Should We Be Complaining To Our Clients About The Decline In Commissions?

I agree with you, Greg.  They don't want to hear our problems they want us to help them.

agreed.   People want to entrust their biggest transaction in their lives, to someone who is "successful".  Bemoaning the fact that you haven't done that well, recently, is just not a good idea.

Good one Greg, because even if we are down in income, we still very likely dollar for dollar make, or have the ability to make, more than they do. Perception is reality even if not true. A buyer/seller wants to know that his agent is positive about his job and the chances of a successful transaction are possible. Stop the whining or get a new job!

I agree and clients do not want to even remotely feel that you may make desperate decisions during negotations because your commissions are down.

"Personally, I would never disclose how "down" I was to a client."

Greg,

You nailed this one! Clients want to know your primary concern is helping them, not yourself.

Bill

Truly a "Zip It" Moment!!

Greg, this agent really needs to get a job!  If he or she is that down, I bet they'll try to convince me to cave to anything to get my house sold.  Good post! 

Greg I think it is important to be realistic when responding, I would think that if an were to respond with something like, "heck this market hasn't stopped, I am doing great, best year I ever had" clients would know it's BS. At the same time they don't or want to know our problems. When asked I always respond with something like, "I am still doing fine, this year was better than the last and this next year looks to be even better, I am not going anywhere."  which I am not

Greg - Ok, seriously now.  First and foremost, while my fee is disclosed on the loan app and a gazillion other documents and disclosures in the loan file, what my personal split is nobodys business.  Having said that though, I have no problem discussing my level of production with my clients. 

If they want to know how many loans I close, I have my current close rate ratio available (I track this for every transaction I do).  Sometimes, I will even offer my production ratios to my clients without being asked.  In my business, it's important that borrowers know that the MLO they are working with is one that actually has experience closing loans and will be able to close theirs.  JMHO

Success breeds success, I'm all for the truth but painting a improving picture is what sellers really want to hear.

A good lesson I learned after I pulled both of my feet out of my mouth....THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!

Greg,

I'm assuming he was trying to relate with her but I'm not sure that was the best way to go about it.  Your car accident analogy is quite comical but true.  I literally laughed out loud when I read it.  You shoot straight from the hip and I like that about you...