CAN YOU CARE TOO MUCH ABOUT A CLIENT?

I have an agent friend who gets very involved.  She becomes best friend, best listener, go-between, hand-holder, advocate, will-stop-at-nothing-to-help-my-clients type.  She recently met her match in a client that needed everything she had to give and my friend ended up being totally exhausted and spent.  I don't think she realized how much she gave of herself and when doing it used her up, she knew it was time to draw back.  She's much better - a good agent who cares but who doesn't "emotionally" move in with her clients.

Hi Ken,

I have a couple people I know that can benefit from your post and I'll be sure to pass it on!

Don't forget me if you learn of anyone moving to "The OC!"

Michael

949-753-7900

I am a Broker for a smaller office that has seen a number of agnets forget that they are in this business to make sales.  You cannot find the "perfect" home or vacation property for a buyer.  One of the most difficult parts of an agents job is to know what a client really are most comfortable with vs what they initially say they want. 

A good agent befriends a client in order to understand their desires.  A great agent does it without hesitation.  It is a business first and foremost.  Meet with the client - Understand what they are familiar with - take notes of their financial abilities and location requirements and show them only what they can afford.

The client came to you for a service...

Business first, friends after they move in.

Ken,

You absolutely can care too much more them, and many agents do. Like when you want a home for them more than they do or your entertain their lame excuses and really try to resolve them. :)

Steve

There are some people in life that will literally suck you dry if you "care" too much.  I don't want to get too close just because I loose my perspective and may not provide my client with best representation if I allow myself to get too entangled (care too much.) ~ Evelyn

Ken...

I try to never get too close to a client. I want to help, but it really is just business!

It's a fine line.  I think one has to tread carefully and be respectful.

Ken- very interesting thought. I do agree with you that we can be a bit too helpful and care too much. The statement give them their space and make their decision is really very good.

Best,

Scott

I don't think we can care too much for the clients. I do think we can care too much about the transaction and lose sight of the person. I can't care so much that I want it more for them than they want for themselves.

Ken,

I think that Missy summed it up very nicely.  Who could add anything else?

Get to emotionally wrapped up with a client and you lose your objectiveness which reduces your effectiveness.

You'll also stay very broke as you can not be efficient when you are so emotionally vested in every client.  You can care but you can not let it affect your professionalism.

Morning Ken,

You have made some sound points. I have a client relationship that mirrors your suggestions. His family would like him to sell and move in with them. He on the other hand knows the day will come, however at this point in time continues to enjoy his Independence. So his house it currently on the market and priced to discourage traffic. It works for him and hopefully it won't cast a lasting stigma on me as a businessman. If it does, so be it, I did what I thought was best for a client.

This really hit home because it is easy to get emotionally involved with clients.  I have worked on this for years, because I know they didn't hire me to be their friend (that's fine AFTER the deal closes) but to be a professional.  It's not easy to do this, but you will find a balance.