16 Signs It’s Time to Fire Your Annoying Client

Bernice Ross

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is working with a client who is a poor fit for your business. If you feel your blood pressure increasing every time you see that client’s number on your caller ID, it may be time to ask, “Is it time to fire that annoying client?”

When times are tough, or you need the money, it may be tempting to lower your standards to work with a client whose way of approaching their transaction is clearly out of alignment with your personal integrity. More often than not, this choice results in poor outcomes for both you and the client.

To avoid having to delete or fire clients from your current client list, make sure you qualify your clients before you start working with them. Your qualification will include not only the financial capabilities and readiness to transact, it should also assess whether they’re respectful and fun to work with – if not, refer them elsewhere.

If you’re feeling worn down and discouraged by clients who don’t appreciate you, don’t honor your time, who are unrealistic, have an attitude problem or any of a number of annoying characteristics, it’s time to go through your current client list and clean house.

Here are 16 signs it’s time to fire, delete or refer that annoying client.

Sellers

1. The seller wants to “test the market” and has been doing so for six months with no offers.
2. After being on the market for a year, your seller turns down a great offer and tells you, “I know we can do better.”
3. The seller wants you to spend a lot of money on print and online advertising, even though they are priced $25,000 higher than any other home in the area and the property is in poor condition.
4. The sellers forget to tell you that they got into a dispute and didn’t pay their contractor for work performed. There now are multiple mechanic liens on their property.
5. The seller refuses to deal with the uncooperative tenant who won’t let anyone show the property.
6. The seller refuses to disclose a recent inspection report showing that there is a serious problem with the foundation.
7. The seller has done work to the house without the necessary permits and tells you, “What difference does that make? I don’t have to disclose that.”
8. The seller refuses to restrain their very protective dog who is especially aggressive toward children during showings.

Buyers

1. Your buyer stands you up for appointments repeatedly without contacting you or apologizing.
2. Your buyer loves to look at houses, but never gets around to bringing his or her spouse to see any of the properties you show.
3. The buyer who committed to work with you exclusively is out viewing homes with another agent.
4. A buyer who has refused to sign a buyer agreement just happens to mention during a showing, “This is a great area. My sister works right around the corner at ABC Real Estate.”
5. After 50 showings, the buyer still hasn’t found the right property and shows no signs of writing an offer on anything any time soon.
6. The buyers want to make an offer, but don’t have enough money in their account to cover the deposit check. They tell you, “Don’t worry, we’ll get the money in soon – just don’t tell the seller.”
7. The buyer lies on the loan application.
8. The buyer uses abusive language with you or with someone else in the transaction and feels no remorse for doing so.

How to Say Goodbye

Once you have identified that it’s time to part ways with an annoying client, here are two ways to do it.

One of the most common problems all agents face is overpriced listings. Mike Ferry has a great script that works well in this case. He suggests that you go to your seller’s door and say, “I apologize. I’m going to have to release you from your listing. I wasn’t strong enough to tell you the truth that your property is overpriced and is not going to sell.”

In many cases, this is a wakeup call for the sellers and they will actually adjust their price.

What can you say in other cases? Here’s another option: “Due to personal issues, I will no longer be able to represent you on your sale/purchase. Would you like me to give you a referral to another agent or would you prefer to find a replacement on your own?”

While you may be scared about letting go of current business, what happens for most agents is that when they clear out dishonest, disrespectful or overly demanding clients, they create the space for better quality business to come into their practice.

So don’t be afraid to fire that annoying client, but do save the happy dance until you get home.

Bernice Ross, CEO of RealEstateCoach.com, is a national speaker, trainer and author. She may be reached at Bernice@RealEstateCoach.com