Does it Bother You If Your Friends, Relatives Don't Use Your Services?

I think one could make an argument both ways on this topic. If someone is a close friend or relative... who would really take better care of them and their interests than their best friend or relative?

If it is a family member i dis-own them. When it comes to friends, their are your real friends and acquaintances. Many do call on me but every now and then some get caught up in the moment and call me as an after thought so i think when it is not going well. It makes me want-to do a better Job of reminding them what i do and what i can do for them so i am remembered all the time.

Thought provoking post.  I have had friends who know many realtors and sort of spread the love around....I am okay with that... I have had friends let their friends use someone else...and that is okay my friends don't have to recommend me. However, in my situation all my close friends and family always call me. It feels like the right balance to me...again, great post. Thanks!

Noah - It has never bothered me and in most cases I encourage or refer them to another agent because in my experience friends and family are the most difficult clients.

I had a friend tell me up front that she was a real btch to work with and she didn't want me to have to deal with her. That was fine with me.  I have done some business with friends and family and it can occasionally be awkward. 

Noah, I suspect that this is exactly the reason people use other than their friend or relative.  We may not like it, but I think it is exactly right. Great post!

Noah, when it comes to preserving relationships, it may not be a good idea to work with someone who is close to you - however, if your professional and personal relations are not mixed, I do not find any reason why one cannot work with a relative/friend/family! (And I know it's difficult to draw a line!)

Yikes!  A prostrate exam from my dear old autn Sally -- I could have done without that visual!  ;-)

It's sometimes hard to make heads or tails out of decisions people make.  I would hope that Aunt Sally could help find me the best replacement for her.  I would certainly make sure my relative had the best agent possible if they didn't use my services.  It would be much easier if people communicated better and discussed their concerns prior to signing that contract.

Suggested. It absolutely does sting but your explanation makes the most sense and is the easiest to accept.

Noah...you are right on.  I do not get upset if close friends, neighbors, or family do not use me.  I also let them know that if they are not using me, I cannot legally advise them if there is an issue that arises.

I have had a few times where I was dang glad I was not involved and a few times where I was saddened as to the issues that arose with the sub-par agents they were using.

 But in all those cases...I did not get mad that they did not use me.  

This is some very good advice for everyone. It can also keep a friendship intact.

Very interesting. There have been times when I passed on asking help from a relative because i thought it felt awkward. I would often ask them for advise and explain my case first, before going to another person though. Makes them feel better knowing that I talked to them first and didn't find out from another person. Also, never go to the competition!

It is not personal most of the time. There have been some excellent comments posted here regarding the personal nature of finances, which are sometimes more easily shared with a stranger rather than a family member.  You are right, be professional and take the higher road if the family member chooses to go with a different Realtor!

It's disappointing every time but like you pointed out, it's not personal.

Noah, thanks for the thought provoker. I have said that people don't use us because: 1. they don't know what business we are in. 2. They don't relate well to us.

Now I have a new perspective.

Nonpartisanship and freedom from bias or selfish motives are the keys, Noah, and the psychology, behind any successful business relationship.

Yes, it stings.  Unfortunately, you have to just move forward.

I do not use family members for my personal business and I explain to them up front why. I have my staging business  in a brokerage and when I need to buy or sell I use an agent from another brokerage. The reason... the only time I used an agent from the brokerage to buy a home the other agents made it plenty clear they were upset that I hadn't chosen them. They are over 200 agents in the brokerage. I could never buy enough homes to satisfy them all. LOL!!

Interesting post and I have been on both sides o that coin. Some family members had used me and others have not. With this writing I am on the yes side with 5 transactions working with close family and friends. It must work to credibility and how much they hear you gossip at gatherings