To be successful in the real estate business, and you need every client you can get, right? Maybe not. There are a few situations that should cause you to think twice about accepting a new client. And depending on the reason, there are also ways of turning a client down while preserving your dignity, reputation, and prospects for the future. Here are some reasons to say no, and how to turn away a client gently.
Reasons to Say No
Why would you turn a client down? There are many possible reasons, but here are some of the most common:
- Needs and skills are not a match
- Bad vibes or sticky situations
- Time pressures
- Ethical conflicts
Let’s look at each.
Needs and Skills Are Not a Match
The client wants new construction, but you specialize in rehab. The client wants to live in a condo, and you specialize in single-family. The client wants to locate in a neighborhood 20 miles away from your target neighborhoods. Perhaps the client was referred to you by a friend or family member, so you feel obligated to give him or her some consideration. This scenario may not have a lot of potential for you. Sure, you could probably do it, but if you have to struggle all the way through, and—more important—if it keeps you away from more pleasant or lucrative opportunities, you will regret it.
How to Say No
In this situation, you can fall back on your expertise.
“John, I’m flattered that you think I’m up to the task, but I have to be honest. I don’t think I’m the best match for you and helping you find the home you need. I’d love to introduce you to my colleague, Joe. He’s an expert in that area and would be a better fit for your specific needs.” (You would prep your colleague in advance for the referral, of course.)
Bad Vibes and Sticky Situations
You’re getting alarm bells in the very first meeting with a potential client. It could be anything from a client who either knows it all or knows nothing at all, to obvious conflicts or disagreements between the clients themselves. Every Realtor has their share of difficult clients of course, and it’s up to you to decide how much you want to put up with. You have to weigh the amount of stress involved vs. the amount of income you could earn and make a realistic choice.
In the end, if you’re not comfortable with the client, or the client is going to cause undue stress, it might be best to say no and walk away.
How to Say No
This is a tough one. In this situation, you don’t want to saddle a colleague in your firm with a flake or a potential marital blowup! The most tactful approach would probably be to suggest that your schedule is relatively full. Then, suggest the client(s) may want to interview several other Realtors before making a decision. This puts the ball back in their court and who knows—they may find a perfect match somewhere else.
Time Pressures
This current housing market means you’re busy, perhaps even busier than ever. Maybe you have additional personal or family commitments that take some of your time as well.
If you sense that a client is going to need 24/7 attention, you may want to take a pass.
How to Say No
“You know, Jill, I’d love to work with you but I currently have some family and other time commitments that would make it impossible for me to devote the time you need to do justice to your situation. Let me put you in touch with John. He’s a great guy, but he’s new with our firm and still building his client list. I think he can help you with a lot of the research and leg work, and I can still be involved when you down to decision time if you need me.”
Being honest about your time constraints upfront will eliminate frustration for both you and the client.
Ethical Conflicts
If a client suggests anything remotely questionable, such as fudging on an appraisal, a home inspection, or a mortgage application—run, don’t walk, to the nearest door. In this situation, you don’t want to even think about referring the client to another Realtor. There’s no strategy involved or ways to let them down easy. A simple “No, thank you” is sufficient.
What if a client asks you to lower a commission? Some firms may be okay with this practice but others are not. Know your company’s policies. If the client is asking for something you know you can’t do, suggest that they may want to take it up with your general manager or principal broker.
You alone are the best judge of the kinds of clients and situations where you can do your best work. Of course, you’ll run into roadblocks and difficult situations occasionally. But you can avoid many of these by learning to say “No” firmly, graciously, and with a smile on your face.
One that I came across regularly back when I was selling were buyers who had to purchase a property 30% below market. I would question them a bit on it to determine how strictly they would adhere to that program. If this was indeed the case and fixer upper that could be made to appreciate with some investment and elbow grease wasn’t what they were talking about, I would tell them that if I found a property that met that description (that I didn’t want to buy myself) I would call them, but such properties are truly few and far between and that they shouldn’t expect a call for several months. That leaves the door open, but doesn’t tie you down. If they buy (and that’s a big if) you can bet that their loyalty will be pretty much non- existent.
Not sure you get too many opportunties for property 30% under market value…I’ll throw in my name in the hat – I’ll take one:)
In a fast market we still get novice buyers who want to low ball or are slow to pull the trigger, don’t take our advise, thus losing valuable time and effort. Even if you educate them, they don’t budge and get singed a few times. I find that when I am in this situation that can be a potential massive time suck, then I wonder when to bow out graciously. What are your thoughts about dealing with this kind of situation? Is our job to make 20 offers? LOL.
Richard, By the way, this is a good topic and a delicate topic, and one that clearly should be addressed. Thanks.
Your welcome!
I’ve seen this scenario many times – most of the time after losing two properties, the buyer will realize that what you have been trying to share with them is true; at that point they tend to get more realistic.
Sounds like you are busy which is a blessing. I’d suggest “bowing out” by referring this type of person to a newer agent in your office or someone that is not very busy. It will certainly give the person you are referring them to an education and some experience with the incredibly complex process of helping a buyer purchase a home.
Now to answer your question (and I know you all ready know the answer ;-)). With this type of person I would say three is the limit – and that is being generous.