The sooner the better. If their expectations are too high and you see the red flags from experience that you are never going to satisfy or keep up with the round the clock calls or cattle prodding with a taser, stop. Smile. Thank them for their time. But you can not help them. You don't have to take a listing. You don't have to take on every buyer who darkens your door. Toxic personalities suck you dry and you have other healthy sales to work on so let go or get dragged early on. You don't want that kind of business that ends poorly Praful Thakkar !

The customers/clients who close - never.

Customers/clients who are totally unreasonable/untrustable/etc. - when I've had enough. I don't delay anything. Life is short.

It really depends on each unique situation. Typically I give them a fair amount of rope to hang themselves with, but sometimes you can tell it's better to cut the ties sooner rather than later.

When they won't listen to your professional advice.

Not rare for me. I'm a flight risk! 

Seriously, sellers? Mutual 7 day kickout clause. I keep up my end, and if you don't, 'Cancelled By Broker' across first page of agreement in black felt pen, scan, email. 'You may be better suited to work with another broker.'

Buyers, if they are not realistic, are listening to others besides me, buh bye.

The longer you wait, the worse it gets.

It depends on the particular situation. There is no "one size fits all answer" for me.

Sometimes it is best for everyone involved. Unlike Will Rogers I have met people I do not like. And appropriately said good bye!

When they become hopelessly unreasonable

A few, most stick around for decades.

 Buyers who won't pull the trigger.   Sellers who become unreasonable.  

BEFORE I SHOW THEM A PROPERTY...

Eve

When the relationship goes sour 

An client/agent relationship must be built on mutual trust - so when trust has been severed it's time to contemplate if 'good-bye' is necessary...

That is a rare condition and no words are needed.

I've had very few- I think only 2.

One kep making racist comments, even after I asked him to stop. Interestingly enough, he was a minority himself. 

Another, just liked to go look at homes, but didn't have any intention on buying. Took me a while to figure that one out...

When the peg trying to get into the round hole is constantly square... 

Before Christmas I had to tell a client to take a break, enjoy Christmas and think about trying again next year. After 3 offers and backing out on one sale it was time to let it rest.

When the boss says enough!

As soon as the big red light goes on...and stays illuminated!

I don't waste time with those with whom I do not want to work!

Sooner than later.  Each is a case by case decision. A

As a general rule, if they are unreasonable/time sinks/abusive/disrespectful or trying to do something illegal, immediately.

It's only happened twice, and that's when the borrower asked me to commit fraud so they could qualify. Yeah no... bye!

There have been times I waited too long to send my Dear John letter. Other times I may have said goodbye too soon. 

The decision is made on the level of stress (my health and well being is important to me) and how much time the clients take.  It can be a balancing act. It is rarely personal, just a business decision. 

After taking a new listing I found out the client's spouse was "not right in the head". I was getting daily texts from her that were rude, harrassing & innapropriate. I tried discussing it with her & her husband but it was a chronic situation. We parted ways & before I could get my lockbox they took it off the door & said they were not available to pick it up, indefinitely. At that point I said to myself, there's no amount of money that's worth giving up your inner-peace for. I am so glad that I do not have to work for them anymore. Some people are horrible. 

It really depends on the situation. But when I know it's time, it's time.

Hopefully before you have a deal in place!

It varies depending on the client,  but sometimes they just have to get the "It's not you, it's me" speech before referring them to someone who may be a better fit. I have more patience than I did when I was younger, but it's not endless. 

havent had to do it yet..good indicator is at the first meeting/prequalifying

That moment usually presents itself. We tend to deny or wait

I never say good bye, I keep clients for life.

Now, I do fire clients, the minute they disrespect me and I can tell this will be a pattern. I give most anyone a second chance, unless my gut says cut'em lose now.

NEVER to past clients !

It happens all the time.  Just before I hang up the phone! 

Depends. 

If allis good with them...never

Each circumstance and clients is different so there are a lot of variables.  I give them a fair chance, but there comes a time when I clearly see we are going  nowhere.. I wish them well...

As soon as I sense they are not buyers e.g. if they don't sign a Buyer Agency agreement with me or if they get abusive in any way.

Rarely. If I fire a client often the client  is not serious and it is mutual.

People, often due to circumstances beyond their control, end up in incredibly distressing and emotional situations. One can choose to kick them to the curb or be their navigator during their season of isolation.

"Good Bye" is my option when it is apparent they are incapable of making a responsible decision.

I tell them, it's not about you, it'sd about me.

When a good deal is getting out of a bad deal.

When it feels more like you are wasting your time.

Some people are more serious than others and some require more effort. You have to judge your clients to determine how much work is involved to get them sold or bought.