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Opting to not work with someone

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Mortgage and Lending with Frontier Home Mortgage

In our industry, its hard to imagine turning away business. Yet, thats just what we decided to do with an individual who called us yesterday.

She was unbelievably combative. She had just been through two lenders.

Okay, so at this point I understand that she is obviously frustrated due to the other lenders she has dealt with. Its not uncommon that our clients come to us after being frustrated with another lender. Notice I said LENDER in the singular. Its very rare that someone has been through multiple and they have a doable scenario. (Don't get me wrong, it can happen)

After telling Clint (My business partner and husband), that she was a strong feminist, Clint asked her is she would rather work with me. Her reply was : "Oh no, I don't like women."

Out of nowhere she asked Clint's age. (What this has to do with financing, I'll never know) He told her and she replied: "Thats my age. I have no faith in you."

Wow.

Clint was empathetic and explained that he was sorry she was frustrated, but he was not comfortable working with someone who did not trust him.

She responded by saying that "Well, you might as well give it a shot."

The entire conversation was colored by her disrespect and cursing, not to mention constantly reiterating that she did not trust us.

I understand that some people are "rough" around the edges, however this person took it to a whole new, most unprofessional level.

We decided that we would be unable to assist her and apologized.

This person was a referral from a Realtor, and we were worried about the reaction.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

 

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Ricardo Bueno
Diverse Solutions - Los Angeles, CA

I've had the same reaction with a client but it wasn't a referral. The way I see it, if you don't trust me, I have no problem turning away the business. There has to be a level of reciprocal trust in the relationship otherwise the transaction will fall apart. And if you don't trust me, well, you can shop around for someone else.

Sounds harsh but I wouldn't want a deal falling apart on me at the last minute after having put in all the work.

May 22, 2007 11:32 AM
Michele Van Detti
CJR - Gilbert, AZ

I think you made the right choice.  This is obviously a person who's not going to be happy with what you do.  In our industry, reputation means a lot, and I can see her badmouthing you to everyone she knows.

 

May 22, 2007 11:33 AM
Sandra Cummings
William Raveis Real Estate - Guilford, CT
Real Estate Agent, Guilford Connecticut

If the agent asks what happen just be honest - how can you be expected to work with someone who doesn't trust you? I bet this person doesn't trust her agent either.

Sandra

May 22, 2007 11:36 AM
Esko Kiuru
Bethesda, MD

Jessica,

It can happen to all of us. You made the right decision to turn her down. It'd most likely be a nightmare every step of the way. We're professional, but we also have to be realistic. Draw the line somewhere. Realtors usually understand when everything is properly explained.

May 22, 2007 11:50 AM
Donna Harris
Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com - Austin, TX
Realtor,Mediator,Ombudsman,Property Tax Arbitrator

Yes, I've had to turn people away that I could not work with.  The latest one was a referral from someone right here on ActiveRain.  I felt so bad when I had to call him and say, NO WAY!  I explained what had happened and I think he had to pick his jaw up off the floor several times, but probably not as many times as I did while I was talking with this guy.

When I was new, I probably would have stuck it out.  I'm not desparate for business anymore so I can work with people whom I deem worthy of my knowledge and skills and people who want to work with me.

May 22, 2007 12:27 PM
Fred Pickard
Fred Pickard Innovations Realty Inc - Hershey, PA
Hershey, PA

You should never "have" to work with abusive or "rough" people. People like that take all of the joy out of your day, and then hit you up at the closing for a share of your income.

Good call by both of you.

May 22, 2007 10:28 PM
Angela Harrington
PCM Mortgage Solutions - Swartz Creek, MI
Loan Officer Mid- Michigan

 I think it would be easier to nail jello to a tree, than to work with people like her.

 Sometime the stress just isn't worth the aggrevation.

May 25, 2007 07:16 AM
David Lawson - NMLS #252510
Gateway Funding - Yucaipa, CA

It sounds like a person who is going to give everyone a hard time. You did the right thing.

Dave

May 26, 2007 05:09 PM
John Leach
Opes Advisors Inc. - Eugene, OR

Good Job Jessica!  That's what consultants do and you separated yourself from the crowd.

When I set up appointments I try to tell potentail clients in advance that in our first meeting we will go over some basic principles by which I work, and then we can both decide if we are a good fit to work together.

Michael Scott                               

 

Jul 19, 2007 10:59 AM
James Hoben
Barnstable, MA
It never gets better with those types of clients
Jul 27, 2007 03:04 PM