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It's OK to Let Them Buy Lunch!

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Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 311291

 

Recently read a blog suggesting we not let our clients buy us lunch. Sorry I don't remember the writer. Let me know so I can give him/her credit.

 

I was invited to lunch by a client/friend who insisted it was going to be his treat. I graciously accepted but this was before I read that warning.

Linwoods Lunch

Today was the day of my being treated to a gourmet lunch. And it was elegant, delicious and most enjoyable. Good conversation and giving freely of my advice.  However I was a bit worried if this was going to be the ''payoff'' the " thank you for all you have done but we don't need your services anymore" but that was not the case. The friendship is intact and another listing is forthcoming. So glad I didn't heed the advice..."Don't Let Them Buy You Lunch!"

It's OK to Let Them Buy Lunch!

410-530-2400

 

 

Posted by

Margaret Rome
HomeRome Realty
Broker/Owner/Realtor®

Baltimore, Maryland

Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

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Author: Real Estate The Rome Way

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Comments (19)
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Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

I have been taken out to lunch many times.. and fortunately, I have not had any negative experiences.  It is great to keep in contact with our past clients.

Feb 15, 2013 11:11 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Amen yes it is OK! :)

Feb 15, 2013 11:12 AM
Joel Weihe
Realty World Alliance - Wichita, KS
Helping you to use your VA home loan benefits

I have a couple investor clients who take me to lunch and/or breakfast after every closing. Often my wife and I are invited to dinner at client's new home's. 

Feb 15, 2013 11:14 AM
Mark Loewenberg
KW of the Palm Beaches - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
KW 561-214-0370

I like lunch! yes I have been treated to lunch and golf and enjoy helping others out to achieve their goals as well.. even if their goal involves treating me to lunch!

Feb 15, 2013 11:40 AM
Kathy Sheehan
Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA
Senior Loan Officer

I have been the guest and the host of these type of lunches.  Got for it.

Feb 15, 2013 11:59 AM
Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

Hi, Margaret. 'Sounds like you knew this client and there wasn't' much risk this would be a "kiss-off."  I, too, have enjoyed many pleasant lunches with clients, but I usually stick to business when they're new buyer-clients and we're in the midst of a home-search.

Feb 15, 2013 07:21 PM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Oh gosh, I hadn't read that blog post, and yes, I guess it would make me paranoid.  Glad yours worked out so well.

Feb 15, 2013 07:23 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

There really ARE free lunches !  With referrals for Dessert !

Feb 15, 2013 07:58 PM
Bobbie Smith
Stroudsburg, PA
570-242-1891

Margaret, Don't let them buy you lunch. Hmmm. Why not?  Glad it turned out to be a nice time with an opportunity for more business which was probably the plan from the start. Hope whoever said don't let them buy you lunch reads your blog. Have A Great Day!

Feb 15, 2013 09:11 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

It is a special treat when a client picks up the tab.  

Have a wonderful weekend!

Feb 15, 2013 10:58 PM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate
Margaret, I enjoy lunch with clients, a good way to get to know them better....I pay or they pay it doesn't matter to me...but, I must say it is always nice to be treated to lunch.
Feb 16, 2013 12:29 AM
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!
Calls inning you to lunch is a big compliment and tells you they are thinking of you, appreciate you and value you as a person, glad you enjoyed it!
Feb 16, 2013 01:00 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Joan, You are doing something right for sure.

Laura, Thanks for your approval.

Joel, Yes we have the same. Relationships are formed with clients/friends.

Mark, It is easier for me to treat than be treated.

Kathy, And they are always enjoyed.

Margaret, Lunch is a part of doing business.

Sally, The dessert came home for Lee.

Debbie, Thanks for stopping by.

Bobbie, I wish I could find that post.

Roy, Hope you also enjoy the weekend.

Rebecca, It spending the time together that matters. I really enjoyed your xoxo Valentine post.

Evelyn, It is a big compliment and very enjoyable.

Feb 16, 2013 01:27 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Erica, I agree but I am so used to treating my clients.

Feb 16, 2013 09:57 AM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566
I want to dive in and taste the food. What a nice treat! Good counterpoint!
Feb 17, 2013 02:20 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Enjoying lunch with a client is a treat and business also gets done.

Feb 17, 2013 07:02 PM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I'm not that long in this country, so I am ready to pay if I need to, I don't mind at all. But in my country( Ukraine and many other European countries, a man always pay if he has lunch/dinner with a lady, regardless if it is a business lunch or not. Now, it might have changed...:)

Feb 23, 2013 07:00 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Inna, The point of the original blog...when a buyer wants to buy you lunch...it is their way of firing you. Thank you for your time but we don't need you anymore.

As a Realtor® I have bought many meals..just a cost of doing business.

Feb 23, 2013 08:03 AM
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