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Are you a friend or an agent? Or both?

By Terry Kuehn

Real Estate Agent with Family Real Estate Services, Inc.

September 11, 2008 05:39 PM

Food for thought:

If a friend or family member seeks your services in being his, hers or their agent, it could be the opportunity of a lifetime, for that person will have come to you for the professional that you hold yourself out to be. Needless to say, that person apparently holds you in high esteem and it is now your opportunity to shine like maybe you've never shown before.

One of my most precious experiences was when our youngest and her husband decided to purchase a home. Oh, my lord, did I ever pour myself into that relationship and endeavor. I love what I do and am very thankful for the knowledge and experiences that I have gained over the years, for it all came into play when that particular purchase decision was made.......

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Karen Anne Stone

New Home Hunters of Fort Worth and Tarrant County - Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth Real Estate

Terry: That is just great how you were able to help your daughter and her husband. The good feelings that come from helping your daughter will be with all of you for a very long time. Way to go !

Sep 11, 2008 05:44 PM

Mike Wong

Keller Williams Realty Southwest - Sugar Land, TX

Realtor: Commercial, Residential, Leasing, Invest

Ive had experiences both ways. Friends were and are great clients.

Family is alot different and I was warned by my peers. I had to terminate an agreement with a family member because they are too comfortable yelling and screaming at me and not the opposing Realtor. Its not my fault the sellers dont want to give them everything they want and more! Apparently to them that means I didnt represent and stick up for them.

Sep 11, 2008 05:53 PM

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS

Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA

South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I agree Terry, I work 3 times as hard for my nephew who has just chosen me as his Buyer's Agent. I also get to know him so much better...

Sep 11, 2008 06:00 PM

Barbara Gregus

CARES Consumer Advantage Real Estate Services - Sandia Park, NM

Sandia Park Paa-ko Homes

Both good and bad I'd say. I've been asked if I have some sort of family discount program...lol

Sep 11, 2008 06:24 PM

Mike Saunders

Retired - Athens, GA

Terry - it's a double edged sword. You have to tread a fine line and remain both professional and objective with friends and relatives.

Sep 12, 2008 12:47 AM

Michael Setunsky

Woodbridge, VA

Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

There is a sense of self satisfaction when helping someone you know. I helped my Son and his Wife purchaser a home a few years ago and they are still talking about the good deal they got.

Sep 12, 2008 01:05 AM

Team Honeycutt

Allen Tate - Concord, NC

We should be a friend and agent to every client we have. However, when an existing friend or relative becomes a client we should maintain our professional deamenor and treat them with the same professionalism as we would any client. How we showcase ourselves in our careers is a reflection to how we handle ourselves in our personal lives.

Sep 12, 2008 07:02 AM

Bill Roberts

Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate - Oceanside, CA

"Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner

Terry, You have raised a very delicate issue here. Profiting from friends and relatives can lead to bad feelings and resentment for years to come. If anything goes wrong with the transaction it will be "your fault." Maybe a better solution is to act as an unpaid "advisor" for them and leave the profits and problems to a stranger.

Sep 19, 2008 05:16 AM

Are you a friend or an agent? Or both?

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Terry Kuehn

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