Should I Use My Friend as My Realtor?
Should I Use My Friend as My Realtor?
Choosing a realtor is a significant decision when buying or selling a home. Many people consider using a friend or acquaintance who is a licensed real estate agent, thinking it might make the process more comfortable or save on costs. While there are potential benefits to working with someone you know personally, there are also important considerations to keep in mind.
Pros of Using a Friend as Your Realtor:
- Trust and Familiarity: Working with a friend can create a comfortable and trusting environment during what can be a stressful process.
- Better Understanding of Your Needs: Your friend may already know your preferences and lifestyle, potentially making it easier to find a suitable property or buyer.
- Possible Cost Savings: Some friends may offer discounts or reduced commissions, although this should always be clarified upfront.
Cons of Using a Friend as Your Realtor:
- Professionalism vs. Friendship: Balancing personal relationships with professional responsibilities can sometimes be challenging. You want to ensure that your friend prioritizes your transaction professionally, which includes you being able to negotiate the best price to pay them.
- Conflict of Interest: Your friend might face conflicts of interest, especially if they prioritize maintaining your friendship over negotiating the best deal for you.
- Skill and Experience: Real estate transactions involve legal and financial complexities. Your friend may not have the same level of experience or specialization in the specific market or type of property you're interested in.
Key Considerations:
- Communication: Ensure clear communication from the outset about expectations, timelines, and how decisions will be made.
- Professionalism: Emphasize the importance of maintaining professionalism throughout the transaction, regardless of your personal relationship.
- Market Knowledge: Assess your friend's knowledge of the local real estate market and their track record in successful transactions.
Final Thoughts: Think Twice
Deciding whether to use a friend as your realtor depends on your comfort level, their expertise, and your ability to navigate potential challenges. It's essential to weigh the personal relationship against the professional obligations and make an informed decision that prioritizes your real estate goals.
Want an Independent Realtor to Help With Your Purchase or Sale?
Without a doubt, we recommend using a professional to sell your home. However, you should be mindful of what that's going to cost you. Understand upfront what you will have to pay your realtor and make sure it is an affordable, competitive rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How should we handle the commission or financial arrangement if I hire my friend as my realtor — to avoid awkwardness later?
- What if I change my mind mid-transaction and decide I’d rather switch to a different agent — how do I protect our friendship while making the professional change?
- How should I evaluate whether my friend-realtor’s network, support staff and resources are on par with what I’d get from a full-time agent?
Question: How should we handle the commission or financial arrangement if I hire my friend as my realtor — to avoid awkwardness later?
Answer: Many people assume choosing a friend means the financial side will be simple, but your friendship may complicate the negotiation. You’ll want to discuss up front whether their commission will be the same as if you hired a non-friend, or if you expect (or they suggest) a reduced rate. Setting clear terms for payment (fees, split of commission, who pays what) helps prevent misunderstandings. Also, consider what happens if your friend brings you a deal they found themselves vs. if you bring the lead. A transparent written agreement (even if just an email) can preserve both your finances and your friendship.
Question: What if I change my mind mid-transaction and decide I’d rather switch to a different agent — how do I protect our friendship while making the professional change?
Answer:The blog discusses boundaries and expectations, but this FAQ invites readers to think practically about exit strategies. If your friend-realtor and you start to veer off course (maybe they aren’t responsive, or the process is stressing the friendship), how can you gracefully transition away from working together? You might agree ahead of time on “check-in” points (e.g., after the home inspection or offer stage) where you both evaluate fit. Also prepare a kind and honest communication plan: emphasize your gratitude for the friend relationship, clearly state your needs, and frame the change as a business decision rather than a personal reflection. Having the discussion before it becomes a crisis helps preserve the relationship.
Question: How should I evaluate whether my friend-realtor’s network, support staff and resources are on par with what I’d get from a full-time agent?
Answer:Trusting a friend is one thing, but the home-buying or selling process often demands more than “just” the friendly face. Consider: Does your friend work full-time as a real-estate agent, or part-time? Do they have access to strong local MLS/local market knowledge? Do they have staff (transaction coordinator, marketing assistant, etc.) to back them up? Are they connected with reliable inspectors, lenders, contractors, and lawyers? If your transaction involves unusual issues (investment property, relocation, estate sale, etc.), you’ll want to assess whether they’ve handled similar complexity. Asking your friend these questions helps you determine if you’re getting “just a friend helping you” or “a friend who’s also a seasoned professional with full backing.”
