A: The best thing you can do for a relationship you value is protect it from the pressures of a real estate transaction. The best agents practice objectivity, especially when emotions run high and monkey wrenches present themselves in this all-too-human process. Family members may be reluctant to give you the bald truth about price, condition, or competition.
Consider that professional-personal blur that could happen if a disagreement arises. Would you be able to push back, ask hard questions, or make a difficult pivot without worrying about hurt feelings?
Professional distance is good for everybody. Your friend or uncle might be a great agent two hours away, but will they advise you well on our highly-nuanced market that demands deep knowledge, expertise, and close relationships with other agents?
As for commissions and listing prep expenses, the family dynamic never made these discussions any easier.
If working with a family member or close friend as your agent is absolutely necessary, go in with eyes open and establish clear professional boundaries from day one. Treat it like a business relationship — because it is one. If you’re not able to do that comfortably, or if you sense they can’t either, it’s actually a kindness to everyone to work with someone else.
Jeremy Davidson, Compass, 415-717-4103, [email protected].
Yohay Davidson Group
Jeremy Davidson & Mike Yohay
REALTORS® | DRE 02085874 | DRE 02080767
M: 510-800-7449
