How do I "break up" with a Realtor ? asked the Buyer

Good morning Sally and David. I think this is important. So often buyers just move on and never tell the agent they have been working with that they are done.

Good manners should always rule the day. There are good fits, and then there are awkward fits. We know rather quickly if we have a connection to  clients. We would have advised the buyers in the same manner you did. 

If all buyers would treat the agents with respect it would be a happier business Congrats on winning the business.

My least favorite way of breaking up with a client is the cold

shoulder effect where the buyer just ignores you and won’t take your calls. I would rather get a dear Paul note than just being ignored Sally K. & David L. Hanson 

You gave sound advice and the same advice I would give - always tell them, especially when they're diligently working on your behalf!

Can't wait to hear about the new home for your buyers, Hansons both!

Oh...6 more days!!  

This is a good story to share. Home buyers need to trust and have a good comfort level with their real estate professional.

I was doing a staging consult many years ago that the agent had hired me to do. The agent was present but left early. Once she left the seller told me she really wasn't happy with her and wanted to know if I could suggest a better agent. Awkward to say the least.

I told her I couldn't do that, considering I was working there for the agent. I suggested she wait a week or two to see if the staging helped the house to sell and if she couldn't do that than to call me after she had ended the relationship and I would give her some names.

She only had to wait a few days before an acceptable offer came in. The agent never knew how close she had come to being fired.

On a side note:  That is the only agent I have ever had to chase for payment of my services. I never did get fully paid for that job. 

Sally and David that was good advice. Professional Realtors do not want to work with Buyers who do not want work with them. However, I have seen NOT so professional Realtors/Agents try to continue the relationship no matter what

Yes, it's only fair to the other agent to let them know.

Sally and David- you did exactly what I thought you would do and that is act professionally. It is only fair to the other agent to let them know so that they don't waste their time searching for a home for them. 

Good post - thanks - and similar thoughts can go beyond realtors into other areas as well.

Here's a thought I had after thinking things over.  What if you tell them to give the other agent something like $500 to cover her time and efforts.  Since these buyers are now more educated about the market, that should result in an easier time for you.  So you can credit that $500 back to the buyers at closing.  

Then, since these buyers have demonstrated that they might not be loyal, have them give you a $500 retainer fee which is refundable at closing.  This might help put value on the time of an agent and the show the costs that buyers create when they switch agents.

Great post and very professional advice ~ thank you for setting a high standard

Good evening Sally K. & David L. Hanson ,

I'm so glad that your post was featured by Kathy Streib in her "Ah-Ha" moments for the week! You acted professionally, that is what counts.

Hello Sally K. & David L. Hanson, this is a great post, we're all adults and should be mature enough to break up in a civil way. In sixteen years, I had to fire/break-up with one seller, it felt great. 
Buyers shouldn't have to work with someone they don't feel comfortable working with. Your advice to your buyers was perfect, that's the professional way to do it. 
 

The agent consumer relationship is very important in the home search and successful transaction process.

You represent yourself in a very professional and caring way and that is what most consumers look for.

Today's consumer is more informed about real estate than in the past and can quickly tell if the agent fits their needs or not.

Your gentle and professional advice on how to change agents is good practice.

There are many buyers who stick with someone who does not represent them well...when it is time for a change, just do IT!  thanks Sally!!

That is a great story - and wonderful advice - be sure to tell us all about the home they find with you

Sometimes a change is all that is needed to become successful in a given enterprise. If changing their agent is needed, then they should. Thank you for sharing. I know you will find them the perfect house.