Why You Should Think Twice About Using Your Friend as your Realtor

Most people have a friend or two that is in the real estate business. When it comes time to buy a house or sell your home, or both- your first inclination may be to "use" your friend that's a Realtor.

Not always that good of an idea.  There are over 21,000 Realtors in Connecticut alone, and there are a lot of real estate agents  to choose from. Is your friend an experienced and accomplished full-time Realtor? Unless your friend  truly knows how to market your home and negotiate a sale,  then you are just setting yourself up for trouble, and by that, I mean your bottom line net sales price, AND your friendship. It's time to think twice about it.

Your real estate transaction is a very personal one, and some very private information that you may not want your friend to know may come out.

It's nobody's business in your personal sphere of friends as to  how much money you have in the bank, what your finances are, and what your credit score. You may be judged and not even be aware of it. I know, it's a horrible thing to say. I'm not saying that all agents that are friends with you would disclose your private information to your mutual friends, I'm just saying it can happen. It's an uncomfortable situation that is just waiting to happen, and is easily avoidable.

What would happen if something went wrong or wasn't going well with your home purchase or sale? Would you be strong enough to say something to your friend/Realtor? Is it possible that you could end up getting in an argument and losing the friendship? Suppose that your friend the Realtor botched a sale, and you lost a lot of money because of it. Not good.  Also, easily avoidable.

Okay, so you feel obligated to work with your friend. After all, he/she really is a very good friend. Are you 100 percent certain that they can do the best job for you? Or is this out of loyalty to your friendship?  

Now, I'll ask you the big question...

If you didn't list your home or buy your new home with your friend, would that person be mad at you? Would your friendship be strained at all?  If the answer is yes, your friend will be very mad, then the harsh reality is that that's not really a friend, is it? If you are not sure of the answer, or have any hesitation at all regarding what the answer to that question may be, then the answer really becomes quite clear. A true friend ALWAYS wants what is best for you, and it should NEVER hinge on whether they make any money off of you, or get your business if they truly don't deserve it.

If and when I encounter a client with a friend or relative in the business that they feel immense loyalty to, I offer them the best of both worlds. That is, great representation by me,  and I will give your licensed friend a referral fee on your home sale or purchase. That way you still remain loyal to your friend,  they don't have to do anything at all and get paid without having to work for it,  AND you get the best marketing, negotiation skillset and representation that's available to you.

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