Working with friends when buying real estate

I have learned lately in real estate it is tough to work with friends that are purchasing homes. I have had two closings so far this year with clients that I have known personally for many years.

From the first meeting in for a buyers consultation, I am honest and upfront with friends. I will not conduct helping you for your purchase for the most part any different than someone I don’t have a personal relationship with. I am going to have to be tough with you sometimes. I’m going to have to make you spend a lot of money. You have to understand that not all homes are in perfect condition. If you can find a home that fits 90% of your needs, jump on it!  I still have to work hard for you, and plan to stay friends following your closing.

Just because we are friends it doesn’t mean you can not respect professional boundaries. I don’t expect you to be late for appointments without saying so. I don’t expect you to text me at 3 AM with a house question. I don’t expect you to call me 5 times in a row when I’m in a situation where I can’t answer my phone unless it’s in incredibly urgent. If you think you can ask me to pay to have something fixed out of my own pocket  just because I’m going to be compensated for helping you find a house, that is not happening.

There can be some challenging situations that come up. I have to tell them as part of the negotiations for the building inspection that you are responsible for fixing some of the things that came up on the inspection. I’ve had to deal them painfully you make a really great offer on a house however the homeowner decided to go with somebody else. You might question my comps to determine an offering price, though all the comps are just like the house that you are considering placing an offer on. They don’t understand how competitive the market is now, and how its different than how their parents bought their home 25+ years ago.

There can be many great things with working from friends. They already know you and should just your judgment & knowledge from experience . They know this is what I do full-time, and encounter any possible issues on a daily basis. I know how they live, and can honestly evaluate homes with them without judging. They know you have been doing the business for a while, will do great for them, answer any real estate questions along the way and  will be here in the future for their next move. They know you always have their interests at heart, even if it means teling them you shouldn't buy a particular house. It is OK to relatively drive me crazy.It’s the feeling you get when you hand over the keys at the closing.  You know everything is going to be OK once they move in.

As a trusted real estate agent in the Danbury CT are, I will work to make the purchase of your dream home or market your real estate property to the targeted buyers. Please contact me for additional information at danburyrealestate@gmail.com or 203-417-0523.