In an industry that so heavily relies on clients and finds many agents hustling to gain more business, firing a client sounds a little ridiculous. However, it does happen. So, when do agents really fire their clients?
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Just like every other "break-up" agents might find themselves wondering if they should stay or they should go. Agents find themselves questioning if they really need to fire their client or if there's another solution. This is an important step in the process because a client relationship should be salvaged if at possible. But, sometimes there's just not going to be no common ground, and it's better to cut ties earlier than later.
Dealbreakers
There is a short list of dealbreakers that leave agents with the reality that moving on is best:
- Unethical behavior
- Unrealistic expectations that will never be met
- Time wasting
The list is small but mighty. Agents have to act fast when these dealbreakers arise and it is best to fire a client earlier than later. If a client exhibits unethical behaviors, while rare, it's best an agent doesn't get mixed up with them because it could come back on the agent. Unethical behaviors in real estate can really tarnish an agent's reputation and the industry is too dependent on word of mouth for that to happen.
Time wasting and unrealistic expectations typically go hand in hand. Whether that comes to price or timeline are going to do nothing but hurt the agent. Again, if an agent leaves a client unsatisfied - there's no way that they will gain referrals or repeat business from those clients. Now, if an agent fires a client, odds are that bridge is burned too; but perhaps not if done right.
Cutting Ties
The best thing an agent can do is cut ties before they're too far involved. This may salvage the relationship - especially if a client isn't actually ready to make a move. If the "break-up" needs to be more formal, then short, sweet, and professional is the best way to go about that as well. The classic "it's not you, it's me" always works. Then moving onward and upward for the agent!
Have a comment, tip, or concern?
Thanks for reading Elite Informer! Here's more where that came from.