I remember my first two years in real estate. I was learning as I went and really needed clients. My family and friends SUSTAINED me during those first few years. They were patient while I fumbled with paperwork and asked my broker how to handle tricky situations. I owe my parents, my aunts and uncles, and all my friends for keeping me going those first few years.
Part of becoming a professional Realtor is getting to the point where you don’t NEED people to choose you, you want them to work with you because they think you’re the best person for the job. One thing I’ve come to understand after 7 years in the business is that sometimes I’m not. For example, right now my mom is negotiating a deal on some commercial property in Mason County. I AM NOT HER REALTOR. My aunt called me last week because her friend in Dupont wanted to list her house. I gave her the name of a friend who I thought would be more knowledgeable about that area.
I’ve had clients who were total strangers before they bought a house become close friends. But I’ve also had friends who I probably shouldn’t have worked with (who maybe even felt obligated to use me because of our friendship) and that might have weakened our friendship for a bit. I’ve certainly had clients who told me, “I have a really good friend/cousin/uncle who is an agent but we just click so I’d rather work with you.” This is a personal business. It doesn’t always make sense.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, just because your friend is a Realtor it shouldn’t be awkward if you don’t think they’re the right person to represent you. It can feel like an awkward conversation to have to have, but if your friend is a professional they will understand. What’s important is staying friends.
If you’re my friend and you want to have one of the other super amazing awesome Realtors in town represent you, I get it. That’s cool. You just better invite me to your housewarming party!
