ones ability to turn down business was not something I would see in a more normalized market.

I have recently found myself promoted to a new management position in-charge of a local branch office with 30 Realtors.  But this is not about that, lets back up two years to when a local builder approached my then broker and asked if there was a Realtor that could represent him.  His had a good reputation but had been through many Realtors.... I felt I was up to the challenge, and so began the journey. 

We picked out lots, plans an began the marketing (which was my specialty).  As the building started we had meetings established standards and budgets.  Each week we met and all seemed good.  Then another party enter the scene, the builder's girl friend, who just happened to be a Realtor.  At first this was fine, she worked in another area, and did not represent him.  Then one day the rules change and the builder decide with input from his friend that I should increase my advertising budget ( this budget was based on the number of homes listed and allowing for a consistent presence over a 12 month period.).

I, hopefully like you are right now, objected and stood my ground.  My victory was short lived.  Within two weeks the builder was singing his praises of my ability to my broker, then the next week he fired me, actually I should be fair.  He decided that we would not work well together.  We parted ways on good terms, he reimbursed me for the advertising I had paid for and for design time since I designed all the ads (definite plus).

Fast-forward to today...  I am now the Broker in charge of the office and the same builder is in my office.  He has decided to build in our community once again.  He is there to ask me if I have a Realtor that would represent him in the local market. 

I have two weeks before we meet again.  What would you do? Oh by the way, the potential sales volume $3,000,000 to $6,000,000 per year....

Comments (8)

Tony & Darcy Cannon
Aubrey and Associates Realty - Layton, UT
The C Team
Eric, good question, I think that I would give him another chance, but I would have everything in writing.  I would also hope that it didn't work out with his girlfriend.  In any case, it is your choice, good luck with it!
Feb 22, 2008 08:55 PM
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com
Yes is the girlfriend out of it.  Tell him if you want me to be your realtor then it is you and I planning and making the decisions, not the girlfriend.
Feb 22, 2008 09:02 PM
Frank Schulte-Ladbeck
Frank Schulte-Ladbeck Professional Real Estate Inspections - Houston, TX

As mentioned above, laying out your concerns in a professional manner is your best option. If there is a way for you to make that income, you should only turn it down if you feel that you will really be abused in this process.

Although he did not behave admirably the first time around, it does not sound like he fully burned his bridges with you, so an understanding of the conditions between your businesses may be achievable.  

Feb 22, 2008 09:16 PM
Vincent McKamy
Samson Properties - Fredericksburg, VA
Realtor Fredericksburg Virginia
I would get everything in writing before I started - That is too much business and market share to let him walk out the door.  Good luck
Feb 22, 2008 09:55 PM
Joey Remondino
RE/MAX Preferred Properties - Vienna, VA
Broker, GRI, E-Pro
I do think he was reasonable by paying you, so i would probably work with him.
Feb 22, 2008 10:07 PM
Nannette Turner
eXp Realty LLC - Lynchburg, VA
Online Marketing Home Ownership Advocate Specialis
Just lay the cards on the table and look him in the eye.  Determine then if you feel you can trust him and if YOU are comfortable working with him.  Lay down the ground rules and go from there. Ultimately the decision is yours.
Feb 22, 2008 10:14 PM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Eric, I would meet with him and confront him and bring everything out in the open with you prior experience. Lay down the grown rules and get it in writing. Apparently he was happy with your performance before, otherwise he wouldn't have requested you to represent him again. Good luck!

Good post!

Feb 22, 2008 11:58 PM
Elizabeth Cooper-Golden
Huntsville Alabama Real Estate, (@ Homes Realty Group) - Huntsville, AL
Huntsville AL MLS

Eric, Looks like you already have had plenty of good advice! I hope it worked so that you got to keep him in your office.....What a jerk, lol. Good for you, standing your ground!

May 09, 2008 01:24 PM