Kith and kin: Metes and boundaries
Since boundaries with family can naturally be blurred, it’s best to establish similar clear limitations, professional boundaries and expectations before entering into a principle/agent contract with loved ones.
Working with kith and kin: Part 2
In this second of a three-column series on working with family and friends, let’s briefly address the fundamental decision involved with working for a friend or family member.
Pitfalls of working for kith and kin
Since relatives already know you, you’d think the process would be easier, but it ain’t necessarily so. There’s usually no need to convince them to trust you personally, but professionally may be an entirely different matter.
Challenging clients: Certainty and the closed mind
It may be mission impossible, but you must convince them to open their minds. If they continue to insist their mind is open and remain certain of their position, explain that certainty exists only with a closed mind.
Challenging clients: Love ’em or leave ’em?
The old adage that the customer is always right went out the window with the stereotypical slick, cigar-smoking salesman who couldn’t care less about the customer’s needs.
How to deal with an online inquiry
Digital messages are notoriously misinterpreted because of the intrinsically cold anonymity. Because there’s no voice inflection or casual remarks, no smiles thrown into the mix, choose your words and phrases carefully.
From caller to prospect to client
Home hunters contact you for one chief reason – curiosity. Once satisfied, they no longer need you. You have a tiny window of opportunity to connect in a meaningful way before the phone call ends.
Know what you are advertising – and why
Since buyers aren’t normally duped, if the property isn’t properly prepared and/or priced correctly, no amount of advertising will move it.
Real estate fees: More on dual agency
In this final column in the series on the controversial subject of real estate fees, allow me to continue addressing dual agency, but from...
Double-ending and fee discounts
Allow me to address what is referred to as double-ending, or representing both seller and buyer in a sales transaction. It’s certainly fraught with risk, but is it too risky to participate in this practice?