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Sometimes You Have To Let Go!

By
Real Estate Agent with Innovative Realty Solutions Group BK3158345

About 20 years ago, when I first moved to a real estate career, I watched a David Knox series of training videos. If you did too, you remember David's words, "Let go"!

Recently I received a referral and worked with the buyers to secure contracts on two listings. One was land and the other was an adjoining property with a home needing much work. I was happy to guide and assist them to get to contract. 

Then all hell broke out. They didn't want to comply with many contract terms, were mad that I would not give them the code to the property, and there were many inspection issues. They would not accept that they had an asis contract but we could negotiate the unexpected mechanical issues and the seller agreed to that. In the end, they seller gave the buyers everything they wanted but the buyer walked away anyway. 

In the end, the buyers were incorrectly interpreting the inspection report for the septic tank and taking the terms and information section and assumed it applied to the property. It was simply generic information provided by the inspector. 

During the process, the buyer refused guidance and directions, was obstinate and insisted on screaming on the phone regularly. I decided to listen to David's words and let go. The buyers also wanted to let go so there was no surprise.

That is the only time in nearly 20 years that I was happy to see a contract end without a closing. Moving on is sometimes the only way to keep your own peace.

Show All Comments Sort:
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Great information, thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.

Dec 08, 2024 08:32 AM
Dee Toohey

Thank you, you as well.

Dec 08, 2024 09:25 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Dee - red flags are a part of life in real estate.  Sometimes, they wave early but whenever they arrive, they are reminders that realty is a "practice".   We continue to learn. . .  

Dec 08, 2024 08:38 AM
Dee Toohey

Absolutely, Michael. We also have to know what is and is not acceptable behavior.

Dec 08, 2024 09:26 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hi Dee... when I trained new agents I used to tell them that one of the first and hard lessons to learn is how to "let go" of "bad" clients.

Dec 08, 2024 09:02 AM
Dee Toohey

I do, too, Nina. That's why I did all I could do to assist these buyers but it was clearly draining and one of them behaved in a way that is just not acceptable in my world. 

Dec 08, 2024 09:27 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Dee, lesson learned, and wonder if those buyers had a business - would they keep an unreasonable client?  NOPE!

Dec 08, 2024 09:16 AM
Dee Toohey

I'm sure they would not, Joan.

 

Dec 08, 2024 09:27 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Dee, wow David Know, have not heard about him for a long time also.  You did the right think in my opinion.  Make it  good one.

 

Dec 08, 2024 09:20 AM
Dee Toohey

Thanks, Will.  David is an oldie but goodie. He makes a lot of sense.

Dec 08, 2024 09:28 AM
Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

Sometimes those lessons can provide more to us than a closing.

Dec 08, 2024 10:40 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you for sharing your experience about the importance of letting go, Dee Toohey. Your insights on maintaining peace in challenging situations are both valuable and inspiring, reminding us of the balance we must strike in our professional lives.

Dec 08, 2024 12:38 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Just make sure when you let go their is a net or safe landing below. Hanging on can be worse like your example. Wow.

Dec 08, 2024 06:32 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Dee- It seems to be a right of passage when agents (and anyone in sales) exercise their right to Let Go!  Some things just aren't meant to be. 

Dec 08, 2024 07:36 PM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Thanks for sharing your experience Dee. Some buyers are worth walking away from.

We all have buyer who act like they know our business better than they do and their knowledge based on on line information and advice from friends and family. For our own peace its better to say goodbye and apologize to the referral partner.

Dec 09, 2024 04:12 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Just letting go can sometimes be the best thing we can do! We don't HAVE to work with anyone.

Dec 09, 2024 05:32 AM