it’s obvious they’re knowledge level is such that they really don’t need my expertise, and their money would no doubt be better spent elsewhere.

Such class, Jeff!

Cheers

I gently tell them it’s obvious they’re knowledge level is such that they really don’t need my expertise, and their money would no doubt be better spent elsewhere.

They either get the message, or happily go on their way, and I haven’t offended them.

Persuading those who fancy themselves as your equal is a lost cause and a huge waste of time. Cut your losses and move on. I’ve even received referrals from those I’ve ‘fired’. Amazing.

One of the ‘perks’ of doing it this way, is that they almost never call me later for advice, as we’ve already agreed, they don’t need it. That’s actually been actually true two or three times in my experience.

I’ll typically not even list with Sellers who will not price agressively and ahead of the market. Key phrases I listen for are “we don’t really need to sell” – or – “we have a year and a half before we have to move.” Not motivated? Neither am I – The last thing I want is my sign in someone’s yard saying “hey, here’s Joe – he can’t sell this house for six months!”

I recently “fired” a Seller who continued – against my advice – to hire unlicensed contractors to complete important work. Three losers and several thousand dollars later, the work’s not done, two of the three are in jail, and I’ve lost two signs at the property to kids riding four-wheelers. NEXT!

Buyers must be realistic and respect your integrity and professionalism. Sometimes providing your sales history helps them understand you’ve worked extensively in their price range. This also allows – especially with first-timers – the tactful reminder that you’ve sold **insert your sales totals here** worth of homes this year, while this is their first time (this works good when you have a couple with that know-it-all relative along for the ride or where you sense the hubbie or wife is an amateur agent in training).

Navy Chief, Navy Pride

What is tolerable- the second and third thing I mentioned aren’t there but the first still is.

What I won’t tolerate- dishonesty, not being respectful of my boundaries, hiding things from me that are relavent to the transaction. Bottom line is they need to accept me as their ally rather than just some guy with the right forms and a pen that they can use and abuse.