Why Wouldn't Your Friends Use You

I personally don't want to do business with anyone who feels uncomfortable doing business with me, so, it depends on the circumstances and whether it's suitable and beneficial to both you and client to enter a contract.  I don't get emotional when family members or friends choose another agent to represent them and I don't seek to ask why.

Business decisions are made every day and unfortunately many end up with inferior consequences. If you're confident in your abilities, working with anybody shouldn't ever be an issue regardless who it is as long as it's suitable and beneficial for both parties. 

I saw sides of two long time friends years ago when I listed their home.  The darkest ugliest sides that I had not seen in 17 and 40 years.  Listings were canceled by me and I no longer associate with them.  That does not mean I put a blanket over all friends and won't work with friends ever again. It just means I helped some friends in the past and saw their inner ugly. 

I am not on this plantet to be abused my anyone ... most certainly not by clients.  We live. We learn. We grow. 

Dear Margaret,

Gaining a commission is not worth losing a friend. If they are not comfortable, the experience may go sideways despite our best efforts. For those, who are comfortable, our relationships may be strengthened by going through a complex process & overcoming obstacles together.

Dear Margaret,

Very true.

My 23-year old son is buying his first house. When he asked for my help, he assumed I would refer him out (he's buying in Nashville, not my usual market). I told him absolutely not. I would be working for him because I wanted him to get the best possible representation. Given that he travels a lot for work, he is beginning to see why a good agent is so important to the process. Hopefully, we'll have him under contract soon.

Run into this issue as well when doing home inspections. I treat each inspection the same, no matter who I represent. In some cases, I give a discount for a friend or a military member, but I never compromise my work. Also, I won't alter the report after the fact at the buyer request in order to give them more leverage to lower the price. Some have asked. ((i.e. re word something (defect) so it sounds more severe)).

those are good questions to ask.  There are some friends I am extremely close to and I think:  I would not want to sell their home.  Too close. Can be so stressful. i would find an agent just as good as me and refer it.

We have worked with many friends and family in the past.  This is not something I stay away from. -Kasey

It is yes for me. It is amazing to work with people you love. Yes, it can be challenging, but every relationships have ups and downs. When you have a proper communication, establish and maintain respectful boundaries~ nothing can stop you. 

Wonderful, accurate and insightful points Margaret Rome, Baltimore Maryland. Our take was a little bit cautionary (worst case scenario) - but I love how you make clear exceptions and distinctions to things. - Tim

Absolutely, Margaret Rome, Baltimore Maryland! Thanks again for your post (+ for the follow!) Have a great Friday.  - Tim