Is using a friend or family member your REALTOR® a good idea?
QUESTION: Is it a good idea to use a family member or close friend when looking to make a move in Real Estate.
Do what you believe will bring the best outcome for you.
Sometimes that includes using a REALTOR® with a strong personal bond; sometimes, it involves using a stranger.
If your family or friend REALTOR® cares about you, they will want the best outcome for you.
I have encouraged a close friend to use another REALTOR®. I was not the best one to help them with that property.
So here is the thing, this is my suggestion. You should always interview at least three Realtors when looking to make a move.
What if you are not comfortable interviewing your friend or family REALTOR®?
That's a sign you shouldn't work together.
First, select what you perceive to be a local area expert.
Second, choose a REALTOR® whose message resonates with you.
Social media is a great place to start that.
Then call them up and set up a 30-45 minute ⏱️ interview.
Have the REALTOR® outside your family and friends interview first.
Interviewing an outside agent might also help you set your expectations.
You also might have the wrong idea of what an agent should and should not provide as their services.
The last interview is with your family or friend REALTOR®. This way, you can better understand what to ask them.
If you don't select your friend or family member?
You have specific reasons to provide them.
If you choose them, you will be on a better footing for your upcoming work together.
Using your friend or family Realtor blindly might feel good at first. We do this for a living, and if we have built a practice worthy of your business, we should be excited to show you.
If we are not in a position to "wow" you yet, your feedback is very helpful to us.
Let me end by saying that in my first several years as a Realtor, almost all the work I had was from family and friends.
They took a chance on me. Thank you.
Whatever knowledge I lacked, I worked hard under the advisement of my managing brokers.
New agents have the resources to provide outstanding outcomes as well. My post today isn't about using a new agent versus one with experience.