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But, Don't Worry, We Can Still Be Friends.

By
Real Estate Agent with JOD Realty, LLC

You all know what I am talking about.  A "friend" you have known for years.  Your kids play together, go to school together.  They pick your brain constantly for real estate advice over the years.  Than they tell you they are thinking of selling and could you come over to give some advice, and maybe measure the house?  Oh, thank you so much!  You go over the whole marketing process, lots of tips, figuring you'll get their listing.  A few days later, guess what?  There is a sign in the yard and it ain't yours!

As explanation they say they don't like doing business with friends. And this other company is bigger, yada, yada, yada.........  You stand there with a frozen smile thinking "you $^&^%$%^%!"  Oh, by the way, you mean FORMER friend. 

I'm still not sure how to handle these people, even after having this happen more often than I care to admit.  So, for now, I just smile and nod and chalk it up to more experience.

Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Jerry.  Very funny.  Your experience makes me laugh because this sort of thing happens all the time to me (and probably others).  I guess all you can do is smile.

A very wise old realtor once told me "You will have more disappointments than appointments."

Keep smiling,

Ken

Feb 19, 2008 05:00 AM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos
Jerry,  Not a whole lot you can do about this kind of friend.  Take a deep breath, count some blessings, move on.
Feb 19, 2008 05:03 AM
James Gordon
Sibcy Cline Realtors® - Cincinnati, OH
REALTOR, PBD SFR SRS
Jerry you forgot the second line-- "You can still get paid for selling our home if you bring a buyer"
Feb 19, 2008 05:08 AM
Gene Wunderlich
1st Action Real Estate - Murrieta, CA
Realtor & Legislative Liaison
We've all had that happen, I'm sure - and the frozen smile stays locked on. It really used to bother me but then I realized that on more than one occasion I have been the beneficiary of somebody who didn't want to do business with a friend or used me because I was more qualified than their friend. I have way more strangers than friends out there so I think my odds of getting that business is probably better. Nowawadays I just try to educate them as much as I can and if they go with somebody else, I thank them very politely, wish them the best, try to bring a buyer for their home (to rub it in a little more) and ask if they have any people I don't know they can refer me to. As always, the best advice is simply...NEXT.
Feb 19, 2008 05:09 AM
Sandra Barckholtz
west usa realty - Peoria, AZ
Associate Broker - Arizona
Misery loves company. I am glad I am not the only one this has happened to! LOL!
Feb 19, 2008 05:16 AM
Mott Marvin Kornicki
Waterway Realtors® • Notary Public & Apostille - Sunny Isles, FL
Miami Notary & Apostille 786-229-7999
It should come as no surprise. On the other hand, think about the business you (and I) have had that come from the "other side". I've had fellow real estate agents/brokers list with me... and several clients that have friends and family in the business. It is often said that it is best not mix family/friends and business. It still stings, anyway!
Feb 19, 2008 05:23 AM
Jerry O'Donnell
JOD Realty, LLC - Chapel Hill, NC
James, you are right!  I forgot about the "we really hope you find the buyer" statement.  And Sandra, misery does love company.. I'm feeling better already.  Thanks for all the great comments.  It is nice to be able to laugh about it with others who have been through it.
Feb 19, 2008 05:27 AM