It's unfortunately just a part of life as a real estate agent. Sometimes our friends or loved ones use other agents for their real estate transactions. This can be a hard pill to swallow and put everyone on the defense.
While almost every agent can commiserate on what to do when this happens - it still feels different when it happens to you for the first time.
Blessing in Disguise?
This may not be what agents want to hear but friends and family can be the hardest clients. Real estate transactions are some of the most intensely stressful times in a person's life and their personalities may not exactly shine. It would be a shame for a relationship to be tainted or strained from doing business together.
Friends and family using another agent may truly be a blessing in disguise.
Agents should do their best to nurture their own thick skin, they'll need it in real estate. At the end of the day, try to trust that friends and family make decisions they feel are best for them - and that's okay.
Navigating the Social Situation
We've looked at the positives and that's all fine and good - but sometimes agents still feel wounded from not being who their inner circle does business with. This is understandable - but what now? Navigating this social situation with your family and friends doesn't need to be a part of the problem. Instead, let's try to be apart of the solution.
First things first - be happy for your loved ones. This may sound impossible but take a second to think about it. While you might be upset about how this person bought/sold/rented, etc.; odds are you're also happy for them and this new stage of their life. Nobody wants to rain on the parade of a big milestone.
If this relationship is close enough to warrant a discussion than by all means - have one! But, we mean a discussion NOT an attack or interrogation. Open dialogue is important. Even a simple "I really am so happy for you, I feel a little weird that you didn't use me as your agent - but I trust your judgement" may be enough. You might be tempted to ask why or for other feedback but be careful here. If you ask a hard question, be sure you want the answer.
At the end of the day, as important as your business is, the relationships you have come first. Even when feeling hurt, try to keep this in mind. It's best to take a step back and congratulate your loved ones on their real estate endeavors and continue growing your business elsewhere.
Have a comment, tip, or concern?
Thanks for reading Elite Informer! Here's more where that came from.