It's like going into business. Never go into business with a friend or family member!!!

You hit the nail on the head! Welcome to ActiveRain, Elliot Watson

Representing a friend can permanently damage a relationship that has lasted for years.  To make it work requires a great deal of empathy and above average listening skills.

Great post, thanks for sharing!

I know many people that have used friends and had good experiences.  I personally feel that all expectations and concerns should be talked about up front.

Elliot Watson - You've given buyers some great advice and to really think things through before they hire any real estate professional.

Elliott - Sometimes it makes sense to hire a friend, and sometimes it doesn't. It's important to consider the pros and cons. 

Elliott - Congratulations on your first post in the Rain.  Please let me know if you have any questions as you start playing in the Rain.

Elliot Watson , I have worked successfully (and without issue) with some extended family and friends.  

However, most of the time I refer them to another agent.  It's ironic that newer agents are encouraged to 'mine their sphere', which is exactly this group!   Being inexperienced, they can do great damage to otherwise wonderful relationships.

Good morning, Elliot Watson friends and family are by far the most difficult of all clients.... and welcome to ActiveRain....nice first post..keep blogging...

Great post Elliot and Oh, so true! You really hit the nail on the head with your first blog post! I look forward to reading more from you here on Activerain!

Great first post Elliot!  Sometimes a friend can get the job done, but 'friend' or 'relative' should never be the only reason to choose help for such a major decision.

Welcome to Active Rain!  Congrats on your first blog.  I look forward to reading more from you. 

WELCOME TO THE RAIN!

The entire focus of the connection economy is to create familiarity and trust with those we may have never met. Further, we as professionals. engage in community events and groups so we can expand our sphere of FRIENDS who we want to know that our business is real estate.

We exercise a monthly discipline of staying to touch with those in our friendship group to increase the chances they will choose us and not bother with conferring with two other professionals they don't know.

So there you are at the tee and your friend arrives who just listed with  'thunderbolt' realty. "Oh, Elliot, I did not call you because we are friends. I'm sure you understand."

Elliot, I have done business with friends.  For me it's about setting boundries first.  I can be direct and frank but not insulting.  You should not chose a professional because you are friends but because they are very qualified to do the job. 

Good morning, Elliot Watson good post...I have always had a policy of not working with family or close friends.... I refer them to others in my office and I take a referral fee....works best for me....and welcome to ActiveRain...

HI Elliot Watson, Welcome to the Rain train! I'm glad you made the brave first steps into the blogging world with us! It's a great place to be and I hope to see many more posts from you in the future!

Great article and information.  Welcome to Active Rain. Looking forward to reading more from you I the future.