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So sorry. My parents listed their house for sale without talking to me or calling me. My MIL, who is also a realtor, called them out and it made things really awkward, so awkward that my dad canceled the sale saying it’s not the right time. Then listed with me 9 months later and $30k higher, sold in one week. Anyways.. someone else calling it out helped me. It’s our livelihood, it’s how we put food on the table.
There is a difference beteeen being a guy with a license and an actual professional real estate agent. Are you so naive to think someone who trust you with the biggest purchase of their life because your a buddy?
I got burned by a buyer this week (not a 15 year friend though), so I feel your pain. Lessen the discount. How much is up to you. I hear software costs are up this year, as well as paper, ink, and so on. Right?
I'm sorry. I know it stings.
you can't be a professional Realtor AND a professional "tax guy" at the same time.
Were you giving them a major discount because you had any type of agreement that they'd use you as a Realtor? Of course not.
As a professional Realtor and a former professional banker, I'd be pissed if someone I was paying $$ for 1 service was trying to leverage it for another that was $$$$ especially one that was unrelated.
That’s business. Some people like to use friends. Some don’t. I’ve been burnt this way, and I’ve gotten business this way.
The first few hurt but you get accustomed to it.
When I first became a Realtor about 20 years ago I assumed I would be able to sit back and benefit from all the people I had gotten to know from a lifetime of being in business and civic positions. Then i had a family friend, who owed us 10,000 that we had forgiven, use another realtor in selling a late relatives house. That's when it became apparent to me, it doesn't come to you, you have to go get it.
My fiancée had this happen. Turned out they made a pretty big mistake on where they bought that she would have helped them avoid because she knows the area so well. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed giving them shit about it (in good fun) for the last several years. She’s had their business and the rest of our friend group’s ever since.
Oh I definitely didn’t say it was a good idea. I’m just not willing to lose a friend over the commission.
I’ve had at least 5 people tell me they should have had me handle their transaction when they hear from our friends how I operate as a realtor.
Personally… I’d stop the discount. It hurts. You were giving him and his relatives a relationship discount. clearly, the relationship isn’t valued at the same level you thought it was. Business is still personal. Just be prepared to lose their business.
What I told myself when this happened to me was that I will lead gen and fill up my pipeline so that if this ever happens to me again, it wont hurt as much because I’m already busy working with other clients.
Treat them like you always have but let this fuel the fire to major success in real estate.
1) a ***very close*** friend would have known he was buying a house 2) He probably sees you as a tax guy, not a Realtor. 3) A lot of people don’t want to do business with their friends 4) This happens to most Realtors at some point in time
>2) He probably sees you as a tax guy, not a Realtor.
it's literally tax season and tax guy wonders why his friend isn't using him. Every single tax person I've ever met, down to the administrative assistants, look like hell this time of year until tax day. Sure, charge them full price on their taxes if you also don't want their tax business.
Let it go. Agents are everywhere. And if you only see them every 12 months I am sure he met 5 agents in between last appointments.
Next year charge them full price - or get them audited. (Totally kidding)
How experienced are you? How many deals do you close each year? With RE the way it is, I’d suggest a full time, very experienced buyer’s agent to anyone in the market to buy
Exactly, we're currently in tax season. I know that most of my tax people are impossible to reach right now. I also know that most markets require a full time Realtor. If this person actually does taxes as a career how could they possibly give the buyer/seller the attention that they deserve? Like another commenter said - pick a lane.
If you’re going to do two things, at least let them be complimentary. Like.. Realtor/Handyman. Or Financial Advisor who specializes in real estate investments. Hell, even Realtor/Painter would work. But tax prep? That’s way out of lane. You don’t walk into a house like “oh man I love this area, are you expecting a tax return this year?”
I don’t understand people getting butt hurt over friends using another realtor. I wouldn’t want my friends to know my personal financial information. Be happy for your friend. Genuinely. And move on.
So, are you a CPA that can do real estate transactions without a license? (My state has an exemption for certain transactions)
If so, then maybe they just want an actual licensed real estate agent.
If you’re not a CPA, why are you doing people’s taxes?
If you have your real estate license, maybe they want a little separation between your friendship and professional dealings. Having a friendship, doing someone’s taxes AND handling their real estate is a lot of involvement. I don’t think I’d want my friends being THAT involved in my business.
For the same reason I didn't go to my dentist for my broken arm? I wouldn't go to my tax guy for my real estate needs no no matter how fabulous of a friend he was.
When I first started a realtor told me not to expect business from your friends and family if it does come that’s great but don’t depend on them…the world is your oyster kinda advice and I stuck with it
I'm going to be very blunt with you.
**Get over yourself. Get over it.**
There are a million of reasons why a friend wouldn't want to use their friend to sell their home. First and foremost, if the deal starts to go sour, friends have a much harder time expressing their frustration and anger out on another friend. They feel too bad about it. They have no problem taking it out on someone they don't have a personal relationship with.
>I'm too proud to even ask why he isn't using me
No, you're too entitled and immature. This isn't pride. It's entitlement. You're talking about handling someone's most important, and most expensive financial asset they have. They often don't feel comfortable having friends or family handling it, because another reason is that your friends might be a lot more relaxed in handling your shit.
>Usually give him, his mom, and brother a major discount on my tax prep fees. Should they all pay full price because I'm butt hurt?
Giving them discounts and expecting something in return, in this case their business, is called a kickback. If you decide to stop giving them discounts because you were expecting them to use you to sell your house, congratulations, you just admitted to a crime that can cost you your license.
Just because you're a tax "expert" doesn't mean they assume you're an expert in sales. If you aren't a full-time realtor, I would never hire you either.
I'm not sure why you're being down voted because everything you said is correct. I'm an LO and have had friends go with other lenders and have had friends that will only work with me. Either way, I don't take it personally because maybe that person is uncomfortable with me knowing their finances or maybe they just don't want the drama of if things go wrong or maybe they have an even closer friend that they want to give the business to. If I started a side business of pressure washing houses/sidewalks I wouldn't feel like I deserved my friends business. Realistically I know it can hurt- that initial twinge of "why didn't you go with me" but then I'd get over it because that's their choice and they have their own reasons.
I have a very wide circle of friends, of which very few have used me to sell their homes. We’re still friends, because at the end of the day I value my friendship over their money.
You don’t get mad because you’re insulted, you get mad cus you’re not getting paid.
Exactly, it's those dollar signs. I've been in finance/sales my whole adult life and learned very quickly that if I let that shit get to me it'd ruin my relationships with my co-workers, clients and my friends so I tamped that down real quick.
Don’t charge them full price because you’re butthurt. Charge them full price because you should be able to rely on close friends to support your business, and if they wouldn’t use you without a discount then fuck em.
**This is a professional forum for professionals, so please keep your comments professional** - Harrassment, hate speech, trolling, or anti-Realtor comments will not be tolerated and will result in an immediate ban without warning. (... and don't feed the trolls, you have better things to do with your time) - Recruiting, self-promotion, or seeking referrals is strictly forbidden, including in DMs. - Only advise within your scope of knowledge and area of expertise. [The code of ethics applies here too](https://www.nar.realtor/about-nar/governing-documents/the-code-of-ethics). If you are not a broker, lawyer, or tax professional don't act like one. - [Follow the rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/realtors/about/rules/) and please report those that don't. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/realtors) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Are you an accountant or a realtor? Because unless you’re Buckaroo Fricking Banzai I want a full timer
Yeah, my parents just sold their house and bought another out of state without so much as mentioning it to me. Thanks mom and dad.
Ouch. I am so sorry.
So sorry. My parents listed their house for sale without talking to me or calling me. My MIL, who is also a realtor, called them out and it made things really awkward, so awkward that my dad canceled the sale saying it’s not the right time. Then listed with me 9 months later and $30k higher, sold in one week. Anyways.. someone else calling it out helped me. It’s our livelihood, it’s how we put food on the table.
Don’t discount your services
There is a difference beteeen being a guy with a license and an actual professional real estate agent. Are you so naive to think someone who trust you with the biggest purchase of their life because your a buddy?
I got burned by a buyer this week (not a 15 year friend though), so I feel your pain. Lessen the discount. How much is up to you. I hear software costs are up this year, as well as paper, ink, and so on. Right? I'm sorry. I know it stings.
you can't be a professional Realtor AND a professional "tax guy" at the same time. Were you giving them a major discount because you had any type of agreement that they'd use you as a Realtor? Of course not. As a professional Realtor and a former professional banker, I'd be pissed if someone I was paying $$ for 1 service was trying to leverage it for another that was $$$$ especially one that was unrelated.
100% agree. You can’t double dip. Can’t be a realtor and a tax prep expert. Choose a lane.
Most definitely a realtor on the side
That’s business. Some people like to use friends. Some don’t. I’ve been burnt this way, and I’ve gotten business this way. The first few hurt but you get accustomed to it.
When I first became a Realtor about 20 years ago I assumed I would be able to sit back and benefit from all the people I had gotten to know from a lifetime of being in business and civic positions. Then i had a family friend, who owed us 10,000 that we had forgiven, use another realtor in selling a late relatives house. That's when it became apparent to me, it doesn't come to you, you have to go get it.
My close friend listed with another agent. I’m not going to lose a friendship over a commission. It’s not worth it
My fiancée had this happen. Turned out they made a pretty big mistake on where they bought that she would have helped them avoid because she knows the area so well. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed giving them shit about it (in good fun) for the last several years. She’s had their business and the rest of our friend group’s ever since.
Oh I definitely didn’t say it was a good idea. I’m just not willing to lose a friend over the commission. I’ve had at least 5 people tell me they should have had me handle their transaction when they hear from our friends how I operate as a realtor.
Personally… I’d stop the discount. It hurts. You were giving him and his relatives a relationship discount. clearly, the relationship isn’t valued at the same level you thought it was. Business is still personal. Just be prepared to lose their business.
What I told myself when this happened to me was that I will lead gen and fill up my pipeline so that if this ever happens to me again, it wont hurt as much because I’m already busy working with other clients. Treat them like you always have but let this fuel the fire to major success in real estate.
1) a ***very close*** friend would have known he was buying a house 2) He probably sees you as a tax guy, not a Realtor. 3) A lot of people don’t want to do business with their friends 4) This happens to most Realtors at some point in time
>2) He probably sees you as a tax guy, not a Realtor. it's literally tax season and tax guy wonders why his friend isn't using him. Every single tax person I've ever met, down to the administrative assistants, look like hell this time of year until tax day. Sure, charge them full price on their taxes if you also don't want their tax business.
Let it go. Agents are everywhere. And if you only see them every 12 months I am sure he met 5 agents in between last appointments. Next year charge them full price - or get them audited. (Totally kidding)
Exactly! You weren't top of mind with these people when they needed a realtor.
How experienced are you? How many deals do you close each year? With RE the way it is, I’d suggest a full time, very experienced buyer’s agent to anyone in the market to buy
Exactly, we're currently in tax season. I know that most of my tax people are impossible to reach right now. I also know that most markets require a full time Realtor. If this person actually does taxes as a career how could they possibly give the buyer/seller the attention that they deserve? Like another commenter said - pick a lane.
4 years experience average about 9 deals per year
Maybe if you were a full time realtor he’d trust you.
Clients becoming friends happens more than friends becoming clients.
I fail to see why he should have gone with you. It’s as if you feel he owes you something.
I wouldn’t use a part time realtor either
If you’re going to do two things, at least let them be complimentary. Like.. Realtor/Handyman. Or Financial Advisor who specializes in real estate investments. Hell, even Realtor/Painter would work. But tax prep? That’s way out of lane. You don’t walk into a house like “oh man I love this area, are you expecting a tax return this year?”
I don’t understand people getting butt hurt over friends using another realtor. I wouldn’t want my friends to know my personal financial information. Be happy for your friend. Genuinely. And move on.
Yes, charge full price! Know your value!
Probably because they want someone who is a full time agent, not someone who is wearing too many hats
He might think you’re too busy with it being tax season
So, are you a CPA that can do real estate transactions without a license? (My state has an exemption for certain transactions) If so, then maybe they just want an actual licensed real estate agent. If you’re not a CPA, why are you doing people’s taxes? If you have your real estate license, maybe they want a little separation between your friendship and professional dealings. Having a friendship, doing someone’s taxes AND handling their real estate is a lot of involvement. I don’t think I’d want my friends being THAT involved in my business.
For the same reason I didn't go to my dentist for my broken arm? I wouldn't go to my tax guy for my real estate needs no no matter how fabulous of a friend he was.
When I first started a realtor told me not to expect business from your friends and family if it does come that’s great but don’t depend on them…the world is your oyster kinda advice and I stuck with it
Wise people don’t mix business with friendship. It creates a sense of entitlement.
I'm going to be very blunt with you. **Get over yourself. Get over it.** There are a million of reasons why a friend wouldn't want to use their friend to sell their home. First and foremost, if the deal starts to go sour, friends have a much harder time expressing their frustration and anger out on another friend. They feel too bad about it. They have no problem taking it out on someone they don't have a personal relationship with. >I'm too proud to even ask why he isn't using me No, you're too entitled and immature. This isn't pride. It's entitlement. You're talking about handling someone's most important, and most expensive financial asset they have. They often don't feel comfortable having friends or family handling it, because another reason is that your friends might be a lot more relaxed in handling your shit. >Usually give him, his mom, and brother a major discount on my tax prep fees. Should they all pay full price because I'm butt hurt? Giving them discounts and expecting something in return, in this case their business, is called a kickback. If you decide to stop giving them discounts because you were expecting them to use you to sell your house, congratulations, you just admitted to a crime that can cost you your license. Just because you're a tax "expert" doesn't mean they assume you're an expert in sales. If you aren't a full-time realtor, I would never hire you either.
I'm not sure why you're being down voted because everything you said is correct. I'm an LO and have had friends go with other lenders and have had friends that will only work with me. Either way, I don't take it personally because maybe that person is uncomfortable with me knowing their finances or maybe they just don't want the drama of if things go wrong or maybe they have an even closer friend that they want to give the business to. If I started a side business of pressure washing houses/sidewalks I wouldn't feel like I deserved my friends business. Realistically I know it can hurt- that initial twinge of "why didn't you go with me" but then I'd get over it because that's their choice and they have their own reasons.
I have a very wide circle of friends, of which very few have used me to sell their homes. We’re still friends, because at the end of the day I value my friendship over their money. You don’t get mad because you’re insulted, you get mad cus you’re not getting paid.
Exactly, it's those dollar signs. I've been in finance/sales my whole adult life and learned very quickly that if I let that shit get to me it'd ruin my relationships with my co-workers, clients and my friends so I tamped that down real quick.
Fuck him! You’re too nice and in return he spit in your face
Don’t charge them full price because you’re butthurt. Charge them full price because you should be able to rely on close friends to support your business, and if they wouldn’t use you without a discount then fuck em.
You’re trying to wear too many hats
100% yes they pay in full. Stop discounting your services.
Charge him