Last year dear friends of mine and my husband decided that they were going to sell their home in Queens and more to Warren County (Lake George) NY. This was a sad and touchy subject, but our friends felt that this was going to be the best thing for them. So, my husband and I helped them make their move.
You have a friend in Real Estate:
Because I am a full time real estate agent, our friends gave me the task of selling their home. I would have never thought that there would be any other reason for me selling their beloved home, other than me being a great Realtor. I did not think for one second that they would have me sell their home and entrust their biggest asset to me because I would discount them or "give em a deal". I felt that I was selling their home because I truly was and am the best to represent them in the sale of their home.
Open houses and showings:
I did all of the open houses with a great turn out and we actually had a few offers within the first week, although it was a low offer, it was encouraging that there would be alot of activity. Without dragging this all out, within 4 months from start to finish we closed on the sale. They got exactly what they wanted and they did not have to give in one inch to the buyers. I did my job and I did it very well. They were happy and I was happy that I could make them happy.
One great sale leads to another:
Within months of me selling their home, the parents of my friend decided that they wanted to be close to them, so they were going to sell their home, so we listed the home and again - I thought it was because I was the very best one to represent them in the sale, not because of the discount.
Stupid is as stupid does:
The parents lived in this home for 35 years and the way that they moved into the home, was the way that they were selling the home. After a few months of open houses and showings we hit the holidays. The market quieted down and there was little activity on anything.
By the day after Christmas we had an offer but the buyers had to come up - way up. The buyers were looking for control any which way they could get it, but the control was not being given and the sellers remained on solid ground and only would accept what they felt was fair.
I do feel that the end result was fair with one or two exceptions and I do feel that on both ends, the seller and the buyer both got what they wanted. Again, I did my job to the sellers request. I did not haggle, I did not subject the sellers to the "great offer" speech. I told them the facts the good and the bad and when they were ready, they accepted the offer that was the best for them.
Never count my money:
So, with us waiting for the second house to close, I already know that our friendship changed with my sellers, we started out great friends but I made the mistake of mixing business and friendship. The feeling that I made alot of money on the sale is ridiculous, I made alot less than they think. Which is fine, I worked for them because we were friends and because I wanted to protect them. The money does not and did not matter to me.
So, Is it wise to use a friend as your Realtor?
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